On retirement of a dear friend

Dear Bette:

I'm so happy you're retiring. I know you are, too, even though you say it's bittersweet. Much of life often is, to remind us to be thankful. You've been through a lot the last few years, but you always smiled, even though, being sick often sucks. You were a trouper. It was my pleasure to work with you.

I'll miss you coming up to get coffee in the mornings and discussing all the interesting patients we'd see at the Hotel. You have the uncanny ability for people to trust you and tell you EVERYTHING, even things we didn't really want to know.

You made us realize that our folks are multidimensional people, and to only look at them from one side, was doing them a terrible disservice. Thank you. I know my practice changed from the time I spent working with you.

I will never forget your pioneering spirit, embracing new projects and treatment methods, and I'm sure the rest of the Hotel won't, either. (I promise I won't give your phone number out when some of those providers ask what you really think of those treatment methods, since you are an expert).

You hopefully, will be healthy and stress-free very soon, too, as you leave the hallowed Hotel halls soon for retirement.

I will miss you terribly, but I will never forget you. You are braver than any other person I know, and have given so much to me, our staff, and our patients with your presence.

Godspeed on the rest of your journey.

With warmest regards,

RehabRN

Happy Nurses' Week

Don't be fooled by the teddy bear in this video by Kronos (aka the time clock people). This is a darned fine little infomercial on nursing if I ever saw one.

And I'm proud to say, I actually know one of the people mentioned. She is a pioneer and relentless. If I am ever half the nurse she is, I'll be able to say I contributed something to this world of nursing.

It's your day and your week. Celebrate the best of nursing, because you give it every day. Cheers!