A Typical Week

One patient in complete denial of her diagnosis. Two patients under forty with really aggressive cancer. Three patients on hospice care. Four patients with a new cancer diagnosis. One patient whose screams could be heard down the hall because she was so embarrassed by her tumor erupting through her skin that she hid it for months, even, from her husband, and is now dying for it--and experiencing a pain that only sedation will quell. One nursing assistant who gets multiple complaints by patients and family members for her lack of compassion. One nursing manager who won't do anything about it. A plethora of management members who would rather argue about minute points of idiocy rather than compromise and actually achieve something positive for my patients.

I held hands with patients, loved them, hoped for them, and cried with family members this week. I tried to remember that I have two ears and one mouth and should listen before I speak. I was not perfect. As a matter of fact, I made some mistakes. I'm still proud of the work week. I'm also savoring my days off.