Hope

I'm 45 y/o but new to nursing. New, like, my 4th day on the job in the ED with so, so very much to learn. I live in Baton Rouge, less than a mile from the police shootings today. Our hospital, like the others in town, was on "lock-down" with heightened security-a stressful situation, compounded with concerns about my family's safety while I was away at work.

I was extraordinarily touched by a patient this afternoon who was frustrated by the likelihood of having to postpone some work travel due to medical issues that led to the ED visit. Despite this complication and the associated discomfort, the patient noticed a sheriff deputy (wearing a heavy kevlar vest) in the hallway and asked that I get the officer's attention. The patient, uncomfortable and ill, called to the deputy and went out of the way to thank the officer for his service as well as to offer condolences for the events of the day and hope for a better tomorrow. The two were of different races, and seeing this offer of support across the racial divide brought me the glimmer of hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Not really looking for comments or support, but glad to have a safe place here to share my experiences as a new nurse.