I am a flight nurse because . . .
Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 12:47PM So, many of you have asked me: "Why the hell (heck?) do you do what you do?"
As you know, it is not for the glamour of it and it is certainly not because of the generous wages. It is not because of the hours and, no, it is not because of the "prestige" of it. It is not for the blue flightsuit (albeit, it is pretty sweet, huh?). It is not for the free airplane or helicopter rides (because somedays, I think my teeth might fall out from all the vibration and turbulence).
Why then, right? Someone who felt very smart said to me (complete with an eyebrow lift), "It's cuz you obvious like to help people and save lives." Yes, wiseass, that's true. Let me elaborate, though, because I truly dislike the stereotype. I'll give you credit, though, because I suppose, in the long run, that's the sum of it.
As my loyal readers know (thanks, sis, I knew I could count on you. Just kidding, I know there are lots of you who have been so patient in reading my ramblings. I truly appreciate it. You really should leave me a comment or something, though, so I know you've been by. Oh, oops, back to what I was saying), as my loyal readers know, I have had varied and very interesting experiences in this job. I am still quite sore from my growing pains and the hits aren't going to stop any time soon (thank God I'm not sensitive).
As the closest people in my life know, I thrive in a constant learning environment. I enjoy the difficulties of learning (even though I feel like my IQ drops below freezing point when I am with my preceptors). I like to challenge myself. I like to satisfy my curiosities and I am VERY curious.
It is a privilege to work among professionals who are so confident in their knowledge and their skills that they can humbly take constructive criticism for the purposes of further learning. Additionally, it is very refreshing to work for a company who supports each individual in their learning processes. Of course, it is also a large bonus that they are so much fun and enjoy their lives and so, therefore, affect others in a positive way.
I do what I do because of the challenges. I do it because I work for such a good organization. I do it because of the wonderful people that I work with. Of course, you know that it is more than that. So, read on then . . .
I do what I do just like every other nurse. I just do it in a different environment, in varying circumstances, in a different perspective. I do it because, in the end, it is all about people. It is not always about heroic acts like that patient who goes home after a major heart attack, or the patient we prevent from going into cardiac arrest because we anticipate his needs and take care of it before his condition worsens, or the patient we resuscitate after being pulled from a car wreck, or the mother who gets to hug her child again and teach him how to ride a bike after we bring him back from drowning. Yes, of course, it is all that. It is, after all, the adrenaline that attracts people like me to jobs like this. Most times, however, it is the simple things that bring me back. It's the smile I got from an 11-year old girl because I made her feel comfortable and not so scared after hours of doctor exams and needles and xrays. It's the son who tearfully thanked me for "taking care of my mother." It's the husband who sighed with relief because I was there to take care of his wife because he has no one else left.
At the end of the day, inspite of the physical and mental rigor of my job, these are the things that bring me back. I am a flight nurse because what I do affects the world in a positive way. I am a flight nurse because what I do affects MY world in a very positive way.
Call me crazy, but I do love my job!
Reader Comments (5)
Kudos to you for getting out there to help! Goodluck, stay safe, healthy and sane :)
Thanks, Jane. I appreciate that very much. Safety is the company's policy and being healthy is, I'd like to say mine, but I'm trying. One has to be a little insane to do this job, but, at least, it's a lot of fun. You hear little voices in your head everyday (okay, I'm talking about Air Traffic Control and other pilots in the vicinity coming through my headset when we're in the aircraft), but hey, but where else can you work where your kidneys and liver switch places during turbulence and smile to a client and tell them 'everything is fine' while your hoping your bladder will stay in place until you get on the ground.
Hi Ruthie! wanted you to know, Im ready your posts (promoted by your sis, of course!)
You have an extraodinary job that allows you to also help people. Stay safe and God bless!
that's suppose to say... I'm "reading" your posts ;)
Hey, there! Thanks for reading my posts. I have a lot I'd like to add here but I've been a bit busy so I haven't had time to write anymore. But please come visit again. I hope to add more in the next couple of days.