The Amazing Role of Being a Labor Nurse

[Originally posted at the PPG blog on February 14. 2016 by Judie Hesse]

February is the month that we all think about love and life, of hearts and relationships….but do you ever really think about what we do for a living?  I am amazed at what we are gifted to be a part of, the difference we can and do make in someone’s life forever.  As nurses we bring that feeling of February to everything we do—at work, at home, at school—it’s who we are! 

This plaque is on the wall in my boss’s office, the author is unknown, but he/she had a good handle on what we really do as labor nurses—as nurses in any field.

I Am Your Labor Nurse…

While everyone else in this hospital strives to make their patients feel better, I will work my butt off to put you into more pain.  I can give you enough pain meds to knock down an NFL lineman, but first I will stick you with a crazy huge IV needle, because 22’s are for wussies!!

I will let you hold my hand, I will tell you to keep calm and BREATH, and I will poke your child in the head several times before you ever get to touch him yourself.

I will see you at your most vulnerable and your most exposed, and I will also help you to be your most strong, courageous, and amazing.

I will tell you that you can do things that you, yourself, don’t believe you are capable of….but you will find I am right.

I will help you through this.  I will end up with a twisted back, tired feet, and fluids on my scrubs—and I won’t even notice because it’s all part of the privilege of helping you bring a life into this world.

I am your labor nurse, and this is the grossest, most amazing, most terrifying, most gratifying job in the world.  Please don’t punch me…that’s what your husband it for.

Again, I do not know who the author is (does anyone else?—would LOVE to know), but they did a beautiful job at depicting our work world—the craziness, the beauty, the honesty, and the humor of it all!!  Thank-you whoever you are!!

Enjoy who you are and what you bring into others’ lives—you are loved and very appreciated!!