A Passion and a Profession
Carol Lee Cherry
RN, MSN, CNE, Nursing program Curriculum Director

As we start this school year, I am reminded that teaching is akin to the theme of this year’s Nurses’ Week, “Nursing…A passion and a profession”.  In order to hook our students, we have to be passionate about what we are teaching whether that be welding, detailing a car, or doing a cover design for a CD.  Ron Clark, a Disney teacher of the year, spoke on using our passion to inspire students since many are exposed to teachers who aren’t inspiring or even interested in the content.  My beginning nursing students are excited about learning skills but I wanted to convey to them that nursing is not just about the reading the monitors, giving medications and the inserting tubes, but about the ability to “be” with a patient.  Occasionally I share with students a story from my career that I hope embodies this concept and my passion for the profession.

While working in the Emergency Room at Riley Hospital, I was caring for an adorable 18 month old child I will call Jason.  He had a serious metabolic disorder with a prognosis of a short life lasting less than a year.  During his first few minutes with us, he stopped breathing while getting an x-ray in the emergency room.  We were able to assist him to begin breathing again, but now he was unconscious, attached to an IV and cardiac monitor while his parents looked on.  The doctor talked with them saying that it appeared Jason was now dying, something that his parent had hoped would be in the distant future.  The parents were obviously upset but knew Jason had been with them longer than they ever anticipated.  Soon the room filled with both sets of grandparents who supported the parents as they sat with Jason.  Dad held his blond headed son who had an oxygen cannula in his nose, a cardiac monitor beeping, and an IV.  Mom talked about how this child had opened their eyes to a new world for them and how her desire was for him to die in her arms, a place where Jason would feel comfortable, safe, and loved.  Suddenly she jumped up and demanded Jason back from his Dad, being afraid that she would not be cradling him in her arms at his last moments.  I continued to emotionally support the family through the dying process over the next hour and half.  The atmosphere was serene as the family recounted many poignant and funny stories.  I eventually discontinued the IV and turned off the monitor but his oxygen cannula remained.  The doctor came in and spoke with the parents about turning off the oxygen at this point.  Mom wanted to know if Jason would suffer when that happened.  The physician believed  Jason was at place in life where he was not experiencing pain or suffering.   The parents gave permission for the removal of the cannula.  I removed the oxygen as his parents hugged and kissed him goodbye.  Mom said softly, “It’s ok Jason, you can go to Jesus.”  He took a deep breath and we then watched him quietly and quickly slip away from his earthly ties, in his mother’s arms, as she had so hoped would happen. 

This is what nursing is really about and why after 37 years I continue in this profession…  where the greatest tool you have is yourself.   The gift of the presence of being.  The best way for your students to catch your passion and enthusiasm is to be a carrier as it is contagious!  Have a wonderful and inspired school year.