I was a nurse today and it felt really good. Since I was a little girl I can always remember wanting to be a nurse. The feeling of happiness and gratitude at being able to help those in need at critical times in their life led me to my profession.
Sometims my nursing skills have been removed from direct care of patients to caring for the nurses caring for the patients. In climbing the professional ladder I was always very aware of how far from the bedside I stepped. I am a people person and making someone’s day by relieving their pain, anxiety or putting a smile on their face, if even for a moment, is so intensely satisfying.
Offering comfort, knowing the best way to give without having to be asked were some of the best moments of my career. As satisfying as being present when new life entes the world, is being there in the final moments of someone’s life. Helping families start the grieving process, helping yourself start the grieving process, is filled with moments of true connectedness.
My patient today was a bit different than the typical one you might expect. It was a 30yr stallion that had somehow broken its leg during the night. My daughter and I arrived to take our lessons as usual and I met the farmer owner, Mrs W, walking back toward the barn. I could tell, from across the riding ring by looking at her face and the way she carried her body , without a word exchanged between us that something was very wrong.
I will spare you the details, but while running for phone to call the vet, cookies for the horse, water to offer the horse, etc the nurse in me kicked into gear. It no longer mattered that I am a novice horse rider, I am a seasoned nurse that knows how to show compassion to patients and their families. I stayed well after the vet left, helping to bring order to the morning and then left quietly for Mr and Mrs W to have some time alone to grieve.
I have never been lucky enough to be a horse owner, but I have had other furry family members. I can’t imagine losing one after 30yrs.
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