Just over 4 years ago, my dad passed away. He and I were closer than close. We were the essence of "best friends." If you have seen the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness," that was almost identical to my childhood with my dad. Even down to being homeless and living in a religious homeless shelter. But, we're not black and he didn't sell medical equipment. That and no "rags-to-riches" happy ending. Needless to say, I still respect him to this day. I will until the day I die, and farther. I hope that I can be a quarter of the man he was some day.
His hospitalization came as not a slap in my face, but a sledge hammer to my heart. While I was there with my dad for the 5 days he was laying in his death bed, it was a very intimate time for me. What made it so much more were two of the nurses that were taking care of him. They made his AND my time there the best that it could have been. It showed me that nurses do not just take care of the patients. They take care of the families as well. Little did they know the mark they would leave on my swollen heart. I am a male. If you look at me, I look like a hoodlum. Big guy, tattoo's, etc. I always thought that I would end up a mechanic. I would have been a great one at that. I even worked for a major NASCAR engine shop. It took me two long years, but what happened to me in that hospital opened like a beautiful flower, and has turned into the blossom that is my love for nursing.
It took a few months for me to get going in school, mainly because I wanted to get all of my bills paid off, etc. So finally, in spring of 2011, I embarked on this exciting, yet oh so miserable adventure we all call Nursing School. Is it worth it? The most profound YES that I have ever stated in my life! I was meant to be a nurse, this I know for sure.
This little blurb was meant to be two things: #1- I wanted to reaffirm to each and every one of you that you chose this field for a certain reason. If you didn't care about people, you would not be here. If you are in this field for just the money, then this does not apply to you. #2- This is the most important reason, and the main reason why I wrote this message...Nursing school is tough. I am in my 1st semester, and I can honestly say that this is harder, for ME, than the military was. But, no matter what semester you are in, or are even just a nurse that has been one for many years, this is a reminder...step back and remember the defining moment in your life that made you want to be a nurse. Stop reading this message, close your eyes, and remember what exactly it was that made you who you are TODAY. (Pause for reflection) Now open those eyes, literally and metaphorically. Remember WHY you are a nurse/nursing student!
