I am not a nurse. I wasn’t born with the genes for nursing,
but I work alongside nurses each day. They’re busy from the second they clock
in at the nursing home until they leave, often working overtime to finish their
patient notes or working a double shift. Some residents are demanding and
unappreciative, yet the nurses still devote their time to providing the best
care. They have bus-size more patience than me.
Last week, I had the surprise of observing from the flip side—from
a hospital bed, a humbling position. From the moment the admitting nurse handed
me a white cotton gown with the blue diamond print, snaps on shoulders, and open
back, I was humbled. The ties, dangling at the side, are completely useless and
do nothing to improve the silhouette. One size fits all.
Lying on that hospital bed, I was quickly transformed into a
patient, dependent on nursing care. It’s hard to do much when your arm is
attached to an IV pole. Of course, I wanted to get better, so I let the nurses
invade my personal space and check vitals every hour. I appreciated their
compassion, their thorough care and friendly smiles even at 4:00 AM.
I was thankful for each act of kindness. After a few days
there, when I was desperate to get clean, one nurse wrapped my IV in plastic and
tape so it wouldn’t get wet, and I could shower. Another nurse stopped to talk
to me about the books she enjoys and ask what I’ve written—took my mind off where
I was for the moment. In the morning, a nursing assistant sang “Jesus is the
Answer,” a church song I loved from years ago, while she made my bed. Nurses
were often in my room helping the patient next to me. She was suffering with excruciating
pain and called for help day and night. The nurses answered every time. And the
call bells kept ringing.
I’m home now, but I’ll remember the faces of the nurses—the light
in a depressing place. I thank God for all those blessed with the nursing gene.
They are an example of “The Good Samaritan,” what God desires us all to be.
- The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
- “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
- “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
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