Thanksgiving was just a few days ago and many of us got the chance to eat to our hearts content, as well as to spend much needed time with our families, after-all we can count on the holidays to bring families together.

It’s been a little over two weeks since my last blog post (life really got the best of me) so in the spirit of giving thanks, I just want to say Thank You: I’m forever thankful to those of you who’ve been supporting me since I started this blogging journey, thank you for reading, liking, commenting and sharing my blog posts it is greatly appreciated.

Now, while many of you had the luxury of spending quality time with your family, those of us who work in the healthcare industry knows that a holiday is no real holiday. Furthermore being a nursing student, a medical student or any student for that matter, a holiday is just never a holiday. Let’s be real the many assignments and exams we have to prepare for while on break is just ridiculous. Wait, that reminds me, what is a holiday again? lol.

As a nursing assistant, I was one of the unfortunate, while at the same time fortunate ones who had to work over this holiday weekend. I was a tad bit annoyed, because I wanted to spend time with my little family. I do however realize that patients are also separated from their family and are sick and although nothing beats being at home with your own family it is also a good thing when you can bring joy to others.

I was one of the many who dreaded going to work this past weekend, one because it was cold, and two it was also my first time spending thanksgiving with my person. Then I was reminded why I chose to be in this field and that one of the main factors to being a good nurse is compassion. As compassionate as I am, I think this weekend really showed me the true meaning. Working 12 hours shifts back to back is no easy fete, and trust me when I tell you I’m exhausted, I am EXHAUSTED. This weekend was super busy but it brought joy to my heart to hear my patients say “thank you.” I’m telling you a little thank you really does go a long way.

Although I had somewhat of a rough weekend and though I wasn’t able to spend as much time with my family as I would have liked, I was able to bring joy to my patients and that in itself warmed my heart. I say all this to say that it’s important that we count our blessings and understand that kindness and compassion really goes a long way everyday and especially during the holiday season. Be aware of what your patients are going through, listen with an open ear and an open heart and just be kind. The holiday season is just getting started and as a healthcare professionals and most importantly humans, it’s important that we remain kind, compassionate and thoughtful because you never know what another individual is encountering.

Now it’s back to regular programming, back to procrastinating getting my assignments done on time and prepare for the upcoming exams and of course taking care of the sick.

How did you spend your thanksgiving weekend?  What are your plans for the rest of the holiday season? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Xoxo, Tanya