It Could Be Me!

Caring for another individual is beautiful. It is a sacrifice. It is a gift. Not everyone has the grace to care for another, especially the sick, the disabled, needy or anyone for that matter. Caring for another individual is more than work per se, it is an innate trait. It is a blessing to be able to have the opportunity to do so. True, we cannot change the direction of the wind but we sure can adjust the sail.

Different individuals choose Medical profession especially “Nursing” profession for different reasons. Reasons like job stability, money-making profession that one can acquire zillion over time hours but most importantly, to care for those who need the help of medical science and all its providers to be healthy and have a better prolonged life.

I have always believed that it is a good thing to always be good to everyone we meet because our situation could change in a heartbeat and our life could depend on another individual. If or when it does, I always pray for God to also give me a caring nurse during my time of need in a healthcare facility. For many years, I have researched to understand the basis people choose this great but tasking profession. I have come to understand that when you are a selfless individual that have an unconditional love for another regardless of the reason for the “chosen” profession, the best part of you will set in when the time comes.

As a HealthCare Administrative Intern, I came to appreciate “Nursing” even better, after having seen nurses at work, at the Texas Medical Center. Nursing profession requires a lot of patience, care, devotion, trust, time, selflessness, but most of all, the spirit of God to be able to render such a generous service.

There is saying that goes like, “When one is mourning for the dead, he is also mourning for himself.” I believe this to be true. Things can go wrong in our lives at anytime regardless. In the healthcare industry, there could be medication error, equipment malfunction, medical record misplacement, wrong patient data, job burnout… you name it. No one is beyond mistakes but, certain mistakes can be avoided in a lot of ways especially when we, as individuals do our part, most effectively.

I observed dedicated nurses at this hospital, an outstanding healthcare organization and I admire them. I love their enthusiasm. I love their devotion. I also observe the way they care for these patients as if they are caring for themselves or loved ones. I love their patience regardless of long hours or work overflow. I love the fact they chose one of the most selfless professions to make our lives even better. Not every nurse is a great nurse but I have seen the best and the best personally and professionally.

I believe every nurse should always say to him or herself when they are caring for patients especially, “…I will be the best that I can be to every patient, in the best possible way, to change or make their situation/outcome better regardless of my obligation because, it could be me.” When I see a patient, I talk to God on his/her behalf. I realize that it could be me laying up there with or without any hopes then my heart is full of gratitude especially for my life and health that I am blessed with each day. Truly, it could be me.

Nursing is indeed a skill well sculptured only by the best; the gentle givers of all.

Nurses are Angels here on earth.

Originally written June 8, 2009