She entered the room like a warm ray of sunshine with a welcoming smile and a heart filled with joy! This novice nurse checked IVs, gave medications, and assessed the comfort of our loved one, Andrea. Her confidence was palpable as I carefully observed her with my seasoned nurse eyes and intuition.
Who was this young nurse who was so engaging and kind? After offering care for a short while, Kaitlin gleefully declared, “I’ll be your nurse for three days in a row!” With Andrea, we replied, “We’re so glad to hear that!” We felt as though Kaitlin was heaven-sent to the Moffitt Cancer Center those few days--just for us. Indeed, her “kind” is welcomed. We were at the cancer center because Andrea, who’s battling brain cancer, had to be admitted. We didn’t know what to expect. God knew all along.
Love, Expanded
We encouraged each other as we poured love onto Andrea. Love expanded in every encounter with Kaitlin. We sensed that we were in good hands. We didn’t want her shifts to end. Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve ever met a nurse like Kaitlin. Consistency in others gets my attention. Thank you, Jesus!
I remember well my days as a new nurse. I don’t believe I came off as confident. Finishing nursing school is one thing! Then you must pass the NCLEX! Then you have to go and take care of people! What?! You just have to do it, praying you will do no harm.
I’m sure Kaitlin has her good and bad days. That’s inevitable as a nurse, especially one new to the profession. She also seemed to have a good rapport with her co-workers, which makes a huge difference in the workplace.
After three days, Andrea was discharged. As we said goodbye to Kaitlin, we took a picture of her with Andrea. With hugs and words of appreciation, we packed up and left.
We may never see Kaitlin again, but the memory of her loving care remains. I pray that she’ll thrive as a nurse all the days of her nursing life and that she’ll know the love of God that has no end. May the tender love and care that she shows be returned to her many times over. Thank you, Kaitlin, for the light that you brought to us. Bless you!
Skip McDonald, BSN, RN, ThB, is a mental health educator, author, and Regional Specialist for Spiritual Formation with InterVarsity and Nurses Christian Fellowship in the Southeastern United States. Find her books here.
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