Recently, I had a patient thank me at the end of my shift. He said, “Thank you for being kind”, and proceeded to tell me how him and his wife have a sign above their mirror in their house that says “Be kind.” He explained that it is so much easier to just be kind. “Why make anyone’s day or anyone’s job harder, when you can just be kind?”
This compliment meant more to me than he will ever know. This compliment was more career-confirming, day-making, and mood-changing than he probably intended.
I have shifts I walk away from and wonder what I did for my patients… sure, I passed their meds and helped them wash up. I refilled their water, played messenger between them and the doctor, and escorted them to procedures. I do my best to read up on multidisciplinary notes, research their disease physiology, and figure out why their labs are abnormal. But I miss some things. I don’t always remember disease processes. I have to look up new medications.
But what I do know is that I try to lead with kindness. I spend the extra 5-10 minutes talking with family members about their commute to the hospital or the next Packer game. I take the time to straighten out the bedside table, clearing straw wrappers or empty med cups. I strive to make connections, remembering what flavor juice patients like to mix their Miralax with. I try to treat them like a person, so they can feel like more than a pin cushion.
And while I joke about stapling Daisy Award forms to discharge packets, I don’t do it for the recognition. His sincere words, firm handshake, and quirky smile was reward enough.
So to the patient in room 34, thank YOU for being kind. It was a privilege to be your nurse.
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