Categories: Break Room

Secret things nurses REALLY think

Because you never look as good to yourself as other people do, I have a fear of ending up with a nurse like me when I have surgery. I know deep down that I’m a good nurse, that I do everything expected of me and more, but I see all the little linty corners of my own brain as I’m working. I know all the places I skimp so that I can spend time on stuff I think is more important, like just sitting with a patient at 3 a.m. I know how resentful I can be toward a resident. I know how hard I try and how hard I work, but somehow I never seem to be as good as the people I work with, whom I idolize.

6. I would never, ever, ever do anything else.

If I won the lottery tomorrow, would I keep working? You bet my rapidly widening butt I would. I love what I do with a fierceness I never expected I would feel, and I love my patients—even the ones who drive me crazy—the same way. Nursing has its moments of sheer boredom and repetition, as well as soul-searingly hard, gross, dirty work, but when it’s good, there’s nothing like it. There is no better feeling than having somebody say to me, “I was scared before, but you made me feel better.” There are no words that’ll make my shoulders straighten faster than “Thank you, Nurse.”

I want to get better at my job every time I do it. I want to do everything right, keep improving my skills and keep learning new things. Every interaction I have, no matter which side of the bed I’m on, is an opportunity for me to do better at my job. And I love that.

7. Because of all of these things, both bad and good, I am incredibly lucky.

Most people get the chance to touch two or three lives in a meaningful way. I’ve got my two or three, and I’m only a third of the way into my career. I am the most fortunate woman I know. I work harder than any of my friends. I have more heartache than most people. I work crazy hours, my feet hurt and occasionally my job is dangerous and dirty.

I am a nurse. And I still grin ear to ear when I say that.

Page: 1 2

Agatha Lellis

Agatha Lellis is a nurse whose coffee is brought to her every morning by a chipmunk. Bluebirds help her to dress, and small woodland creatures sing her to sleep each night. She writes a monthly advice column, "Ask Aunt Agatha," here on Scrubs; you can send her questions to be answered at askauntieaggie@gmail.com.

Recent Posts

Glaucoma Treatment Options: A detailed look at the various treatment options available for managing glaucoma

Safeguarding vision means understanding glaucoma and treatment choices. Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that…

12 months ago

DNP or PhD? A Guide For Nurses Considering Further Study

Are you a practicing nurse? It's a rewarding career, even with the associated stress and…

1 year ago

Common Myths About Medical Assistants

Medical assistants are crucial in healthcare settings, serving as the backbone of clinical operations. They’re…

1 year ago

4 Ways to Accessorize While on Duty

While bedside manner and knowledge are equally important for nurses, there's one other surprising factor…

1 year ago

Time Management in Nursing: Tips & Skills for Nurses

Whether you're a seasoned nurse or a new grad joining the fray, you'll find golden…

1 year ago

Unlocking the Future: Exploring Top Online RN to BSN Programs

In the fast-paced healthcare industry, nurses are the unsung heroes. They provide care, compassion, and…

1 year ago