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.
I'm not religious and barely spiritual and I still loved this and can relate to so much of it. I am blessed to love what I do and thankful for the experiences I've had and it has shaped me into a better happier contented human.
I've been a nurse for 17 years. I was so passionate about nursing and I still am so maybe that is why I have a problem with the healthcare system. And I guess to it depends on the area of practice and state you live. But I am looking to change careers. I no longer have the opportunity to spend quality time with my patients. The nurse to patient ratio is to much. It is always a 12-14 hour marathon. Think about it 12 hour with 10 patients with meds, dressings, tube feelings, IV fluids, IV antibiotics, blood work, bowel and bladder program. And a charting system made by an IT person who has no clue about the nursing aspects of charting. It isn't the nurses. It the system. But nursing are not will to push back, to actually stand up for our rights, our patients rights to better care. I'm sorry but there are many healthcare facilities that are only about the money. This makes me so disappointed in the healthcare system. The worse emotions in the world is leaving work feeling like you've made no real impact, no real bond with your patient. In my opinion there needs to be regulations in place so that no patient falls through the cracks. It's just unsafe.
I thought this article was very helpful and I was moved in reading it...only to be saddened by those who chose to take something positive and attempt to add their negativity. I am so sick of those who aren't believers constantly waging war on those who are. If there were aspects of the article that you found helpful then use it and leave the parts you don't. The authors beliefs shouldn't sway the message that was being given. Sometimes its better to not say anything then deliver negative venom in the face of positive goodwill. We get it, you don't believe and I'm sure most believers respect your decision to do so....why then is it so difficult to respect the fact that others have their own beliefs for their own reasons?
How about some advice for the 17 year old male ALLnurses???
Oh, and don't forget the transgender 17 year old... Or the gay 17 year old... Or the black 17 year old... or the female black 17 year old... or the Chinese 17 year old... or the any other million possibilities that isn't a 17 year girl.
Do you see the point? This can relate to anyone without relating to anyone in particular. If you don't have the sense about you to see that then you should probably consider an entirely different profession with absolutely no contact with people. For all of the great things the internet provides, its absolute worst aspect is the access it provides to ignorant, self centered people who get on the qwerty and rant or complain that if something isn't written to them, personally, with all of their personal views on everything, then it doesn't count and so the writer is open to all who wish to tear them down. The message in the piece is simply an inspirational message to Nurse's who may be struggling or to young people contemplating a career in the field, written by a female who is reflecting on herself as a 17 year old... not you in particular. You probably couldn't be inspired by Ghandi if you aren't bald. Grow up!
I just want to point out to everyone that the author posted this on an Internet forum, and phrased it as a letter to the 17 year old version of HERSELF. I'm pretty sure she's not planning on publishing it in "The Big Book of Essays on Nursing that Apply to Everyone All The Time." So everyone's "constructive criticism" about how her letter isn't atheist enough or is too Christian or doesn't apply to 17 year old boys is not necessary.
My very first comment on AllNurses. I am in the process of getting work experience as a medical assistant and applying to schools for a second bachelors degree in nursing. I can't thank you enough for this post. You managed to answer so many of my questions without my having to even ask. Thank you thank you thank you!
I literally have tears in my eyes. That was so beautiful. I am starting nursing school in August and I have been asking myself "do I really think I can do this at 44?" Your story gives me hope and inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing.
I myself am starting in August at 35 yo. Way to go! I loved this article too.
Specializes in home health, hospice, SNF, geriatrics.
southernseeker said:
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'
No this is her experience just because it doesn't align with your beliefs doesn't discount her experiences. This is HER reflection of how nursing has impacted her. This shouldn't be offensive.
Libby1987
3,726 Posts
I'm not religious and barely spiritual and I still loved this and can relate to so much of it. I am blessed to love what I do and thankful for the experiences I've had and it has shaped me into a better happier contented human.