Words of encouragement

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I'm sensing a lot of negativity in the posts lately and I feel that a little encouragementis needed. Please feel free to post anything uplifting. It can be a personal experience, a quote that gets you through the day, a joke, whatever you feel would help make you and someone else feel better.

The Greatest of These Is Love

Though I articulate the contemporary jargon of nursing,

If I have not understanding that touches the heartbeat of my patients,

I only generate chatter

Though I boast of diplomas, awards and publications, and my skills reflect the wonderment of technology,

If I have not mastered the gift ofcompassion,

My endeavorsare hollow.

Though I impress my colleagues with my intellectual prowess and lofty idealism,

If I offer not the instrument of self,

I serve my patients with mere activity.

Though I devote my very life to the profession of nursing and forfeit personal desires,

If I become cynical, detached and fatigued to the point of indifference,

My energy is expended in futility.

Though I integrate the art and science of nursing, translate research into clinical practice, and achieve professional notoriety,

If I do not notice wounded hearts and broken dreams

My mission is not fulfilled.

I may be competent, dependable,efficient, but if I fail to communicate the language of love,

I practice nursing in vain

Faith, hope and love- these are all craving of the human spirit-but

The greatest of these is love.

Roberta L.Messner

Taken from Chicken Soup for the Nurses Soul

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One of our "diva" residents at my ltc facility told my don the first week I was on her station that I was the best nurse she has ever had! The don told me that while she was sitting at a table full of administration, I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes, still need help, and am a scared newbie but when I heard that (this is my first nursing job) it gave me this indescribable feeling.. Everyone has those moments :)

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Specializes in LTC/SNF.

The song "Keep Your Head Up" by Andy Grammer makes me feel better when nursing and nursing school has me feeling down.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Oncology, Epic CT.

Israel Kamakawiwo'Ole Somewhere Over The Rainbow Lyrics - YouTube

This song always cheers me up and gives me the energy to keep going through school even though it's tough, because on the other side of the 'rainbow' are wonderful opportunities waiting for me(and for all of my fellow nursing students). :yes:

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

Thank you for the inspiration! I've had a few bad days so far this semester, but overall I'm loving the experience and more passionate about nursing every day. This is an awesome journey to be on!

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I'm have 2 weeks left of my last clinical (community health) in my final semester of nursing school. I graduate in 67 days (not that I'm counting!) :) My preceptor at this clinical site (part of a huge ins. provider urgent care facility) is of the "All Nurses Need 1 Year of Med-Surg Before Specializing" camp. Yesterday, he asked me if I'd given any thought to where I might like to work after graduation. Um, anyplace I can get a job will be fine, but if I could hand-pick, I'd go to postpartum. However, I didn't say the last part. He said "You know, we have a new grad program. You're a strong nurse and you have a real way with the patients here. You should apply." This is HIGH PRAISE from this man. He's been an RN for a long time, has seen a LOT in his career. I've never had a nurse suggest I apply to work with them, and it made me feel so great!! This came right at a time when I'm really questioning my skills and whether or not I made the right choice. Then, one of the other nurses at this same facility told me I was just the right sort of person you'd expect to be a nurse, and she could tell I'd found my calling. Needless to say, this has really helped me get over the trepidation I feel about my upcoming preceptorship, and reaffirmed my choice to be a nurse.

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Thank you, Jenniebrie. The "Chicken Soup" series is always good for stuff like that, and I keep forgetting that I want the all the "Nurse's Soul" editions. :-) We need to take care of ourselves, especially when school is so demanding, frustrating, and just plain hard!

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One of my patients at the end of the clinical day grabbed my hand,looked me straight in my eyes,told me how gentle and kind I was,and told me how I would be an amazing nurse one day. Being a newbie it was just what I needed to hear and darn near brought me to tears! Best wishes to everyone.... =)

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Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.
I'm have 2 weeks left of my last clinical (community health) in my final semester of nursing school. I graduate in 67 days (not that I'm counting!) :) My preceptor at this clinical site (part of a huge ins. provider urgent care facility) is of the "All Nurses Need 1 Year of Med-Surg Before Specializing" camp. Yesterday, he asked me if I'd given any thought to where I might like to work after graduation. Um, anyplace I can get a job will be fine, but if I could hand-pick, I'd go to postpartum. However, I didn't say the last part. He said "You know, we have a new grad program. You're a strong nurse and you have a real way with the patients here. You should apply." This is HIGH PRAISE from this man. He's been an RN for a long time, has seen a LOT in his career. I've never had a nurse suggest I apply to work with them, and it made me feel so great!! This came right at a time when I'm really questioning my skills and whether or not I made the right choice. Then, one of the other nurses at this same facility told me I was just the right sort of person you'd expect to be a nurse, and she could tell I'd found my calling. Needless to say, this has really helped me get over the trepidation I feel about my upcoming preceptorship, and reaffirmed my choice to be a nurse.

I had an instructor tell me she hopes to see me interviewing at the hospital she works at when I graduate. (Did our OB clinicals there.) I am totally there, as soon as I have that RN license in hand!

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Thank you everyone for sharing your stories. It's great to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Best of luck to all of you!!!

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