Nurses... The Unsung Heroes

[MrsSassyLassie]

Three years ago, my father underwent heart surgery. During this time I got to see a variety of nurses in action. The people I met during this stressful time helped inspire me to pursue nursing.

Three nurses in particular stand out in my mind. The first was a middle-aged male nurse. He changed the way I viewed nursing. Strange as this may be, I always viewed nurses as little ladies in white dresses with a red cross on their cap. This man was the complete opposite of this stereotype, yet he proved himself an invaluable source of support. My father seemed to relax around him. This nurse devoted his entire focus to my father when treating him. He'd listen to each thing my father had to say, even though my father is very long-winded. He expressed concern and care and helped my father find peace in the days before his surgery. I remember this man as the person who introduced me to what nursing really is behind the stereotypes.

The second nurse didn't even get the opportunity to introduce herself. She was part of the team that brought my father into the ICU from the OR. I stood aside while everyone scurried to hook wires up and keep my father stable in the crucial moments after surgery. Gray and incubated, my father appeared nearly dead. I must have appeared terrified. Suddenly someone grabbed my hand and placed it on my father's. "Talk to him." She said. She didn't speak softly... She gave a command for me to follow. While some would have viewed this as harsh, it was exactly what the moment called for. She helped snap me out of my fear and enabled me to be there for my father. I still remember this woman being strong for me when I couldn't... and thus embodying the very definition of nursing.

The third nurse worked in the ICU. She was working the night shift and helped my father during one of his darkest moments following surgery. My father, who was on meds and in pain, said, "There are two people in this world who have hurt me, and both of them are you." For a moment this woman looked hurt. She quickly regained composure and laughed. Soon we were all laughing. It was the first time we'd laughed all week. She made a lighthearted moment out of a hurtful statement, and it helped us all. I still remember this woman for her understanding. She showed me that nursing requires a tough backbone and an ability to laugh.

We encountered many other nurses during that time, and each one made there own mark. I watched how hard they worked. Each gave their all to save my Dad. Their faces are seared in my mind forever. While they most likely don't remember me, I remember them as everyday heroes ... The kind that don't get thanks or newspaper articles. They showed me what nursing really was.

My journey is just beginning. I'm starting my pre-requisites this fall, and after that I'll hopefully be able to enter nursing school. Every step towards becoming a nurse lies ahead of me. The memories of these nurses inspire me to start that journey.

Here's to all the heroes out there. The kind souls in scrubs. The men and women who spend everyday helping save people. There may be days you feel discouraged by the thanklessness nursing often involves, but remember that you do make a difference. The 30 minutes you spend with a patient could very well leave an impact that lasts a lifetime. Thank you.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

What a lovely tribute. Thank you so much for sharing.

I would caution you against voicing the "angels of mercy" stereotype as time goes on. Nursing requires scientific reasoning, emotional intelligence & physical endurance. It is not a vocation, it is a profession. Hopefully, you will be able to help lead us from the 'fluffing pillows' & 'holding hands' public image into that of a respected professional..... with much greater ability to influence health care than we currently have.