Warriors!

Last night, I was involved in three battles that I, personally, was leading the charge.  And just as I came to the aid and call for assistance by my peers in their own battles, I was humbled that they did the same for me in my time of need; when we were all in the midst of fighting the same war.  Then there was the fourth one, which started out as a conversation after the end of the shift, that turned into a more lengthy discussion...

Now, I know, and understand that everyone has battles.  There are things in life, situations, circumstances, unanticipated consequences, unexpected events, etc.  Life, in general, is not easy; and I have very personal experience in this fact.  Not to mention my professional experience as a Nurse.

My first, and what I thought was my most important battle last night, lasted a full 10 hours!  A patient that was in a very critical condition due to their diabetes.  IV fluids, insulin drip, multiple electrolyte replacements, antibiotics for a secondary problem, frequent checks...  I truly admire and respect my fellow nurses that work in the ICU; however, this patient was too unstable to even think about bringing up to the Unit, until after a full 10 hours of interventions in the ED! 

My second and third battles, not as dramatic.  Yet, equally important to the lives of these patients.  The frequent neurological checks and medications for one, for their sub-dural hematoma (brain bleeding)... to the psychiatric interventions for a decompensating schizophrenic, who stopped taking their home medications...

Now bear in mind, these three battles were being waged all at the same time.  And so far, I have not mentioned the other patients that I cared for during this same time.  Let alone, me responding to the requests of my peers for assistance, and theirs to mine...

My last and final battle, occurred after the end of the shift.  Off the clock, getting ready to go home, when another peer asked me a question about what it is like to be a Travel Nurse, and riding a bike.  They wanted to know if I owned a cage (car/truck) and towed my bike, or did I ship things around; basically, how did I do it?

I explained the basics and gave examples of my routine.  Which led to more questions, answers, and eventually an exchange.  The conversation turned into a full blown discussion.  You see, my peer recently went through a divorce, and literally, their life was split into two.  They had, through the process, given up half of everything they knew and owned; and was now struggling.

We discussed specific issues, I gave personal examples of my experiences.  As we talked, I could almost see the bond of friendship develop.  So my last, final, and arguably my most important battle last night, only lasted about an hour.  It involved me connecting with a new friend, one of my peers.  Who needed to talk, vent, make a connection and received a little bit of support, encouragement, and unconditional friendship... just when they were starting to personally realize they were approaching a low point.

Did I save a life last night?  I could argue that I saved three of my own patient's lives, perhaps two other patient's of my peer's as well...  However, I argue that I saved a few hundred lives last night!  And it all occurred between 07:30 and 08:30am this morning!  When I took the time to connect with a fellow Warrior.  I truly believe they will now go on to save many more lives themselves!  I am going to check on them later this evening.

A catch phrase of mine, "In the right place, at the right time."

Last night I heard/saw a quote, and I learned the following lesson:

"Not all those who wander are lost."
-J.R.R. Tolkien