I've spent a fair amount of time in hospitals, both for my own care and with those I love, as I suspect many of you have as well. I know that nurses are the ones you count on.
They explain everything that the doctor didn’t say. They help you to the bathroom when you can’t make it on your own. They know what medicines you need and help you take them. They change your bandages, fix your i.v., and reassure you that the beeping monitor is normal. They answer the phone when your anxious spouse calls. They point the way. They find a spot for the flowers that are the only splash of color in the room and tell you it’s okay that you hit the call button. They hunt down the doctor because you’re right, that shouldn’t be bleeding. They find a reclining chair and a blanket so you can sleep next to your child, and turn the light off when you finally fall asleep. They find a sandwich when you haven’t been allowed to eat for fourteen hours and by the time you’re admitted the kitchen is closed. They explain how to get the horrible gown to stay on, and get you a second gown to wear backward so you are minimally less exposed. They make small talk with your frightened parents so you don’t have to put in the energy of reassuring them. They help you change when you knock the ice water into your bed with the i.v. tubing. They celebrate, and sometimes cry when you finally get to go home.
To all my friends who are nurses. To all the nurses who have been with me through life-changing journeys. To all the nurses who are frightened and under-appreciated and struggling and doing your jobs when it is so, so hard, and to all the nurses who continue to provide support and solace at this unbelievably hard time: I see you and I can’t find the words for how grateful I am for all that you do, every day.
-Ellen Marks