I wrote this for my pt.

[SamBSN]

I'm a new nurse to the PICU but not new to nursing. I spent the first four years to my career in a very busy, very large emergency department. I am not expert and I am indeed a novice by all definitions of the word especially when it comes to critical care. I'm also a parent, which presents barriers I never expected to encounter. This week I met my greatest challenge. I wrote this for my patient after two days of trying to control the pain that was inflicted upon her by someone else. Here goes....

Innocence

I'm a child,

Not your source of income.

I'm meant to be loved and cherished,

Not abused and taken for granted.

I'm beautiful, smart, and imaginative,

Not ugly, dumb, or unrealistic.

I'm not the reason you didn't go to college,

I'm not the thing that held you back,

I'm not the reason you don't sleep at night,

And I'm not a burden.

I'm your reason for being,

I'm your best friend,

And you are my favorite person.

I'm a gift,

I'm a million memories in one little person.

I'm going to test your boundaries,

I will often push you to the depths of your limits,

I will learn when you have had enough.

Please be patient with me,

Learn to forgive not only me but yourself when times are rough,

And know that I will always forgive you.

I am a child,

I love unconditionally,

I feel everything,

I smile even when I'm sad,

I laugh even when I cry,

I love even when I am not.

This didn't take long but I feel better now.... Thanks

[Epic_RN]

Sam, that is just beautiful .... brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing that, off to hug my babies now....

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

How lovely. There are a lot of parents out there who need to hear those words. Such a very profound first post. Welcome to our little world.

[hudabelle]

That should be on a poster in the NICU!

[brcjames]

I'm crying like a baby! If only people could see the damage they do to our beautiful, amazing gifts. Thank you for your amazing words.

[justa student]

Thank you for your wisdom and compassion. I am a first year nursing student, and a mother of a daughter with twin 2 year olds... I posted this on her page so she could read it too. That was a wonderful post!

[ApplegateC]

That was an amazing post. I am still crying.

[Tragically Hip]

Sam -- that was beautiful.

[SamBSN]

Thank you everyone! It really means a lot coming from so much experience! I am blessed to constantly be surrounded by people who are passionate about their chosen profession. I love being a nurse!