My hand in the hand of a stranger.
Written: Oct 28 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Hand holding, Watching lives being saved
Cons: Long hours, the ones you lose
|
|
|
| SurgRN911's Full Review: Nursing Profession |
As a kid I remember giving more bloody noses then I fixed. So I ponder, why did I fall in love with nursing, when and how? I remember as a child wanting to be a veterinarian, I loved animals, people I could take or leave. Yet, here I sit thirty-two years into nursing, and though tired and often frustrated I continue to do a job I love, and for a fact am good at. I guess if you can't be good at something after all those years, time to move on.
A little history on how I came to this place in my life. My dear friends and avid followers you did not think you'd get by without a story did you? <smile>
I barely made it out of high school, my grades were appalling and I had no direction of self. This was because Di did not really care for school and the authority that went along with it. So my grades reflected those of a goof-off. I cut school, and seems my homeroom was the detention hall. I just wanted to get by and get out. I did, then I was faced with just what was I going to do with the rest of my life.
I obtained a job in the snack bar at Rhode Island hospital. Over the months working there I kept seeing people in scrubs, and all with different colored hats on. I asked why the different colors and was told each color signified that persons position. White was RN, green student tech, blue housekeeping, and so on. I thought gee that sounds like a neat job, so I applied for the Surgical Technician program. I was called for an interview, and was told my transcripts were less than desirable for acceptance into the intensive training. I pointed out everyone should be given a second chance (OK I begged) but it worked. I managed to finish top in my class, not because I was any smarter than the others, but I had to prove them all wrong. See sometimes that stubborn streak can pay off.
I was a scrub tech for fifteen years and realized I did not like scrubbing. My only option was to return to school for my RN. Once again I was faced with school and once again because of others opinions of my abilities, I made it. The thing I remember most from that experience was graduation day. My dad came up to me, put his arm around me, told me he was proud of me, and asked why I didn't do it years earlier? Easy answer I wasn't ready.
Five years later, I am being pressured to return yet once again to school to obtain my BS <-------heck I had that degree for years, and didn't have to sit in a classroom to get it. However, I did return because this was the only way to climb the ladder into management, which I wasn't even sure I wanted.
Enough history, of the how and when. Now the why I have stayed all these years in a profession that as all, has its drawbacks.
I have spent my entire career in the Operating Room minus extra shifts on the floors.
Here is a breakdown of this one lowly OR nurse:
Pros:
.....How many of us get to help save lives on a daily basis, where else can you calm and remove the fear in a child's eyes, facing surgery? Where a balloon made from a surgical glove, with a face and the child's name on it brings a smile, and halted tears, even if briefly.
.....I get to do a lot of hand holding. Not every job allows this little ritual. In mine I find it a necessity. There is little else that calms as the human touch. So yes I hold the hand of every one of my patients as they drift off to sleep. Most because of preoperative drugs may never remember this, but I recall the squeezes, tears, and a lower element of fear in the eyes.
.....From birth to death I have been involved, not only with patients but families. I have hugged a new dad as tears streamed from his face after seeing his new son take that first breath. I have sat countless hours with families that have lost a loved one, while in surgery. All cases do not have a happy ending. My job does not require any family contact, but when possible it is something I require, of myself. After all in many cases I was one of the last ones to see that person alive, the family deserves my attention.
.....Currently I travel in my job, so I get to see and help anywhere I choose. I can see how hospitals do things in different areas. Learn new techniques, and meet people from all over the country.
.....My job has truly taught me to be blessed for all I have. Every day God opens my eyes to what types of trauma my fellow human must endure. No matter what is going on in my personal life at the time, there are always many suffering, and trying to cope with so much more.
Cons:
.....Monetary pay could be higher, but guess we all feel that way of our professions.
.....Working in such close proximity, with coworkers and doctors that I wonder why they are there to begin with. Bad attitudes. Fortunately these are in the minority.
.....Long tedious hours. Often you feel your life is not your own. Well, often I do because when called back unexpectedly, I go in because I think if that were my loved one I would want someone to be there for them.
.....Nurse shortage = more case load. Will do my thoughts of why the shortage at another time.
.....A profession that lacks Kudos, not that I require them, but hear many say they are not appreciated. I feel I am not there for appreciation I am there to perform and give the best care I can. Seeing a broken body recover is thanks enough.
Nursing is a demanding profession, and not for everyone. As any job there are those that can and those that cannot. I was lucky and found my niche, may we all be as blessed. I love my job, and yes at times I think I would rather be digging ditches. At times my head spins, and think I need to do something else, but where else can I hold strangers hands all day?
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
SurgRN911
|
 in Hotels & Travel |
 - Top 500 |
|
Member: Di
Location: Gastonia NC
Reviews written: 329
Trusted by: 606 members
About Me:
SAP's are again working!!!!
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.