I have spoken a lot about the violence and abuse nurses are put through. As a nurse, that’s not what I carry with me. That’s not what gets me through the bad days. That’s not what I live for. There are a few moments that have gotten me through the worst days, the worst situations. There are moments that make every bruise, every curse, every obscenity and every long day worth it. These include:
-a grandson bringing me a cup of tea after I cared for his grandmother when she died
-being told “you are a wonderful, caring person and are definitely in the right job, this is your calling”
-being introduced as “the nurse that knows everything” (and NOT in a sarcastic way!)
-getting an e-mail from a colleague that said I was the calm eye of the storm, and she was grateful I was there.
-Being told by a nurse that “I’ve never felt so supported, I’m so glad you were there for me”
and a million other little moments that I call on when I’m having a bad day.