Why do we run when patients call us when we can just walk? Why do we take the last bill from our pocket to buy the medicines a patient can no longer afford? Why do we give extra pumps during CPR when we know for a fact that the patient has already passed? Why do we feel disheartened when we look at undesirable laboratory test results? If you can relate to these, you are a nurse.
Sometimes the best things that we do to our patients are those acts not reflected in the Nurses’ Notes. We don’t write “Smiled and greet the patient as I entered the room.” or “Prayed for the fast recovery of the patient.” Another sad thing is: we feel that we are just employees carrying out the doctor’s orders failing to realize that we are the ones who spend the most amount of time interacting with our patients. We should know that we give more than a medication when we get close to them because behind that medication is a person offering himself or herself to do everything that can help these patients not just medically but also emotionally.
They may forget your face or your name, but for sure they will never forget the feeling when you cared for them when they feel terrified of what will happen in the next few minutes of their lives, especially those who are terminally ill.
The video you are about to see is a monologue of Miss Colorado Kelley Johnson who ran the extra mile for her patient, Joe. This is a story of a remarkable nurse-patient relationship that will boost the pride of every nurse that did the same for their patients.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5Af6Keaqkk
In relation to this video let me share one of my favorite quotes from the famous Patch Adams: “You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome.”