Pandemics Don't Stop Nurses From Nursing!

First of all, let me shout out all my nurses out there. We are some freaking unbelievable, unstoppable, reliable, dependable, loving, and caring individuals. While I know that not everyone has these characteristics, I’m showing love for the ones who do. We rock it out every day for any number of hours. We leave the safety and comforts of our own homes to tend to other people’s loved ones. We are sometimes mandated (during a crisis) to stay and work around the clock. We sacrifice our bladders, hydration, sleep, mental stability, emotions, and lunch breaks, but we keep going. Koodos to us ALL!!!!

This morning I started out off-balanced. I left out the house, took the trash out, got in my car, and started driving. I was going to stop at Wawa to get my coffee since we’ve gotten rid of all the snacks and drinks at work that were out for consumption. As I was driving, I reached into my bag to get my wallet and noticed it wasn’t there. I pulled the car over and double-checked, but it wasn’t there. So, I had to turn around and go back home because it had my license as well. I got back and retrieved my wallet and made the decision to go the WaWa by my job because that turn around set me back on time. I hate driving in the rain, but I began saying my prayers and being grateful for being a part of a new day. I thought to myself you want to complain, but someone didn’t wake up today because they had COVID-19 and died. That quickly put things into perspective for me.

I kept going and reached my destination, Delaware. I had about 15 minutes to spare, and the lines were long. Not to mention, I had to wait in the coffee line for the person to make each coffee individually. I got to the register line and was waiting again. I thought, Lord, I’m gonna be late. There was a man in front of me who I asked which line was he in. He said I was trying to wait and see whichever moved the faster. Well, sir, I don’t have time for that, so I began walking toward the line on the left. He said you can go ahead, you look like you’ve got to get to work and I can take my time. I said thank you, and then it was my turn to be rung up. The same man said, “what do you in your cup, coffee?” I said yes, and he said: “don’t worry about it, I’ll pay for it, you go ahead and get to work and thank you for all you do.” I had a big smile on my face as I said aww thank you so much, I really appreciate that. Now, if you’ve been following my post, then you’ll know I’m a cry baby. Well, sure enough, that brought tears to my eyes. First, because I was being so impatient and fast. Next, because this gentleman didn’t have to do this act of kindness, but he did. And lastly, because he recognized the work, I do as a nurse. My day just got restarted off to a better start.

This picture touched me deep down on the inside. For me, it signified how we give unconditionally daily. Our patients are scared, we’re afraid, and the world is in an unsettling place right now. However, we get up, put our scrubs on, and sometimes without notice, we forget to put on our crowns. We are so busy considering the needs of others that we forsake our own. Someone comes along and gently places it on our heads, reminding us of who we are the sacrifices we make, and the care we give. Dear Nurses, I know this is just as hard for us as it is the rest of the world, but thank you! Thank you for showing up, not calling out, ignoring your own personal thoughts, considering your coworkers and patients, cutting your lunch break short, forgetting to pee, and for just being there. Your and my presence make all the difference in the world.

We are the most trusted professionals out there. So, if we stopped coming, the world wouldn’t be in hysteria, they would be far worse. They would lose hope, lose their will, and possibly their faith. I’m not making us into gods, but I am saying that people depend on us to take care of them even more than the doctors. So, know your sacrifice is appreciated. If no one else tells you, you are a fantastic group of professionals who are loved and adored. Don’t let all the news media, administrators, or anyone else get you down. You are the ISH, PERIODT!!!!! Now, make sure you take care of yourselves today and every day.