Many of the blogs I’ve visited in the last few days and comments I have made have all related to healthcare in some way. Following suit, my post today is pieces from an article I wrote several years ago describing what I do and why I do it in the nursing world. It was designed for a “Teen Room” section on a promotional web page, giving teens the opportunity to explore different careers. It still applies and speaks to the things I love about nursing.
Using talents to care for children
I have always known I wanted to work with children. Some of my first memories are playing “mommy” and “daycare.” At first, I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, but over the years I explored other careers in child care. I was strong in math and science, so I started to explore careers that would use these talents. I decided I wanted to become a pediatrician, but after two years of college, I realized this was not the right path for me.
I still wanted a career that would combine science, math and my love of children. Nursing seemed like a natural choice, so on a leap of faith I dropped all my other classes. Two years later, I graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in nursing.
While I was in school, part of my training included rotations, which allowed me to experience nursing in different environments. I was able to do my pediatric rotation in a children’s hospital, and I fell in love with the children, the organization, the place and the philosophy of care. I can honestly say I have used part of the mission statement, “Because children are special,” as a personal theme for the past 13 years.
After receiving my degree, I began a job as a graduate nurse in pediatrics. I am so grateful for that opportunity to fulfill my dream of working with children. The pediatric hospital is a cheerful and pleasant environment, even though many of our patients are very sick. We have a philosophy of specialized care for children, and we create a special environment where children get unique physical and emotional care.
A typical day for a pediatric nurse might consist of caring for four to five patients ranging from infants to teens. A nurse will make sure patients and their families understand the care they are receiving and any procedures they may have. It is important to continually educate patients to make sure they feel comfortable while visiting the hospital. A good nurse is a figure of trust, knowledge and communication for patients and families.
I love the relationships I am able to form with the children and the great trust they have in those caring for them. I firmly believe in maintaining a respect for how much control patients and their families give to us. I always try to think of what might be scary, confusing or unknown. My patients challenge me, and I enjoy my time with them.
One of my favorite groups of patients to work with is the pediatric cancer patient. I have come to love their little bald heads, their big shining eyes, and the great strength and hope they show in fighting their battle. I find a measure of beauty in how these patients and families “dance” through the difficult and confusing situation of cancer. I say dance because that’s how I think of it. You never know what song is next – is it a sick day or a well day? Or what beat or tempo you will have – is the chemo going to make me sick or not? Or what steps your partner will take to lead – what decisions will my parents and doctors make? And they dance it beautifully. The steps they choose are the right ones for them. I have the privilege of being involved in their care and watching, assisting and at times, “dancing” with them.
Nursing as a career has great benefits. It is enriching, challenging, uses your brain and heart and leaves an impression on you forever. I encourage anyone interested in working in health care to explore the field of nursing. It is a job that will both stretch you and make you smile. Most importantly, nursing will allow you to help others in need.
