nurse's week

Nurse's week is May 6-12 every year. It start's on Nurse's Day, May 6th, because that is Florence Nightingale's birthday. So first and foremost, happy nurse's week to all of the nurses out there! 

I've always found cute and funny sayings about nurses and nursing, but never anything about the serious side of nursing. That was until I found the following poem:

I'm Sorry in Advance

By Linda Leeson

I'm sorry in advance

Your bed's not made today

But I have a patient here

Whose chest pain won't go away

I'm sorry in advance

You're not happy with your meal

Dietary does try hard sir

To give it some appeal

I'm sorry in advance

Your morning pills are late

I've a patient climbing out of bed

That I must go sedate

I'm sorry in advance

Your mattress isn't soft

We do need new beds ma'am

But these things do cost a lot

I'm sorry in advance

I didn't comb your mother's hair

I've a patient with emphysemsa

She's scared, she can't get air

I'm sorry in advance

Your father's still in pain

I'm trying to reach his doctor

I'll have to try again

I'm sorry in advance

Your dressings aren't yet done

But a patient has just passed away

I offered solace to his son

I'm sorry in advance

That I'm not cheery as a bird

I've worked 12 hours, my feet ache

I've asked for help, but no one heard

I'm sorry in advance

I've only 2 hands and 2 feet

I'm trying to care for you, patient

Your needs I want to meet

My 12 hours are now 16,

No replacement could be found

My aching feet cry out

My head begins to pound

I'm sorry in advance

I cannot meet your gaze

My eyes are filled with tears

Your face is just a haze

If I could sit down a minute

And maybe grab a bite

Phone my kids to say I love them

And I'll be late again tonight.

I'm sorry in advance

I didn't do all that must be done

If I'd worked any faster

I'd soon begin to run

When I do get to hold your hand

Or wipe your furrowed brow

Please understand, dear patient

I care for you and how

I see your pain, I sense your fear

Your anger in a glance

Our healthcare service's failing you

I'm sorry in advance.

That poem sums up the way I felt most shifts at the hospital. Please try to remember this poem when you encounter nurses at the hospital.

 

Happy Nurse's Week!

And remember: 
Be nice to me, I may be your nurse someday! ;)