Week Two or Weak, Too?

I have to admit that I was super apprehensive about making this career change.  Death is something that scares the bejeezus out of me.  As a critical care nurse for many years, death was often times an answer to endless suffering.  That doesn’t ever mean that I got comfortable with it.  But, because I never…

Titanium Doesn’t Stand A Chance

“The human spirit is tougher than anything that can happen to it” C.C. Scott There are so many medical mysteries that the brightest of minds have pondered and come up with no explanation.  How does a patient who has failing kidneys and called it quits on dialysis continue to survive?  The kidneys filter out all…

The Least and The Most

I once read something that said that the rich stay rich by never giving anything away.  Does that mean that the poor remain poor by giving everything away?  Is generosity a trait that is only possessed by those with less?  I’ve thought about this a lot… It seems that those with the least are more…

The birds and the eel

It’s funny how life comes full circle.  Think about a young child – we love to take them to the zoo or to the aquarium in order to be amazed with what they can see.  We feed them to make sure they don’t make a mess.  We toilet them to make sure that they go. …

I Wouldn’t… Would you?

Everyone talks about the benefits of a long life.  You get to see your children and your grandchildren grow and flourish.  But, is there such a thing as too long of a life?  I do believe there is.  Imagine seeing those around you disappear… You would be the only one of your siblings still alive……

A Few Days

Would think that a few days away and I would be able to not think about work.  That’s the thing about nursing though – there is always something… that takes you right back into your work world.  Not that these past days have been any sort of vacation, but, other times, I would be able…

Among The Thorns

There are people ailing everywhere.  In the rich part of town, in the poor part of town, in the city, in the country… you get it.. Everywhere! People are also able to stay in their homes for longer periods of time when they are ill.  Medical professionals travel to them and provide the best care…

That Smile

The day began really early today… Much earlier than I would like.  The coffee didn’t have a chance to even make it to my gut before we were on our way.  We were going to see a patient… younger who had been diagnosed with ALS.  As typical for me, I was full of nervous anticipation. …

Day One

Nervous anticipation, fear, uneasiness, sadness and an eagerness to learn the ropes.  I’d say all of those things smooshed together is exactly how I felt this morning.  That feeling of uncertainty because I don’t know what I am doing is almost overwhelming.  Sure, I can assess a patient – but, I look for signs of…

The Night Before

The new journey starts tomorrow.. Exciting first line, right?  Catchy… Well, it’s true.  Tomorrow my career really takes a totally different turn.  You see, for the past close to 10 years, I have been a nurse.  I’ve been a med surg nurse, I’ve been a step down nurse, I’ve been an ICU nurse and finally,…