The fact of the matter is; being a nurse is stressful. With high nurse to patient ratios, budget limitations and overwhelming demands from patients and management, I forget sometimes why I entered this field at all. Hours turn into days, days into weeks and I often feel that I am just showing up for work, putting in my scheduled time and not making a difference in anyone's life.
Ask any new graduate nurse why he or she wants to be a nurse and the answer will always be "I just want to help people; to make a difference". I remember when I entered the medical field I felt the same way.
15 years later, on the edge of burn out, stresses from the job had dulled my compassion and "helping people" was just what I was being paid to do.
When I went on my first mission trip I rediscovered my passion. "This is why I became a nurse!" The needs were so great and every deed no matter how small mattered. When I returned to my job, I felt re-energized and rejuvenated.
I want to share this with nurses around the country. Rediscover your passion! Remember why you wanted to be a nurse in the first place. Travel to those in need, work hard, practice the basics, improve quality of life and health, while you renew your spirit. LetI rem
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