It's Thanksgiving...We're Working and We Are Thankful!!

Today is Thanksgiving. On this day, it is customary to think of all the things we are thankful for. As nurses, we often must work on holidays and today is one of those days. We are both working this Thanksgiving day, yet we are so very thankful. Here are the many reasons we are thankful:

We are Thankful for our health.....we will see many patients today whose health is a part of their distant past.

We are Thankful that we are not faced with a serious diagnosis.....we will take care of patients today who are newly diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, heart conditions and many other tough illnesses.

We are Thankful that we have a home to live in and food to share.....we will see homeless men and women today who are just looking for someone who will care about them, give them warmth and food.

We are Thankful that our minds are sound and that we, ourselves, are not dealing with a mental illness.....unfortunately mental health funds have been severely cut so many people come to hospitals, instead of mental health facilities, in a time of crisis, often feeling hopeless....we will see some of these people today.

We are Thankful for our parents.....it is very possible we may be helping families say good by to their beloved parents today.

We are Thankful for our healthy children.....today we will take care of sick children who have not always had the gift of health.

We are Thankful for all the health care professionals we collaborate with....we love that we have compassionate nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, physical therapists etc. that work beside us on a daily basis.

We are Thankful that we do not suffer from addictions like alcohol and drugs.....alcohol and drug addiction is a disease and we are often faced with seeing the side affects of these horrible addictions.....we will welcome these poor souls who find their way to us today.

We are Thankful for our loving immediate and extended families who will be waiting for us when we finish our shifts today.....many times we take care of patients that have never been surrounded by the love of family. We will be their family today.

We are Thankful that we have the privilege of working and taking care of people on a day that most would have loved to have spent with family, enjoying some good food and fun family stories. We hope that we can bring some comfort to those who are struggling today.

What are you THANKFUL for???