a nurse's poem-I'm Sorry In Advance

Published

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.

Linda Leeson

Licensed Practical Nurse

Vernon Jubilee Hospital

Vernon, British Columbia Canada

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, Cardiac ICU.

Wow. If that doesn't describe what most of us are going through during this nursing shortage and the demands placed on us by budgets, patient satisfaction, etc., I don't know what would. Sad but powerful poem.

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Specializes in Peds Homecare.

LINDA YOUR POEM IS WONDERFUL...I PRINTED IT AND AM GOING TO SHARE IT WITH EVERY NURSE I KNOW. I got chills when I read it, and thought of all the nurses struggling with so much to, and not enough to do it with. God Bless you and your talent. Thank you for sharing.

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Linda, your poem is wonderful! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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Linda, Thanks for sharing. What a beautiful poem and so true.

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Phenominal Poem

Although I usually run a humor board in my nurses station, I'm gonna post this in it... it is the truth.

--Barbara, LPN

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I agree!! This expresses the feelings of every nurse I know. Good luck with your efforts to win your wage increase in BC. We in Ontario are watching.

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Beautiful poem, thank you.

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Linda!

Were you following me today?

Well then, how did you know my exact thoughts and feelings?

Thank you. You just described my day (and many other's as you can see here) perfectly.It was horrible. I'm printing this and posting it in the lounge...if any of us make it there for a break....

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This is a very touching poem, thanks so much for sharing it.

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What a wonderful poem!

Would you consent to having it sent to a newspaper to try to have it published?

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Sheryl www.CrosswordsForNurses.com

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Specializes in Everything except surgery.

This is a powerful, direct hitting description of why I'm making this my last full time year in nursing. I longer what this to be a picture of my work experience!

Brownie

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