Published
I volunteer a few times a month in a free clinic that is for the poorest of the poor in our community. I feel honored and humbled to care for these folks. They are the ones who have fallen through the cracks. They are the ones who cannot afford the ACA. But they are so appreciative of what we do for them. I just wish I could do more for them.
As I have said many times...it's the little things that count.
Underneath all that equipment. IN the midst of all the chaos...lies A PATIENT. They are frightened. Alone. Sick. And in pain. That someone "sees" them...means more than all the education, certifications, and high technology all combined.
Well done!
Not only basic, but the foundation of what we do.
I had to send an unresponsive baby out a couple weeks ago-got the child back, was able to wash her and get her ready to be sent out-I thought of her dignity, even at such a young age and trying to fight-I didn't think much of it then, but your post made me remember, even though she is no longer with us.
Thank You.
Thanks, everyone, for your kind replies and your stories. I think we all need moments like these to buoy us through the frequent moments when we're thinking, "What did I get myself into?! Why didn't I become a (insert profession here)?"
I don't know what this gentleman's outcome is - haven't been to work since that day - but you're right, I won't forget him. And his gratitude will carry me through patients who express anything but.
ilikesharpthings
60 Posts
Just wanted to share a special moment that helped to remind me why I do what I do. I admitted a homeless, poorly controlled diabetic yesterday whose feet were... Well, you can imagine. I had a student who was excited to go through the admission process and hang fluids, give meds, etc which gave me the opportunity to focus more on the patient. Unable to assess whether the black spots on his feet were wounds, dirt, or a combination of both, I filled a basin with warm water and gently washed his feet. With a thick accent, broken English, and tears in his eyes, this sweet man repeated, "thank you" and "God bless you" as I washed, dried, and massaged his worn out feet with lotion. It was a humbling and intimate experience. I told him that Jesus washed the feet of his friends and so I considered it an honor to do the same. I left my shift renewed and reminded of how awesome it is to be a nurse.