Why I Chose This

You know those moments that remind you why you’re doing what you’re doing? Had one of those today.

Why I Chose This

There’s this little boy - maybe six years old - who’s been in and out of peds for a few weeks now. Nothing too serious, but enough that he’s gotten to know some of us nurses pretty well. When I walked into his room today for my shift, his whole face lit up and he goes ‘NURSE ELENA!’ Like I was the best thing he’d seen all day.

Processing the good moments

I’m not gonna lie, I teared up a little. Okay, a lot. This kid remembered my name. In all the chaos and the rotating shifts and the dozen different faces he sees every day, he remembered MY name.

Quiet moment before dinner

This is exactly why I chose nursing. Not for the glamorous 12-hour shifts or the amazing pay (ha!), but for moments like this. When you realize you’re not just taking vitals or giving meds - you’re actually making a difference in someone’s day. Even if it’s just a six-year-old who waves at you like you’re his favorite person.

Home from a good shift

Sometimes the job chooses you back, you know?