Nurses have extra spark that helps them care for others

Dear Annie: We hear so many accounts of sick relatives dying alone in the hospital and family members feeling helpless and guilty because they can’t be by their side, even though it’s not their fault. I’m a retired nurse, and I hope I can let these families know that their loved one is not dying alone if their nurses can help it. Every nurse I know, or have ever known, seems to have that extra spark that pushes them to take those extra steps to make sure the patient is as comfortable as possible and then some. I have written a poem that I hope makes some family feel less helpless. “A Hand to Hold”

By Patty Palmer

“The nurse tells her that she’s been ill for quite a while. She holds her hand while she explains with a kindly smile. Wondering where her family is since they aren’t there with her

She calls out but the tube in her throat allows her not a word.

The kindly nurse explains to her that visitors are not allowed.

The virus spreading rapidly prevents any size of crowd. Feeling so alone as a tear falls down her feverish cheek. She’s never been this sick before and feeling very weak.

The nurse takes a warm cloth and gently washes her face

‘Don’t worry, I’m here with you and I’m not going anyplace.’

Her heart is growing weaker and her color isn’t good But the nurse goes on acting as normal as she could. As this ailing patient’s life is heading toward the end She holds her hand and sings to her, not as a nurse but as a friend.

The machines show her vital signs are heading for a drop And her new friend stays with her until they entirely stop.

This nurse has done all she could to make the end less cold.

No patient should have to die alone without a hand to hold. I hope this poem makes some family feel a little less helpless.

I’m not just a nurse, it’s who I am!”

Dear Patty: I am reading this with a tear in my eye. Thank you for sharing your beautiful, compassionate poem, and thank you to all nurses, with their kind smiles, full hearts and strong