I know that it's the end of May but I didn't want to let it slip by without mentioning and giving thanks to all the very hard working and dedicated nurses across the nation and the world. I'm sure that just about everyone has a story about a nurse who made a big difference in their lives in some way.
As a Nursing Supervisor I see first hand what they have to deal with each and every day. I see them bringing a new life into the world, and helping an old one leave it. I see them crying, laughing and worrying. Being brave enough to call the doctor who is known to scream at 4am, because his patient needs something. I see them dragging themselves into work when they're sick, tired and in pain, and oddly enough, their patients never know. I see their hearts breaking when they have to work on their daughter's prom night, or their son's championship football game. I hear them consoling children and trying to grasp a little holiday cheer over the phone when they're working on Christmas Eve. I've seem them sneaking peeks out of a patient's window to see the fireworks on the 4th of July. I've eaten some of the turkey they've brought in to share with the others on Thanksgiving. I've watched in amazement as they work right up to their due dates so they can spend more time at home with the baby once it's delivered.
And yet, despite the hardship on themselves and their own families, they do it day after day, year after year. Not for the money. Certainly not for the recognition.
Why? Because nurses are very special people who are always willing to give and care for others no matter what the occasion, or personal sacrifice.
So here's my tribute to all the nurses out there not only saving lives, but making them better. God Bless You!
How Do You Know You've Been a Nurse Too Long?
By Lisa Vance, RN
1) While looking for something to wear to a party you notice that 90% of your wardrobe consists of scrubs.
2) You don't really mind though, because you can't think of an occasion when you couldn't wear them.
3) You have discovered that nurses only HAVE to pee once every 12 hours.
4) You always carry hemocult developer in your pocket book.
5) While talking to old friends at a barbeque you glance down at their hands looking for a good vein to start an IV.
6) Up until the age of ten, all your children thought that Christmas only came every other year just like the rest of the holidays.
7) You know what the 'O' sign and 'Q' signs are.
8) While talking to a neighbor across the street you find yourself asking him when his last bowel movement was.
9) At the school bus stop you're the only mother still in her pajamas. At 3pm.
10) Your spouse has heard you say "Not tonight, honey, I'm On-Call..." at least once.
