Frustration to Blessing

Typically, when nurses on my floor work two or more days in a row, they get "first dibbs" on their patients for that day. Somehow, that doesn't always work out for me. I showed up shortly before my shift started (I ALMOST didn't get my two patients back from yesterday!). Many nurses would then give me the choice of just keeping those two and taking the first admission, or choosing a third patient from the remaining ones. Nope, that wasn't the case today. Instead, one nurse chose three of the six remaining, and the other refused to take one of the remaining three. Alrighty, then, since it is all decided for me...I guess that is how it will be.

My frustruation this morning had to be "short-lived" because I had a lot of work to do (and by that point had decided that I would be hanging out by myself today, especially when the two of them decided they would be "crabby together"...sounds like fun!). I honestly didn't care that this
particular patient was chosen for me, it was more the way everything happened that was annoying to me. It is really frustruating that other people can do things like that without getting any kind of "talking to", but if I were to do it, I'm pretty darn sure at least one person would say something.

Thankfully, I do believe that things happen for a reason, God's plans will eventually be revealed, and are often greater than I ever could have imagined. MAYBE I was supposed to be this child's nurse because I could provide something those other two nurses couldn't (or wouldn't). I LOVE what I do, tend to pour my heart and soul into my work, and try very hard to make sure that is evident (although I KNOW for a fact that I fail on that more often than I should!). I think that could be one reason that I end up "crashing" on my days off...the work days can be emotionally exhausting, even if the emotions are not all negative.

Tonight, I am tired (not only because it is nearly midnight and I've been up since 6). I worked REALLY hard today (I didn't even think of asking "the other two" for any assistance), but I think I asked for that (yesterday was a little slow). I really DON'T mind working hard...I think that's why the other two nurses chose the patients they did. All THREE of the patients I had today had FABULOUS parents. That tends to be the exception rather than the rule. What a blessing! The "chosen" patient..."super sweet" child, "super sweet" parents, horribly heartbreaking situation...but another addition to my "A team"...blessing!

At the end of my shift, I spoke with a woman who time and time again has reminded me to see blessings in the smallest things, to cherish each moment. That was the point when I realized what a blessing this day ended up being, even with the frustruations that took place during it.

I had some emotional issues when I got home...I'm too tired to write about them now, but I feel better even without getting that all out.

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. ~Aristotle Onassis

I wouldn't say that today held "dark moments", but this is the quote from yesterday and it is a good reminder. Blessings all around, every day! :o)