No words can describe the feeling when one finds a true sense of belonging. When I entered the nursing profession as my second career, I knew I made the right choice. But it was not until one significant experience that truly affirmed my decision.
One day during my nurse residency program as a new graduate nurse, my preceptor assigned me a patient, MJ. Within minutes, several nurse colleagues warned me about how verbally and physically aggressive MJ was toward the staff. I found myself getting apprehensive for the first time in my new career. I reminded myself that I will come across many challenging patients, but I needed to take it as a learning experience. I knew I had to rely heavily on the relationship-building skills I developed in my previous career. I had to stay positive and accept whatever could happen.
Before meeting MJ, I reviewed her medical record. MJ had an extensive health history, needed multiple medications, and required a list of nursing interventions throughout the day. She was also blind-a patient condition with which I lacked expeirence.
Upon entering MJ's room, I was greeted with some choice words and an unpleasant tone of voice. Nonetheless, I was determined to provide the best care, no matter the situation. I introduced myself to MJ and explained the tasks I was performing and why they were needed. However, I found assessments, medication administration, and even patient positioning to be challenging. Every task I had to perform was met with verbal assaults. Sometimes, she would get physical and swing her arms toward me. I tried to talk with her calmly and make a few jokes, but there were no improvements in her attitude. She would only tell me to go away, claim that I was only there to hurt her, or scream at me. I started getting frustrated and discouraged; I felt like I was nearing my breaking point as I had never encountered such a difficult person. I could not believe someone could be like this toward a caregiver who only wants to help.
As the day went on, I wanted to make one last attempt to connect with her. I noticed that MJ was listening to a food channel on her TV. As I prepared her medications by her bedside, I started talking about food. I joked and said, "You're making me so hungry right now with that station on." Surprisingly, she laughed. I could not believe what happened! I continued to then describe everything in detail on TV and made jokes-and she absolutely loved it! Finally, I had a breakthrough with her.
We discussed our favorite foods and branched off to other subjects. She started to open up her world to me-she told me about her health struggles and her longing for someone to just listen to her. We shared stories, laughed, and created a bond that no other nurse could accomplish.
Being in the nurse residency program, I was able to accompany her for a 2D echocardiogram, which made her incredibly happy. Every 5 minutes, she asked if I was still with them. She also kept saying, "Don't you ever leave me; I need you here." As simple as it was, it was heartwarming. After the study, I wanted to surprise her with her favorite foods. I went out and grabbed us lunch from a restaurant nearby as she said she hated the hospital food. I brought the food back to her room, set it up quietly, then told her about my surprise. The look on her face was priceless! She grinned from ear to ear. We ate lunch together and ended up having a great day.
As shift change approached, she rang her call bell for me one more time. She had tears in her eyes as she reached for and grabbed my hand. She knew I was leaving for the day, and she wanted to thank me. She said I made her feel like a real person and not just another annoying patient with a medical problem. She also apologized and said that I belonged in nursing and that I should never change careers no matter how tough it can be on some days.
To this day, I still remember the profound impact of this experience, which affirmed in me a sense of belonging that no degree, certification, or license has ever conferred. I know there will be more challenging times ahead, but these experiences of creating meaningful connections with patients constantly remind me that I belong as a nurse.