Why I want to be a nurse!

[mmulligan23]

I have always thought that someday I would become a nurse. My mother is a nurse, my grandmother is a nurse, my aunt is a nurse, and my cousin is a nurse. So, you see, it's in my blood.

In 2002 I took a job as a patient care tech in the ICU and IMCU in a small local hospital. I wanted to gain some experience before going to nursing school. About a month after starting my new position I was assigned the patient that no one else wanted. We will call him Mr. B for HIPPA purposes.

I refer to Mr. B as the patient no one wanted because he really was a nightmare to deal with. He was stubborn and just plain mean! Mr. B would curse anyone who set foot in his room especially the nurses and care staff. I dreaded what I might hear when I walked through his door, but I kept a smile just the same. I must admit that the care that I provided to Mr. B was better care than I gave my less difficult patients, even though he scared the crap out of me.

I remember one afternoon while I was helping him to the bedside commode, as he was cursing me, he said, "it's a d*** shame that a grown man can't s*** by himself". Those words, as horrible as they may have been, were the key to understanding this man. At that moment I knew why he was the way he was, and I didn't say a word. It was his pride that was causing the entire ruckus. So, after I cleaned him up and got him back in his bed, I looked him straight in the face...as he was still cursing me...and said, "Listen! One day someone might have to help me the way I'm helping you, and I would rather it be someone like me....so just let me help you". From that moment on, anytime Mr. B needed something, he called me.

As time went by, his condition continued to deteriorate. My last interaction with Mr. B. was when I was called to take some ice chips to him. As I put the cup down on his bedside table he grabbed my arm...startling me, as I knew his nature..."Thank you", he said weakly. "You're welcome", I said, smiling politely. He shook my arm and squeezed more tightly, "No....thank you," he said again, this time with tears in his eyes. I knew that he really needed me to understand his gratitude. At that moment, all doubt left my mind. I was meant to be a nurse!

When I returned to work for my next scheduled shift, I noticed that Mr. B's room was empty. My heart sank, because I knew what had happened. Seven years have passed since that day, but I will never forget Mr. B and the impact he has made in my life. His last words motivate me to be the first to volunteer for the most difficult patients. I want to be the kind of nurse that masters the art, not just the science of the profession.

I graduate this December, and will finally be an RN!

[kemkem]

That was an amazing and inspiring story! We need more nurses like you!! Congratulations!!!!!!!

[mlok]

This story made my eyes well up. Thanks for sharing.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Yup, Mr. B sounds very familiar! So many of our patients cope with the loss of their independence and dignity just like Mr. B did. I am glad you were able to understand him, and more importantly, let him know that you understood. Thank you for sharing your story.

[zofran]

Great story....reminds me of a pt we get on our floor with COPD. Congrats to you on getting your RN!!

[sleepyRN2]

this reminded me of the meanest patient i've ever had the pleasure of taking care of. he was mean spirited, and not one to be upped by him, i returned his meanest in kind. however, i acted the way i did to him just so he gets the message that i wouldn't back down regardless of what he threw at me. moreover, i made it my business to give him the best care i could give as a student nurse;he saw that. later on, we ended up as friends, and he told my nursing instructor that i have the stuff in me to be a real good nurse. that's when i knew that nursing is for me.