A Christmas to Remember

As a young US Army nurse away from home for my first Christmas, I learned an important lesson from a patient.

A Christmas to Remember

Many years ago, I was working as a nurse while in the US Army. It was my first Christmas away from home and, as luck would have it, I was scheduled to be on duty on December 25th. Unbelievable! Not only would I be away from my family, but I would also be away from my boyfriend until my shift was over.

I had a pity party for myself and probably invited many people along for the ride, as many people who would listen to my complaints! Yes, I loved being a nurse. And yes, I loved being in the US Army. But this was CHRISTMAS DAY!

I guess I hadn't planned on holidays getting in the way of my career plans when I chose my path in life. So I moped around for a while and never quite got over the raw deal fate had given me.

My boyfriend and I celebrated our first Christmas together on Christmas Eve. We got engaged! That was exciting but I was still reeling from the injustice the Army had done to me. I was definitely acting like it was a personal deed done by someone in high authority to ruin my holiday. Like a spoiled little brat, I dragged myself out of bed early on Christmas morning and arrived on time to report for duty.

I went about my business, performing personal care and trying to hide my feelings from my patients. I knew they deserved a happy nurse, not the one who was feeling so blue that day. So I put on a big smile and became determined to be my normal self, for their sake.

At the end of the hall, we had a very elderly woman who had had both of her legs amputated due to diabetes earlier in the week. She was lying in bed, softly crying. I immediately teared up at such a pitiful sight and asked her what was wrong, expecting to hear that she was in pain or mourning the loss of her legs. Instead, this beautiful old woman told me she was missing her family, because she was stuck in the hospital far from home on Christmas Day!

I felt as though someone had slapped me in the face. In my great selfishness, I had not for one minute realized that these people I was "inconvenienced" by were also away from their families today! So I excused myself with the promise of coming back shortly and went to talk to my coworkers. And we developed a plan. One by one, we gathered up our patients, putting them into wheelchairs and bringing them out to the nurses' station.

Finally we went to get out little angel. She had not been out of bed since her surgery and that alone was an exciting concept to her! When we brought her out to the desk and she saw our decorations and all of the other patients she had a huge smile on her face. We put on some Christmas music and everyone sang our hearts out, enjoying the spirit of the holiday in an unexpected place.

My little old lady taught this nurse some valuable lessons that year that I have never forgotten. Family is wonderful, but sometimes you have to make your own happiness with the people who are around you. And no matter how bad I think I have it, someone else always has it worse! I have never forgotten her or that fantastic Christmas day 36 years ago.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
orthonurse55

About orthonurse55

Registered Nurse. Specialty: 30+ year(s) of experience in Orthopaedic Nursing; Geriatrics

1 Article   173 Posts

Share this post

Share on other sites

As nurses we have to work many holidays but inpatient facilities really remind you that at least you get to go home after your shift. The one thing we can do is try to brighten up the holiday for those who are alone or sick or injured. This brought back memories of Christmases working in the hospital. I used to volunteer to work so the gals who had kids could be off. It was always a strange day- unusually quiet and yet filled with hope. You feel closer to the patients when you are together at the holidays. Thanks for reminding us to be grateful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience.

I am working abroad and this is the first time that I will be celebrating Christmas without my family.

Nevertheless, I am happy and excited for our Christmas party with my co-staff nurses.

Merry Christmwas everyone!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ortho, urology, neurosurgery, plastics.

From an old Persian work of times past "I cried because I had no shoes till I met a man who had no feet" Merry Christmas and all that to all who chose to read these lines.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology&Homecare.

What a great "light bulb moment". Thank you for sharing it with us. Christmas is a time to stop and reflect on our blessings.:candle:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Beautiful story :) But I have to ask... did you marry the guy?!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

Orthonurse55, You truly touched my heart with this moving story, it reminds me of many Christmas that I spend with my V.A. patients over the years even now after 35yr in my beloved nursing career I still volunteer to spend Christmas with my patients. May you receive all the blessings that you deserve.........Happy Holidays...... ALOHA~ :hug:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Orthopaedic Nursing; Geriatrics.
Beautiful story :) But I have to ask... did you marry the guy?!!

Yes, we did get married! Stayed that way for 20 years too! :)

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment