Y’all I don’t mean no harm but I’m ready for the weekend. I have the pleasure of leaving my “now” job and going to the secret Santa party with my “nurse friends/family” from my last travel nurse assignment. I’ve worked many jobs in my lifetime but I have to say that the last assignment as an Oncology nurse in Delaware was by far my very best experience. The women I worked with are worth this mention in my blog because they are truly amazing. I went to this specialty because I lost my mom to breast cancer, but never in a million years did I expect to find nurses of this caliber. I mean maybe a few but not all and these women are the exception to the rule. As a nurse I’ve met both good and bad nurses and that simply depends on an individual’s perception of good and bad. They trained me, took their time, answered endless questions, stepped in when I found myself lost, helped when I asked, jumped in when emergencies occurred, and never once did they snap at me or make me feel like I was being a nuisance (believe me I was too, lol). I did 3 months with them and then they asked me to extend an additional 3 months. So, for 6 months I worked tirelessly alongside some fine women and medical doctors that gave me a new perspective on “Holistic” care. To me, holistic care doesn’t mean “not taking medication” it means caring for patients as a whole, mind, body, and spirit. It’s sitting and listening to them, sharing in their special moments, allowing them to cry when they need it, giving out hugs and dealing with them gently when they lash out at you because of their personal issues in life. I watched them be professional and gracious with the care they provided. They knew their patients by name and a lot of the patients would come in and ask for a particular nurse. Why? Because of the trusting relationship they have personally developed with that nurse. I too was able to build relationships and love on my patients. I had ones that would come in and ask that I take care of them.
Oncology is not an easy area to work in but it comes with its own rewards. And when I saw how just about all the patients had such wonderful, loving dispositions despite all they were going through, it gave me hope for the world we live in. Sarah, Pamela, Miranda, Kelli, Brooke, Sheila, Jessica, Mary Lynn, Marie, Anne Marie, Nicole, Kirsten (Amazing MA), Tatiana (Amazing MA), Jordan (Manager), and Dr. Simpson (My Absolute Favorite Dr.). These women inspire me and make me want to be even better than I already am. They come in, work hard, and don’t complain. So, if you ever have the pleasure of meeting them, you’ll know you’ve been touched by an Angel. I believe in giving people their roses while they are still living and I want to give a special shout out to this magnificent team of Oncology nurses and Dr. whom I’ve grown to love and care for. Here’s to you ladies and although I’ll probably never ever find this type of familial atmosphere again, I can still be hopeful that there are more like you out there:) Happy Holidays to you and your families:)
ShesThatRNspiration 