In honor of National Nurses Week, Shield HealthCare is featuring a collection of inspirational stories from the hearts of nurses who shared their personal views on what makes caregiving rewarding in their lives.
Story by Amy S., RN
“I can not explain what makes caregiving rewarding to me without first sharing my background. I am a 41 year old woman who still loves helping and educating others. I have been in the healthcare field since age 17. I was raised by my maternal grandparents. My grandmother did not graduate high school. She married and had five children. She found time to attend night school for her GED and then LVN license. I watched in awe as she got ready for work, in her white dress, cap, pantyhose and white polished shoes. On cold mornings, I would start her car so she would be nice and warm when she left for work. Through watching and learning from my grandmother, I longed to be a nurse too. I wanted to help others in their time of need and maybe even save lives.
In 1987, I entered a one year high school program at Washington County Career Studies Center in Hagerstown, MD in order to become a Certified Geriatric Nursing Assistant. I had a dedicated teacher. She had the patience it took to teach a bunch of teen girls about the human body as well as life. She was tough, but fair. She had no hesitation on correcting misbehavior or poor performance. She stayed on us like glue. We were taught to wear our hair neat and off the collar; no heavy makeup, long nails, painted nails or perfume. She encouraged us to continue on to get our nursing degrees. I received my high school diploma along with my Geriatric Nursing Assistant certificate in 1988.
At age 17, thanks to my rotation through the hospital while attending the Career Studies Center, I got my first job as a pharmacy aid. My grandparents both died within the next two years, so I moved out on my own at the age of 18. I worked in the pharmacy for two years and then as a nursing assistant for six years while slowing working toward my ASN. I graduated with my ASN in 1996. I also met me future husband in 1996. I went back to school and received my BSN in 2010. Someday I may return to further my education.
I like for my patients and their families to feel valued. I make them feel valued by taking my time and really listening. What they have to say is just as important as what I have to say. When a person feels that I have time for them, they begin to open up. This is when I really find out what they need and how I can best help. Listening allows a trusting relationship to grow. I love to teach my patients the particulars about their disease process, how the body works and heals, but I also learn from them.
I don’t have all the answers. I am constantly doing what I can to learn more. I enjoy working with a team of healthcare providers where personal and professional growth is encouraged through mutual sharing of knowledge and experience.
I can not imagine my life without the privilege to help others in such a personal manner. I praise God for His gifts, talents and those special people He has put in my life along the way. Caregiving makes me a better person each and every day!”
Shield HealthCare | Medical Supplies For Care At Home Since 1957
