Prior to becoming a nurse, many individuals view the profession of nursing as an exciting and often alluring career. However, after years of practicing in nursing, the nurse often loses site of the true meaning of being a nurse. With this loss, the everyday duties of passing medications, charting and procedures, in addition to the long hours become the primary focal point of “the job”. Yes, the profession of a nurse includes responsibilities such as bedpans and dressing changes, but there is so much more to this profession.
Being a nurse is one of the greatest privileges bestowed. A nurse is allowed into the lives and most inner thoughts and feelings of the patients, families and significant others they are entrusted to care for. Of course there will always be those days that are not so glamorous or attractive. But at the end of the day the nurse must ask themselves, what are the most important aspirations in life?
With this in mind, I am always brought back to the following poem:
Being A Nurse Means…..
You will never be bored.
You will always be frustrated.
You will be surrounded by challenge.
So much to do and so little time.
You will carry immense responsibilities
and very little authority.
You will step into people’s lives
and you will make a difference.
Some will bless you ~ Some will curse you.
You will see people at their worst
and at their best.
You will never cease to be amazed
at peoples capacity for
Love, Courage and Endurance.
You will see life end ~ and begin.
You will experience resounding triumphs
and some devastating failures.
You will cry a lot ~ you will laugh a lot.
You will know what it is to be human
and to be humane.
~ Melodie Chenevert
What a wonderful, rewarding and challenging profession!!!
From co-Author:
Martha Hayton, MSN, ARNP-C, CWS
Director, Practical Nursing Program
Pasco County Campus