When I was in fifth grade, I had a close friend named Lily whose mother, Sarah, was a registered nurse. Visiting their home was always a treat, as Sarah never failed to share captivating stories about her patients and the emergencies she faced in her bustling medical-surgical unit. Their house felt like a mini hospital; instead of regular Band-Aids, they had cotton and medical tape, and when it came to wrapping gifts, bandage scissors were the tool of choice.
I admired Sarah’s crisp white uniform and how her stethoscope hung gracefully around her neck. She was the go-to mom in the neighborhood whenever one of the kids got hurt, always knowing the right thing to do. As I contemplated my future career, it was Sarah who inspired me to volunteer at her hospital. I delivered mail and flowers to various patient units, gaining a firsthand look at hospital life. The sounds of the ICU and the frenetic energy of the emergency department captivated me. The day she toured me through her nursing station and detailed her responsibilities as a head nurse, I realized nursing was my calling. I eventually graduated with my nursing degree in 1997—largely thanks to Sarah’s influence.
However, it wasn’t until I became a mother myself that I truly recognized the extraordinary nature of nurses who are also moms. By their very nature, nurses prioritize their patients’ needs, often neglecting their own basic needs in the process. Many nurses skip meals or bathroom breaks to stay with a patient in need. Similarly, mothers are inherently selfless and devoted to their children, often sacrificing their own well-being. Seriously, how many moms can say they’ve peed in peace recently?
Combining the roles of motherhood and nursing creates a powerful and impressive dynamic. A nurse takes an oath to safeguard her patients, and, much like motherhood, her commitment doesn’t cease once she leaves the nursing unit.
1. For nurse moms, the chaos never ceases.
Nurses tackle messy situations daily, from dressing wounds to cleaning up bodily fluids, and when they return home to their children, they often find themselves facing similar chaos—especially if they have toddlers.
2. Food orders are always a gamble.
Hospital food is notoriously unappetizing, and nurses often have to ensure that patients receive proper nutrition, sometimes scavenging from the unit’s fridge. This juggling act continues at home, where they switch from scrubs to short-order cook.
3. There’s always someone needing mom.
Nurses frequently handle high-pressure situations, comforting grieving families or guiding patients through crises. Yet, when they get home, there’s still enough love and care to soothe a child’s fears after a nightmare or mend a scraped knee.
4. Rashes are an everyday occurrence.
Whether it’s diaper rash from a baby or an adult’s skin issue, a nurse mom finds herself dealing with more rashes than she cares to admit. If you know one, do her a favor and spare her your skin complaints—she’s seen it all!
5. The laundry is a never-ending chore.
Just as patients require fresh linens and gowns, a nurse mom faces her own mountains of laundry, compounded by the challenges of bedwetting toddlers.
6. Accidents often happen around them.
Nurses are trained to respond to emergencies at work, but this readiness extends into their personal lives as well. Whether it’s a sudden medical incident at the grocery store or a scrape on the playground, mom nurses stand ready to help.
It’s said that everyone will encounter a nurse at least once in their lifetime, and since we all have moms, it’s clear that many of us have witnessed their incredible skills. If you encounter a mom who is also a nurse, give her a heartfelt hug and express your gratitude—just avoid asking her about your last doctor visit; she’ll appreciate it.
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In summary, the combination of motherhood and nursing creates a unique and formidable force. These women balance the demands of caring for patients with the challenges of raising children, embodying resilience and dedication. If you know a mom nurse, take a moment to acknowledge her incredible work.