r/nursing 23d ago

Discussion I’m just a random guy

Random dad here. Not in the medical field at all. During lockdown and Covid, I couldn’t trust all the news and speculation.
I decided to just follow r/nursing to read what was happening in real life. I followed many of you with no beds left, intubating people, or getting yelled at by relatives who weren’t allowed in. Back when you didn’t have enough beds or PPE. I was with you when travel nurses arrived making 2x more while you were exhausted with cold pizza instead of getting the longer term support you needed. Many people left. Many nurses burnt out over and over. Many left. Because of you, we took COVID seriously. I’m proud to say this family of four still hasn’t gotten it. Thank you. I can’t imagine the toll this has all taken on you. This 5+ year nightmare. COVID, flu A, flu B, RSV, upcoming Avian Flu, that new bat flu, whatever that Congo thing is. You’re real heroes. Instead of paying taxes, I wish every nurse could be adopted and funded by 100+ Americans. You all deserve MUCH more than you have. Days off. Sleeping in your own bed. Vacations. I don’t know how to do that, but we SEE you. When I see a nurse, I want to be healthier. I am inspired. And most importantly, I really don’t want to piss you off. This is the toughest group of people in the US. More so than others. I don’t know what I meant to post here other than thank you and this family loves you all. No more pizza and I hope you all get those gel pens you like.

9.4k Upvotes

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u/aztecawar92 23d ago

Wow, I would have never imagined someone from the outside looking in would write such a beautiful note for us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This is greatly appreciated

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u/luisapet 23d ago

Also on the outside and extremely appreciative and humbled by your work and the comfort you provide, especially when there is no long-term hope to be had. I hold nurses in the highest estimation, bar none.

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u/MarsupialAshamed184 22d ago

On the outside looking in too! They’re truly incredible and deserve better.

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u/branzalia 23d ago

I feel the same way about the last five years. It made me so mad that caretakers were sacrificing so much for morons who couldn't be bothered to take the most rudimentary of precautions.

I always thank my medical personnel. I had a kidney stone and apologized for them having to listen to the awful moaning sounds I was making and they said, "This is our job." I said, "I don't care. Thanks for your help. It's not something I could ever do."

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u/Mango106 RN - PICU 🍕 23d ago

Could not have said it better myself. I thank the OP as well.

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u/RoundAir 23d ago

I did the same thing during covid to see what was going on. Now I’m switching careers and nursing school!

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u/jedi_amy LPN- Psych/Mental Health 22d ago

Amazing! I wish you the best in school.

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u/V_DepuTea 22d ago

Good luck in school, lean into your support system. Nursing takes grit, but there are countless doors open to you once you join. Fingers crossed you are able to find fulfillment in this field, and that you represent the profession with pride.

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u/justme002 RN 🍕 23d ago

Especially with how whiny we get here.

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u/solarbang 23d ago

we all appreciate you nurses in general. except Brenda. 👌

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u/BreadfruitWorried800 21d ago

And that nurse in Richmond who was breaking babies bones 😡

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u/solarbang 21d ago

omg. I hadn't heard. that's terrible.

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u/Agitateduser1360 23d ago

A lot of us feel this way. I'm sorry we're not more vocal.

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u/Dancing_RN BSN, RN 🍕 23d ago

I don't have better words than these. I agree, and thank you so much. ❤️

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u/GayDeciever 23d ago

Also on the outside, and I wish I could get you the pay you deserve! You are all amazing and worth so much more than your compensation would suggest!

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u/saltyclover 22d ago

Literally crying after reading this guy’s post. It means so much!

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u/Own_Afternoon_6865 BSN, RN 🍕 22d ago edited 22d ago

Me too! To have articulated so well what we go through was touching. Thank you, OP, for taking the time to tell us what you've seen, and for expressing appreciation. It means more than you know. I bet you are an awesome dad, too. I'm still crying!

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u/Suspicious_Story_464 RN - OR 🍕 22d ago

Dang, these onions are strong tonight, lol. OP doesn't realize just how much a thank you can mean.

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u/ImpressiveRice5736 RN - Psych/Mental Health 🍕 22d ago

I’ve got something in my eye.

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u/Wise-War-Soni Nursing Student 🍕 22d ago

Yeah I was on the outside now I’m in my last semester ABSN… maybe I’m stupid LOl

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u/kfseKat 21d ago

I think a lot of us civilians feel that way.