What are nurses thankful for?

It’s near the end of a long and challenging year, to say the least. Despite some of the unexpected sacrifices and changes in plans we’ve all had to make, times like these also bring us closer to the blessings in our lives.
Scrubs Magazine asked nurses of all ages, all over the country, what they will be giving thanks for this holiday weekend. Turns out, the list is long. Here are their responses:

“I’m thankful for being called into this profession. I’m thankful as an RN to work at a hospital with senior leadership that listens to its staff and implements changes based on that. I’m thankful for the family atmosphere at St. David’s South Austin Hospital; it makes the difficult days easier. I’m grateful for my family and friends, who are such a great support. Lastly, and most importantly, I’m grateful to God for listening to me when I ask Him for a servant’s heart.”
—Sandra Martins, RN, CMSRN, Telemetry Unit Supervisor, St. David’s South Austin Hospital

“I’m thankful that I work with an incredibly competent and compassionate team that provides loving and exceptional care for our pediatric population. Throughout my career as a nurse, I have been blessed with the opportunity to follow our patients through life’s journey, whether it’s watching them grow and develop, recover from devastating trauma or even approach the end of their journey. I’m thankful that I work in an environment in which staff and patients become a family. We laugh, cry and pray together; celebrate successes; and overcome grief. I’m thankful for the ability to see God’s grace, mercy and love at work in the lives of children each day.”
—Jessica Edwards, BSN, RN-BC, Patient Care Coordinator, Neuroscience Unit, Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center

“First, I’m thankful that God makes it possible for me to see something good in everything each day. Second, I’m thankful for my wonderful husband and beautiful children for showing me how much they love me every day. Third, I’m thankful for my coworkers because they emphasize the word ‘teamwork’ in so many different ways.”
—Monique Bryant, BSN, RN, PHN, Pediatrics, Florida Hospital

“Nursing provides various opportunities for members of its profession. I have been privileged to be a part of something bigger than my own scope and department by working with quality projects that impact at a system level. This has allowed me to broaden my expertise and make a difference globally as well as in the lives and health of children. I will never forget being able to hand a sweet baby girl named Ava to her mommy to hold for the first time after surgery. As that same baby has grown up and come back for more surgeries, she and her parents have become like family to me. This is an amazing privilege that I’m blessed with. I feel like I have made a difference, but more so that this little girl and others have made a difference in my own life. This niche has allowed me to grow professionally and personally, and I’m so thankful for that.”
—Heather Richard, Manager, Clinical Operations, Cardiac Stepdown Unit, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

“This year I have been truly blessed. I have two new grand-babies who have graced my life, and a family full of love and nurturing. Last but not least, I’m thankful to have a job when so many people are seeking employment and struggling.”
—Maria Roque, BSN, RN, Labor & Delivery

“I am thankful for the chance to change careers. I was a newspaper reporter for seven years, and while I enjoyed it, I was not fulfilled. Thankfully, my family and government were willing to invest in my education (again). Although I’ve made seemingly huge sacrifices, nursing school remains one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I know I am on the right path.”
—Jamie Reid, UTSN

“I have been a nurse for 40 years and I’m thankful every day for the opportunities I have to make a difference in people’s lives. I use my knowledge and skill to make difficult situations more bearable, and that always gives me peace. I cannot imagine doing anything else!”
—Kathy Watson, RN, MS, CPNP

 

“As a first-year nursing student, I have cared for many patients this semester with debilitating chronic conditions. Caring for others is part of my job description—it’s what I love. However, the experience has left me heartbroken for the patients who have these conditions and the families/friends of the patients. Seeing these patients battling these conditions has made me realize how fortunate I am to be healthy and have no conditions that limit my everyday functioning. I’m also thankful that none of my family/friends are living with severe medical conditions. God has truly blessed me; He has provided me with good health that enables me to care for others who need care—this I am very grateful for.”
—Jennifer Perry, nursing student, University of Texas

“I’m thankful that my family supports me, financially and emotionally, while I’m going through nursing school. I’m very lucky to have that because a lot of people don’t. Many people have to work while going to nursing school, but luckily I can give all of my time and effort to learning as much as I can while in school.”
—Brittani Scott, nursing student

“I’m blessed with each new day that I’m able to be able to spend with my family and friends. I’m thankful for having such a dynamic group of coworkers who are always willing to provide assistance, ensuring that we all have a great day at work. Most importantly, I’m thankful for my daughter for teaching me that it’s okay to take moments and be a kid sometimes and to have fun.”
—Jennifer Logan, BSN, RN, Labor & Delivery