The Gift 1981 by Donna Wilezol

From MemoryArchive

Who: Donna Wilezol
What: Nursing Profession
When: June 1981
Where: New Jersey

Florence Nightingale said that "nature alone cures; nursing has to put the patient in the best condition for nature to act upon him." These words echoed in my mind as I began my career as a registered nurse. How proud I was in my starch white uniform and cap, my nursing pin gleaming on my collar. Oh the joy of having completed school with the opportunity of gainfull employment. How eager I was to use all the knowledge I had absorbed and put that sheepskin to work! How little I knew, I would later reflect. I chose nursing out of a desire to give to others and help people. What I now know is that it is I who has received the most. The attributes inherent in nurses are some of life's most precious gifts, compassion, caring, fortitude, empathy, intelligence and strength of spirit. How complex the process is as the master works the clay.Is it not a gift to share with humanity their greatest fears and suffering, profound losses, inexplicable joy and their journey through the valley of the shadow of death and know you brought comfort? What privelege to be welcomed into the inner sanctum of a virtual stranger because they know their trust in you is well placed. What can compare to the joy of caring for a woman as she gives birth? What greater satisfaction is there than participating in restoring someone to health? Oh the victory in rehabilitation. How precious the opportunity to reflect on one's life as you hold the hand of someone who has drawn their last breath. Can anything compare with the strength and spirit to continue that emerges after a dark night of the soul as you reflect on the horror, pain and the inevitable battles lost?

This holiday season as many thoughts turn to gifts, with humble appreciation, I thank the thousands of people and their families who have allowed me to experience the gift of nursing. Not only have each of you contributed to my professional development but more importantly you have enriched my life. God bless you all.