A Thank You Letter to Every Nurse
I have always had respect and appreciation for you. When I feel crappy, you help me feel better. But I never fully understood and appreciated everything that you do for others. That all changed on March 8th, 2011 when the doctor diagnosed me with cancer. My whole world flipped upside down and were the person that was there for me the most.
I was terrified…I had no idea what I was up against.
I was lost…I had so many questions.
I felt anxious…I needed a prognosis.
I couldn’t focus…my whole world was spinning.
I was a mess. You were my nurse. You were everything that I needed. You spent time getting to know me, and helped me find my strength. You slowly walked me through everything, and built my confidence. You spent the extra time with me, and eased my anxiety. I rediscovered what is really important in life through our little conversations. You were there for me.
Through all of your care, I know that me and my health were not your only concern. In the next room, you had a patient waiting for you with a much more complex diagnosis. I know my doctor was always waiting impatiently for your notes and my chart. You had your own family and life to tend to. But none of those things seemed to matter to you. Every moment you spent with me, you made me feel like my health was the only concern that existed in your world.
6 years later, the disease is gone. There are no more blood draws. No more PET Scans and no more check ups. The disease that once consumed me has been replaced by a love and appreciation for nurses that is engrained in my heart. And although there are no words that can fully express my appreciation for what you have done for me, I will continue to say thank you the best way I know how, and that is to continue to serve you and say “thank you” with every opportunity.
To nurse Lucy at the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Clinic and every other patient’s hero, thank you!
Nursing is an extraordinary profession. For those of us who are not nurses, we will never fully understand the demands of this profession. However, we can recognize and appreciate the service of our nurses. We are able to enjoy our life, family and friends a little longer because of them. Take the time and thank a nurse for what they do for us.
