I got into nursing as a wide-eyed 18 year-old, looking for an opportunity to grow personally, to serve others, and a medium to explore life experiences. I see God in nursing. It inspires, challenges and engages me. I am utterly obsessed with what I get to do on a daily basis. There are many reasons people get into nursing but, for me, I have no doubt that God gave me the gift of service. Nursing is the particular way I express that gift. To put it another way, serving is the language in which I love others, and nursing is often the vernacular that I express it through. I guess you could call it my vocation in life.
Vo-ca-tion [voh-key-shuhn]: a divine call to God’s service in a particular occupation or profession; a calling.
That being said, nursing is difficult with its own unique sets of challenges unparalleled by many other professions. Day-to-day nursing isn't glamorous. Nurses are pooped on, peed on and bled on. We are cussed at, and occasionally have things thrown at us. These are the hazards of working with the ill and those who are down on their luck. Nurses work long hours. They give up holidays with their loved ones to spend time with yours. But nursing is also being the first to catch a new baby as it is being born. Nursing means holding a dying hand, and praying over those who don't even know they are being prayed for. My experiences as a nurse have changed the lens by which I view all other life experiences.
The purpose of this blog is to tell stories, share clinical wisdom, and encourage other nurses pursuing this unique and challenging field. My hope, as this blog grows, is to create a space for new-grads to find resources for what they don't teach you in school, and for veteran nurses to share their experience!
