A Nurses Story: Sometimes it’s not just about saving lives

Written by: Conrad Cordova an RN in Tucson, Arizona who is giving his “thumbs up” with friends!

As nurses, we want to heal, and save lives.

Sometimes it’s not just about saving lives.

It’s about saying a healing prayer with a family while holding their dying loved one’s hand. It’s about singing a beautiful hymn and feel spirituality fill the room. It’s hearing a family give permission to their loved one to let go, and being witness to their breaking hearts as the patient seems to hear them and fade away. It’s hearing them ask the Lord to take accept their loved one and take her home, and literally FEEL a presence in the room. It’s the peacefulness and beauty as they pray, sing, and almost rejoice, after telling them their loved one is gone.

It’s acceptance into their sacred family circle as they include you and make you feel like you are part of their family. Then, it’s the gifts they give you in return for the work you have done.

Those gifts are the countless hugs, the many “thank you’s,” and the “I won’t forget you’s.” Those are the gifts we take home with us, and they are invaluable.

You then realize… Maybe it really is about HEALING.

Healing from the stress and fatigue that comes with this job. Healing from the “why do I stay in this profession?” Healing from the many challenges of this role. You then realize the purpose of your day. And you realize just how privileged you really are to have the opportunity to be part of this experience. And all that negativity seems to dissipate & you are ready for the next one.

That was my day today. Although sad for this family, I feel blessed to have been part of it, and it was beautiful.

Pastor Dewey Note: I love it that Conrad shared with us! Nurses are so very special taking care of God’s children young and old. They are under appreciated and under paid. They are under much stress with this new health care system. My wife Sharon is an RN, I love her so, I know the heart, minds and souls of nurses.

Philippians 2:4 –

do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

I know that nurses are not only the largest healthcare profession but are responsible for the delivery of most healthcare, and are often in the best place to be able to see the whole pathway of care.