![]() 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. 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.” 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
24 Comments
Sunshine
9/18/2016 08:20:22 am
Hi MM, I haven't yet decided what I want to be when I grow up, but when or if I ever do I hope to be as passionate about my career as you are. ❤️
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Maria, It's always inspiring to read your weekly articles. You impress me with your "time management skills!" It seems to me that you juggle so much all the time and simply never trip & fall or drop a thing! Some day (before I'm 75?) I want to be just like you.
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Mike
9/18/2016 02:00:39 pm
This is not surprising. You began early caring for and about people, and never strayed from the path. Great that you had such love and guidance to ease you into your career.
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9/18/2016 04:05:14 pm
Mar, I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. When I found out that I had been accepted ( The class was small only 20 students. ) I got a job at out little, local hospital as a CNA and worked the summer months until school started. Over the years I've thought back at that time and know it helped me be a better nurse. I was never too busy to put a patient on a bedpan and empty it. I know my time spent as a CNA gave me the knowledge that the ones who work the floor are the back-bone of our profession. I have worked with nurses who refused to put a patient on a bedpan and would call for the CNA. I have had many positions during my time as a nurse. The worst being an ADON. My favorite was when I first started in a nursing home. My last was a charge nurse on a rehab unit in a hospital. I worked until I was 70 years old and I still miss it today. I have many stories to write about and I know you do too. I think the most important thing I learned is the old cliché, " Walk A Mile In My Shoes Before You Judge Me. " Take care my friend. Love ya much.
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William Holland
9/19/2016 10:07:56 am
It is fascinating, how we form and grow and the early seeds of our calling are planted. I can't recall how my desire to become a teacher took root, but I know it was before high school.....anyway, thank you, dear lady, for sharing part of your story.
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You were so lucky, Mar, having had the opportunities to realize your dreams. Since I remember I wanted to be a famous concert pianist and also a writer/journalist. Sadly, the opportunities to develop my talents in these particular fields to the required level just never presented themselves. So I became a jack of all trades and a master of none.
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Dear Mareer,
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Shauna
9/21/2016 12:40:34 pm
Mar, how cool that you were named after the maternity nurse who helped bring you into this world! I wonder if your mom ever told Helen that she inspired your middle name.
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Shannon
9/21/2016 05:47:19 pm
I'm with Sunshine. . .still don't know what I want to be when I grow. Growing up (when I was much younger.LOL), I wanted to teach and I even entered college with the intention of teaching, but that didn't work out. Now, my passion for that line of work is just not the same. I'd do it for job security, but I don't know how content I'd be with it. I also wanted to write songs or novels. . .still working on that goal. I think I mentioned to you and I guess your readers too, that when I was five, I wanted to be a janitor. LOL. My childhood ambitions were high. . .huh? LOL. ..Actually, it's not as funny when I say I just wanted to be like Daddy.
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It's no surprise that your compassion started at such an early age. Caring for the folks at the nursing home is an activity that really brings to mind the finite aspect of our lives. You really knew where you were headed and took the path to get there. Thank Heaven for caring and dedicated professionals like you. Love and hugs. P
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9/28/2016 03:48:34 pm
Prof. Mahreer,
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crazyhorseladycx
10/8/2016 05:42:09 pm
Howdy!
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Dear Lady,
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