Yesterday. It was one of those rare days for me. After struggling my way through a flare for the past few weeks, I finally woke up feeling good. I had energy, my joint pain was minimal, there was no headache, no queasiness. I actually felt great – even before my morning mocha. I exercised, had my quiet time, ate breakfast, and got ready to go work with some of my favorite people on earth.
Yesterday was also one of those rare days in nursing. It was my second day caring for a great team of patients. By this point, I’m familiar with their histories, their diagnoses, their plans of care, and their little idiosyncracies. And they’re familiar with mine. Because, let’s face it, we all have them.
I tell my patients right from the beginning that we’re going to laugh together because I only know how to be me. Yes, I can be serious. Yes, I can be professional. But only for so long. Then I trip over something. Or turn the wrong way when I leave their room. That’s just the me in “Nurse Debi” slipping out. So we laugh together as I try to neatly “tuck that back in”. For a little while.
Anyways, this is where the story would usually turn. Here is where I would tell about the overwhelming stress. Or about a patient whose condition suddenly went downhill. Or the one who broke my heart. But, not this time. This yesterday was one of those days that I dreamt about during the five long years of my nursing education.
I saw improvement in all five of my patients – that’s what we hope for every morning when we clock in. I got to spend time with each of them – actually having a few uninterrupted conversations and even some prayers. I got to spend quality time helping some nursing students learn. I was privileged to work with a great team of colleagues who have become part of my family. I have come to love them all so much. And I got to leave at the end of my shift feeling tired, but it was just a normal, satisfied tired. Not that ugly Lupus tired.
Anyways, yesterday was refreshing. And I’m just so thankful for it that I woke up this morning and couldn’t wait to tell you about it. Our God is amazing to know us so well that he gives us just what we need, exactly when we need it. Always. Trust him in that and be encouraged.
Thanks for growing with me. ❤
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”(Isaiah 58:11)
Growing Nurse Debi 