LILLIAN LEWIS MCDONALD
Nurse – Victoria Jubilee Hospital
GOOD DAY. My name is Lillian Lewis McDonald, a nurse at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. I have been a nurse for over 20 years. As we approach International Nurses Day, I reflect on why I chose to become a nurse.
I can remember that f rom my early childhood, just the thought of helping someone to feel better brought indescribable joy. I remember being asked by most of my family members to help with one ailment or the other. It is safe to say that nursing choose me. I remember finding my dog in agony from a bone that was logged between his teeth. My mom quickly reported that he would not allow anyone to assist him. It was like my dog was awaiting my assistance. When he saw me, he ran to me and opened his mouth, and thankfully, I was able to remove the bone. I believe on that day, I affirmed that my lifelong career would be nursing.
There are numerous high points in my nursing career. What is profound, though, is to see clients recover and be able to return to a good quality of life, especially after near misses with life-threatening situations.
My most discouraging moments in nursing come when despite all our best efforts combined, we lose our clients. This is especially heartbreaking in instances when a mother loses her baby or when there is a maternal death.
I would encourage anyone who loves people and is willing to make a positive impact on someone, especially when they are at their worst, to choose this noble and fulfilling profession.
Some of my coping strategies during this pandemic have included remaining focused on the things I know. There was so much new information to keep up with. I made more effort to plug into my source, Jesus. He sustained and guided.
Colleagues, this pandemic has really stretched and challenged us yet also opened our eyes to new possibilities and experiences. I encourage us to remain confident in the face of any challenge and resilient despite the terrain that we have to tread. We can and must trust our greatest support, our Father and Maker.
“I would encourage anyone who loves people and is willing to make a positive impact on someone, especially when they are at their worst, to choose this noble and fulfilling profession.