I came to work in the operating room after nursing school was completed. I was so excited about my new job that I would alternate between being exhausted and not being able to sleep properly. Like many jobs, the newness and excitement wore off and I found myself in drudgery.
One night (when I was staying late, yet again) I was feeling aggravated. I didn't like my surgeon, my feet hurt, it was late, and I was "doing eyes". Every operating nurse has a favorite (or least favorite) service line. My least favorite was eyes-I thought that it alternated between boring and disgusting.
My patient was an elderly man who was there to have his cataract removed and new lenses implanted. As the case neared a close, and I started to pull the drapes off, and I put drops in the patients eyes. We made eye contact and I stumbled slightly when he said,
"I can see!!!" and "You are beautiful."
I realized in that moment what a big deal this all was to the patient and how truly grateful he was. I HELPED HIM SEE!!! I mumbled something to him about how he must still be feeling the effects of the anxiety medications. He adamantly proclaimed, "No, you really are beautiful."
I realized at that moment that no matter how I was feeling, it was what I was doing that was important.
Submitted by Anonymous
We've all had people in our lives who have made a positive impact on us. A parent or grandparent, a sibling who was there for us, or maybe even just a guy who shines shoes for a living? Whoever they are, tell us their story so they can inspire us even more.
Tell Us Your Story All Everyday Hero Stories