A nurses poem- for those who haven't read it yet

Published

I wrote this a couple of months ago, after a typically bad day -

I'm Sorry In Advance

I'm sorry in advance

Your bed's not made today

But I have a patient here

Whose chest pain won't go away

I'm sorry in advance

You're not happy with your meal

Dietary does try hard sir,

To give it some appeal

I'm sorry in advance

Your morning pills are late

I've a patient climbing out of bed

That I must try to sedate

I'm sorry in advance

Your mattress isn't soft

We do need some new beds ma'am

But these things do cost a lot.

I'm sorry in advance

I didn't get to comb your mother's hair

I've a patient with emphysema

She's scared, she can't get air

I'm sorry in advance

Your fathers still in pain

I'm trying to reach his doctor

I'll have to try again

I'm sorry in advance

Your dressings aren't yet done

But a patient has just passed away,

I offered solace to his son,

I'm sorry in advance

I'm not cheery as a bird

I've worked 12 hours, my feet ache

I asked for help, but no one heard

I'm sorry in advance

I've only two hands and two feet

I'm trying to care for you, patient

Your needs, I want to meet

My 12 hours now are 16,

No replacement could be found

My aching feet they cry out

My head begins to pound

I'm sorry in advance

I cannot meet your gaze

My eyes are filled with tears

Your face is just a haze

If I could sit down for a minute

And maybe grab a bite

Phone my kids to say I love them

And I'll be late again tonight

I'm sorry in advance

I didn't do all that must be done

If I worked any faster

I'd soon begin to run

When I do get to hold your hand

Or wipe your furrowed brow

Please understand, dear patient

I care for you and how

I see your pain, I sense your fear

Your anger in a glance,

Our health care service is failing you

I'm sorry in advance.

Written By

Linda Leeson

Licensed Practical Nurse

Vernon Jubilee Hospital

Vernon. B.C. Canada

[email protected]

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That is superb leesonlpn!!! :D

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Specializes in Med-Surg Nursing.

I think that you should submit this poem to one of the national nursing magazines--we have Nursing 2001, RN and AJN in the states --I know that RN and AJN publish poems written by nurses! I see that you are from Canada--try sending it to whatever nursing journals you have in your country! This is an awesome Poem!!!!!

Kelly:)

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I printed this poem out a month or two ago. I thought it was beautifully written then and it surely hasn't changed my opinion to see it again. I have it posted on my bullitin board above my computer so I can see it daily...

Julie

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Thank you for your wonderful tear-jerking poem.

I always have a copy with me to give out, especially for those people who do sometimes seem to be so ungrateful, but really do not understand.

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This poem is beautiful. Good job, you have a true talent. The poem put tears in my eyes.

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Excellent. Thank you so very much for putting into words the frustration I know I feel, and I would venture to guess ALLNURSES feel the same.

;)

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WONDERFUL. I've printed it out and posted it on our bulletin board.

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Right on!

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Wonderful poem leeson...I can really relate to it (((hugz)))

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You speak from the heart, Linda. God bless you and keep up the good work.

P.S. I posted your poem in the nurse's bathroom at eye level in front of the toilet...about the only time we have a few seconds to sit down and read!)

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All I could do is cry when I read your poem.

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