Early shift

Monday.  Hoo-yaw, Master Sergeant, Sir.  Going to work at, get this, 0630.  Not my usual shift. Doing it for a friend with out-of-town guests.  I think it is only made difficult because I am not used to the early hour.  Being a morning person, I could get used to it quickly.

I really like early shifts in the hospital.  When I was a nursing student out on the floor, the early morning smells of coffee, toast and bacon greeted me upon arrival.  Patients were rousing themselves for another day, and a feeling of hope and healing prevailed.

Now, though, I work in an isolated unit that does not feed patients nor keep them past the amount of time it takes them to become stable following surgery.  No homey smells, just a clean, neutral smell and occasionally a hint of alcohol or bleach.

But, still the feeling of hope and healing.  That comes from within my heart, and one of the reasons I keep showing up to be the best nurse I can.  Through my efforts, I can facilitate the healing.