nursingforsocialjustice

I was standing in line at the grocery store yesterday. There was a woman standing further up in the line who, I gathered, was quite frustrated with standing in the line Ina crowded store. I overheard her say to the cashier, “I don’t know why I bother saying ‘sorry’ when someone bumps into me, they never say it to me.” In that moment, I thought, is the motivation to apologize rooted in an expectation that others will also apologize given the same circumstance? Which, led me think ponder the importance of internal versus external factors of motivation. Do we give to get? Or is the act of giving in itself fulfilling enough that there is no expectation of immediate acknowledgement or appreciation because the fulfillment is in personal knowledge that help was offered, that something good was done?

Being a professional nurse is an interesting practicing in giving. Being a nurse is a paid profession, but, giving care is an integral part of the job. I would argue that giving care is the job, with the care act manifested in different ways. Do we have an expectation of a “thank you”?

Peace,

Michelle D.