The Bologna Blog

Being a Nurse is Unexplainable

Being a Nurse is Unexplainable

I write daily about my feelings, people, events, or memories
While most people spend their leisure on crossword puzzles,
My passion is the written word and expression of my thoughts
I recently realized that I had failed to convey my thoughts
About a subject that I am involved in on a daily basis
Nursing, being a nurse, it is a big part of who I am
Whether I am working or just out and about in town
People know me as a mother, a nurse, and a person of faith
I am afforded a certain amount of decorum based on the titles
Putting pen to paper to describe the role of a nurse is the hardest for me
It is an ever-changing, stress rendering, by the seat of your pants industry
No two days mimic each other and some days, survival is your only goal
I have experienced bone-tiring, mind melting, body fluid covered exhaustion
I have laughed, I have cried, I have hugged, and have been thoroughly disgusted
In one 12 hour shift, I have cleaned, wiped, medicated, needled, fed, and worried
In one 12 hour shift, I have walked with, talked with, sat with, and cared about
In one 12 hour shift, I have admitted, discharged, educated patients, and argued staffing
In one 12 hour shift, I have phoned doctors, cat teams, supervisors, and pharmacy
In one 12 hour shift, I have advocated for, cajoled, bargained with, and battled
In one 12 hour shift, I have learned, experienced, team-worked, and helped
At the end of my 12 hour shift, I must chart all of these duties and missions
At the end of my 12 hour shift, an explanation of my full bladder is explored
My dilemma comes when trying to translate this to nonmedical personnel
My dilemma comes when trying to justify the tasks to administration
Due to a multitude of stressors added with impossible expectations, nursing has changed
The divine decree of hospital regulations to do more with less hinders healthcare
Sitting on committees, attending staff meetings, and more school are added requirements
Never being sick and scheduling your live 3 months in advance are presumed
Medical advancement and scientific technology have benefitted in many ways
At the end of the day, it is the nurse lost to injury or burnout that impede bedside nursing
I am often asked if I would do it all again if nursing is a good career?
My answer, in one 12 hour shift I have cared, loved, known, hugged and made a difference