marcoujor: Early Roots of a Nurse

Mom told me I got my middle name out of gratitude to her nurse, Helen, when she had me.  How sweet is that? I never got to meet or thank Helen, so sharing her legacy seemed appropriate here.

In my toddler years, I nursed my fleet of stuffed animals--ever patient when I patched them up. 

As a kid, I asked “Why?” ... all the time. Mom put me in the same category as Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer. I wasn't sure about that but have always loved learning others' stories and what makes people tick. 

Two favorite childhood book series, Cherry Ames and Nancy Drew, left lasting impressions. I adored Cherry, who was a symbol of everything a nurse should be, as she taught me the many possible roles of a nurse. I was entranced by young detective, Nancy, from whom I learned concepts of patience and persistence in fact finding. I know now that nurses are true detectives.

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In high school, we were able to choose our community service project. I immediately knew I wanted to volunteer at the nursing home, directly across the street from our school. Always anxious before an oral presentation or debate assignment, I felt instantly at home chatting with the residents. I imagined them being my own grandparents, who were either long deceased or living in Georgia. I was fascinated with their personalities, behaviors and the stories they shared. 

Having to wait until the minimum age of fourteen, I spent a couple memorable summers volunteering as a candy striper at the very hospital I was born in. My favorite assignment was escorting patients in wheelchairs to their medical procedures, the roots of my nursing talk and walk style.    

During these years, I was entranced with the nurses who were angelic in style, radiating compassion and concern for their patients. I also felt anxious and confused when other nurses swept through the unit like a witch on a broom. I learned early on that kindness counts in every interaction, no matter how brief.

I am eternally grateful to my mother who encouraged and supported my siblings and me in choosing the life path that we are most content with. It was a no-brainer that I chose to enter a nursing program right out of high school.

Thirty-three years later, I am a nurse of the head and the heart for life. I've never had a job in nursing. My early years naturally led to my career choice. Becoming a nursing instructor twelve years ago, my role in influencing and guiding the nurses of tomorrow remains a constant source of joy and fulfillment. 

I found this quote which speaks to me of the reciprocal benefits of nursing... ​

​The longer I’m in the profession, the more experiences shape my life, the more amazing colleagues influence me, the more I see the micro and macro power of nursing.”
- Joni Watson, MBA, MSN, RN, OCN

​Mom was my earliest role model for written expression and also the absolute best proof-reader I've ever known. 

Everyone has a story. Hope you enjoyed a bit of mine.  I'd love to hear your story about the early experiences that may have led to your career or line of work. Leave me a comment or an email.  

Until next time, enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons, and find inspiration both where you work and play,

​mar