Gratitude

by Gail Balentine

With all the negative attitudes and events that we encounter on a daily basis these days, I am grateful for a very positive encounter that happened recently.

            Years ago, when I was managing a surgical nursing unit, a young, bright, eager-to-learn nurse worked for me for about nine months. She was like a human sponge, absorbing all she could, and then asking challenging questions that I tried to answer, with varying levels of success. Throughout my career, I was fortunate to be in positions where helping new nurses learn was part of my job and, with Carol, it was easier than most. There was no question in my mind that she had a great nursing career ahead of her and I enjoyed my time working with her. Our career paths went in different directions, but a gift she gave me when I stopped being her manager sits on my bureau and so I have thought of her over the years, even into my retirement.

            Recently, I stayed with a relative in the pre-surgical area of a local hospital, not the one where I used to work. It was a busy place with all beds filled but the staff were friendly and efficient, explaining everything before they did it. Each member of the surgical team came in, introduced themselves, and asked the many questions necessary before any procedure. I found the changes in how surgical preparations are now done fascinating and tried to absorb everything.

One nurse (women in surgical scrubs and caps really do look different than when they are dressed in out-of-work clothes or even uniforms) recognized the last name on the chart, looked up from where she had been reading, saw me and smiled. I knew that face. She came closer and barely said her first name before I knew exactly who she was. I could feel my own grin spread on my face. I had been right about her future - not only had Carol gone on to gain further experience in larger hospitals, but she had taken the added training required to become a Nurse Anesthetist.  And, best of all for us, she would be in the operating room with my relative! I felt relief gently wash over me like a warm shower. For days I had been listing in my mind the reasons – all valid - to believe that everything would go well, but once I saw her, I knew it would.

            I doubt that Carol realizes the difference her presence made, but I do. I doubt many of us realize the impact we have on others, and they on us, but in today’s world I think that taking the time to appreciate the positive influences or occurrences in our lives is especially important. I thanked her for her generous gift – peace of mind.

                                                                

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