I came to work in the operating room after nursing school was completed. I was so excited about my new job that I would alternate between being exhausted and not being able to sleep properly. Like many jobs, the newness and excitement wore off and I found myself in drudgery.
One night (when I was staying late, yet again) I was feeling aggravated. I didn't like my surgeon, my feet hurt, it was late, and I was "doing eyes". Every operating nurse has a favorite (or least favorite) service line. My least favorite was eyes-I thought that it alternated between boring and disgusting.
My patient was an elderly man who was there to have his cataract removed and new lenses implanted. As the case neared a close, and I started to pull the drapes off, and I put drops in the patients eyes. We made eye contact and I stumbled slightly when he said,
"I can see!!!" and "You are beautiful."
I realized in that moment what a big deal this all was to the patient and how truly grateful he was. I HELPED HIM SEE!!! I mumbled something to him about how he must still be feeling the effects of the anxiety medications. He adamantly proclaimed, "No, you really are beautiful."
I realized at that moment that no matter how I was feeling, it was what I was doing that was important.
Submitted by Anonymous
We've all had people in our lives who have made a positive impact on us. A parent or grandparent, a sibling who was there for us, or maybe even just a guy who shines shoes for a living? Whoever they are, tell us their story so they can inspire us even more.
Tell Us Your Story All Everyday Hero StoriesClick the like button above to access our facebook page, then ‘like us’ to get a dose of positivity in your feed.
No thanks