Can you humor me?

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:idea: Years ago I had a nursing supervisor speak to all of us then young nurses about what a privilege we had to be allowed to enter the lives of so many people from all walks of life. Being the skeptic at the time I thought "yeah, great, Uh, huh". I guess the thought stuck with me though. In what other work would you meet people like the homeless old alcoholic providing him physical, emotional, spiritual and end of life care? In other circumstances we can care for societies most elite, care for the same needs and be for a time part of their lives. She was right it is a privilege. Does anyone agree? Any comments?
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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I wholeheartedly agree. It's a privilege to share those kinds of intimate moments with our fellow human beings.

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Specializes in ER, Occupational Health, Cardiology.

I agree, too. Nursing (and medicine) is something that cuts across all social lines. We often cross lines and step into situations we wouldn't dare do in the outside world.

As far as the older man you spoke of, I personally have the opinion that nobody should pass from this life alone, if at all possible. Either family or medical personnel should be able to help with the passage, even if it is nothing more than to quietly stand by and witness the transition at the end of a long life.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ER and ICU!!!.

I worked in Minor care yesterday, and loved it.

We had a 28 y/o female come in, clean from coke for 23 days in rehab with below level income. She c/o a discharge and was scared it was an STD. After tests came back and showed yeast infectionwith a severe UTI, she cried and told me that she was happy an understanding and non-judgemntal nurse was there with her.

Stated when she went into a hospital 23 days ago that she could over hear them talking about her in the hall.

One of the best compliments I have had from a pt.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ER, L&D, ICU, OR, Educator.

Oh yes...I agree. It is an honor and very rewarding (most days)!

Great instructor, instilling a love of nursing even though the students may not be aware that they are internalizing what she said. Powerful.

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Specializes in LTC , SDC and MDS certified (3.0).

Absolutely!!! and I love every minute of it.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I was taught that too, many years ago as a young nursing student. It was considered a big part of the reason why we needed to be mindful of our behavior and appearance when we were presenting ourselves as a nurse. Patients would not have confidence in us and/or grant us that privilege of entering their private lives if we appeared unworthy of their trust and respect.

Thanks for reminding us of that important aspect of our profession.

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I think caring for other people, and our attitude about that care, teaches us about ourselves. It certainly teaches others about us.

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Specializes in LTC / SNF / Geriatrics.

You'd be surprised at the little things we do in the course of a day that we think nothing of, that mean the world to our patients.

I had a lady in for rehab after open heart surgery. She couldn't shower for a few days and was really upset over how her hair looked. So I took a few minutes and did the best I could to "freshen" her up, fixed her hair to look presentable and went on about my day. A couple of years later she stopped back at the nursing home to visit some of the other residents and we greeted each other. She brought up that episode from the past and how much it meant to her - I'd forgotten all about it. The little things really DO count.

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You'd be surprised at the little things we do in the course of a day that we think nothing of, that mean the world to our patients.

I had a lady in for rehab after open heart surgery. She couldn't shower for a few days and was really upset over how her hair looked. So I took a few minutes and did the best I could to "freshen" her up, fixed her hair to look presentable and went on about my day. A couple of years later she stopped back at the nursing home to visit some of the other residents and we greeted each other. She brought up that episode from the past and how much it meant to her - I'd forgotten all about it. The little things really DO count.

Most definitely.

Most patients don't even know that at any given moment, their nurse is doing something that impacts their well-being, even saves their lives... but they will remember that we kept their urinal within reach, fresh ice water at the bedside, helped them to turn and get comfortable. Those "little" things aren't so insignificant when you're on the receiving end ;)

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