Emuyen's Weblog

“Do you like your job?”

emuyen — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:33:32 +0000

I was asked this question not for the first time whenever a pt observe me changing their bed or bathing them. I wonder what sparks the question. I appreciate their asking because to me it means that they observe the challenge or hard work that we do as nurses. These are not the tasks I would volunteer to do, or necessarily enjoy doing, but it’s the least challenging among the many things we do as nurses. I would gladly bath a pt when she is unable to do so herself. I find that during this task is when I get to communicate with my pt and gain their trust. For someone to be willing to take care of them in such a personal way, put them as ease to trust you. I was complimented by a pt as I was bathing her “you’re very thorough, where do you receive your training?” I answered her the University I graduated from, but in my mind, I don’t think it’s the training that build a good nurse, but the altriusm character she/he has within to be thorough in all aspects of care. The most touching moment for me was when I showered a pt who was attached with multiples lines and unable to wash herself, she was in tears as I was bathing her. Her reaction made me feel even more compelled to help. My answer to this question everytime when asked, “Yes, I like my profession.”

Cháo for the Nurse’s soul

emuyen — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:07:45 +0000

Cháo is a pureed rice soup, also known as congee that is eaten when you are sick. It is nutritious, easy to swallow and warm for your body. It is my top comfort food and I decide to create a resemblance of “Chicken Soup for the Soul” in these unforgettable stories I encounter.

Mr. and Mrs. Norway

This is the most endearing couple I’ve come to meet and care for. They are the living wedding vow of “in sickness and in health.” First marriage of 54 years and their love has not fade a bit. In their 80s and they still smile and gaze at each other lovingly. Mr.Norway tends after his wife’s every need; helping her getting in and out of bed, feeding her, picking out the most nutritious meal for her, massaging her neck, taking out the embroidery from a baby’s blanket for her to use as a cushion for her tired neck. He dives in and does the nursing role with grace and patience. I feel appreciated when I can see her eyes light up seeing me walking in the room and asks whether I’d be coming back to care for her the next day. .

Before she left the hospital she said “I wish I can take you home with me,” and Mr.Norway shook my hand and said “you’ve been so nice to us.” He then walked up to the white board in the room and wrote on there “Margaret*** thank you.” I wish them the best of health because they already have everlasting love and happiness. Their love and sweetness made it seem impossible that they’ve had any argument in their relationship. They have two children together and lived to be great grandparents. They further prove the truth that good things happen to good people. The most endearing image is him standing next to her bed helping her slurp up her beef broth through a straw because her stiff neck won’t let her bend low enough to eat. He exerts patience, grace, commitment and above all love for her for 54 years. She whispers sweetly to me as he was sleeping “isn’t he a darling? I’m glad I chose him and not someone else, it would have been very different” and she proudly said “He’s from Norway, and his name is different from everyone else.”

S.A.D

emuyen — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:25:57 +0000

single awareness day. What a clever acronym for this either love or hate holiday. Unlike previous years on this day, I woke up this morning not having expectation of receiving hugs and kisses, nor feeling of loneliness or self pity for being single. I feel free. The morning sun on a cold winter day felt very nice. My sisters and a good friend went with me to try out Korean food. It is always nice to treat my sisters out because they truly know how to enjoy a treat. For the evening I spent 4 hours eating hot baked pizza, drinking champagne and coffee with my two closest friends gossiping about men and love. For the first time my best friend and I spent Valentine’s day together and felt happy being single. I am excited that she escaped from many years of being in serious relationship and finally taking time for herself but also continue to date casually.

It is pay day and I have 4 hours to sleep until work start. What a pleasant day.

A Metaphor

emuyen — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:50:27 +0000

I am not a poet, but I come to like this “poem” that myself and four other people collaboratively composed in 5 minutes. The exercise was to use a metaphor to describe our role in life.

I am a compass, a companion to those who wanders

No matter where someone ends up, I can help point them in the right direction

and the right direction can lead them to better places and people

I love to be picked up and headed back to true north

I can feel relief when someone recognizes the direction in which to strike out again

I guide, as I am guided, and I am guided as I guide

To build bridges of hope and love north, south, east and west.

Hello world!

emuyen — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 04:34:55 +0000

Chào các bạn! Đây là lần đầu tiên mình create trang mạng. Mình muốn gửi gấm những tư tưởng, chuyện vui và lý thú trên trang mạng này. Mình lựa design mặt trăng là vì mình cảm thấy mặt trăng rất lộng lẫy khi tỏa sáng trong màn đêm, có vẻ huyền bí và lãng mạn. Mỗi khi nhìn thấy trăng thì mình nghĩ tới bài hát Nguyệt ca của Trịnh Công Sơn :

Từ khi trăng là Nguyệt đêm thắp sáng trong tôi

Từ khi trăng là Nguyệt trong tôi thêm bối rối

Từ khi trăng là Nguyệt tôi như từng cánh diều vui

Từ khi em là Nguyệt trong tôi có những mặt trời