I have a job as a nurse.
I am asked, "How can you have a job? You are SO not healthy!"
One day at a time. I have very supportive coworkers and the doctors I work with are amazing.
I not only work for money and for insurance.,
I work because when I am at work, I make a difference in people's lives.
So often, in the healthcare setting, patients and family members can feel so lost and helpless. I have experienced this. My experience helps me help others.
On Thursday a mom came to the clinic and asked for me. Her little 2 year old struggles with the same cancer that, Josiah, my son had.
She received the dreaded news a few weeks ago, that her child's cancer had recurred.
The survival rate is not as high for kids with recurrent cancer. As the mom finds out more and more, her fear gets greater. Understandably so.
She came to me for a couple of things. She wanted to tell me what the doctors had said and she wanted to know if it was alright if she looked for more opinions, for a person that might specialize in this particular cancer. I'm guessing she wanted to be listened to by someone who had been there.
What struck me during our visit as we sat behind a curtain, both of us trying hard not to cry, was the plea of her heart. She said repeatedly, "Those doctors have hundreds of patients. My child is one of many, but she is the only (girl's name) I have."
She left.
Sometimes I am so grateful that my desk is built into the wall of the pediatric hallway. I went to my desk, my face hidden, with tears flowing. Quietly. I thought about the mom, I thought about the little girl, I thought about my mother's heart, I thought about my cancer survivor son.
I started researching. Trying to find someone that specialized in her child's cancer.
Sweet mom of that little girl, when you were talking to me, you were the only person I saw. I see your face frequently in my mind. Please know that although your child is not the only patient I have, I will give my best effort. I will work to find answers for you. When you seek my help, you will be the only person I see.
Other people out there, for as long as I can remember, I have tried to ask the question with each patient I interact with, "If I were this person, what would I want from my nurse?" and I try to do it.
It occurred to me through this
experience that I do that for my patients, but I don't always do that
for other people in my life. Wouldn't this world be a much better
place if each of us, in each interaction, treated people as if at
that moment they were the only person we saw? Let's try it.
