As many of you already know, I am a proud registered nurse and have been for 12 years.
From an early age, I knew that I wanted to help people, animals... pretty much all living creatures!
Nursing school was one of the most difficult challenges that I have ever faced in my lifetime. However, I am one of those "special" people who just LOVES to learn. Quality education is so important to me and I believe that it is one of the many factors that lead to my career success.
I am blessed to be a part of such a compassionate profession, where I can make a profound difference in the lives of my patients and families every single day. My passion has been in the Operating Room and Recovery Room. ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! Surgery is such a scary endeavor for many people, and I like to make the experience as positive as possible.
Give a little sunshine to one person, and hopefully they will pass it on... making a difference in the world... one person at a time, ya know?
My last official day as a nurse, before I was ordered to strict bedrest with my quadruplets in 2007, was a very sad day for me. I had no idea when I would be able to go back to nursing. A huge part of my identity was being a NURSE and helping others. I definitely had to get used to idea of other nurses having to help ME! Total role-reversal!
Give a little sunshine to one person, and hopefully they will pass it on... making a difference in the world... one person at a time, ya know?
My last official day as a nurse, before I was ordered to strict bedrest with my quadruplets in 2007, was a very sad day for me. I had no idea when I would be able to go back to nursing. A huge part of my identity was being a NURSE and helping others. I definitely had to get used to idea of other nurses having to help ME! Total role-reversal!
Last day of work~ 15 WEEKS Pregnant and Cooking 4 teenie tiny babies
The next several years were EXTREMELY BUSY!!! (as you can imagine)... I was using my nursing skills in a completely different way. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think we would be blessed with 4 precious miracle babies... life has been a crazy blast!
Fast forward 3 years later, when my kiddos started preschool twice a week...
Mama was finally able to go back to work as a NURSE (and interact with adults)! HEYYYYOOO! (Yep, I sure did take this picture on my way to work after a LOOOONG 3 year sebatical, LOL)
Now that we have 4 amazing, exhausting, fun, very demanding 5 yr old quads, I actually go to work for a BREAK! Yes, work is a break for me! My coworkers make fun of me because I bounce around from patient to patient with a big 'ole smile on my face----so happy to be working again! I hope you all do something you love, and if not~ go chase that dream, peeps. Life is too short.
Nursing is my ministry
“How has a nurse made a difference in your life?”
(Please leave me a comment, I'd love to hear about it)
Because of my love for nursing & quality education, I am truly impressed with Capella University:
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AND NOW FOR A VERY SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEBODY'S LIFE:
For every comment on my post, BlogHer will donate $1 to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society ~ up to $500 per blog!!!!!!!!!!!! What an incredible way to give back, right?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, PLEASE leave me a comment and tell me:
“How has a nurse made a difference in your life?”
or
"How have you been affected by cancer?"
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260 comments:
1 – 200 of 260 Newer› Newest»Cancer took the life of my Father in Law before he could meet our (almost) 5 yr old daughter. Though she talks about him constantlty, she has only met him through words and pictures.
My favorite nurse we met just a few weeks ago when we went in to the ER with a possible broken arm for my 7yr old. He was so kind and patient and really helped us throughout the night. Luckily for us the arm was just bruised and no broken bones!
I stumbled across your blog awhile ago and I always love seeing new posts from you. My mom and sister are RN's and I'm in school for my RN degree as well. As a medical assistant now, patients that come in saying that somebody who is truly happy in their profession makes them feel more comfortable and it's true!!! I love that blog her is donating to such a great cause!!!
Hey Suz.
I've been reading your blog for a while now but I don't think I ever commented. This probably doesn't qualify but I wanted to share this with you.
I'm from France and I'm a nurse as well. About 18 months ago I moved to Toronto (my biggest dream) and unfortunatelly still can't work as a nurse(working on it though). I think I understand what you say about missing your job. Being a nurse is such a big part of who I am and not being able to do it is killing me. I miss it so much. I cant wait for the day when my assessment will finally come through... it's going to be a very happy day for me!
Helene
There are too many incidents to list, but there was one nurse who really stands out in my mind:
When I had my twins prematurely, they spent 5 weeks in the NICU. My son particularly struggled and was on a ventilator for a week. One day, when I arrived in the NICU, one of the nurses was so very excited to show me what they had accomplished that day. He quickly yanked the blanket that covered the outside of my son's incubator like a magician pulling a table cloth from a table full of fine china, and said, "voila!" And there was my tiny boy breathing on his own!
I'll never forget that day!
I was diagnosedwith leukemia when I was 13. I wrote some posts about it in March this year. Some nurses were angels in my darkest hours. Soemtimes they would simply sit with me at night when my partents could not be there and watch me puke all over the bed only to smile and bring new bedsheets and clean up my puke. Thank God for these women!
Having had many surgeries, it has definitely been the nurses in the OR or prep for OR that have made the experience bearable! You can tell right away which nurses truly love their jobs and connect with the patients. I'm so glad you are able to share that gift with people!
Nurse Mary was the greatest nurse I have ever had when my oldest son was born. He spent 4 days in the NICU, but Mary's upbeat attitude and positive energy helped us get through it a little easier. I still say a little thank you prayer for her and all of the staff that helped us through that difficult time.
Thank you for making a difference!
Oh this is awesome!! I am currently training for my first half marathon with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! I'm so glad they are doing this! I lost my aunt to cancer in 2006- multiple myleoma and since then I have been searching for a way to give back and help find a cure so no one has to say goodbye like I did.
http://pages.teamintraining.org/sc/rnrsav12/stacyamy is where you can read about my teams journey to find a cure and if anyone reading wants to add a name to the ribbon rememberance, just let me know!!
My mom was an OR nurse for 13 years and is now a nurse supervisor for pre-admit. She taught me to always be nice and kind to your nurse because they are usually your first and last contact before any surgery, medical procedure, etc. This year, I had alot of "female" issues, and my OBGYN's nurse was a lifesaver. I called constantly with questions, was probably very unreasonable at times and just plain dramatic. She never lost patience with me, always returned my phone calls and reassured me when I needed it the most. Nurses keep the doctors in line, and deal with so much more than we as lay people will EVER know. So-be nice to your nurse!
My dad died from pancreatic cancer when I was 18. He was an amazing man and I miss him every day.
I've known a lot of people who have had cancer, but the one that affected me the most was when I was 17 and my boyfriend my was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. I went through everything right along his side and was laying in bed with him when he died.
Talk about a life-changing experience.
I am still thankful for all the nurses that took care of my dad while he was sick. They were all wonderful.
When I was 17 and my boyfriend was diagnosed with cancer, we found out he'd be getting treatment at the local Children's Hospital. We made the decision that I was going to be treated as a "parent" so I had parental visitation rights. I was nervous and spent many nights at the hospital without his mom with us... but the nurses, oh the nurses. They were so great. They would come hang out with us, bring us random treats, talk to us with respect and really became friends with us during that time. One nurse in particular, Stacy, was very diligent in making sure that not only did he have everything he needed, but she would check on me, too, to see how I was holding up under the stress. We stayed in touch for awhile after he died, but we've lost contact since then. (This was before the days of Facebook!)
I have been blessed with some awesome nurses during some very scary, painful experiences. Some I developed lasting relationships with, continuing to correspond with them even after leaving the hospital. Several nurses were extremely caring and loving towards my mother as she fought pancreatic cancer and eventually passed on to the arms of Jesus. Nursing is such a noble profession.
-Aggiema(Michelle)
I lost my sister in law Michelle last summer to breast cancer that spread to her spine and brain. She was only 39 and left behind four children ages 13-7. Michelle was afraid to be alone especially at night when she was in the hospital and nursing home. We as a family took turns staying with her so she always had a reassuring face when she woke up. The nurses in both locations were exceptional! I don't think our family could have survived those 3 months without the nursing staff to help. Not only did they make sure Michelle was comfortable from a medical standpoint, they took care of us family members too! Everything from ordering an extra meal to getting a rollaway bed brought in to a small room so we didn't have to sleep in a chair. Without their care and compassion, those months caring for Michelle would have been even more difficult to handle. Several of the nurses that we had formed a tight bond with even attended Michelle's funeral mass....that is going the extra mile! Thank you to all of the nurses who give so much of themselves to all they serve!
Hi Suz!
I hope it's okay to answer both of your questions.
The first...the nurse who has made a difference in my life is my husband, Warren. Our first year of marriage, he was in nursing school, and boy was that a way to start our married life together. Stressful doesn't even cover it! Despite all the struggles we faced during his years in school, I am extremely proud of him and his accomplishments and the work he does. He is a wonderful nurse, and I think his patients are very blessed to have him looking after them. I am also very proud of the fact that he is always willing to pray with any patient that asks. He was looked down on in a previous job because he did that, but I am beyond proud that he did what he felt led to do. Not only is he my favorite nurse, I am blessed to belong to family that is full of them...I have three cousins who are nurses, two of my husband's aunts are nurses, his grandmother was a nurse....so you can see that nurses hold a special place in my heart.
And...CANCER. Ugh. The easier question would be "How has my life NOT be affected by cancer"? I have lost many family members due to various forms of cancer, and my dad recently recovered from prostate cancer. But, the biggest effect was from my cousin, Jeff's, death last February from complications from melanoma. He had a mole on his back that he put off getting checked out, and when he did, it was full blown melanoma. He was on chemo for a year, and after that, was told that he was in remission. He returned to his job and a relatively 'normal' life. Then, last October, he went in for a routine scan, and a spot was discovered on his lung. By January, it had moved on to his liver, and he was gone by February. He was a dear dear Godly man who I miss terribly.
Thanks for letting me share.
Nurses have a way of delivering the bad news with hope and peace. I've had one premature birth, and two of my children have been born with birth defects. Nurses have helped me process the bad, while still focusing on the good.
My twin boys were born at 32 weeks and stayed in the NICU for 5 weeks. They were taken care of by the excellent nursing staff. The nurses in our NICU were what made me feel comfortable about leaving my babies every day. It was a long and exhausting 5 weeks, but we were so thankful for our nurses.
My twin boys were born at 32 weeks and stayed in the NICU for 5 weeks. They were taken care of by the excellent nursing staff. The nurses in our NICU were what made me feel comfortable about leaving my babies every day. It was a long and exhausting 5 weeks, but we were so thankful for our nurses.
Leukemia took the life of my husband's best friend at age 25. He was the one that introduced us and we named our first child after him, who was born only 4 months after he passed away. We think of him often.
I know several people w/ leukemia and used to raise a lot of money for LLS through running - so I had to jump on this opportunity.
I recently had surgery myself and the nurses were great! So helpful and calming, even though I wasnt that nervous. And you have to love a nurse that can set your IV perfectly the first time, esp when my veins are so hard to find!
Well, I'm blessed to report that interactions with nurses have been few and far between in my youth and adult life, when I would've remembered the most. However, I will never EVER forget a particular nurse, Angela, at the hospital where I gave birth to my beautiful Malachi. Angela, you see, is a Cancer survivor. She proudly wears a bald head (and ROCKS it, I might add), as she goes about her duty of helping women like me to bring life into the world. She was there for me throughout the times I was admitted, or at least monitored, while trying to go into labor early. I PRAYED she would be on duty for when the time actually came and the Lord answered my prayers! I will never forget how wonderful she was to me!!
My son was born at 30 weeks. As a guy, I must clarify that 30 weeks is too early to leave momma. The Ginger Midget, as he is affectionately known online, is now 2 and very typical of the age. That may have not been the case without a small army of dedicated nurses working in the NICU at Arlington Memorial watching him day and night until he was strong enough to go home with us. I can never thank them enough.
The nurses I had in the hospital both before and after I had my boys were amazing, and I can't say enough about the NICU nurses that took care of them. It even made me want to be a nurse, until I remembered I can't stand blood. I have the highest admiration for them!
Thank you to the women and men of Arlington Memorial Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They cared for my Ginger Midget day and night for 2 months. I could not be more grateful.
Recently I was diagnosed with Chronic Migraines and had to begin daily IV treatments in an attempt to end the pain. On my first day of treatment a lovely nurse w/ a German accent named Suzanne (go figure) administered the needles and walked me through the process. She was so gentle, so explanative and nurtured me through every step. She was able to visibly see in my eyes once I started to get relief. For anyone who's ever suffered from migraines, this means a lot because many times it's an invisible disease. I saw several other nurses during my treatments, but she was the best. Maybe it was the name? ;-)
Best Regards, Mindy Darrow
Nurses are saints! I had an amazing nurse at St. Mary's when I had the quadruplets. Joanie was incredible!
Hi, I initially saw you on the show TMM, and liked your charcter compared to the others and sought out your blog. My husband is an RN and he loves his job. He works in the ER and likes the diversity.
My son is 4 and a half years old and had a rare form of leukemia as an infant - chemo, radiation, and bone marrow transplant all before 6 months of age! Now he has been in remission for over 3 and 1/2 years and is a picture of health AND a miracle. I love that your blog is is partnership with a fundraiser for the leukemia and lymphoma society... We do a lot of stuff with their Connecticut chapter.
My husband had a heart attack March 17, 2009. God's timing was perfect! He actually had the heart attack as he was IN the heart cath lab! We have a happy ending but it has required 3 stents and 2 hospital visits. The nurses made ALL the difference in the world! A special one was called 'DQ' and she treated my husband as if he were her very own grandfather!! Never EVER underestimate the value of a nurse who cares!! The doctors do their part but the NURSES are the ones we remember!!
Im from the UK, and am trying to get the grades to go to uni to become a nurse, so your stories are amazing to read!
my experience with nurses: 2 years ago, at the end of the week which had 2 major exams and my grandpas funeral in, i had an op to remove my thyroid gland. i should have stayed in longer and been off school for about 6 weeks, but i was out of hospital after 4 days and back at school just over a week after that. there was a student nurse in the ward who chatted to me when he was in - the the thursday, the friday and the monday, and because he was so cheerful it made the whole experience a lot more fun! especially when my parents werent there and i was the youngest on the ward by a long way!
in comparison to him and the other weekday nurses, the nurses over the weekend were asian, and really uncommunicative. they made the weekend drag on so much! but when i think back to my time in hospital, it is the really cheerful male nurse and some of the things he said which make me smile :-)
When I hemorrhaged while giving birth to Kieran, my nurse was the person who first noticed the bleeding and alerted the doctor. She was so helpful and reassuring, caring and concerned when the doctor was cold and all business. I appreciated her caring words so much during what was otherwise a frightening time. Thanks, Suz, for all that you do as a nurse!
Nurses have affected my life so much that I'm about to start nursing school! Everyone always wanted me to be a doctor, but I saw what nurses do and thought, I want to do that!
As far as cancer, I lost one of my grandmothers young to ovarian cancer (my other grandmother to ALS and my grandfather to Parkinson's), and seeing her suffering with that and also Alzheimer's completely changed my life even at 15, and made me more sure that I wanted to pursue a career in health care!
I love your blog, and it means so much to me to see a nurse who so obviously loves what she does! I'd love to hear more about your experience as a nurse! I'm a 21 year old sorority girl, so maybe not your target reader necessarily, but I get so much out of your blog all the same!
When my second son was born via cesearean because he was so big, I was so scared. And the recovery was much harder than with my first son. But, I'll never forget two sweet nurses, Erin and Sara, who treated me with kindess, compassion, and were so encouraging. They made my experience fantastic. And, I love the nurses who care for my boys every time we go to the doctor. And how can I forget the nurse at my ob/gyn who jumped up and down with me when we found out I was pregnant for the first time?? Nurses=Love. Thank you.
I'm going to answer both questions (I hope that's okay!).
How a nurse has changed my life...I had the absolute best ever Labor & Delivery nurse when my son was born. Nurse Tammy (don't even know her last name...oop!) made my delivery so easy and memorable. She was absolutely unbelievable, and I can't say enough good things about her.
How I have been affected by cancer...My college roommate, Summer, spent the bulk of 2011 fighting breast cancer. She was 34 when she was diagnosed, and I watched her go through chemo, radiation, and surgery, and ultimately beat that terrible monster. Summer is the most positive, up-beat person I have ever known, and cancer did not steal any of that positivity from her. She is my hero.
First of all, I want to thank you for giving of yourself as a nurse.
I recently had a nurse and nurse practitioner at a new clinic take me seriously about a condition that I have been suffering from for 4.5 years. Still not sure what is going to happen with it, but just knowing that they understand that there is a problem made me feel better.
First, my grandpa passed away 4 years ago with multiple myeloma (a type of leukemia/lymphoma) and my dad was also diagnosed a year and a half age with medullary thyroid cancer, a rare form of thyroid cancer that affects 1 in a million people.
My dad has had two surgeries and while he was in the hospital recovering from both surgeries, the nurses were SO helpful and supportive. I'll never forget how mom and I spent the night in the hospital with Dad the night after his first surgery. Understandably, the next morning we were exhausted. I was on my way back from the bathroom and a nurse stopped me and commented that I looked really tired and asked if I wanted some coffee. Then she let me into the nurses lounge on that floor and taught me how to work their fancy coffee machine, so that I could get my mom and myself a free cup of coffee.
My Mom was just in the hospital two weeks ago and the nurses were awesome. They had the time to sit and talk to her for long periods of time since it was a very small specialty hospital. My Mom enjoyed those visits they kept her from being too lonely when family members could not be there with her. My sister in law is a nurse for a hospice group and I can't imagine the job she does every single day. I admire her so much. Nurses are awesome!
Any time you have a loved one who is sick, the medical staff and especially the nurses, can make such a difference. When my dad was sick many years ago, we had a few nurses who would stop by even after their shift to check in on us. They would pray with us and let us know that they were praying for Dad. It made all the difference!
Thanks for doing this post! My sister is in nursing school and graduates in December. I'm so happy that she has chosen this awesome profession!
My mom is a cancer survivor!!
Long time reader, first time commenter. I have been involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through their Team In Training program since 2005, running marathons and competing in triathlons and century rides to raise funds to help find a cure for blood cancers, so this sponsored post is near and dear to my heart (in fact, I told all of my teammates to come to your blog and comment--Go Team Tucson!) My grandfather, great aunt, and uncle all died from blood cancers; my grandmother, mother, and three of my mother's cousins all had breast cancer. Cancer has touched my life and the lives of everyone around me in so many ways I can't possibly list them here. Each time I do an event, I run/cycle with ribbons pinned to my race jersey with the names of all of my honorees, some of whom lost their lives, others of whom are still fighting. The number of ribbons grows with each event, unfortunately. Thank you for this opportunity to support a cure.
My nephew was diagnosed with AML leukemia last year when he was 8 months old. He is now a healthy 2 year old! My sister is an RN, and between her watchful eye and diligence to keep his line sterile as well as the tender care of his nurses throughout his journey, he did not develop any infections on the side. Nursing is an opportunity to be Jesus to your patients-thank you for taking on this mindset. I hope more nurses will learn from you! Bless you!
I was in for a PE I didn't sleep a wink all night. One of the nurses kept checking on me and talking to me all night long.
my father was diagnosed with cancer my senior year of college. he had non-hodgkins lymphoma and kidney cancer at the same time. almost a year to the day later, i got married and my dad walked me down the aisle completely cancer free. he is cancer free to this day (10 years later) but that experience changed my life. it was so hard to watch my dad...the man of steel that i went to with my troubles...be the one needing help. i learned how precious life is.
I have a few nurses that were absolutely wonderful to me, my husband and twins. I was put on hospital bedrest at 25 weeks and stayed there for six weeks. They kept me positive and made the hospital a fun place to be! I still keep in touch with three of them and take the kids to visit whenever I can!
I worked 10 years in health care in therapy departments. I am amazed with how good or bad a patient's experience could be based on how caring or how pre-occupied the nursing staff may be. Our patients always performed better in rehab and were more cheerful overall if they felt the nursing staff cared. It doesn't take much to go that extra mile to sincerely care for others' needs. A little goes a long way! Thank you to all the nurses out there that don't view your day at work as simply a paycheck but a mission to make a positive difference. Your attitude really could save a life, and it definitely will make a life more enjoyable!
My grandmother is a breast cancer survivor and my father is a skin cancer survivor.
Liver cancer took the life of my bro-in-law this summer. Has been a very hard time for the family. Mother was also taken away with pancreatic cancer. I really hate that e big C. Thank God for compassionate nurses to take care of our love ones.
I had some amazing nurses during the childbirth of my 4 kids. We are expecting #5 in a few short months and I look forward to the experience because of the care and help of nurses.
What a gift you have been given to have this profession!
It's simple really. My husband and I just went through our first IVF cycle... and on my hip the nurse drew a heart where my husband had to give me my progesterone shots...
A heart drawn with a sharpie. But reality is, it is so much more. It's the act of a nurse who cares. The marking of a symbol which means love and hope.
My husband has to give me daily shots right in this mark. That's hard for him. There is something about the fact that she drew a heart which comforts me.
She could have simply put a dot. A line. But no.
I love this heart.
I love that we are so close.
I love that even though it scares him, he is very focused on these shots.
A simple marking, a big impact.
My mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 2 years ago. She is a "survivor" and we are so thankful for that! My son's best friend who lives next door was diagnosed with Leukemia (A.L.L.) at age 5. She wasn't an early responder so her treatments were 2.5 yrs. We are looking forward to the day that she can be called "in remission".
A nurse in the A&E (in the UK) made the biggest impression on me. This un-named Angel brought me a cup of hot tea and squeezed my hand. I was not the patient and was trying SO hard to hold it together.
I had flown back to the UK (from TX) to look after my parents. My Dad was terminally ill. I had a 16 month old in my arms, and I had just brought my Mum into the hospital as she seemed to be mid-stroke.
Amidst all the madness surrounding us, this nurse saw outside of her job and cared for me.
When our triplets were in the NICU, we experienced some of the scariest days we have ever faced. One of our little guys faced multlipe surgeries (most of them were exploratory...which made it even scarier for us since we weren't sure what they were going to find or what the outcome would be). The nurses in the NICU at our hospital are some of the nicest, gentle, most caring people I have ever met in my life. Not only did they take care of our tiny new babies, but also took care of us. They ressured us, hugged us, and were patient with us. And through taht they are now a part of our famiy. They have been our children's baptisms, birthdays, and will continue to be a part of our lives forever.
This past year I have lost THREE women friends (from my youth) to cancer. We are all in our early 40's, with young children, and these women have bravely been called home far too early. These losses have inspired me to actually GO and have my mammogram. To cherish each day as a gift. To not take my daughter and loved ones for granted, and to put my health higher up the list in my chores and daily responsibilities, whilst cherishing the memories of my lost friends.
Having had several surgeries lately, I can honestly say that I don't know how you nurses do it. I have had so many wonderful nurses who helped through and made me feel like their only patient.
My godfather was taken from us by Leukemia, and I am a supporter of LLS. So grateful that this donation is being made!
Commenting a second time for a second donation. I have two friends who are nurses who make a difference in my life because they love their jobs and love helping people and it is so inspiring to see. In particular one of my friends is a NICU nurse, and hearing stories of those precious babies is just heartbreaking. Thanks to you for all you do!
This is a great cause and we need more nurses like you. :)
One of the nursery nurses after I had my baby boy will always hold a special place in my heart! She was patient, loving, and encouraging to this clueless new momma! :)
My sister was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma almost 6 years ago, and good nurses make SUCH a difference in an already difficult journey! I was able to donate my stem cells to her almost 4 years ago, and the nurses and medical staff who brought us through that experience were amazing and will have a lasting impact on our lives.
My mother in law is also a nurse, and hearing the stories of the incredible care and personal interest in each one of her patients over the years has increased my respect for her and raised my expectations of what I expect from nurses that I encounter :)
I almost died in child birth- All the nurses that were in the room while the doctors were trying to decide what to do gathered around me and prayed for me... I had awesome nurses while I was in the hospital but those nurses really meant a lot to me!!
My Dad was diagnosed with kidney cancer a year ago, and the nurses who cared for him in the last few months of his life were truly incredible. He underwent one round of particularly awful treatment, but was lucky enough to be under the care of nurses who were both excellent at their jobs and wonderfully compassionate. They treated him as if he were a dear family member, and there truly aren't words to describe how grateful I am for that, because to me, of course, he was.
Thank you for your own nursing work, and for enabling me to make this donation -- what a wonderful way to channel the power of the blogging world!
A sweet and dear nurse friend has prayed with me and blessed me numerous times. This has helped me to continue my journey in nursing during difficult times.
A few years ago, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. This completely rattled my world. During her treatment, we spent some much needed time in prayer and God's word. I'm starting to see the fruit of that special time we had together.
There have been countless nurses that have made a difference in my life. As a mom with a daughter that has spina bifida, we encounter angels in the form of precious nurses all the time. At our clinic at Scottish Rite hospital in Dallas, they are literally waiting by the phone for my call (or at least it seems that way!) to answer questions about meds, bracing, therapies, you name it! And when they don't have an answer right away, they find it and actually call me back! We couldn't do life without them. :) And as ANY mom who has experienced the NICU can tell you, our fabulous nurses there were lifesavers (literally!) while our daughter was in the hospital. I am so thankful for nurses, and for this way to help give back!
While going through my last IVF I had one of the sweetest nurses. She was quick to encourage me, pray with me and eventually when I lost my twins, she cried with me. I was sad to hear she no longer works there.
Both my parents are cancer survivors and cancer free! My mom had a mastectomy for cancer 21 years ago (been cancer free since!), and my dad battled prostate cancer 5 years ago. We are not big fans of the "c word" in this house, but we are blessed by an amazing God who has seen us through some tough times and brought our family to a place of celebration for life, cancer-free!
Great blog Suz, and a blast for seeing the "old" pics your nursing buddies and the quaddies! You have been an inspiration to both of us, your blessed parents. You continue to do great, loving, concerned work with your patients. We are so proud of you and your accomplishments! Dad and Ma aka Papa and Granna
My grandmother had uterine cancer and my mom had thyroid cancer. Thankful that they were both caught in time and treated, and both are cancer-free today.
Congratulations on going back to work! After we graduated I started working as a PACU nurse and I fell in love with it! Sometimes it is hard to connect with your patients due to the sedation and lingering anesthesia but I still receive cards from the families I was able to connect with! I LOVE nursing and my love for nursing lead my sister and sister-in-law to the profession as well! I too feel it is my ministry!
goodness, how can i even explain how nurses have made a difference in our lives? between 2 pregnancies with preterm labor and 1 NICU stay, we owe a lot to nurses. I can tell you my favorite nurse's names, still to this day. I know that Lois was the first to help me become a momma when my first was born. She was there again when my second was born. The nurses from the NICU that helped transfer my second via helicopter. Elise was the queen of the NICU for us, she made days there happy and bright in a sea of overwhelming emotion. Phylis was the nurse who rode in the ambulance with our second when being transfered out of the NICU and to a normal hospital.
I truly love and appreciate every nurse who has helped me and my family. Love, love, love.
I'm blessed because one of my very best friends is a RN! She's amazing, and is someone I can turn regardless of what is needed. But having that extra medical background has had its advantages!
Nurses at Dell Childrens Hospital that took care of my 3 week old when he was in the hospital with RSV.
Cancer doubled up on my grandpa. I was off serving a mission for my church. I had been gone 18 months. When I first left Grandpa was perfect, happy & healthy. First he was struck with prostate cancer. Than bone cancer. He passed 4 days before I got home. We had stayed in contact through letters in the mail. He never complained, never really dwelt on his cancers. He was his usual cheerful, jovial, loving, funny self. I never got to know my grandpa as a sick man. Every memory I have of him is a happy one. So in one respect I'm thankful for the tender mercy of his passing right before I got home. While I didn't get to say goodbye, I also never had to see the ox of a man I'd loved so dearly crippled & sucked dry by his cancers. I just wish he could have met my husband & kids - he would be so proud to call them all his family.
Just last week we buried a good friend of ours who lost her battle with leukemia. Heaven gained another angel! The leukemia foundation has always had a big place in my heart...when I was 18 a little neighborhood girl who was 13 lived for six weeks after they found out she had it. I have been a bone marrow donar since 1992. Maybe someday I will be able to help someone with this aweful cancer.
My nurse experiences has been slim....thank you Lord....and I haven't had one bad experience, I think nurses have a special calling and special people are nurses....I know I couldn't handle the schooling it takes to be a nurse. My mom was my truly special nurse this past spring when she stayed and my house with us after I broke my leg and was so limited, not only did she take care of me, but she took care of my house, laundry, errands, grocery shopping, cooking and even ironed my husbands clothes! What an opportunity you have to help others.....God Bless You!
I had a week long stay due to kidney stone surgery while I was 27 weeks pregnant with my first baby. If it hadn't have been for one special nurse, I would have screamed my lungs out & ransacked the place! No one knew what was up or down- but she did. We were on the same page & I was so thankful for her!
On the other side- cancer has taken a couple of people very close to me in my life. I pray for everyone who is living with it every day. It is def "cruel & unusual punishment" to me!
At the end of June one of my twins was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. The nurses have made this all so much easier than expected. They are always sweet, supportive, and upbeat. They've talked me through the rough patches and celebrated every little victory. We have inpatient stays every two weeks and clinic appointments every week as well, and because of them he looks forward to every visit. God bless the amazing people who dedicate their lives to taking care of others!
My Mom recently suffered a tramatic brain injury & was in a coma from 7/13-8/6. All the nurses we encountered at the hospital in ICU & the stepdown floor & at the hospice facility were beyond kind & caring. Even though my Mom could not respond, they all treated her as if she couls & would always explain to her what they were going to do before they did it. The nurses made a VERY difficult time that much easier for my family.
Val in NJ
My mom's youngest sister died at age 46 to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I love that BlogHer is donating to this amazing cause! I saw her suffer and hope a cure can be found so others don't have to suffer, too!
My stepsister just died of cancer this morning. Keep up the good work!
There is the most wonderful nurse ever, named Beth, at my kiddos pediatrician's office. I have known her going on ten years now and she is awesome. Ten years and three kids later, she has helped us with acid reflux, colic, sore throats, salmonella, diaper rash, pink eye, swimmer's ear, drainage, ear infections, strep throat, rashes, hand/foot/mouth, swallowed magnets, broken bones, burns, shots, earwax, and countless things I cannot even remember. She is always nice to me when I call their office and is so helpful and PATIENT! And we have called ALOT!!! I am very blessed to know her!!!
My mom is a RN and my uncle Kevin was also a RN but passed away 4 years ago from Leukemia. Nurses rock! :-)
I have been diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma three times. I stay on top of it an hope for the best
Courtney
After having my first child a nurse sat with me all night long just to calm me while I attempted to nurse. She wasn't a lactation specialist but she could tell I felt lost and just sat there with me for hours. I've never forgotten it.
Suz, I am a silent reader. I've read your blog for years. You are such a great mom and your kids are adorable. I recently had a hip replacement and the nurses were there to get me out of bed and get me moooving. Nursing is a great profession. Not sure how you work with 4 children. You are amazing.
The nurses I had at our infertility clinic truly made things easier on me. Although IF treatments did not work for me, adoption did and I am blessed with my baby boy!!
Thanks for all you do as a nurse, Suz!!
We lost my FIL the year after we got married to complications from cancer. My MIL has fought cancer 2x and won. She just got a clean bill of health which was such good news!!
I love being an oncology nurse ! I get to see people fighting for there life and they look to me for comfort, reassurance, a pray and it's ok while they hear the worst news possible. I learned quickly that cancer doesn't discriminate and you can't take anything for granted.
I love being an oncology nurse ! I get to see people fighting for there life and they look to me for comfort, reassurance, a pray and it's ok while they hear the worst news possible. I learned quickly that cancer doesn't discriminate and you can't take anything for granted.
My mom is a nurse and her caring for us as a nurse-mom and now a nurse-grandmother-medical consultant has been amazing!
The only bummer was that there was no faking sick in our house growing up! ;)
I lost my dad just seven months ago after a 13 year battle with 3 types of cancer....So this hits close to home with me.
Within a two year period my family has lost my father, his sister (my aunt), and my grandfather all to different types of cancer.
My aunts and my sister are nurses so they have been closely involved in the care of others and family. They are amazing ladies and I am blessed to have them in my life.
I have had some pretty darn awful nurses, but I have also had some pretty incredible ones. There is nothing better than a nurse that can make you smile. It can turn a bad situation around and give you hope. Thank you Suz for giving people hope...because I know you are one of those incredible ones :)
My MIL had colon cancer and now I'm covering for a coworker while she has chemo for colon cancer. I try to use my MIL's experience to lift her up and encourage her as best I can!
My Mother in law discovered she had breast cancer 2 years ago this July. She had a horrible reaction to the chemo and just never recovered from it. She passed away from liver failure (although she never drank in her life) in July (almost 2 years to the day). She had some amazing nurses and fantastic hospice nurses in the end. We felt very blessed to have people caring for her that truly cared about her.
My husband fought (and won) his battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma when our twins were less than two years old!
I thought being a mom to twin toddlers was hard until I had to take care of a cancer patient, too! Thank goodness for the nurses who administered his chemo treatments! They were so wonderful helping us both getting through that very tough time in our lives.
I have two favorite nurses...one was my labor and delivery nurse for my second child and she was so fun! Just easy to talk to, relaxed and nice. She made a day of going through labor fun and enjoyable just by being personable!
The second nurse I had a great experience with was someone I only saw for about 20 minutes. My 1 week old son was admitted to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for jaundice. It was well into the evening by the time we were admitted to a room for the night. I was an emotionally, hormonal mess and the nurse was so concerned about me. She made sure to order me dinner before it was too late and made sure I was comfortable before her shift ended. I really appreciated her concern for me as a parent.
Despite these two great examples, I have to say the world could use more concerned, personable nurses. I have no doubt that you are one of those special nurses, Suz!
My comment doesn't count, I'm Canadian...BUT, Cancer has affected me 3 ways. My dad died of lung cancer when I was only 10 and my mother died of breast cancer decades later. Her cancer spread to her brain which made things beyond difficult for me (guess who was her scape goat?) but the Canadian Cancer Society was there for me and guided me through. For that I am so grateful!
The third way was my own diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at the age of 25 and required an emergency hysterectomy. (Buh bye children!) Everything happened so fast. One minute things were great, a good friend was getting married in 2 days and we were all looking forward to the wedding. Next thing I knew it was evening and I was rushed to the hospital and surgery was planned the next day (Friday). I didn't know what was going on until Monday but I did spend the weekend feeling as if I'd been run over by a train. Saturday was spent floating in and out and every time I woke up there was this one nurse who was standing at the foot of my bed. Sometimes she'd be straightening my blanket, others she'd be watching me. She gave me so much comfort emotionally just by being there. I will never forget her.
I said all that to say this: Cancer stinks, Nurses ROCK!
Trish Boyko.
A friend of mine was diagnosed with a brain tumor when we were 6. By the time I was 9, I was proudly declaring, "When I grow up, I want to be a nurse at St. Jude Children's Hospital." When Mikey passed away on the first day of 6th grade, my dream of being a nurse only grew stronger. Though I decided to choose favorite school over profession at the age of 18 (where I got my first degree doesn't have a nursing school), and achieving my goal of being a nurse took a little longer than I had planned as a kid, today I started my first day as an RN, working in the NICU. Here's to hoping I still love the profession as much as you 12 years from now :)
I had back surgery 3 yrs ago. Unfortunately, I had to have a 2nd surgery 3 weeks after the first one. I live in Dallas & my closest relative is 3 hrs away. The 2nd surgery was an emergency so my family didn't have time to be there. I was all alone in pre-op & was sure I would be alone in my room after..however... i happened to have to same recovery nurse as I did my first surgery. She remembered me and came to visit my room several times until my family arrived. I have never been so grateful to a complete stranger in all my life! Thank you for what you do! :) xo
The nurses that helped to take care of me when I had to deliver my stillborn son were so incredibly kind and compassionate. Tara and Tiffany will probably never know the impact they had on myself and my husband, but I truly believe they were put there by God to help us navigate such a painful time. From praying with us to helping me understand some of the logistics (it was my first baby), they were awesome.
I had such wonderful labor & delivery nurses when I gave birth to my twins. Doctors too. They were so friendly and efficient!
My grandfather died of cancer when I was a kid. I saw him most every weekend during that time, and it was such a horrible thing to watch.
I lost identical twins a bit before 13 weeks (well, that's when it was discovered anyway). The nurse I had in recovery after my D&C was so sympathetic and kind. I really needed that. She took time to not only meet my physical needs but to just hold my hand and cry with me. I'll never forget having a stranger mourn my babies with me. It really did help on one of my most difficult days.
My mother-in-law is battling her second type of breast cancer after a mastectomy and 13 years cancer free. She has now had another mastectomy and is undergoing chemo and radiation. I know she has had some amazing nurses! I have been so challenged and encouraged by her wonderful attitude. She thanks God for chemo each time she has a treatment and is such a wonderful example and witness to all those she encounters in the chemo room and everywhere! SO proud of her!
My BFF is an RN and I am so proud of her. After years of job hopping she went back to school determined to become what she always wanted to be, an RN. She succeeded and now works at the Cleveland Clinic. I could not be more proud of her!
The nurses in the NICU and the birthing centre at our downtown hospital were AMAZING. Those NICU nurses had more experience than the doctors and they were extremely compassionate. They made a huge difference to us for those long, long weeks.
My mother has been battling ovarian cancer for the past 5 years, the prognosis is quite grim so we feel very fortunate to have had her in our lives the past 5 years.
Luckily cancer hasn't affected my family too badly. My grandma had breast cancer a while back but had it removed with radiation therapy and it hasn't been back since. My grandpa has bladder cancer where he had to go in and get it removed (seems to be yearly), but luckily they are both still alive and running!
Good for you raising this money!
I will be having twins in a few months and hopefully I have wonderful nurses like you! So far the nurses I have met have been very friendly and warm!
I had a wonderful nurse when I delivered my baby girl back in December of 2011. She would call my daughter a little lamb and it just melted my heart. She was so helpful with encouraging me with breastfeeding and coming to check on us.
My nurse story...oh so many to share...Nov 15, 1998 I gave birth to my daughter Hannah Grace at 37 weeks. She was stillborn. When I was brought up to our room from L&D I just sat on the bed and the nurse who was to take care of me sat down next to me and just held me for a very long time. A moment I will never forget.
Cancer story...My son was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on March 21, 2008 he was just 3 years old. He's now 7 and in first grade :) Now another nurse story associated with the cancer. The day Philip was diagnosed I was sceduled for a c-section for our newest baby! Three days later I left Philip in one hospital to have the baby in another hospital. It was such a day of mixed emotions and I wasn't up to having to share the sorrow mixed with the joy. As I came out of the bathroom after putting on the lovely hospital gown. My L&D nurse came over and just hugged me! She new our story from my OB and requested to be my nurse that day...even came in on her day off. She made such bittersweet day a little more happy :)
My grandfather passed away from Lymphoma in 2008. I miss him so much!
Cancer took the life of my dad (lung) when I was 7, my grandma (breast turned to bone) a few years ago, and my great aunt (breast just last year.... Cancer is no fun :(
www.lilmsadventures.blogspot.com
My aunt is a nurse (went to school late in life!) and like you, LOVES her job and always treats everyone with such compassion and love. There have been several times in my life where she has offered me comfort and gentleness about health issues, which I think is such a gift! I love when I come in contact with a nurse like her or like you. You make a huge difference in people's lives so thank you!
Both my Gram and my Aunt were taken from us far too early from Cancer...It sucks!
My BFF just lost her dad too...so hard to see people you love so dearly fight this horrible disease!
If it were not for a very good, caring, capable nurse, my dad would not be here today. Doctors and previous nurses would not listen when he and we told them the problem. However, Francine (Baptist in OKC) did! She, with the help of God, saved his life. And she humbly gave God the glory! I will forever be grateful to her and to God!
Being pregnant for the first time was a bit overwhelming though exciting, so I took a parenting class. The nurse in charge was fantastic! The poor she drove home for delivery was make a plan, but be ready to throw it put the window. Due to increased blood pressure, I was Ordered to the hospital to deliver. A drug free childbirth was off the table. After 24 hrs in labor and 3 hrs of pushing, an emergency C section was ordered. Very far from my plan, but her visits to my room each day and her early help softened that and the other hurdles we had to face before we could finally leave the hospital.
a Nurse helped me because four nearly five years ago my gallbladder decided to just quit working...so to the ER I go because it was a very sudden thing and I was in GREAT pain on a Sunday. The nurses through the whole thing were wonderful and with in a week (since I was still in college) I had been to the ER, had testing done to determine for sure gallbladder and had surgery done. I am very thankful for all the wonderful nurses because I was very nervous about surgery since I was only 20 and had never had a major surgery.
- Ashton
Cancer has affected my life because I have known so many of my close family members to battle cancer and sadly lose the battle. Just last year my uncle lost the battle to pancreatic cancer after having it for 10 years. It was a very hard time for the whole family. I wish we could find a cure for this horrible disease!
-Ashton
When my dad had a difficult stay in the ICU after a CABG x5, the ICU nurses were so awesome. They really helped my mom (who has no medical background) understand what was going on. She knew exactly how to explain what a PICC line was. :)
They were so compassionate toward my dad and my family and genuinely friendly.
And patient. My dad was one of THOSE patients :)
The nurse who helped during the delivery of my first baby will always have a special place in my heart. I ran into her at a restaurant months later and got a little teary-eyed!
My grandma was a skin and breast cancer survivor. My closest friend's 4-month old baby was diagnosed with leukemia last year. I feel it all around me!
It's funny you should ask this question because I have been thinking a lot about nurses are over the past month and a half.
My sister has MS and was doing great until recently when she developed PML (an infection on the brain) from her MS meds. She was in the hospital for 6 weeks and moved to a rehab center last Friday. The infection is still active so we are not out of the woods yet but are hopeful that she will get better.
The care that she has and continues to receive has been wonderful. One nurse even came in on her day off to paint my sister's toenails. As I watched the nurses interact with her, I was amazed at the gentleness and respect that they showed her especially when helping her bathe etc.
As a family member who has been blessed by many nurses lately - I am filled with gratitude for each of you. God bless you for your service.
I don't have cancer, but do have some severe health issues. I have been healthy my entire life until 2009. During that time my stomach quit working. I have what is called Gastroparesis. On top of that I have slow motility of the small intestine and a few other issues. I have several tubes and a hickman line for TPN and a Gastric Pacemaker. Life can be very challenging, but Thank the Lord for Sweet Nurses who enjoy their job. Yes you do get the ones once in a while who are grumpy, but for the most part I have found them to be very passionate about their jobs. I go to our rural hospital for small things and the large Chicago hospital for the harder complex things. What the difference a Nurse can make and help in your care. They are the go between for you and the Dr. How many can say they have a couple nurses that are in their cell phone contacts? I can!! I even had a nurse volunteer her own time and expense to take us to a 4 hour trip to go to a hospital that had the Gastric Pacemaker just to be of
I was diagnosed with Skin Cancer at 30. Thankfully it was successfully removed and caught early but now I am aware of every moment my kids and I are in the sun. WEAR SUNSCREEN!!!
The nurse who took care of me when I had my back surgery at age 14 is still special in my mind, when I felt absolutely miserable she was always the one to come in with a smiling face and make me feel better, I still remember her name and she was the one who made me want to go into nursing.
Nurses are a special people. I remember when my friend was sick and he would tell me about how without the nurses in his life, he's not sure whether or not he'd make it.
I'm very appreciate of nurses around the world, dedicating their lives to the health of themselves and others. Cheer, Love, Happiness and Joy! As OP said, ~ Life is too short.
Nurses are always seen as another mother.. They do a great job..
My grandpa died suddenly to leukemia @ 49 years old... his youngest was just three years old. My cousin is currently fighting an inoperable brain tumor. He suffers through migraines, hallucinations, phantom voices and seizures daily. It really is a horrible disease.
As for the nurses... my sister in law went into labor at 16 weeks with my nephew... less than a year after losing her first baby to a stillbirth. The (new) young doctor told us there was nothing they could do... we would lose this baby too. He left the room and the old nurse sat down on her bed, took my sister's hand, wiped her tears away and told her not to give up... "those young ones think they know everything" and my sister needed to fight for her baby. She told her to ask about a cerclage (to which the doctor responded "Well, I guess there is that if you want to take extreme measures >:O!!!) The procedure was done that very day. Christopher was born at 32 weeks, but healthy and strong. He went home 4 days later. He just turned 11 this week. He is a straight A student and a soccer star. That nurse saved his life. We are eternally grateful.
I have a rare disease called Mastocytosis, so I clock a LOT of hours in ERs and doctor's offices. I love my nurses! My primary care nurse knows just by looking at me how I'm *really* doing. She asks how I feel and I say "oh okay" and she says "so pain worse?" Love her!
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer this year. It's been so hard watching her go through this battle with surgery and chemo. She's so amazingly strong through all of it.
The CICU nurses at UAB in Birmingham, AL were such a blessing when my 18 month old son underwent open heart surgery. When I walked in to see him for the first time I found his nurse standing at his bedside patting him on his booty, just like you do to soothe a baby. He said "This calms all of my little one's down." He was a ray of sunshine in a very scary time! I will never forget him!
My sweet daughter has jsut started her first year of college and is planning on studying in the medical profession. I made sure to tell her to look at your post, I love that you say it is your ministry. That is her prayer as well. THak you for imspiring her.
My Mom is a nurse and I have seen what a difference her smile and kind demeanor does to a person who just needs some support. I got to work as a PCA and saw my Moms skills in myself and so did all the employees and patients who by just being me I made their days. I will never forget the smile on one Grandmas face when I let her Granddaughter listen to her heart. She is so grateful for my kindness. I would Love to thank my Mom for that. A Nurse is a special person, I love my Nurse Mama.
I have been reading your blog for years, but have never posted a comment before. But I wanted to say that so many nurses have helped me....both when I had a spinal cord tumor resected in January 2008 and when I had my twins at 32 weeks last December. Too many amazing nurses at Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas to mention!
Good luck! :D
ive had over 40 operations in my life as the result of being born with a genetic bone disease. i will never be able to thank all of the nurses who supported, cared for and loved on me through every single one of them. thank you, nurses!
My dad was a nurse in the Army for 24 years and now out of the Army working for the VA as a nurse for the past 10 years. He is my hero and has made such a difference in my life as both a father and a nurse. I have seen (or heard) about all the amazing things he has done and I know all nurses deserve our respect.
My FIL lost a very tough and short battle with Burkitts Lymphoma in November 2010. It was so hard to see him go from a hardworking man so full of life to his deathbed in 4 short months. When he wasn't in the hospial for treatments, he stayed in the house with my family. Coming home from the hospital the last time without bringing him home with us was the most difficult thing my family has ever faced. Almost 2 years later I still cry everytime I think about it.
My son died of SIDS when he was 28 days old, after doctors and nurses tried to revive him for over an hour and then pronounced him gone a nurse helped me by swaddling my sons little cold body and holding me while I told my son good-bye.. Had it not been for that nurse and the other nurses as well I may not have ever had the oppurtunity to hold his sweet little self again. The nurse did everything in her power to let me know it was ok to hold him, and that though he was not in his "shell" anymore he was still going to always be with me! I wish I would have had the oppurtunity to Thank her but I do know that God placed that lady in my life at the right time and the hardest time of my life! Thank you Suz, and all of the other nurses for helping people like me and everyone else that has ever went through so much in their lives.. You are all a God send and there can never be enough Thank Yous for all that you all do and deal with on a daily basis!
My now husband was diagnosed with tongue cancer (no risk factors) about 7 months after we met. It was a trying time for a new relationship, but we made it through and have been married for 8 years now. :)
I'll never forget the wonderful nurses who took care of us when I had our daughter. They did such a great job and were extremely helpful.
Until recently, my family has been extremely lucky as far as cancer goes, and we've had no one diagnosed. My grandpa was just recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His doctors are amazed at how early they were able to catch it, and he is now undergoing chemo and radiation with the upcoming possibility of surgery to remove the mass.
I thankfully have not had much experience in a hospital, but I loved the nurses when I was giving birth to each of my boys. Let's be honest, it's the nurses who do all the grunt work in the room :-).
My only extended interaction with nurses was our stay in the NICU after our twins were born. Those women will always hold a very, very special place in my heart. I have some much respect for what they do for the babies AND for the parents every single day. That balance of managing the medicine and managing the people is something only a nurse can do. Thank you!!
How has a nurse made a difference in my life? Well, only a few months ago my 3 year old niece got upset, and she has a tendancy to hold her breath when she is hurt or upset. Long story short, she heled her breath and passed out! Thank God by great Aunt was there, she is retired but was a nurse way back when and managed to get my niece breathing again.
How has a nurse made a difference in my life? Well, only a few months ago my 3 year old niece got upset, and she has a tendancy to hold her breath when she is hurt or upset. Long story short, she heled her breath and passed out! Thank God by great Aunt was there, she is retired but was a nurse way back when and managed to get my niece breathing again.
I was a teacher before I had kids. But, there are a lot of days I wish I had gone into nursing.
Cancer. Fortunately, I have had little connection with Cancer. Though I have met some amazing strong people with Cancer and their will and ability to smile and live fully has amazed me.
I have friends who Aunts/Grandmother have suffered, and I see the pain and heart break it has caused when their loved ones pass away, but I have also seen some fight the battle and come up triumphant.
God Bless!
Cancer. Fortunately, I have had little connection with Cancer. Though I have met some amazing strong people with Cancer and their will and ability to smile and live fully has amazed me.
I have friends who Aunts/Grandmother have suffered, and I see the pain and heart break it has caused when their loved ones pass away, but I have also seen some fight the battle and come up triumphant.
God Bless!
I love your blog. I have been watching your kids grow since they were born. And loved every minute of it. I also loved seeing you on TV. You would be a blast to hang with.
Allison
Bless you for what you do!
Hi! My Mom is an ER nurse and is one of the awesomest people I know! In addition, the 30+ years she spent as a nurse and in the ER helped her to save my Dad's life in 2009. Some say it was lucky, I say it was fate. Thank you for doing what you do!
Suzanne
My best friends mother just died of cancer. She is the same age as my mom,55. It is an awful awful part of life and we are all thankful for the care takers.
Thank you to all nurses for doing what you do! My husband and I have been lucky to have the greatest nurses when he's been in the hospital! And thanks BlogHer for donations to this worthy cause!
My twins were born three months prematurely and the NICU nurses helped to not only keep my babies alive, but to keep me sane. I am thankful to each and every one of them, each and every day.
Nurses rock! Thank you for loving what you do! I am sure patients truly appreciate it!
My mom is a nurse and has made a huge difference in my life. She is so compassionate, caring and of course can handle any blood. She has been so helpful since having my first child. I cannot imagine not having her as the nurse in my life. So glad that you are able to make a difference too!
I had aortic valve replacement about 3 years ago and I am not sure how I would have made it through recovery in ICU without my awesome nurses! I loved and greatly appreciated every single one of them. Thank you for all you do!!
My mom is a nurse, and I have a huge respect for nurses! I think it's important to teach your kids about medical professionals and teach them to respect them. Too often I hear parents talking to their kids about the "mean nurse." That kills me! Nurses and doctors are here to help!
I had three c-sections, one for each of my kids and there is a nurse that I remember from each one of my kids who was so sweet and nurturing to me, and know just what to say to help me feel better. With my oldest, it was the first nurse I had who was so excited for us and was so proud of my nursing right after I got her from the nursery. With my middle daughter, it was the nurse who was on at night the second night in the hsopital, I could just tell that she loved her job and took such great care of her babies. WIth my third child, it was the nurse who helped me when I was having some trouble in my lady parts. I was so touched by each of them in a different way.
When I was pregnant with my second born my doula told me about the most awesome labor & delivery nurse at the hospital I was to deliver at. I prayed she would be my nurse because I was planning to deliver naturally with no interventions and this nurse was very supportive of that. When I went into labor this particular nurse was on duty and my doula requested her. She was fantastic and took care of myself, my husband, and my newborn like we were her family.
My second born had surgery three times between 6.5 months & 10 months. Each time was difficult for us but the first surgery especially so because we did not know what to expect. In the recovery room the nurse who was assigned to my daughter put us so at ease and explained everything to us. She truly ministered to not only my daughter but to me as well.
I have known so many people, friends and family alike, who have had to battle cancer in the past 5 years. Young, old, and in between. My best friend is now 4 years out and has it beat. A friend's child lost her battle earlier this year. We lost an uncle last Christmas. My mama friend who has 5 young kids is battle a rare cancer that came back after last year's clean scan. And of course there are others, some still fighting, some lost, some winning. Some days I really can't believe that cancer has become such a common struggle, and it SUCKS.
I have been blessed with great care for myself and my family members by nurses of all kinds, even when doctors were not so well liked... In particular, my L&D nurses and the lactation nurses that I've dealt with most recently were just amazing - patient, helpful, kind, caring, supportive, resourceful, you name it. I may have loved my OB, but her glory was 5 minutes of delivery - it was my NURSE who took care of me for 9 hours!
I hate cancer. I truly do. The awful disease robbed my healthy, strong, hard-working grandfather of his life. His life that included 8 great grandkids (and counting...), including 2 of my own whom he never was able to meet.
I pray that this horrible disease can be cured in my lifetime.
Our NICU nurses were absolutely amazing!
We lost our dear friend to pancreatic cancer - horrible, horrible, disease.
My mom is an LPN nurse that has CLL. She has been a nurse all her life & it Is her ministry. Thankfully she can work through her illness !
My best friend's 3 year old daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia last year. She is doing wonderfully, praise God, but still has regular chemo treatments for maintenance. Childhood cancer funding is PITIFUL compared to funding for other diseases and even in proporation with funding for adult cancers. I hope and pray that the resources put into funding research for childhood cancer is increased. We attended a Light the Night walk this past weekend by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise money! I'm so appreciative for the work they are doing!
So thankful for the nurse that was by my side for my 18 hour labor with my first baby boy. She was so kind and I appreciate her so much!
One of my very best friends is and L&D nurse I know she is the greatest nurse any new momma could ask for.
My 8 year old nephew was recently diagnosed with ALL - May 18 of this year to be exact. I've been thoroughly impressed with the care that he has received so far. He loves his team of doctors and nurses and for him, that's huge.
Another time I was grateful for a nurse was the day my own son died. A good friend of ours was in the ER working that day and she kept me posted until we could get there. She was with him the entire time and refused to leave his side until I got there.
My daughter is a nurse, I know how hard she works and how much she cares. It is a calling.
Throughout the last few years we have seen been impacted by a lot of nurses. From October-March of last year my Mom spent a lot of time with her parents as her mom was recovering from multiple open heart surgeries and infections. They became quite good friends with the nurses at the hospital. These nurses not only ensured that my grandma was receiving proper care but that all or our family was comfortable and happy. It made the difference between a dreadful and a manageable stay in the hospital.
My son Connor was diagnosed with Acute Mylogenous Leukemia when he was 2 (back in 2001) He is now a healthy and happy teenager. We are very active in our local chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They have done so much for my family! Good job Suz and Blogher for recognizing this great charity :)
My husband has CLL, but the good news is, it has been in remission for 10 years..:) he still has to go in every 6 months for blood test and a quick checkup. I am so thankful for the great team at CCNW.... that are a outstanding group of doctors and nurses.
My mother is a nurse and the difference she has made in my life is self-explanatory: she's my mother!
Cancer has taken the lives of many people I love. It took the life of both my father and father-in-law as well as many friends. My dad fought a short, hard battle for 7 months. It was awful to see him suffer and watch my mom suffer too. My FIL passed away a year ago and it was just as painful to watch him fight a 4 year battle with cancer. It's a terrible, horrible disease!!
I've had two csections and the nurse's were so comforting both times! THANK YOU!
Nurses are very special people. My next door neighbor is a nurse and helped me when my daughter fell and I went into panic mode and couldn't think straight. She got me thinking clearly and helped comfort my daughter as well. I will always be thankful for that.
I work with different healthcare professionals all the time and let me just say...nurses are the best!!
My ob nurse delivered my third baby - after the doc wouldn't show. And she was aboslutely precious.
First off...love, love, love your blog! :) It makes my heart happy to read about your kiddos.
I delivered my twins at 31 weeks and I could go on forever about all of our nurses. But, the one that made the most difference was a NICU nurse named Faye. She made us feel like good parents while in there. :) She means so much to us!
When I was 12 I had back surgery and had to stay in the hospital for a week. The nurses were so kind and accommodating to me, they made my stay so much more comfortable. This experience has influenced me t pursue a nursing career.
My best friend lost his life to melanoma; while he was in the hospital and hospice, he was treated exceptionally by nearly every nurse who attended to him. His favorite (and mine) was the nurse who, in her loud Jamaican accent, would call out to him, "Good morning Ryan O'Neal!" (naming the actor she thought he bore a resemblance to). My friend's face would always light up, and the extra minutes she would take with him were happy moments in otherwise very difficult days.
My mom died a little over 4 years ago. She had lung, then bladder, then brain cancer in a span of about 3 1/2 years. I miss her every day.
My mother-in-law, a former nurse is a breast cancer survivor. She's been retired for about 20 years, but I still meet people who were influenced by her compassion.
Such a deserving cause! How great of BlogHer to donate!
My grandfather died of liver cancer. His Hospice nurses were an amazing help to my grandmother!
My sister-in-law is a labor and delivery/NICU nurse. When my daughter was born it helped to know she had Aunt Julie taking care of her while I was in recovery from my c-section.
My friend's mom has ovarian cancer, and her strength, faith, and living personification of Christ's love has amazed me and strengthened my faith, just as it breaks my heart to watch her and her family walk through this. She is also a NICU nurse, since I want to be a neonatologist, it has been fun and inspiring to hear her stories.
My mom is a nurse. It is so awesome to just call her up when i need advice about my kiddos.
Our good friend has fought breast cancer twice. We now do a breast cancer 5k walk with her every year.
My mom was a nurse (before she had her 13 kids), so I like to ask her questions all the time regarding health. As if I wouldn't anyways, just because of the "Mom" title ;)
I have had an uncle and a cousin with cancer and have followed many cancer blogs... it's real. And scary.
My hubby had cancer at age 27. Our oldest daughter was just 1 year old at the time. He's been cancer free now for a few years. Praise the Lord!
its awesome that you can continue your dream and have quads!!! Anything is life is possible :)
cancer has reminded me that the small things are really really HUGE things and to make memories, as many as possible, because soon enough they may be all you have!
I haven't had many experiences in the hospital besides my kids' births...all my nurses were wonderful!
and the nurses, of course, made the 10 extra days I had to stay w/ my son SOOO much better!
My father's hospice nurse was one of the best. I wish I could thank her again today. And, as far as cancer there is nothing I fear more. My mom was diagnosed with skin cancer in the 70's, way before all of the amazing treatments of today. My husband lost his father to cancer when he was 11 years old, and I have lost an uncle and brother in law to it as well.
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