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marcoujor: Early Roots of a Nurse

9/17/2016

24 Comments

 
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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
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 link
9/19/2016 07:10:54 am

Take your time growing up, dear Sunshine - you are passionate in whatever you do! ;)

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paula link
9/18/2016 12:33:03 pm

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.
Ha! I just read our Linda Sue's comment......what-a-ya-think Maria?? Like she needs to "hope to be passionate??!!" That's like Dolly Parton hoping for big boobs!!
Love all my gal pals so much. My WISH is that one day we can all somehow, someway oh please pretty please....get together in one place! (Knowing full well that place will never be the same again!!),,,,,,,,,,Hugs, Paula/Effer

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Maria link
9/19/2016 07:08:58 am

LOL, dear Paula...I confess to 'dropping a ball here and there'...!

It would be great for us all to get together...and I 'never say never'.

Love you much, Maria

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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.

Happy Sunday.

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Maria link
9/19/2016 07:07:07 am

Thanks for your visit, dear Mike. Wishing you a good week ahead.

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Ruby Fuller link
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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Maria link
9/19/2016 07:06:02 am

Dear Ruby,
Your story reminds me that you are a born nurse - from the inside out.
Thanks for sharing with us. Love you and hugs, mar

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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.

love,
bill

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Maria link
9/22/2016 05:54:47 am

Great to see you here, Bill - you are a born teacher for sure.

Have a great day. Love, Maria

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Martie link
9/19/2016 07:24:33 pm

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.

I hope a nurse like you will one day take care of me.

Hugs,

Martie

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Maria link
9/22/2016 05:56:51 am

Dear Martie,
To me, you have a myriad of talents, which could not possibly all be careers per se.
I also hope your health care providers are compassionate, caring and competent.
Love you much, mar

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Vicki link
9/21/2016 10:42:32 am

Dear Mareer,
No question, you were molded from childhood to care deeply about others. It's wonderful that developed into being a super nurse and teacher of others, but it's certainly not a surprise.
I'm with Paula on this! We just have to find a central location to celebrate meeting together.
You might have to get a relief nurse to take over while the gals are doing their once-in-a-lifetime thing though, dear Mareer!
Love and hugs,
Vickster

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Maria link
9/22/2016 05:58:42 am

Thanks for your beautiful and supportive remarks, dear Vicki.

This gathering is sounding better all the time...and I 'never say never'.

Have a peaceful day. Love and hugs, 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.

You bring back great memories with the Nancy Drew series. I'll admit I've never heard of the Cherry Ames series, but I sure did love sleuthing with my pal Nancy!

Thanks for sharing another aspect of your wonderful self, Mar.

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Maria link
9/22/2016 06:00:36 am

Hi Sha,
I hope Mom told 'Helen' what an impact she made. Knowing her, she did so.
I can very much see you 'sleuthing with Nancy' - so cool!
Love ya lots, mar

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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.

Anyway. . .another good read from you, Maria. I never tire of your kindness manra. Or about reading your tales into the lives of others That sort of thing interests me, too. It's a connectedness.

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Maria link
9/22/2016 06:03:29 am

Thanks for sharing your memories with us, Shannon. Thanks also for your positive feedback on my musings - much appreciated.

Have a good day.

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Peg Cole link
9/26/2016 09:53:22 am

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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Maria link
9/28/2016 04:26:56 pm

What a beautiful comment, dear Peg - love when you stop by.

Hope your week is going well. Love and hugs, mar

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femmeflashpoint link
9/28/2016 03:48:34 pm

Prof. Mahreer,

Love this post and wow, the memories it brings back are wonderful. You know nurses are near and dear to my heart.

I'm so happy you included your memories of being a candy striper. It's such a worthwhile activity. I hope your readers will be inspired to consider setting aside some time to do something similar in their own areas.

Reply
Maria link
9/28/2016 04:29:59 pm

Dear Femme,
I know you are a "nurse lover". I must say I love you for that, and so much more... :)
From the time I was a candy striper, I've seen the mutual benefit to volunteering - really no other feeling like it. Hugs, mar

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crazyhorseladycx
10/8/2016 05:42:09 pm

Howdy!

Thanks fer this glimpse 'nto what spurred ya to become the great nurse 'n instructor that'cha grew to be. I'd thought 'f bein' a nurse myself, way back'n the day. Fear I couldn't handle the responsibility that comes with such.

I'd longed to be a critter doc though. My Dad said 'no way!' 'n so's I went to college with the hopes 'f bein' a lawyer. Their corruption jest'n school made me cringe't the thought. Two years t'was all I could endure without the need 'f bail money fer myself, lol.

big hugs 'n love!

Reply
Maria link
10/10/2016 08:39:13 am

Dear Lady,
Thanks for your visit and sharing glimpses into your early years.
Whew, I could never see you as a lawyer - congratulations for lasting two years... ;)
With your nurturing spirit, I see you as very much a combination of nurse and critter doc.
Love and hugs back to you, mar

Reply



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    marcoujor

    Something awaits us all.

    Know your possibilities.

    There is inspiration all around us--in those people and situations we encounter along life's way.

    Share your wonder with me as well.

    I treasure your comments.

    mar


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  • Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me