The Nurse
We nurses are “special” people
All the “special” things we do
Like eating a peanut butter sandwich
While documenting your poo
We’ve been bitten and spat on
We’ve been assaulted and kicked around
We’ve been thanked and we’ve been loved
We’ve heard a brand-new babies sound
We’ve held life and we’ve held death
And everything there is in-between
We’ve cried and we’ve celebrated
To be a part of such a great team
We’ve faced every kind of infection
There’s MRSA, MDR-TB and VRE
There’s red, black and green vomit
BSI SSI VAP UTI and our own PPE
There was SARS and H1N1Swine Flu
We’ve faced pandemic’s before
Now there’s the new Covid nineteen
No one knows what lays instore
It’s just another day at the office
For all of those in the front line
We still get random accidents and injuries
Each day we never know what we will find
Some would scream and run in horror
Others may throw up on the floor
Us nurses will always take a closer look
Then ask, what’d ya do that for ?
Take that needle away from me
I’m gonna faint, I’ll soon be sick
Oh you big sook we say
You’re afraid of a little prick
Would you like your eye drops in your room
Or would you like them in your eyes
Roll up your sleeve madam
I have a really good surprise
Working rosters round the clock
Not much like nearly every other trade
Overworked and over stressed
Then quizzed when mistakes are made
What day of the week is this?
And what is the time of day
Being told you’re ever so lucky
With all that extra pay
Gettin up in the morning
Well it’s afternoon for you
Some days no sleep at all
There’s just too much we have to do
Like looking for my deck phone
When it’s right there in my hand
Then arguing about what day it is
With the hopeless Telstra man
A tactful sense of humour
Can be a very useful tool
Knowing when to lighten the moment
Carefully never making anyone a fool
A nurse can say to a friend
When their Parkinson’s makes them shake
Can you hold onto this Martini?
What a beauty!!! you will make
It’s really such a hoot sometimes
A real joy, just to be a nurse
But please!!!! Instead of coming to my hospital
Could you go see your GP first!!!
Poetry in Paradise
Reg TM No 1028534