Read this in our paper today...About sums it up!!!!
Article published Thursday, November 27, 2008 Nurse learns life lessons from patients
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to send out a sincere thank you to the patients and families that have allowed me to be a part of their lives. To the mother of the 3-year-old poison-ingestion patient, thank you for allowing me to witness the compassionate love of a mother as you spent endless nights at your baby's beside. To the parents and grandparents of the 16-year-old trauma patient whose prognosis was gloomy but never gave up hope, your commitment and perseverance has been an inspiration to me in my own life. To the schizophrenic patient, thank you for allowing me to see the beauty of the person trapped in a world of delusion. To the ovarian cancer patient, thank you for sharing your feelings about the dying process. The lessons I learned from you enable me to continue to provide compassionate care at the end of life to many other patients. To the 55-year-old who asked me if I was his angel when waking from anesthesia, your adamant belief that I was reminded me of my personal mission to be an extension of God's love through my ministry as a nurse. To the 84-year-old who broke down in tears of loneliness, thank you for helping me to recognize that in spite of all the tasks I must perform, I am never too busy to reach out and hold the hand of someone in need. In spite of the turbulent times we face, you have given me the ability to see the goodness in people. Your willingness to share a piece of yourself contributed to the fabric of person that I am. So, in this time of thanksgiving, I thank the Lord for blessing me with you.
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Thank you soooo much for sharing this, Lani!! Makes me realize what is REALLY important about my job.... the people I am blessed help every day, by the Grace of God!!
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
Isnt it so true! When I feel like bitchin about work I need to remember it could be worse and I could be the one needing my butt wiped or a nasty test done!!! Glad this lady shared such a well written thank you!!!
Have a great day!!!
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
i often feel like my patients do not "have it that bad".... but so WRONG is that assumption. Could you imagine what it would be like to have melanoma, and wonder where it will be metastasized next? Or Psoriasis? I have seen so many babies lately with horrible dermatitis... poor little dears. I have cried with people before, and I would not do anything else for a living, no way... this is a real blessing.
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
