Making a Difference

This is actually what I wrote for my exemplar for my evaluation, but I just thought I'd post it just to show how God uses us and works in so many ways, when we don't even know it. God is working so much in my life right now and I'm just so excited about it!! He is showing me who He is and what life is really about more and more each day. I just encourage everyone who reads this to open up your hearts to Him and let Him work in your life.

Recently I had the opportunity to care for Mrs. W, a forty-eight year old woman with multiple sclerosis. She had been fighting this disease for eighteen years and had come to the point that she was no longer able to do many activities of daily living that she once had. Her husband was extremely dedicated to her and wanted more than anything for her to have the quality of care that she deserved. This admission to the hospital they thought was going to be one of which had become quite routine to the family, as she was frequently hospitalized for urinary tract infections. However, within a day of being in the hospital, it appeared that this time was going to be different. Mrs. W had become quite ill with urosepsis and was brought to the MICU to be cared for. Although she was receiving very aggressive treatment, her frail body failed to respond. She became unresponsive and required a BIPAP machine to help with her breathing. Her physician met with the family and told them that at this point, he did not know if she would improve or not. After receiving report for the day, I went in to meet Mrs. W and her family. As expected, she remained unresponsive. Her husband had been by her side for days now, and it was easy to see his dedication to his wife. He wanted to be very involved in her care and was extremely appreciative of all that we were doing for her. He showed such a testament of his devotion as he eagerly helped me turn her, clean her mouth out, and perform other basic nursing duties. Throughout the day, her condition remained unchanged. I left that day knowing that this family would probably have a very difficult future in store for them.

Several days later, I was visiting my grandmother and she mentioned that her neighbor who had MS had been admitted to the MICU and passed away a couple of days later. I knew that my grandmother had a neighbor with MS, but did not know her name. She told me her name, and it dawned on me that she was my patient that I had been caring for. Without breaking confidentiality I mentioned to her that I had indeed cared for her in the hospital and that I was so sad to hear that she had passed away.The next week when I went back to visit my grandmother again she explained to me that she had told Mr. W who I was. His response to her was one that made me truly realize that what I do everyday as a nurse really does have an impact on others much more than I may know at the time. He showed such appreciation and gratitude towards not only myself, but to each nurse on the unit. As my grandmother explained to me what an impact the nursing staff had on him and his family, tears flooded my eyes as I realized what nursing is really all about. My grandmother told me that he could not say enough good things about not only the quality of care that his wife received, but also the emotional support that was poured out to him during this incredibly difficult time.

Through this circumstance, I was reminded to always give my best to each patient and their family. What we do each day really does make a difference in the lives of others, and we need to take advantage of each opportunity to show others the love that we have in our heart. As nurses, we have such a unique opportunity to minister to our patients and their families in their most vulnerable times. By doing so, not only are we a blessing to them, but we receive a blessing back in return.