As a nurse (and also as a human) I know that there are people we connect with more than others. I've had many experiences at work when I've received report from a nurse that a certain patient was difficult, or needy, or apathetic, or rude, or a thousand other non-attractive personality traits! Immediately I make a judgement about the patient and it either places a black cloud over my relationship with her and the whole shift is tainted, or I get in to see her and I have a connection with her that is absolutely opposite of what I'd planned on experiencing. I know I've given report that I had a hard time with someone and found out the next shift that the nurse I gave her to had a wonderful experience. Sometimes the opposite happens...where one nurse enjoys a patient and thinks she rocks then the next nurse who gets her thinks she's hard to deal with --it totally goes both ways!!
Anyway, back to my original idea...sometimes I have such unique and amazing connections with families that completely make my night! I had just such a connection with Paul, Brookelle and Kole, this amazing new little family who started their journey with pain issues, sleep deprivation and an uphill battle with breastfeeding!!! Happens all the time :) I spent a good portion of two shifts in their room trying to make the transition from "couple" to "parents" run smoothly. They were so sweet and grateful for my help and they endeared themselves to me by being so incredibly patient. So after I loved them and left them, I found this note in my box....and their words made my day! Believe me, there are many frustrating shifts where I'm sure I'm the worst nurse in the universe or that I don't feel I helped anyone at all! But one small "thank you" speaks louder than a thousand inadequacies on my part. It is for this reason that

I LOVE MY JOB.