In my 43rd year as a registered nurse, I never dreamed I would be staying home. I never dreamed I would be taking calls from people frightened of a dreaded virus, worried about their parents, kids, spouses, and themselves. I never dreamed I would have spent 10 years in L&D, mostly happy times but inevitably, some very sad times. I never dreamed I would've spent eight years dialyzing patients, some who became friends, and all touched me in a way I will never forget. The tribal elder that included me in pow wows. The beautiful 18-year-old who died way too young. The drug abuser who challenged me in ways I never expected but made me a better person. I never dreamed I would give chemo to some memorable human beings -- the fellow who found a mastodon skeleton, the handsome older gentleman who was the voice of the LAX curbside announcer, the Vietnam vet who had a favorite pair of socks. I never dreamed I would get my master's degree in a field that did not exist when I graduated with my bachelor's degree. I never dreamed I would work for a major U.S. company, then get laid off and ultimately retire -- only to return to seasonal part-time work alongside some fabulous people. I never dreamed all of this would lead me to my 43rd year as a nurse, staying at home, taking calls from people frightened of a dreaded virus. And I never dreamed a few words of reassurance and support would be my most important work ever. Share your nurse stories with us!
