A nurse named “Sandra”
National Nurses Week May 6 through 12
When we are recognizing the efforts of heroes we would be remiss in not noting the approaching National Nurses Week and the amazing efforts made by nursing staff. National Nurses Week is celebrated annually May 6 through 12 and is designated to recognize the contributions nurses make to communities. May 6 is National Nurses Day, and the May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
I recently suffered a nasty cat bite after attempting to split up a brawl between a feral cat and our family pet. The feral cat had minimal blame for the bite I received as it was delivered by our house cat who never ventures outdoors unless he’s managed a well calculated escape! I accept blame for not thinking before acting and being the recipient our cat’s wrath. All of this to say, the result of the bite meant daily trips to the emergency, early every morning where I was greeted by the head night nurse, Sandra each day, who pumped me with intravenous antibiotics.
Each day I watched Sandra and I listened as I received my hourly dose. Nearing the end of the long nightly shift I marvelled at the rhythm, efficiency and upbeat exchanges shared with colleagues, doctors, cleaning staff, delivery persons and patients. Each day I wondered if I’d arrive and find a less enthusiastic or tired team displaying a less upbeat atmosphere. For five days I wandered into the hospital during the early hours and each day, I heard polite directives, efficient instructions and I personally was cared for and asked often if I needed anything.
I learned during those five days that Sandra would be retiring in November 2024. She even mentioned a plan or two for her retirement. I watched her and I listened. I could not imagine after just a few short days, what the unit would be like in her absence? I missed her already. On the last day of my treatments, I watched the less seasoned nursing staff and I listened. I observed the efficient and consistent flow. I realized that like all good leaders and like all successful teachers, Sandra and others had not only passed the torch but also had nurtured, taught, encouraged and prepared those around them. The hole left by Sandra will be evident but the job done by her and her teachings will fill the void and the quality care will continue to flow…as it should.
Exiting the hospital, I approach the emergency waiting room where a man snores, a child coughs and an elderly woman is crying in pain. I can hear the nurses receiving them and I think about the atmosphere in which these caregivers work each day. I realize that it takes a special person to choose this type of work.
I realized that like all good leaders and like all successful teachers, Sandra and others had not only passed the torch but also had nurtured, taught, encouraged and prepared those
around them.
I can hear the nurses receiving them and I think about the atmosphere in which these caregivers work each day. I realize that it takes a special person to choose this type of
work.
I never did get Sandra’s last name. Maybe that is just as well. Sandra, Amanda or Julia, the name can be affectionately replaced by the common term, “my nurse.” The admiration, gratitude and appreciation felt by any patient in need of care reflects what nurses do and the people they are. Not every hero wears a cape. In this case, a set of scrubs, hair collected in a bun and good pair of sneakers is about as close to a super woman that I have come.