| He was a very frail man, small in stature, old in years and very ill, but Mr. P had a significant influence on my career as a Nurse. I met him while I was still in nursing school, working as an extern on a renal and oncology floor. When I first started, I really wanted to be efficient! I had my checklist of things to get done . . . blood draws, vitals, baths, and getting people up to walk. Mr. P changed my whole perspective on Nursing CARE. He helped me to see the person inside the body and to truly CARE for my patients. I met this gentleman when I came into his room one day to help him out of bed and into a chair to sit up for his allotted time. We worked together very slowly, step by step, as I guided him along. When he was finally in the chair, I propped him up with pillows under his arms and legs and made sure the pillows were adjusted just right under his head and behind his back for added support and cushion. Since I had just finished my first year of nursing school, I had learned all the ways you can position a patient in a bed or chair, especially with the aid of pillows. It was exciting for me to take this task of getting Mr. P into a chair as an opportunity to put to use what I had just learned in school. When we were finished he looked up at me with tears in his eyes, and said, No one has ever taken the time to get me so comfortable sitting in this chair. Not knowing how to respond, I said, Oh, well, Im just doing my job. Mr. P replied, No, you spent the time to get me in the chair, AND get me comfortable, and that means you CARE and youre good at what you do. I leaned over and gave him a hug, because I didnt know what else to say in that moment. The next day, I was eager to go visit Mr. P because he had really made an impression on me, and I loved feeling that bond between us. When I came in, he gave me a great big smile, and we began the process of getting him up in the chair again. When we were done, he told me a story of a beautiful German girl he met when he was stationed in Germany during WWII. He explained that I reminded him of her and then asked if he could sing me a German love song that he had learned to sing for her. As he sang, I was deeply moved. I remember thinking, This is why I want to be a Nurse . . . for this feeling of connecting with a complete stranger, for the feeling of knowing you gave them a bright spot in their day, even if they are struggling. Another nurse came in to hear the song as well and when we left Mr. Ps room she told me that he had been a grumpy old man before I came. I can still remember the day I came in and met his family who were all there to say goodbye. He passed away quietly and once again, I got him cleaned up and comfortable. It was the first time I had to do post-mortem care, but I was honored to do so. He touched my life and influenced how I practice as a Nurse to this day. Mr. P taught me that its NOT just about getting it done. Its about connecting heart to heart with my patients . . . going the extra mile, making them comfortable even if it takes a little more time, and really CARING for them as individuals. | 
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