Why am I here? I find myself asking this question a lot lately......... Meds to pass, patients to prep for surgery, call lights ringing,dressings to change, physicians asking for our presence at the nurses station, while family members are asking for the latest update on their loved ones.....The roles and responsibilities of nurses continue to rise. And the acuity of patients increase while staffing and times allotted to completed tasks decreases.
Why am I here? How can I possibly complete today's necessary tasks in order to ensure patient safety?
As I give Mrs. Daily here bath, I contemplate my decisions to become a nurse: What was I thinking....there are plenty of careers out there that do not require the stress of this role.
I apply lotion to my patients back in a therapeutic manner, change her sheets, don on a new gown, turn here to her side relieving pressure on her backside, while placing here ankles on a pillow......Mrs. Daily grabs my hand, looks into my eyes and gives me a smile that needs not bear any words. "Thank you" she says without having to speak. It is at this moment where I remind myself....This is why you are here.....
I often become overwhelmed by the daily tasks of nursing; I have to remind myself why I chose this profession. I am here for patient care; to provide for them what there are not able to provide for themselves. I am a healer, hand holder, educator, friend, confidant, advocate.....I am a nurse.
No comments:
Post a Comment