Im not a lover of reunions
You know reunions from school...the class of 74 and all that. It all leaves me somewhat cold.
In Febuary ive been invited to a reunion of staff from the Princess Royal Spinal Injury unit in Sheffield
It will. I know be an emotional evening and is one I am looking forward to.
Some places in your history hold a special place in your heart, and that rehabilitation unit filled with like minded multi disciplined staff was the place that taught me how to be not only an effective holistic carer but what I hope was a popular and effective manager of people.
The special nature of spinal nursing is centred around the fact you have the patients for so long. On the acute ward
( the one I ran) the patients were admitted anything from three to six months, sometimes longer in the those with respirstory complications,after which they would be transferred to a sister ward in order to complete their rehabilitation .
It was not uncommon to have a professional relationship with patients and their families for a year or so, so it wasnt uncommon for patients to become if not true friends, but rather special people in your life.
I have not worked there since 2005 and Im still in touch with staff and former patients.
In Febuary Ive arranged to meet up with Kim before we go. A former psychologist on the unit who now lives down south. Kim, I know shares my affection for the place " This is a place of much humour, strength and warmth " she once said with an emphasis on the humour.
The following was the paraphrased
conclusion of a thank you letter I recieved from a visiting district nurse back in 1997
" Despite the gravity of the disabilities dished out to ordinary people often by sudden arbitary accidents this centre has such a positive and cohesive approach in maximising independence and personal responsibility. I have been humbled by it. God bless you for sharing that with me "
We all have a place that shapes and defines us. The Spinal Unit in Sheffield did that for me.
In Febuary Ive arranged to meet up with Kim before we go. A former psychologist on the unit who now lives down south. Kim, I know shares my affection for the place " This is a place of much humour, strength and warmth " she once said with an emphasis on the humour.
The following was the paraphrased
conclusion of a thank you letter I recieved from a visiting district nurse back in 1997
" Despite the gravity of the disabilities dished out to ordinary people often by sudden arbitary accidents this centre has such a positive and cohesive approach in maximising independence and personal responsibility. I have been humbled by it. God bless you for sharing that with me "
We all have a place that shapes and defines us. The Spinal Unit in Sheffield did that for me.
Here's an R as a Christmas gift to you. Put it in the title?
ReplyDeleteWritten on my phone . With my fat fingers im surprised i even got that half right
ReplyDeleteWhat a waste of an R.
DeleteWonderful place you worked at with really special people.
ReplyDeleteCheers, parsnip
I know the phrase is often reserved for the military, but thank you for your service.
ReplyDeleteSome people I know went into nursing. It’s basically being a doctor but without the status or the paycheck. I’m impressed.
ReplyDeleteXoXo
Praise indeed for good teamwork..and well deserved
ReplyDeletePeople worth being in touch with
You and the staff not only helped people in need. You touched their hearts, and sincerly made a difference.
ReplyDeleteA reunion is a good thing.
I know you and the others made a difference in many people's lives. Enjoy the reunion. You should all be proud.
ReplyDeleteSomething to look forward to next month. That is a good start for the year.
ReplyDeleteYou are a fortunate fellow for having such an experience.
ReplyDeleteA reunion to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteHow lucky that you found and recognised the place which shaped and defined you. And enjoy the reunion to the full.
ReplyDeleteWe have a patient at work who is paralysed from the neck down. RTA in 1971 he is 68 now. 47 years living with suction , artificial feeding and oxygen .Amazing he has survived this time. Is mentally alert, he cries every day to die!. Is horrific. Can,t speak but has gestures. Would be my living hell as is his!.
ReplyDeleteA workplace where you probably never imagined you’d be happy working, yet it created great friendships, laughs, stories, compassion, and fortitude.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad you’re looking forward. A great start for the year.
Nursing is all about doing the best you can to help those who need medical, emotional, and other types care depending on their illness or injury. How wonderful to have the skills and training to meet their needs. I'm retired, but miss that interaction still.
ReplyDeleteHope the reunion in February is wonderful for all involved, especially you, John.
Hugs!
John, from your posts from the last few months I think you gave up nursing too early. You still have so much to give and if that is one bright spot from all of the present day turmoil so be it. We all give up part of ourselves in a relationship and you are reclaiming yours....be proud of yourself.
ReplyDeleteIm still nursing ! I gave up spinal injuries because we moved
DeleteSticking my nose in here!! Would it be worth considering going back to this branch of nursing? You have a lot of knowledge and such a huge caring heart, shame to waste such qualities!!! Sometimes a road already travelled needs to be revisited!!! Just saying...!! With all good wishes for a kinder year for you��
DeleteMy first impression, whilst reading the above, was 'we don't know how bloody lucky we are'. Thank goodness for people like you and your fellow nurses.
ReplyDeleteHow blessed you are to have had that amazing experience, working with wonderful people, giving outstanding care, and helping people heal or adapt to their challenging situation. I also hope that you go to the reunion. I'm guessing the local rabbit population will take a hit with Albert running free while you are gone.
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a good holiday season.
Happy New Year!!!
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I wish you and your loved ones a Wonderful and Amazing New Year! May the New Year bring you lots of joy, laughter, and love.
I hold you in high regard John, it's not just the know how but the kindness and care with which you cared for the patients I think it will be a wonderful reunion.
ReplyDeleteI would only go to one reunion if it occurred, one of my first jobs, where the people, by and large, were fantastic. Still meet up with four of them on a regular basis. Some past places of work are just special.
ReplyDeleteThat IS a blessing. I’ve never had employment in my life that did that truly for me.
ReplyDeleteAn experience that shaped who you are, and it shows. A good reunion in a time of new beginnings.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about reunions. I have shunned all of them. The past is the past and please let it stay there.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I work in diagnostic imaging, it's the same, long term patients who you get to know and love. It's the best part of nursing.
ReplyDeleteA long time ago and far away, I volunteered at a Rehab Hospital.
ReplyDeleteThe one patient I immediately thought of when I read this was a man in his early 40s who had a horse fall and roll over him, breaking his back.
He could talk laugh and think clearly, trapped in a useless body.
When I arrived to work and walked down the hall in the mostly silent hospital floor, I would hear giggling and belly laughs.
A room full of men in hospital beds , giggling like little kids, from the silliness of the man who never be able to move again on his own.
I was young but that has stayed with me all these years , the strength of those damaged men. It makes a person ashamed to think of whining about the trivial things in life.
Thank you for sharing that story. It moved me.
DeleteReading your blog, I've learned a lot about the real work that nurses do, and I have a new respect for the profession. In fact, at the last election, I voted with the nurses for a change in staffing they were requesting from the state. Most didn't.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice reunion that will be. Sounds like the Spinal Unit nursing team were truly special.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy and a Happy New Year to you!
XO
The job of a nurse is difficult, but I know rewarding. You have learned from your patients and their families and they have learned from you. I am not fond of reunions myself, but I still get together with a bunch of teachers I worked with years ago at an elementary school. We all were so close and we laughed a lot.
ReplyDeleteIt takes a special person to be a good nurse. I think you qualify.
ReplyDelete