20 Things I Do As a Nurse

Below is a response to #1, What would you like to learn… in SECTION ONE, “The Beginning,” of the Writing From Within: A Journey of Healing and Empowerment e-workbook: 

1. I translate between the patient and medical providers a lot.
2. I assist to sedate patients before intubation.
3. I have taken care of the gravely ill patients for most of my nursing career.
4. I perform CPR. I deliver that news to the families as I translate for the providers.
5. I medicate patients with pain medicine while I ache, too.
6. I see a lot of suffering.
7. I listen to patients grieve. I see patients alone.
8. I give my patients good nursing care.
9. I help the surgeons do wonderful things.
10. I give my patients water when I am not supposed to.
11. I prompt the doctors for orders when they forget.
12. I give the patients who are in custody extra food and snacks.
13. I make sure the patients who are in custody shackles are not too short or that the cuffs aren’t too tight.
14. I help all my fellow nurses.
15. I provide emotional support to patients and families.
16. I massage the critically ill patients.
17. I pray with and for my patients.
18. I suction phlegm from tracheotomies.
19. I listen to my patients.
20. I respond to emergencies, code blue, and rapid response teams within the hospital.