Retro Night in the PICU

OK, I am well aware this is not a flattering picture but it was soooo fun! Pamela and I often talk about how we wanted to be nurses as children because we loved the cool uniforms and hats and then when we grew up and BECAME a nurse, scrubs are in and no one ever wears a hat. So, Kerri was game enough to join us as we had a retro night. Of course, the joke was on us...Kerri had to float to 9 East (so she wasn't in the PICU at all that night!) and Pam and I were crazy busy...everyone laughed when as Charge Nurse I had to respond to a Rapid Response with skirts a flying down the corridor!! (But my cap stayed securely fastened upon my head thank you very much!!) I love what I do and am so very thankful that I was given the opportunity to follow my dream and become a nurse. (Thanks to my incredible husband!) People ask all the time, "How can you handle working in the PICU...kids shouldn't have to be so sick." Agreed but the sad fact is that they do get sick, have tragic accidents, overdose, get abused, survive the NICU (don't get me started!)...and SOMEONE needs to care for them and their families. And the best part is that almost always, we fix them and send them home better than before! There is no high on earth equal to having a child come in hanging on by a thread, utilize all of your knowledge, skill, and energy healing and then see them improve and soon they are driving you nuts trying to climb out of bed!! It is an awesome feeling. And yes, there are times when we lose and it is heartrending beyond my ability to describe. Even then, I am glad I am there to try to comfort the family and help bring a measure of peace. It always makes me return home and hug my babies (of all ages) and be so thankful for eternal families!