R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I was watching the 12th episode of Season 3 of Grey's Anatomy where George's father's battle with Esophageal cancer ended. I was crying like a baby during this episode. This particular scene where George and his mom were waiting for his dad to come out of the coma made me realize something. I realized that in a year's time, I would be seeing these heart-wrenching scenes in the hospital. Maybe even sooner when we go on our second round of hospital duty in October but hopefully not that soon.

I would be facing family and friends of patients that just found out that their loved one is terminally ill. I may be standing in front of a teenage girl who has just found out that she's pregnant and doesn't know who the father is. It is possible that I may have to witness the doctor informing the patient's family how to care for their loved one who lost both of his legs. And it is not impossible to witness the passing away of a patient whom you know have fought hard against the disease that caused him to be a stronger and better person.

I would like to admit right now that I feel that I am still not prepared about the emotional and psychological aspect of Nursing. I know that this is something that should not be taken lightly. Time and time again our professors have told us that being a nurse is not easy. It is not just taking the vital signs, giving medication, updating the patient's chart or assisting in an operation. That's just one part of it. The other part, that we students sometimes forget is the humane part of this profession. We are here not just to maintain and improve the patients physical condition but to improve their quality of life as well.

As a student nurse, I have more respect to the people in white uniform and white caps. I cannot wait to be part of this caring profession...