I may lose my job quite soon
The hospice is looking for redundancies
I want to share one story
A story that has nothing to do with matrixes or redundancy scenarios
It’s all about nursing.
A few years ago my gentle lonely patient asked me what my bucket list was
Of course it was all about her, but I shared gently that I had never danced in public even though my ex husband was a professional dancer
She smiled and giggled and asked me a favour
Would I dance with her ?
She told me that she loved that special dance on Ally McBeal and she asked if we could dance it together
And so we did, one morning after medicine round
We pushed the drawer set against the door, so no one would walk in
And we watched the video together
And then we danced
She in pyjamas and big fluffy slippers
Me in my uniform and fat belly
She died the next day
And I was with her
And it was the worst and best day at work ever
I may lose my job soon
But I know I delivered that day with that special patient
Every nurse at risk of redundancy will have a similar story
Bless you for giving that lady the best last day of her life!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for this turn of events. That is such a beautiful memory to hold on to.
ReplyDeleteLinda from Alabama
A wonderful story and memory. I'm sorry about the need for redundancies. Of course it's not fair, but we both know how Life operates and have been in this spot before. Best wishes to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift you gave that lady.
ReplyDeleteNo words, John, just a hug. xx
ReplyDeleteJesus John …….what are your bosses doing?
ReplyDeleteLee
I've seen the excuse of 'redundancies' before. It's just an excuse.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love your story.
XOXO
I’m crying ….wtf
ReplyDeleteKeith
Xx
I recall your sharing this story several years ago, and I cried then and again today.
ReplyDeleteHoping the Anglesey MP & MS are successful in their request for assistance from the Welsh Government for funding to keep Holyhead open.
Xx
DeleteOMG, John, what a memory! Sad but glad. I can't imagine them losing you in a redundancy move.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this John. Sad for your colleagues and the patients as well.
ReplyDeleteThis remembrance blew me away. Thank you John. Linda from PA
ReplyDeleteIf you do lose your job you now have a new line of work ahead of you. What is more, you will have finished your nursing career in a very worthwhile role, doing good things for people whose lives are ending.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful John. It brought tears to my eyes. So kind, what a lovely moment for that lady.
ReplyDeleteJean.
And your patient's last wish was given. A last dance. Beautiful story John.
ReplyDeleteLoss of a job is always terrible and brings hardship.
Can you use your combined nursing and new counselling degree in the private sector? You are highly qualified and would be a great asset to any employer.
I'm sure many of your patients remember you, and I'm sure there are many times you went beyond the call of duty. My grandmother always wanted me to go into nursing. I just didn't have the stomach for it, so I went with the sharks in the legal field. When one door closes another one opens. Sending love and best wishes. Galestorm
ReplyDeleteJohn. I love that story. You made the woman’s day so wonderful. I am sad about St. David’s. Take care. Carol in Atlanta
ReplyDeleteThat is a good death.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful story and very sad news about job loss. Seems like everywhere I turn we are reading of bad news. Hard to keep positive and happy thoughts. I would love to learn how to dance!
ReplyDeleteHeavens John. It's still not quite 6 am in the morning and you have me almost in tears. Lovely story.
ReplyDeleteThat's such a poignant story - it reduced me to tears last time, and I knew as soon as I started reading it this time it would do the same again. Now I'm 'mopped up' but worried about your job. I know it's not your first (or second) choice, but could you pick up some temping in an ordinary hospital, just to pay the mortgage in the meantime? Meanwhile I'll worry ... XX
ReplyDeleteI thought about you when I received the round robin from St. David's yesterday. I was sorry to read it. I hope I've given even a smattering of the kindness you've shown others, John. x
ReplyDeleteA deeply affecting (true) tale, JayGee. Though knowing it's not really the case, it reads almost as though that lady had thought "Well, I've done all I wanted now" - and left. It's quite possible that she MAY, thanks to you, have gone out in something of a 'high'. We thank you - hopefully on her behalf.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent post and memory. I imagine you bring happiness and a moment like that for someone, just one, it's all worth it. You're a dear. But I'm sorry to hear of the terrible news. I hope you can go on. You're a treasure in this field.
ReplyDeleteWeren’t you the clever one to train for a new career just in time! You’ve been a godsend to nursing over the years. I hope I have similar care when my time comes. Thanks for being you.
ReplyDeleteweavinfool
You have a lifetime of memories to hold onto.
ReplyDeleteHospices are a vital part of society, it seems crazy that more are being closed. But, you have retrained...so perhaps this is one chapter closing and another beginning in your life x
All of this is awful , and what gets me is it would only take one of the wealthiest people in the UK to step in and save the hospice . We desperately need redistribution of wealth in our country. Thinking about you a lot John xx
ReplyDeleteWe need more kindness and care not less. Sorry to hear your news.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this. I am a retired nurse. When I was questioning myself and wondering what my career had achieved my son said 'just think of all the hands you have held mum'. How do you put a monetary value on that?
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story. A little heartbreaking but mostly joyful. What a memory. So sorry about the possible redundancy. Glad you just got your credentials.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this. The dying need safe and loving care, John, which you have given. Now you can help the living who need mental health care, John.
ReplyDeleteI think that small moments as you describe here are the thing that makes life rich and well lived. When you connect with another, when you give from the heart, you are also receiving. No matter what profession you are in, I've no doubt that you will take that same open heart into it.
ReplyDeleteI meant to ask, do they have such a thing as unemployment over there, where you can receive a paycheck for a while as you make the transition from one job to another?