To the Nurse Who Held My Hand

A letter to the nurse who reminded me of why I wanted to be one. When I was feeling lost and hopeless she was the one who took the time to be there for me. Written in honor of Nurses Appreciation Week. Nurses Announcements Archive Article

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To the Nurse Who Held My Hand

Dear Nurse,

You didn't know this but several years ago, I was burned out. That I had forgotten why I loved my job for so long. That despite the nurses I was working with being great and encouraging I had found a place that was just not the place for me. That I was taking a break and unsure of if I would go back.

You didn't know I was trying new things when I got pregnant. That I wasn't happy to find out I was pregnant. That I had thought I would never be able to get pregnant. That I had to work my way up to being excited about it. That when I finally did get excited, it was just in time to have the bombshell that it was ectopic.

You didn't know that I had been having issues with my new doctor. That I wished my regular provider could keep me but would not because I was pregnant. That my new doctor had talked over me instead of to me during the ultrasound that confirmed I had a problem. That she had told me that if I didn't let her give me shots of medications I had never heard of she was sending me immediately to surgery. That when I had ended up in the ER because I couldn't handle the pain the second time she tried to force me to go to surgery anyway because she didn't want me to come back while she was on vacation. That she made me feel like I had no control.

You didn't know that I was scared to call anyone because I was afraid of what they would say if they found out why I was there. That I had already lost people I considered friends for a variety of reasons related to this. That I was feeling so overwhelmed and lost and lonely. That I didn't know what to do.

You just knew that I had been in your ER three times that week because the pain was so bad I couldn't breathe. That I was crying and it wasn't just because I was in pain. That I was there all alone and hadn't called anyone.

I don't know if you knew how much it meant to me when you came into my room and held my hand while I waited for the doctor to see me. Told me you could tell I was in a lot of pain. Told me I was handling it so well. Ask me if you could do anything else to help me. Gave me back some choice in what was going on. I don't know if you knew how much it meant to me, but years later, I still remember you.

I want you to know that you are what rekindled a passion that I thought may never come back. That you reminded me of why what I was doing mattered. Helped me to find a goal of what I wanted to do now. Gave me something to remember if I ever felt lost again. If I had never met you, I am sure I would be a very different person than the one I am today. That you were my guardian angel that day.

Most of all, I want to thank you. Thank you for taking the time, I know it was busy. I'm sure there was a million and one things that you could have done instead. Thank you for not judging me. So many others who knew me better had. Thank you for just being there, and making it a little less lonely and a little less scary.

I hope that one day, I can be like you.

1 Votes
jaycam

About jaycam, RN

RN, Psychiatric Nurse. I learn best through stories and examples. I also may have a love affair with data.

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Specializes in Hospice.

Thank you.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

`snif` What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful nurse. I'm glad she was there when you needed her most.

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So glad someone touched you and helped you when you needed a kind hand to hold. We forget sometimes we also need someone to care for us occasionally. Nursing takes Education, Determination, Patience but most of all patience. So many things can be missed in a patient by being in a hurry and in todays busy clinics and hospitals everything is based on 15 or 30 minute increments. Take care and know it is okay to show that you needed help and in doing so you will be willing to extend that hand and care of your patients. Good Luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

This made my eyes tear up. It is the continued desire to be that nurse that makes me keep going.

I am glad she was there. I am glad you had support from her. I hope you are in a better place now and I am sorry for the pain in your life at that time. Thanks for sharing this with us. It is amazing how much gets given back when our patients allow us to give to them.

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

Thanks for sharing your story.

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

*sobbing*

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Thank you for sharing That is a beautiful tribute to nurses and what happens when we connect.

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My husband had to miss the birth of our third child. I was there alone labouring through the night and my nurse talked to me, held my hand and when I delivered at 0638 in the morning, she was there helping me. I'll never forget her. Thank you Corli Roodt.

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