A new hope!

Many people don't really know what a nurse does. Most people think all we do is wipe bums and put people on bedpans. Being in cancer care, most of my patients are self-sufficient and I don't go anywhere near their bums. I'm sure they're thankful for this as much as I am. One thing I do that would surprise many (as I see my patients and their families are surprised when they find out) is bone marrow transplants.

The mere word 'transplant' makes you think the procedure is very complicated and the doctor would have to do it. But to be honest, it's very similar to a blood or platelet transfusion, is done at the bedside and is done by your nurse. The doctor is only present for autologous transplants, where the patients gets their own cells back, and that's because of the preservative present in the cells.

I always feel very honored to be the person to give someone their stem cells. It's giving them new life, new hope. Hope for a cancer free future. Hope to live to see their grandchild be born. Hope to live to graduate high school. Hope to see another Christmas. Hope for so many things. And I am a part of it.

I won't lie. Even after all this time the transplant process chokes me up. Usually there's many family members present, pics are being taken. It's a big deal. I spike the cells and although my patients don't know, I say a little prayer for them as I begin to infuse their cells. I only let myself feel good vibes and positive thoughts.

So the next time you think of what a nurse does, maybe you'll realize that we do a lot more than people realize. We help give people new life. New hope.

Man I love my job .....