The Discouraged Nurse

I’m really NOT a complainer, and most often I have a “glass half full” attitude.  But today?  Today I was discouraged.  Tonight, I’m not looking forward to going to work tomorrow, and I am having to remind myself of all the reasons that I became a nurse.

I am remembering Colossians 3:23-24, the scripture I so often would point my son Rory to – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Why?  Because my back is killing me from ANOTHER recent injury at work.  And my right knee is all but shot, and twice the size of the left one. (Not so attractive in a dress).   And when trying to get the appropriate treatment such as physical therapy from my workman’s compensation claim which was approved, I’m treated as if I’m a drug-seeking thug applying for welfare.

You know how we divvy up our work load at my job?   Whoever has the knees, shoulders, and backs that are hurting the LEAST that day, helps everyone ELSE with their turns.  There isn’t one of us who hasn’t got a torn this, or a bulging that.  We don’t ask for much – just not to be abused verbally by our patient’s family members, and not to be spoken to as if we are total nincompoops when we are trying to be appropriately rehabilitated for the injury caused by our jobs.   I don’t think it’s asking too much.   I mean, really – Is speaking respectfully, kindly, & pleasantly to another human being that difficult?  Do your credentials and years of school somehow justify you treating me as if I’m some less-than-human “thing” off the streets?   Today, it took everything I had inside of me NOT to suggest that the person “caring” for me that she apply at Secretary of State, because her attitude would surely fit in with the rest of them.   And by “caring” for me, what I mean is – She tapped on my knees to check my reflexes.   Yeah.  Mmm Hmmm   That was the extent of her “physical exam.”

But tomorrow morning, I’ll get up.  And although my back is still killing me, eventually I will need surgery, and every day I live with chronic back pain, I’ll remind myself once AGAIN, of Colossians 3:23-24, and I’ll hold my tongue, and remember why I became a nurse.   And I WILL do my job as if I’m working for the Lord, and NOT for that person who treated me so poorly today.  Really, it was incredibly uncalled for…..

That’s just how nurses are.  We care about our patients and put their needs before our own.

And I just want to add – Those credentials that mean so much to us?   Our titles?  Degrees?   They don’t mean diddly squat when we arrive at the Pearly Gates.

I’m working on my heavenly credentials.    And sometimes, you just need a good example of how NOT to act, behave, or treat others.  So, I’m headed to bed thankful for the person who provided me with that today.   In fact, I’m even thankful tonight for my back pain.  It reminds me all day long to be in continuous communication with God!

Lord, May I NEVER treat anyone so poorly and unkindly as I was treated today!

And if you’re reading this and you’re not a nurse?  Next time you see a little old lady taking forever to walk across the street, who can hardly stand up straight?   Be patient and use that time to thank God for your health, instead of being impatient for her to get out of your way.   Chances are – She may a retired nurse, who at one time may have taken care of someone you love.