To The Girl Thinking of Becoming a Nurse (a note to myself at 17)
In nursing, there are wonderful days, challenging days, days of frustration and days that make you dig down deep. This is a little piece that I wrote for nurse's day. I realized on social media, all I have been seeing lately are the bad things that nurses have to deal with in general. This was written as another viewpoint to be out there. We need to inspire the next generation and this is the first step I am taking in that movement!
The world will speak at you in many ways. You will read how the medical world is full of red tape, rules, ratios and never ending charting, but there are a few things they are missing. The world needs good nurses called into the profession; and you, girl, can make a difference.
Here is what no one tells you
No one tells you that you will be scared--
Of the pressure.
Of messing up.
Of not knowing something.
Of doing the wrong thing.
Of letting down your medical team.
No one tells you this will make you a better nurse.
No one tells you the ways patients will affect you--
With their struggles.
With their stories.
With their faith.
With their determination.
With their fight.
No one tells you this will make you fight harder.
No one tells you there will be days when your faith becomes shaken--
When you don't think you can.
When you don't know what to do next.
When you just want to walk out of the patient's room.
When you think, "Why am I here and how do I fight harder for this life?"
No one tells you that you will start to believe in you.
No one tells you that patients and families will change you--
With their harsh words as they are at their worst.
With their loss as if it's your own.
With their happiness in the successes of small daily battles.
With their joys in new beginnings and the miracle of life.
No one tells you that your character will strengthen through empathy and grace.
No one tells you how your coworkers will influence you--
To want to be a part of a work family.
To understand sometimes all there is left to do is pray.
To learn to be a better listener and supporter.
To realize that you are not in control.
To realize who is.
No one tells you that you will learn another side of the meaning of love.
No one tells you that you will have days when you feel the fragile flicker of mortality--
When a patient gets better and then back to worse in the blink of an eye.
When you code a patient for the first time.
When you have your hands on a chest praying for that life to stay grounded.
When that life breaks it's earthly chains.
No one tells you that you will, in these moments, recognize that there are two types of patients; those who should be able to be saved, and despite all medical resources, aren't. Those that shouldn't have a chance to survive, and by divine medicine, do.
No one tells you that you will go to church in a patient's room--
When your patient just needs to talk or hold your hand.
When your patient's family members want answers you don't, and won't ever, have.
When you and your team have exhausted all efforts and you gather around the bed and pray...and cry.
No one tells you you will find your beliefs in those walls because you finally understand He is never far away.
No one tells you of the days when--
You find peace in your calling.
You finally see why you are in this role.
You realize that you are a tool and an avenue for great work to be done.
You understand that you are human and your best IS good enough.
You believe.
No one tells you that you'll look back at your journey with a heavy heart at the ones who branded it and are no longer with you, of the ones who stay with you for all the best reasons, or the days when you felt like you were right where you needed to be.
No one tells you that when you are doing what is your calling, that it is all that matters and, most importantly, all that ever will.
No one tells you that you will find peace in your work because it is far more than just a job.
No one tells you that sometime later you will look back at how it all started, with tears in your eyes, and realize--
That the days of doubt were trials and you passed, not always prettily, but you did it and you have built character as a result.
That the positive far outweighed the negative.
That the days of not knowing your purpose are over.
That you are the mother, daughter, sister, and spouse you are because you endured.
That the pieces of all these experiences you have carried with you now quilt your being.
And, lastly--
That even on those long days and nights over the years when you felt your heart breaking and healing, that those on this adventure with you saved a piece of you as well. You're journey is not over, it has only begun; the trail is merely better marked now as a result of your experiences. It can only make your footprints clearer for those who travel along it with you and for those who follow after you.
generally tend to agree with you on this point...I do think this is a great message for all of us. I am going into my last semester of nursing school and really needed to read this (even if looking over the religious aspect). It's nice to hear someone talk about the positives for a change.
Are you trolling? She literally doesn't mention any certain "God" a single time. She does mention having faith and praying and church. Maybe she has faith in cheese fries and prays to the Spaghetti Monster, you have no idea! Maybe she had faith in her ability as a nurse and her hospital IS her church. No reason to go out of your way to post rude things behind the safety of your computer screen because of the assumptions you make up in your head about the religious background of the author. In know way is she trying to "promote" her religious beliefs.
Sincerely,
A non-Christian who doesn't give AF if other people are Christian
"This article may be helpful for those of the Christian persuasion. Not as much for those who aren't. Considering that the fastest growing religious group in the US is "none", perhaps authors should not use secular forums such as this to promote their particular beliefs. Especially since many clients don't share those beliefs and find it insulting when nurses assume they do. Just sayin'"
Southernseeker, suppose the world took your advice and left all personal persuasions out of literature for fear of offending people like you who don't believe the same, who don't feel the same, or don't appreciate the experience of others regardless of their backgrounds? There would be no literature... period. Fortunately, you're in the minority with your mindset, but I fear your numbers in the PC parade are growing. Why not try tolerance instead of being so sensitive? You beg the world to consider your sensitivities and stand up with your air of superiority when the world doesn't stop to consider the millions of view points before speaking, writing, or thinking? No wonder the world is so divided when so many are quick to minimize another because of any difference at all. Shame on you for being too bigoted that you can't even see that you are part of the problem. If you are so easily offended then you will always be offended and thus you will always be unhappy.
Roy Hanson said:
stop relying on so called social media..Tweet, FB, etc. Ask those that work in the real world!
FB and other are a whine fest for those that are too lazy to ask real humans. Turn off your cell, and talk to people.
btw..YOUR only 17! Take it easy. Volunteer in a hospital or where ever.
You clearly missed the intent of the article, Roy. you should go back and reread it.
This article may be helpful for those of the Christian persuasion. Not as much for those who aren't. Considering that the fastest growing religious group in the US is "none", perhaps authors should not use secular forums such as this to promote their particular beliefs. Especially since many clients don't share those beliefs and find it insulting when nurses assume they do. Just sayin'
This article may be helpful for those of the Christian persuasion. Not as much for those who aren't. Considering that the fastest growing religious group in the US is "none", perhaps authors should not use secular forums such as this to promote their particular beliefs. Especially since many clients don't share those beliefs and find it insulting when nurses assume they do. Just sayin'
I am not a Christian. I am not insulted, nor did I read this and see a Christian viewpoint. Faith comes in many forms, as do our members. Viva diversity. ?
This is incredible. I'm waiting to find out if I'm accepted into nursing school and this was just the inspiration I needed. Thank you â¤ï¸ I can't wait to walk in these shoes! What a blessing it will be.
The words are merely what one interperets them as. "He is not far away" HE can be anyones interpretation of a higher power, or even oneself for that matter. The problem is not the words used in the article. Its how the reader choses to interpret those words. Me personally having been raised in a Christian household, but now have my own relationship with a "higher power" chose to take it for what it means to me..Whatever that is :) Everyones path is different and its a matter of respecting that.
This really is lovely and poignant, and for me, wistful, I guess.
"That the days of not knowing your purpose are over."
That, for me personally, is the part that made me feel wistful, sad. After 14 years as a nurse, I have not really felt that about purpose. I have at times felt as if I really made a difference, and have loved the patients, the families, and other staff. But not this about life purpose- many times have felt quite the opposite, as if I was wasting gifts in the time I have here, doing this work. But that's me, and I definitely see how many might feel this way. I think what nurses do can be extremely impactful and I admire it that. But I do not feel fulfilled by it. (I wish I did, but I don't... Call the Midwife, modern-day nursing is NOT, lol).
Also, I am not a Christian (or any other faith) but my partner is Muslim. I have spent time in many Christian churches. I didn't find her sometimes spiritual focus offensive. I am open to trying to meet people where they are, wherever that is.
Thank you for such a sweet piece, even if it made me a bit sad!!! :-)
Zombienurse76
2 Posts
I am in that "other" category...and while I would
generally tend to agree with you on this point...I do think this is a great message for all of us. I am going into my last semester of nursing school and really needed to read this (even if looking over the religious aspect). It's nice to hear someone talk about the positives for a change.