Thanks for your appreciation

A few days ago I was at work, when a patient and his wife who had been there before, greeted me by name.  This wasn't the first time this had happened to me.  I knew his name because I had his paperwork, but I didn't really remember taking care of him before, prior to seeing his face.  This made me think, wow patients and their families remember me, even though I don't remember them.  It's made me think about how my care towards patients and their families have a profound effect on their hospital stay and their perception of the quality of care they receive.  It's little gestures of amiability like this, as well as the "thank you's" that make working as a nurse worth it.

Some days are good.  Patients are appreciative and understanding.  Other days, not so much.  On occasion, I silently question myself, "why am I doing this?"  When patients give me dirty looks, or question my ability to perform tasks.  It's those days I try to block out from my mind, and focus on all the love God has allowed me to show these people through this job He has generously provided.  So to all of you.  If you're ever in the hospital as a patient or as a family or friend of one, remember, saying "thank you" means the world to us.

My locks need some love

Today I finally manned up and went to get my first West Virginian haircut.  I had been putting it off, but when the hair started going around my ears, I knew it couldn't wait any longer.  So I went to the local salon, AKA Walmart.  I couldn't just sit back and relax.  Having a stranger massage their fingers through my locks is a terrifying experience, then snipping away, not knowing what the result would be is an uncomfortable experience.

Well, I survived, but let's just say, it doesn't look exactly right.  I miss my regular hair dresser.  There's nothing more comforting than what's familiar.