DO NURSES SHED INVISIBLE TEARS?

“Souls”.

A single syllable that labels all it is to be human.

There are no two alike. For each of us are the only soul like we are.

I spent many weeks in Princess Margaret Cancer Center this past eleven months. Much of it in isolation due to bacterial concerns.

This left me with little to do but “observe“ who, what and everything that transpires in one of the world’s most prestigious treatment centers.

Whereas Princess Margaret  deals only with cancer patients compared to a “general” hospital where you have the chaos and  annoying noise levels, PM is tranquil yet cheery.

In my over twenty weeks accumulated as an inpatient not once did I observe an angry exchange between doctor/nurse vs. patient. In a general hospital one would be lucky if twenty minutes were to pass by without some angry exchange or some other type of chaos.

So, I watched and I learned that to be a nurse, PSW, doctor or even the janitor – any of the staff, volunteers, support staff, etc. – in a cancer treatment center takes a “special” personality and definitely a kind heart.

Any interaction I have had or have with anyone at PM was and is a pleasant task and a real smile of compassion.

What topsy-turvy emotional hurricanes they must struggle with on a daily basis.

To come to work each shift and bring cheer and compassion to each patient you interact with is honourable. No matter what may be happening in their personal lives, they bring genuine “care” to me and all the others.

What pain they must experience knowing that many of their charges will not survive their cancer battles. Or as in my case, bring a smile to my lips even as we discuss my upcoming demise.

To care for people in pain and many doomed and to do so with the most loving intentions makes and takes a very unique soul.