GRATITUDE
From the Editor
5
Dear Family and Friends,
I am truly humbled and privileged to provide you with an incredible outpour of knowledge and warmth with this issue. Each journey, act of kindness and expression of compassion allowed me to reconnect with medicine, not as a healthcare provider but as an advocate for humanity.
As a bedside registered nurse, my loyalty and ethics lie with the best practice, care and outcome for my patient. I proudly am their voice. However, at times the hospital business and politics cloud my compassion; alarm fatigue, committee requirements, professional credentials, hospital ratings, lack of acknowledgment and/or gratitude, etc lead to moments that lack empathy.
I remember one case in particular while working in the intensive care unit; I was admitting a young patient for drug overdose. It wasn't the first time for the patient but it was my first time caring for the patient. I immediately cast judgment not only on the patient but the parent too. I thought the parent(s) must not care about their child or be a drug addict themselves.
After I stabilized and settled in the patient I went to go see and update Mom (the patient's mother was in the waiting room) on her child's condition and plan of care. Mom appeared to be a middle working class woman. I thought, hmmm, not what I expected. I sat down next to Mom and warmly introduced myself as the nurse for her child.
Mom began to vent to me about her child's current situation, a heroine story that left me ashamed of my thoughts. She explained her attempt to provide her child with a full life despite the disease of addiction she was exposed to as a child; despite her husband being diagnosed with cancer and walking out on their family; despite Mom's multiple attempts at family counseling and therapy; despite bailing her child out of eviction notices; despite accepting her grandchild as her own child and coming out of retirement to raise him. After all this, she said she eventually had to distance herself from her child for her grandchild's sake. Mom said, "I must sound like a horrible parent." My response, "I have the utmost respect for you and
what your family has been through."
Ugh, that memory stills gives me a rush of emotions. We are not defined by conditions, diseases or circumstances but, how react to them does reflect character. I use this memory in order to reflect kindness, compassion an humility daily. And in this day and age, we need it most.
Wishing you Peace, Health and Prosperity,
Brittany Whiters RN, MSN
Co-Founder & CEO