During the month of May, we celebrate mothers on Mother’s Day, but we also celebrate Nurses week. Nursing and mothering are two of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had. Please thank a nurse this week!

To the Nurse is Who is a Mom:

I see you juggling this adventure we call motherhood and your career as a nurse.

I see you working your 12-hour shifts, which in all reality from leaving home to returning, becomes 14 hours. When you try to quietly leave in the morning before your kids are awake, and asleep when you return. You give up three long days a week of being home with your children. Then, you try to make the best out of the days you have together. Even on the days you haven’t had any sleep from staying late because they were short-staffed. Or working overnights with no one to watch your child while you would sleep if you could.

I see you working on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and birthdays. I see you missing family events and milestones while you’re working weekends. Spending time away from your family during those special moments can make the job even harder. However, one of the most important parts of nursing is taking care of the sick – being there for them during these rough times. You spend extra time to decorate the unit for the holidays and try to make it as homey as possible when families come to visit. I know you try to make holidays and events as special as possible at home, sometimes on no sleep or on a later day in the week, so you can be there when your kids open their presents.

I see you struggling to take care of the sick when your own child is sick at home. When all you want to do is snuggle your baby, but instead you’re at work. Your mom guilt kicks in. You wish it was your day off so you could with your sick little one. These days, you depend on your support system; whether it’s a husband, grandparents, siblings, or friends. You depend on them to help love and take care of your child, as you would if you could be there.

Taking care of the sick and watching over other people’s loved ones can be so rewarding. You watch them make gains in their health and help them get back to their lives. You help people when they can’t take care of themselves and teach them about how to better take care of themselves. Then, you go home and take care of your children, teaching them everything they need to know.

I see you, mom who is a nurse.

I see you being the best mother and best nurse you can be.

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