Hug a Nurse

On Monday I sat in the lobby of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for 14 hours. For the first time, I was on the other side of the fence – waiting for a loved one to come through surgery, as has been done for me numerous times over the past four years.

It’s not a fun job, but at least I had crappy hospital food, a couch to doze on and an internet connection. You might think the patient has it the worst… but they’re under so much anesthesia that by the time they wake up they’ll think five minutes has passed and will ask when surgery starts. I’d venture to say the surgeons and nurses participating in the 12+ hour surgery have it the worst; on their feet all day, not eating, performing tasks I can’t even begin to imagine… in order to prevent and protect.

Recently, Miss Colorado, a contestant for the Miss America Pageant, delivered an inspiring monologue about nursing, rather than showcasing singing or dancing talents. http://kelley.littlethings.com/miss-colorado-nurse-story/?utm_source=LTts&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=inspiring

She was later criticized by The View cohost Joy Behar for her monologue, who commented “Why does she have a doctor’s stethoscope around her neck?” Because, you know – nurses are only there to wipe asses and empty bedpans.

I can’t for a minute fathom why people are motivated to make mean and snarky comments at the expense of people who make it their jobs to help. Perhaps they’re insecure, and are projecting their own feelings onto other people. I do know that if I compare the hefty salary of Joy Behar to those in the medical profession, I would be left wondering how the hell she makes so damn much money to bag on other people.

As I sat in that waiting room, I watched doctors and nurses pass by all day, and had more than a few stop to talk. I ran into at least four people that had treated me in that hospital, and they all wanted to give me a hug, say hello, and catch up. They care about what they do and the people they treat. It’s a calling.

In a roundabout way, this post is meant to be about the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk in Boston, that I will be participating in on October 4th, 2015. As in previous years, I walk to honor those who have passed, celebrate survivors like myself, and support those that still have a fight ahead. Each year since I was treated, I have walked with my favorite nurse. This year, I walk with gratitude for those people who answer a calling to the medical profession. I would not be here without your passion for what you do. Please support me in paying it forward by donating, and please… hug a nurse today.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=70168&pg=personal&px=27067706