Lord, grant me...

Forgiveness, when I accidentally spill coffee on our most senior nurse as I pass.

Patience, when some patients think up all sorts of excuses.

Fortitude, when I have to transfer people who just want to give up, no matter how you try to give them a sense of dignity.

Restraint, when I really want to reach across the bed and strangle the specialist who tells me I am "leading the patient" with my questions. I really wanted to say, "Since I'm with him a little more than you and he told me xx (see that note), how am I leading him, when I'm asking for an update?"

Strength as I push, pull and move people around.

The ability not to cry, when my favorite patient (who's been here the longest of anyone we have right now) goes home. What a day to do it...bright and sunny!