Nursing is a beautiful profession for the most part. I get to care for people who otherwise are unable to care for themselves. I also get to meet so many different types of people and make friends along the way. Looking back, I have learned so much about nursing, people, myself, and life. When I first became a nurse my expectations were to do the things that nurses do throughout a twelve-hour shift and go home. What I did not expect was to have the way I see and go about life to be challenged by the nursing profession.
Prior to becoming a nurse, I did not value my time as much as I do now. There were days that I’d lie around and do pretty much nothing all day. I would procrastinate and leave things to be done another day or not do them at all. I took time for granted. Not to tag myself as lazy because I am definitely a productive person but not as productive as I could’ve been. Since becoming a nurse and working twelve-hour shifts, my free time is limited. I know some would argue the fact that nurses get four days off every week but one, maybe two of those days are carved out for rest, at least for me anyway. As a result of seeing patients pass away or caring for someone who nearly lost their lives, it gave me the push I needed to take full advantage of my time. I now push myself to stay up later and get things done. I do understand the value of rest and I make sure to prioritize it in order to prevent burnout. These days I am doing more with my time like blogging, exercising, cooking, decorating my home, spending time with family, and other things that I use to say I was too tired to do. Life is much too short and I will no longer take the time I have left for granted.
Being around sick people all the time has changed the way I see my health. I’ve cared for people with serious health issues that have left them debilitated and unable to enjoy life to the fullest if at all. Caring for these patients has made me reflect on my own health and question if I’ve been caring for myself in the best way possible. For the most part, the answer is yes. But there are some things I can do better like exercise and eat healthier. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a horrible diet. However, I can afford to limit my sugar intake, increase my water intake, and eat more fruits and vegetables. As a nurse, especially on a busy Trauma unit, there is hardly any time to stop and drink water let alone stop and have breakfast and lunch. Seeing the effects of unhealthy eating habits, I have prioritized breakfast and lunch and drinking water while at work and doubling my portions while home. Exercise has never been my thing. I’ve always admired people who consistently work out. I enjoy yoga, pilates, walking, and even walking but I find it hard to do it consistently. Fortunately, I walk a ton at work (approximately 3000 steps per shift) so I’m not completely out of the loop with exercise. My goal is to stretch and tone to make my body stronger to handle the rigor of a twelve-hour shift and to remain strong enough to support me for the rest of my life.
I have had to be emotional support for families of patients that have passed away. Each time it was difficult. Some deaths were expected, others were not. I have shed tears with families and others I’ve had to be strong for. Being in either situation was not easy and always made me think about my own family. How much time I spend with them. How much time we have left together. Arguments, disappointments, disagreements, good times, bad times, etc., I think about it all and I’ve realized that at the end of the day I need to cherish every single person and every single moment because life is short and tomorrow is not promised. I’m practicing being more present, especially with my husband and son. Sometimes I leave my cell phone and computer upstairs so that I can focus on being with my family and creating moments. God forbid, if something was to happen, I don’t want to have any regrets about not spending enough time with my loved ones or not being fully present. This, I think, is the lesson I’m most thankful to nursing for teaching me however I had to learn it.
The final lesson I’ve learned from nursing is that sometimes you have to meet and leave people where they are. Nurses love to help and teach. But I’ve come to learn (with patients and everyone else) that people are who they are and sometimes cannot be helped simply because they don’t want to be. As hard as it may be for me at times, I’ve learned to back off and let the situation be whatever it is going to be. My patients are educated on topics related to their health. Anything outside of that is left alone. I have been able to apply this to so many different situations not only with my patients. Because of this, my frustration has decreased and I am able to preserve energy for people who are open to what I have to offer.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, nursing is a beautiful profession. Part of our job is to teach and help people get better but unexpectedly, nursing has taught me so much and made me a better person in so many ways. The days are long and sometimes tough but I would not trade the lessons I have learned for anything. I once read a quote that said, “Nursing is the hardest job you’ll ever love.” True. True indeed.
With Love,
Shara
“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do” Ephesians 5:15-17
