Not all careers allow a person to positively influence oneself and society at the same time. I am so very thankful to be a nurse because, even though we might have a tough run at times, others find themselves in far worse circumstances.
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But, you know what? I really do not mind working on the holiday at all. I am a single gal with no family of my own, and even though a close friend invited me to spend the holiday with her family, I told her I was already scheduled to work on that day. Although I will not be celebrating the holiday in the traditionally festive manner that entails cooking and spending the day with a house full of extended family, I still have so much for which to be thankful on Thanksgiving.
First of all, I am thankful because I do not live from paycheck to paycheck as the direct result of my solid middle income as a nurse. Prior to becoming a nurse, I was a factory worker at a paper products company, and before that, I worked a string of low-paying dead end jobs in the retail and fast food industry. During a recent visit to a big box retail super center, I was cognizant that most of the workers probably earned less than $9 per hour. After 40 hours of work, someone who earns $8 hourly would gross a whopping $320 per week, or $1280 in a month. After taxes and other deductions, some of these workers must make ends meet on less than $1000 monthly. I thank my lucky stars for no longer having to face the financial hardships with which these hard-working people tackle on a daily basis.
Secondly, I am thankful because, unlike other occupations, I am not tied into a traditional five-day work week with only two days off. I can choose to work an 8-hour per day, five-day a week schedule if I want that. Or I can continue to work two to three 12-hour shifts per week, which enables me to have four to five days off weekly. If I arrange for my days off to be scheduled in a row, I can take a mini vacation and perhaps catch a flight somewhere without needing to tap into PTO (paid time off) hours. So, thank goodness that my job as a bedside nurse enables me to have flexibility.
Finally, I am thankful because my role as a nurse allows me to have a positive impact on peoples' lives. I am mindful that not every patient who crosses my path wants to be helped. However, the appreciative patients make this job worthwhile. Nothing is more gratifying than seeing a patient discharge to home with the ability to clearly speak and ambulate when, just a couple of weeks ago, he was unable to walk, talk, or eat without assistance due to a stroke. Nothing is more awesome than hearing a patient say, "Thank you for all that you've done for me."
I am thankful to be a nurse on Thanksgiving for so many reasons.
