Personal Reflection Of Volunteering In A Nursing Community

Witnessing the patience, strength, and compassionate attributions that nurses convey within their care was remarkable. Having the opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of another human being was a very overwhelming and humbling experience for me. Therefore, these encounters set the foundation towards my pursuit of a nursing career.

Regrettably, the existence of nursing depends on the medical inadequacy of others. Unfortunately, nursing exists because people get hurt, cannot care for themselves, or need assistance with daily activities. Carol Taylor (2011), author of Fundamentals of Nursing: The Art and Science of Nursing Care, writes, “Nursing care involves any number of activities, from carrying out complicated technical procedures to something as seemingly as holding a hand” (p. 5). Taylor explains it is the duty of a nurse not only to learn the pertinent skills but also to bond with and comfort others. Nurses have to do and become many things: They must be stern when necessary, compassionate when needed, open minded

On reading this article and identifying the study, there was a clear insight on how death and dying, and even improved health, impacted those nurses (Conte, 2014). Nurses, who worked closely with their patients, through the perils and suffering, culminating of death and losses, had grief not readily explored to enable that comfort zone (Conte, 2014).

I later enrolled in a practical nursing program, in pursuit of my dream of becoming a nurse. While taking my prerequisites, I decided to volunteer at a local hospital in the emergency department. At the hospital, I assisted with transporting patients within the facility, preparing rooms for incoming

My community service work at County Hospital is to care for the rudimentary needs of each patient. My goals are to provide inspiration during the healing process, teach kindness and compassion, and discover my own abilities for empathy. "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I'll try again to tomorrow (Mary Anne Radmacher)." My hope as a volunteer is to help each patient find that voice, find that courage to go forward.

We live in a world where the human race seems to be disconnected. Nowadays it feels that there are not enough people helping each other. I don’t treat life like a competition I look at it and I ask myself how may I help? What may I do to make this world a more suitable place for all to live a comfortable and peaceful life? I yearn to come forward and fulfill my role and contribute to our society in any way possible. Nursing is my calling for helping others. It sounds cliché, this I know, but it’s what I desire and what I decided to do with my body, mind, and soul.

Vivian Bearing did not show a lot of kindness or compassion to her own students as she did not think that it was important. Now as her death is approaching she comes to realize that is what she has been missing. Her nurse Susie patiently explains the treatment plan to Vivian in terms that she can understand; including the DNR (do not resuscitate) and that it was her decision, Susie allowed Vivian some control over her life by giving her this choice while she fought for her dignity. As her nurse strives to provide her with compassion and empathy this is important to Vivian in her final days as compassion is connected to our human spirit; as she was approaching death (Frost, 1999, p127). Patients often experience quicker healing rates when they receive compassion as opposed to those who do not (Dossey, 2007). Susie told Vivian when she was semi conscious that they were putting a catheter in; even though Doctor Jason said :why are you bothering?” Some people, such as nurse Susie, will go out of their way to make others comfortable and put the patients need before there own, we just have to be mindful of emotional burnout if our own needs are not being met (Brehony, 1999, p

Time spent at my mother’s bedside in the intensive care unit changed my perception of the nursing profession. I realized what unique value was integrated in comprehensive nursing care, which was built on excellence, compassion, and respect. I knew right then and there that nursing was a professional path which I would like to take. Changing my college major to nursing was not a difficult decision – I wanted to repay for all that courteous care my family received in the most vulnerable time of our lives.

“Definition of a nurse: To go above and beyond the call of duty. The first to work and the last to leave. The heart and soul of caring. A unique soul who will pass through your life for a minute and impact it for an eternity. An empowered individual whom you may meet only for a 12-hour period, but who will put you and yours above theirs”-Anonymous. For the past year and a half, I have volunteered at Blaire E. Batson Children’s Hospital. It has been an amazing experience! My passion for the medical field and career of nursing has been magnified. I know without a doubt that nursing is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I long for the opportunity to care for my future patients and their families. I want to touch other people’s lives just as I have witnessed nurses do throughout my time volunteering. God has given me a passion for nursing. With my passion and compassion for others, I know I will be successful if admitted into the BSN program.

Each day as a Hospice Nurse I touch lives. I cannot imagine a job more suitable for me. Each work day I make a difference in someone’s life. No one can die for us, but we don’t have to die alone; and, that is why I became a hospice nurse. Every day is different, presents new challenges, and always touches my heart. It’s beautiful when talent, and passion come together to make a difference.

During my first couple of weeks, completing my hours for school was what my main goal is. I came. I did what I had to do. I went home and just slept it off. As weeks passed by, I then realized what volunteering was all about. Like nursing, volunteering is being selfless and compassionate. It is open-heartedly giving your time and effort to help those in need without asking for anything in return. The driver’s assistant shift was physically demanding, but seeing smiles on people’s faces when we arrive at every agency we deliver to pays off every back pain and tiredness. I have learned that big or small, my simple actions can have an effect on people. This experience has also been an eye-opener for me. Living in Canada, it is surprising to discover that a lot of people live in streets or cannot buy their own food. I have understood more how unique and important a nurse’s role is and how in a way can we impact and change one’s life. This experience helped me realize how I want my future nursing practice to be. I want to be that nurse who listens and provides comfort, who makes sure her patients are comfortable and well-taken care of, and whose motivation is not the pay or the title, but who has a strong desire and willingness to help. By volunteerism, I felt needed in society. Not only did it boost my self-esteem, but it has also helped me realize what I am

I realized I wanted to be a nurse in 2010 when I was sitting by my grandfather as he was diagnosed with a stroke. As the physician explained to my family and I that the man we knew and loved would not be able to speak or walk again we were struck with heartache. The compassionate and holistic care that the nurses provided him solidified my determination to become a healer to patients who were not able to care for themselves. Today, I have the joy to work in an Emergency Department caring for acutely ill patients and their families, as they are vulnerable and grieving just as my family was. Nevertheless, I have come to realize that my journey will not end until I become more involved with patient care by earning a degree as a Nurse Practitioner. In this paper, I will discuss my educational and professional goals, short term and long-term goals, and how earning a Nurse

I have always believed in giving back to the community and in sharing my competencies and skills with others. My desire to help people in the field of nursing has powered my decision to take up a graduate degree in Nursing. Overcoming the many challenges in my life has helped me to believe that I can reach any goal I have set for myself, and one of these lifelong goals is to become a nurse practitioner and to obtain

My roommate asked me to drive him to the hospital to visit his mother. He did not have a vehicle and I was his only way to the hospital. I was wholly aware that by taking him to the hospital my academics would suffer, but this was never truly a choice. Taking care of people, demonstrating compassion, and caring for those who are closest to me has been a priority of mine since my upbringing. I drove my roommate to the hospital and was with him while his mother suddenly fell critically ill, and eventually passed away. She always invited me over for “family” dinners, especially during the holidays, since I couldn’t always make it home due to work. Although it was difficult to cope, I was presented with the opportunity to demonstrate the compassion she had shown me so many times, by helping my friend. We sat in her room reminiscing, crying, at times in silence, and eventually saying our goodbyes. Our friendship, and my perspective were altered permanently that day. This experience not only illuminated the profound effects of compassion, but also demonstrated what it means to be a community member. Being a community member encourages us to support others when they need it most, even if it entails personal sacrifices. We are all humans, we share over 99% of our genome, and everyone deserved to be treated with compassion and

But this may be what is necessary to begin the grieving process. In a case study published in the journal RN, the authors tell about a program designed to meet the unique needs of oncology nurses. This program was implemented at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. As a part of the program, the staff members who have cared for a patient are allowed to participate in a bedside memorial service. After the patient’s family has left the hospital, the chaplain will conduct a service for any of the employees who cared for that patient (Puckett, Hinds & Milligan, 1996). This would help nurses to accomplish the first of the four tasks of mourning-to accept the loss.