The good. The bad. The ugly. You learn a lot working under the hospitals roof. From life lessons to hilarious stories (we can't make this shit up) you are in for a wild ride. Here are the top twenty-two things I've learned so far from my decade in the hospital as a nurse that can be applied to everyday life.
PS. Wait for the Gifs to load :)
1. Never.. I mean never stop moving. Keep busy, social, and active. If you don’t use it, you lose it. This is every 90+ year olds advice when I ask. That, and that life goes by incredibly fast.
2. Life is unexpected. Plan for the absolute worst and hope for the very best. Sometimes you look both ways before crissing then get hot by an airplane (metaphorically).
3. Don’t hold grudges. Don’t be a dick. Never go to bed angry. Make amends and get over it. However, you dont have to adore every person you encounter, but you may have to coexsist. You are in charge of who is in your life and how you carry yourself is defining on how people will treat you.
4. Do something for yourself everyday. TREAT YO SELF. Go get a coffee, sleep an extra 10 minutes, get a massage, go drop cash at Home Goods, book a vacation, bake some dang cookies. Make yourself feel good. You’s is important. Even small gestures make a differece if ut fills up the feel good tank!
5. Things that happen in life sometimes do not make ANY sense. Your heart will feel like it’s about to fall out of your ass. Those times, they suck, but guess what, life still has to continue on. Don't let your troubles define you, learn from it and move on.
6. You will “F” up. At work, in life, as a nurse, in a relationship, as a friend. Even the smartest and wisest person makes mistakes. Learn from it, accept it, fix it, do better, keep going.
7. STOP SMOKING. Dear God, Please. That shits not cool anymore. Nobody looks cute on a ventilator.. Sorry not sorry. We all have to have a vice, but choose wisely. All things in moderation.
8. A little bit of humor goes a long way. Make people laugh! Stay weird. Wear your heart on your sleeve. The world needs more of your unique self.
9. Be kind. Even the person who seems to have their shit together is probably struggling with something. People can put up a really good exterior. Everyone is fighting internal battles we know nothing about. If someone snaps at the drop of a hat, there is usually more to the story. Usually it ain't you, it's them.
10. You will be challenged. Is it going to make you or break you? Without challenge there is no growth. Seek out opportunities to grow.
11. Always try to leave your last words to someone something good. News flash: You unfortunately never know when’s the last time you’ll see them or make it right. Never leave anything unsaid to those you love.
12. You can’t and will not please everyone. Some people will just not like you and that is on them. Smile, do your best and move the "F" on. Make more time in effort in those who cherish who you are.
13. You will meet people in life that stick with you forever. For better and for worse. During your best days and worst chapters. Cherish those people. Call them up, let them know they are loved, send them a card just because, settle your differences. Those people are a dime a dozen.
14. Listen to your mom (my moms a nurse too), because they are usually right. Ps. Dads are also pretty freaking awesome and wise too. Listen to your parental figures. Sometimes you have to learn on your own time, but they can forsee your needs before you see them often times.
15. Speaking of parents. Love yours unconditionally, make memories, make time, and always tell them you love them. They are allowed to drive you crazy sometimes. Numerous people have told me how important cherishing those relationships is, and how much you miss them when they are gone.
16. Beauty fades, but personality is forever. I’ve met 90 year olds who could make a room full of people pee their pants laughing. Serious goals!
17. Ive been talking about our elders a lot. Because I freaking adore them. Respect your elders, they know more than you and have probably worked way harder. Always ask their insightful life advice and listen intently.
18. People have problems we sometimes can’t see. Mental illness, auto immune diseases, crusis, finacial troubles, etc. Sooooo just be nice people. We are all doing our best with the hand we are dealt.
19. You have to learn to adapt. In life and work. Technology, policies, routines, are always changing to the new “bestest” thing. It's a bumpy ride, don't forget your seat-belt.
20. The people you work with become your work family. Be good to them! They will keep you sane during those dragging shifts and crazy ass nights. Having a great team at any job is what keeps the whole place afloat.
21. Find your go to people at work. Your "squad" your "work wife" your "person" who ever he, she, they are. Make sure they know they are appreciated always.
22. Some days you will leave thinking "THIS IS MY CALLING!" and other days "WHY DID I PICK THIS CAREER?" and that is normal. I waver between these two things on the regular.
THERE YOU HAVE IT! If you are a nurse, doctor, respiratory therapist, nursing assistant, pharmacist, or one of the million other components of the hospital.. YOU ARE AMAZING. Keep up the amazing work, and there is a special place for you after this life. If you are not one of us crazy people.. I hope what I've learned can help you or you can at the least take something home with you.
Be kind. Laugh. Appreciate your elders. Listen to your mom. TREAT YO SELF.
Love,
Megan