This is how I feel.

Four Hours

Yesterday I shadowed a Psychiatric Nurse and really enjoyed it. I never thought I’d want to work with people in that condition, but from what I experienced over four hours last night, I do.

When I first walked in, I was a little nervous and uptight. For the first hour or so I was behind the thick glass and padlocked door. I kept repeating to myself a quote by Marie Curie that I thought really pinpointed my thought process:

“Nothing is to be feared, but understood.”

As time passed, I relaxed and became comfortable. When I finally got the courage to walk around and mingle with the patients, I knew I wanted to be a Psychiatric Nurse. Most of the patients were fairly lucid, functional, and could hold enjoyable conversations. I laughed with them and talked with them a little about their conditions when they volunteered the information.

Most of the patients are voluntary and realize they need to change. Most of them just want someone to listen to the strife that’s going on in their bodies and minds. They want to be seen as real people, not just a bunch of lunatics. They need to know that someone cares about them and wants them to succeed in the program. I don’t know what their religious backgrounds are, but I want them to know that a hope and trust in God can carry them.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7

I cannot tell you how many of them need to hear those words.

I have this weird feeling that about everything I’ve experienced in my life has prepared me to be a Psychiatric Nurse. Or any kind of nurse. I’ve fought being a nurse and even going to Harding until just a few months ago.

Now I’ll focus on becoming what people like them need me to be and what I want to be.

My roommate's blog :)

http://fixmysituation.blogspot.com