JoyRN60000's Home

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MY NURSE'S PRAYER

When I falter, give me courage.
When I tire, renew my strength.
When I weaken because I'm human,
Inspire me on to greater length.
If doctors and patients become demanding,
and days are too short for all my duty,
Help me remember I chose to serve,
to do so with grace, and spiritual beauty.
In humility, Lord, I labor long hours~~
and though I sometimes may fret;
My mission is mercy~~abide with me,
that I may never forget.

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Biography

My name is Joyce. I am a Registered Nurse. I am the Director of Nursing for a Long Term Care facility that is located in Moundville, AL. I am proud of our home and the teamwork that we have. I have been in nursing for a total of 19 years, starting as a nursing assistant, then becoming an LPN, and finally an RN. All of my nursing has been in the geriatric field. I have found that our seniors give more to us than we are ever able to give to them. This page has some poems and readings that will try to help you to understand how I feel about working with the elderly. I hope you enjoy.....

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TOUCH ME

I am old. The relentless waves of Time have bruised my body; eroded my bones. Skin that was once firm and elastic has shriveled beneath many summers of flaming suns; has become withered from the caress of icy winds of many winters. My steps are now measured and faltering--from my bed to the wheelchair are agonizing miles. I grope blindly for the glass there on the table beside my bed. My hand touches the plastic bowl of plastic flowers and bitterness rises in my heart. Two years ago this past Mother's Day, they sent them. TWO YEARS AGO!

Poker-faced, stern, these strangers who minister to my needs. Impersonally, they perform those acts necessary for my survival. To them, I am not a person. Only a number! Number 54 is tendered medication. Number 54 is bathed, dressed, and assisted to her wheelchair. Number 54 is brought her tray....and forgotten!

Touch me, so I will know I am still a segment of this vitally alive, pulsating world of human beings and not an inanimate number lying there staring daily at a bowl of plastic flowers. As you give me medication, allow your sturdy fingers to press my trembling ones in reassurance. Such an act will bring back sweet memories of other days; of other hands, clinging, clasping baby hands; hands raised in supplication; hands pleading for love. Your act will unroll the scroll of Time, and once again I will feel tiny arms about my neck, squeezing, clinging. Touch me!

The endless monologues you hear are not senseless ramblings of disoriented minds. They are the heartcries of forsaken souls begging for remembrance. Only the flicker of an eyelash; the remotest trace of a smile! They are wails of love-starved beings, pleading for a crumb of affection. Look at me!

Touch me! The miracle of physical contact will remove the thick crust of disappointment and disillusionment from a heart battered by unkind years. Number 54 will become a person again....a grateful old woman, alive--and thankful! She will soar beyond her aches and pains, she will forget plastic flowers in a plastic bowl, and face her day in peace. Trembling hands will grasp each such moment greedily...never letting go. This old, pain-torn body will be revitalized with hope and purpose for when the heart is happy, the soul sings. You'll see! Just touch me!

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IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

I'd dare to make more mistakes next time. I'd relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had it to do over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I ever have.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances and I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.

(author unknown)

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A FRIVOLOUS OLD GAL

I have become quite a frivolous old gal.
I am seeing five gentlemen everyday!
As soon as I wake, WILL POWER helps me out of bed.
When he leaves, I go to see JOHN.
Then CHARLEY HORSE comes along and when he is there, he takes a lot of my attention.
When he leaves, ARTHUR RITIS shows up and stays the rest of the day.
He doesn't like for me to stay in one place very long, so he takes me from joint to joint.
After such a busy day, I am really tired and ready to go to bed with BEN GAY! What a life!
Oh, yes, the preacher came to call the other day. He said at my age I should be thinking about the hereafter. I told him, "Oh, I do, all the time. No matter where I am, in the parlor, upstairs, in the kitchen, or down the basement....I ask myself ...."NOW, WHAT AM I HERE AFTER????"

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THE LITTLE BOY AND THE OLD MAN

Said the little boy, "Sometime I drop my spoon."
Said the little old man, "I do that, too."
The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants."
"I do that, too", laughed the little old man.
Said the little boy, "I often cry."
The old man nodded, "So do I."
"But worst of all," said the boy, "it seems grown-ups don't pay attention to me."
And the little boy felt the warth of a wrinkled old hand. "I know what you mean," said the little old man.
( A Light in the Attic )

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More of My Pages ...

The Nursing Home (more poetry and photos)