An Integral Part of the Team. #NotJustANurse.
I’m sure you’ve seen it. Kelley Johnson. Her “Not Just a Nurse” monologue. The comments from The View host Joy Behar. The #NursesUnite social media responses. (If you haven't seen it yet, you can view Miss Colorado's monologue here) Regardless of who said what, what was misunderstood or mispoke... one thing was made clear at the end of the day; something that we already knew to be fact, but something that we can never be reminded of too often:
Nurses are AWESOME.
Before deciding to become a doula, I was a nurse. I obtained my license as an LPN and switched to doula work in the middle of my RN program. And while I never ended up practicing, I absolutely understand the work that goes into getting there. The education is grueling. The clinicals are not just practice; someone is still actually depending on you to care for them. The hours - in and out of the classroom - are long, and learning in this field never really stops. The NCLEX is near torturous. And after all that, nurses show up for the job on weekends and holidays, sometimes missing time with their own families for birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations... all to take care of your family. The grunt work that comes with the job is not for the faint of heart... these brave souls encounter endless amounts of bodily fluids and waste, all while keeping a calm and pleasant demeaner to spare the dignity of their patients. And there is certainly an art to the practical skills that nursing requires, too! (if you’ve ever tried to put an IV in a fragile, dehydrated, elderly vein, you know what I’m taking about!) And the people skills required is an art form all on its own as well - the endless personalities and work styles of fellow nurses and doctors; and the family and cultural dynamics, and various levels of understanding and participation from patients are all personal factors that a nurse has to be able to juggle on top of the medical care (s)he’s trained and expected to carry out. These are incredible people, you guys. And they are an integral part of the medical team.
I will say it again (and forever): Nurses are AWESOME. Their profession is not to be taken lightly. It’s hard work. It requires incredible dedication, compassion, knowledge, and skill. It is a talent worthy of honor, recognition, and appreciation.
I have had the privilege of working with some pretty amazing nurses already in my short time as a doula. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with these nurses to ensure the very best experience for my clients. They are busy, yes - often caring for several laboring women at a time each shift - but when they’re in the room, they listen, they comfort, and they assist each of my clients with wonderfully undivided care. I love nurses! It is a honor to work alongside each and every one of them.
Thank you to all the nurses I've been able to work with so far: from Miami Valley Hospital, Kettering Medical Center, and Dublin Methodist Hospital.
And thank you in advance, to all the nurses who I have yet the pleasure of meeting. And a special shout out goes to my local hospital, Springfield Regional Medical Center. I know what many say about this hospital, and about the staff there. I want to say this: you are amazing, and you are appreciated. I know how hard the job can be. I know what you’re up against. But I know several people (and I’m one of them) who have had wonderful experiences there.... because of YOU. So please be encouraged to know that your hard work does not go unnoticed. As a fellow Springfielder, as a patient, as a nurse, and as a doula: THANK YOU for what you do; for serving this city; and for providing quality care for your patients every day no matter what.
NURSES... You’ve got skill. You’ve got heart. You’ve got talent. You are not "just a nurse". You are an integral part of the team. You are AWESOME. THANK YOU for your service!
Did you have an awesome nurse? We'd love to celebrate them with you! Are you a nurse who has received a special thank you from a patient? We'd love to hear about it! Share your stories below!
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