Happy AnniNURSEary

Not too long ago I was going through an old box of mine from when I was younger. I read this paper I wrote in grade school, an autobiography, Chapter 7 titled "Me and the World" struck me. Here is a piece of the chapter, grammatical errors and all: "When I get out of school I want to become a nurse, not just a nurse but a R.N. That means a Registared Nurse. People say thats a good job for me because I am really good with babies and kids. I like kids a lot, especially new born babies. They're so cute and precious."

So that's where my personal goal of becoming a Nurse started. I remember wanting to become a Dentist somewhere in the mix. I quickly changed my mind after the thought of moving out of state for schooling, the outrageous tuition of Dental School, and the bore of just a mouth. So I decided to take good care of my own teeth and take better care of other people for a living. By far one of the smartest personal decisions of my life, for me.

I had two of the best interruptions and one "life learning experience" (what I like to call it) along the path of my goal. But I did it... through it all. That's a job in itself, and I wouldn't trade an ounce of it. I had to go through it to be the person I am today. Everything happens for a reason. I'm here... and astonished that a year has gone by.

This photo was taken during Nursing School. I like this picture because of the smiles. The twisted grinny-grin-grins that were really hiding the hell, frustrations and everything else these three girls were going through from Nursing School. Yes, it was brutal. A year later I've learned that Nursing is brutal.... but if you have the heart for it... it's bliss. This heart is blissful.

I am lucky. So lucky. Thankful to have a job, and one that I love at that. I love my job, my co-workers, but most of all my patients. They hold a special spot in me. I have learned so, so much... in many areas of my life. Though it's important, it's not just about lab values, diagnostics, vital signs, and assessments... it's about the soul, the person. I couldn't be more privileged to be a part of helping during someones worst. It's a humbling career, and in many ways makes you appreciate the little things we take for granted everyday, which we are all guilty of sometimes.

Yes, it can be hard and stressful, it can also be peaceful. I have cried, laughed, learned, shared, hugged, wiped tears, and folded towels with patients and their families. I have helped pick patients up off the floor, ran to them, whispered to them, bathed them, lotioned them, and listened to them... the list goes on. It's rewarding. It's the most perfect job for me. I truly love people, and I have a lot of love to share. I love feeling like we are in this together, because we all are. I look forward to more learning.

This is my calling, and I am blessed with more passion as I am fulfilling it. You can do anything... anything you put your mind to. It was a great first year, cheers to many more. Happy 1 year Anniversary! ;)

Love,

Nurse Nenny