A 2010 Winning Essay
Wendy Kay Meyers
Ellis School of Nursing
"A Nurse I Am" deeply resonated with me; after watching the film unexpected emotions ran high and brought me to a place of self reflection, I cried, doubted, wondered, and became fearful. To be honest, I had a hard time believing I will measure up; I found myself asking, "Can I do this?" It was truly emotional and I questioned my own motivation. The pressures of school and life circumstances had taken its toll and I was drawn to my knees. It took a few days before I had settled down enough to allow the words to surface in order that I may begin to explain my heart.
The multidimensional art of ‘nursing’ is the most holistic of all the disciplines; it is to care and nurture all levels that are embodied by a person including the physical, emotional, and spiritual planes. Mona and Bob are two exemplary examples of a living definition of a nurse. Their practice of caring for others defines who they are, who they have become as nurses, and imparts support, strength and healing to those they touch.
The sacrifice Mona demonstrated by borrowing money against her home so she could open a clinic to serve her West Virginia community boldly screams her incredible passion and determination. She dedicates herself to each day tirelessly aligning her environment to that of her patient, sometimes traveling to a remote hillside home. Mona rises to meet the individual need of each patient regardless of sacrifice. Mona's love for nursing is evidenced by the sincere gratitude and love demonstrated by her patients and community. Assessing, diagnosing, and evaluating the health of each life she encounters are offerings she gives without any requirement for compensation only an expectation of compliance; simply nourishment given in love to feed and water the seeds of friendship.
When I think of Bob I think of the word remedy, an energy force that moves at the same rate as dis-ease, thereby causing a slow mode of cure. Bob transforms his sterile and sometimes scary environment into a protective cocoon that wraps each patient and their families in an empathetic concern allowing them to trust and feel safe. Chronic pain is a cross to bear for most of Bob's patients; despite their pain, his hands must forge ahead with life saving care; this is a gift given to his patients. The preternatural strength of this nurse is immeasurable and his faith filled intercessions are a force that brigs peace to his world of uncertainty. Bob must mentally prepare to meet each patient and strives to connect with each one despite the deep emotional and fearful state they reside; his gentle, giant-like strength was insurmountable.
The most difficult thing about watching Mona and Bob was witnessing their-undeniable determination, passion, and selfless service to their patients, their families, and their communities while comparing my own determination, passion, and willingness to serve. With the deepest of conviction I want to be a nurse like Mona and Bob, I want to give 100% of myself, thinking only of each patient, their family and the needs of all involved. Nursing is not to become my job; it is to become part of me. My nursing practice will fulfill my life's purpose; to help others and those less fortunate in any capacity that I am able to. The Haitian people have held a place in my heart since 1991. I have traveled to the small ravaged country of Haiti twice serving on the mission field; it was there I felt the call to become a nurse, to relieve suffering and brig hope and healing to one person at a time. This is my calling and nursing is the vehicle that will transport me. I am determined to dedicate the rest of my life growing my skills and using my energy as a source of support in order to give support, strength and healing to those I am destined to touch.
