4 years ago, after 30 years working as a nurse at Duke University Health System, I decided to take early retirement. Health concerns of family members living in a different state influenced me, as I wound up being a caregiver in each instance. And the sudden unexpected death of my sister and a friend - both before their 50th birthdays - was another reason I made that decision. I wanted to live in a way that showed there were many options and opportunities outside of work.
I knew I'd have to work part-time to maintain my standard of living. But the part-time opportunities were somewhat erratic, meaning that sometimes I worked 40+ hours a week, and other times there were no shifts available. And things got more complicated when the economy tanked shortly after I retired.
Now that I am no longer needed as a caregiver for distant family members, I've decided to return to fulltime employment, doing something I truly love. I've returned to Duke as a nurse in the adult bone marrow transplant clinic.
Most of our patients have cancer that hasn't responded to conventional treatment, or which has returned with a vengeance after obtaining a remission. I'm estimating that at least 75% of the patients I care for are younger than I. These folks have young spouses, young kids, and a whole lifetime ahead of them.
Many of them get into a lengthy or lifelong remission. And many don't. So friends have often said to me, "Don't you find your work to be depressing?" And I answer with a loud, resounding "No".
To see folks who are willing to undergo a truly tough treatment regimen in hopes of getting well is a profound reminder of how precious our lives really are. And to see these folks face uncertain futures with a sense of commitment and optimism is a tremendous inspiration. I've seen people who seem to be losing the battle continue to be selflessly supportive of other patients going through treatment.And I've seen caregivers who have put their lives on hold in order to be there for their friend or family member.
I've never worked in a place where there is so much laughter and so much love. And I've never worked in an environment that offers greater proof of the value and worth of the gift of life.
Treasure it, people.
We have been greatly blessed.
Life is precious. We have to find the joy in every day and be grateful. Thanks for the reminder. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful that there are kind, caring people like you who are willing to do a job that can be so draining emotionally (and maybe physically too). Having seen the inside of a cancer treatment department, I know how important your love and support are to the patients and their loved ones. May God work through you to bring life and hope. May His joy give you strength that you can pass on to others.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you. Your story is awesome. You are how I would like to be - being able to offer practical support to friends/relatives in need - but because of my physical challenges I can only pray and trust God will give those suffering the grace to bear up.
ReplyDeleteAs a cancer survivor of 11 years, I love your answer of why your work is not depressing. You are right about how precious live is to most people. And facing cancer accentuates it. You are great for your patients.
ReplyDeleteI just stopped by from BPOTW.