My New Job

When I started nursing school, there was a nursing shortage. Now, however, there are very few job openings for nurses. Since most places hire nurses from their existing staff, I decided to get a job as a CNA until May in hopes of then being hired on as a nurse. So, I now work at Coral Desert Rehabilitation. It is a small (non-IHC... YEA!!!) facility that helps post surgical patients recover well enough to return home. I work night shifts which has been an adjustment, but it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.

My work is physically tough. I am on my feet all night long lifting people to and from the bathroom, wiping dirty bums, and helping people with little things I take for granted (like being able to pull the sheets up at night). While the actual work isn't ideal, it is a really rewarding job. I hear "thank you" several times a night. My patients consistently tell me how much they appreciate my help. They worry that I am tired and worn out and "working too much." They tell me to eat some dinner and "put it on their hospital tab." They tell me they love me (a little weird at first, but it feels nice). I have never had a job where I have felt so much kindness and gratitude for even the smallest things--help changing into pajamas, a drink of water, lotion rubbed into a hard to reach spot, someone to sit next to you when you can't sleep. My patients' kind words are not a reflection of me as they are equally grateful to all of their caregivers, but are a reflection of their character and their ability to see beyond themselves even when they are sick and exhausted. It is really eye-opening.

I leave work exhausted but feeling lucky for the things I have. The man who lost his leg has taught me to be grateful I can stand on my own. The woman who lost her eye has increased my gratitude for sight. The woman who cried when she wet her bed taught me humility and compassion. The patient who was fine two days ago and woke up paralized has taught me to appreciate each day a little bit more.

When I finally snuggle into bed next to ben at six in the morning and steal the part of the blanket he's warmed up, I feel incredibly tired but incredibly thankful for everything I have. Especially for the things I've always had but did not see until now.