why i do this

Ok you guys, I had one of those moments today that just completely wrecked me in the best possible way.

why i do this

So I’ve been volunteering at the hospital for a few weeks now, mostly just doing whatever they need - refilling water pitchers, helping kids with homework, that kind of thing. There’s this little boy in the pediatric ward, maybe 7 years old, who’s been there for over a week with some kind of respiratory thing.

When I walked into his room today for my shift, he looked up and his whole face just lit up. “Nurse Elena!” he said, waving at me like I was the best thing he’d seen all day.

processing the day

I’m not even technically a nurse yet (three more years of school!) but he remembered my name from Tuesday, and I literally almost started crying right there.

That’s when it hit me - THIS is why I chose nursing. Not for the scrubs or the schedule or even because I want to help people (though I do). It’s for moments like this, when a scared kid in a hospital bed sees you as someone safe, someone who cares.

the little moments

When you realize that just showing up and being present can make someone’s really hard day a tiny bit better.

always thinking

I came home tonight and just sat in the kitchen for like an hour thinking about it all. Mom always says everything happens for a reason, and maybe she’s right. Maybe all the late nights studying and stress tests and clinical rotations are leading to something really important. I don’t know, I just feel so sure right now that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.