I should memorize this

I'm sorry in advance
[A nurse knows before she starts that she can't meet all the needs. She'll focus on those most critical, and try to give a caring touch to all the rest.]

I'm sorry in advance
Your bed's not made today
But I have a patient here
Whose chest pain won't go away.

I'm sorry in advance
You're not happy with your meal
Dietary does try hard sir,
To give it some appeal.

I'm sorry in advance
Your morning pills are late
I've a patient climbing out of bed
That I must try to sedate.

I'm sorry in advance
Your mattress isn't soft
We do need some new beds ma'am
But these things do cost a lot.

I'm sorry in advance
I didn't get to comb your mother's hair
I've a patient with emphysema
She's scared, she can't get air.

I'm sorry in advance
Your father's still in pain
I'm trying to reach his doctor
I'll have to try again

I'm sorry in advance
Your dressings aren't yet done
But a patient has just passed away,
I offered solace to his son.

I'm sorry in advance
I'm not cheery as a bird
I've worked 12 hours, my feet ache
I asked for help, but no one heard.

I'm sorry in advance
I've only two hands and two feet
I'm trying to care for you, patient
Your needs, I want to meet.

My 12 hours now are 16,
No replacement could be found
My aching feet, they cry out
My head begins to pound

I'm sorry in advance
I cannot meet your gaze
My eyes are filled with tears
Your face is just a haze.

If I could sit down for a minute
And maybe grab a bite
Phone my kids to say I love them
And I'll be late again tonight.

I'm sorry in advance
I didn't do all that must be done
If I worked any faster
I'd soon begin to run.

When I do get to hold your hand
Or wipe your furrowed brow
Please understand, dear patient
I care for you and how.

I see your pain, I sense your fear
Your anger in a glance,
Our health care service is failing you
I'm sorry in advance.

:: written by and borrowed from Linda Leeson, LPN

Something I ran across in my wanderings, and hope to keep in mind when my thoughts stray down the angry path in the depths of the ER. I need to learn patience, and gentleness, even if the crass and cynical me is better understood by my co-workers. I think too often I fall away from the real, God-fearing me when I'm at work, forgetting why it is I do this job. I guess my standard prayer for protection and guidance stays behind, somewhere between the parking lot and the door. Better work on that.