Why You Should Appreciate Nurses
They are there for us when we feel scared and alone
A few months ago, I found myself waiting to be called back for surgery. My heart was racing and my hands were clammy. Hospitals put me on edge, but I am pretty sure most people would say the same.
After what felt like an eternity, but in reality was only a few minutes, my name was called and I was led into pre-op.
When I find myself in stressful situations, I always turn to humor and try to be as nice as possible. I would hate to be short with someone just because I am scared.
So, I relied on my humor and extroverted self to carry myself through this terrifying experience.
Even though the idea of surgery made my blood run cold, I ended up having such a great experience.
And all of the thanks goes to the nurses that cared for me.
Nurses Make You Feel Comfortable
When I showed up for my surgery, I did not think that anything could put me at ease.
My nurses proved me wrong. They always explained what they were doing and why. They answered any questions I had (and trust me, I had tons!).
Every single time they came in to check on me, they always asked if I wanted help to sit in the chair, or if I needed an extra blanket or pillow.
They even took note of my favorite ice cream and made sure it was on my next food tray.
Nurses Help With All Tasks — Big or Small
I had to stay in the hospital overnight due to the surgery that was performed. Along with the excision of Endometriosis, my appendix was also removed due to the pesky Endo growing on that useless organ.
So, staying overnight meant I ended up needing help with certain tasks. When you have any type of abdominal surgery, doing any type of movement, especially bending, proves to be impossible.
My nurses were always a button push away to help me get up to use the bathroom. They gently guided me and walked as slowly as I needed.
There was a moment where my water was out of my reach on my table and I couldn’t stretch to reach it without crying out in pain. Without me even having to ask, my nurse placed the water in my hand. Such a simple act, but it brought me to tears.
After the surgery I had, bleeding was common, and to my horror, I couldn’t change my pad by myself. The nurse could sense my embarrassment and knew what I needed so she quickly took care of it for me. I kept apologizing and she just smiled and reassured me that she was there to help.
Nurses Are Always Kind
One of my nurses left a lasting impression on me when she told me that she appreciated my good attitude, patience, and how she wished all patients were like me.
I didn’t see it as me doing anything special. I just wanted to be polite and show my appreciation for everything they were doing for me.
Anytime the nurses came into my room, we all ended up laughing and having fun conversations. I hope that those moments helped them through the day.
Another nurse was tasked with removing my abdominal drain. My anxiety was through the roof, I didn’t know what to expect. She talked to me as she removed the stitches and instructed me to let a breath out slowly while she pulled the tubing out.
It was a painful experience, but what got me through was the unwavering kindness and patience.
Even though they are overworked, most likely underpaid and deal with difficult people all day, they still find it in their hearts to always be kind.
They Are Resilient
We all know that nurses have long hours and deal with stressful situations on a daily basis.
However, I got to see firsthand just how resilient they really are.
A nurse was preparing me to be discharged, and said she would be back in a little bit.
A few minutes later, I heard a noise in the hallway, which was odd since the hospital was always pretty quiet. I knew in my gut that it was something serious. This feeling was confirmed when a voice over the intercom was directing nurses and other medical staff to a particular room.
This ordeal went on for awhile, and my nurse came back in hours later, apologizing and explaining they had a situation that needed their attention.
She was so calm and composed. I couldn’t believe that was apologizing to me, after seeing and dealing with whatever happened in that room.
Even After You Leave the Hospital, They Still Show That They Care
About a week after my surgery, I was recovering at home. I was looking through my discharge paperwork, and came across what looked like a card. Curious, I opened it and immediately began to cry. It was a card wishing me luck on my road to recovery, and my nurses all signed it.
They probably don’t even realize how much that card meant to me.
So, next time you are in a hospital, or even in your regular doctors office, do the nurses a favor and be kind. They are there to help you and always do the best they can. Make their day a little easier and let them know how much you appreciate what they do.
