nursingforsocialjustice

I worked a night shift last night. It was not a full night shift, just the good part, when all the patients (2 to be precise) were sleeping. The nurse I was working with is not a huge fan or Vancouver. They are also not a huge fan of their immediate family. ‘Twas a night that felt like a therapy session. At times it felt like an argument when I was not sure what we were arguing about, or why. And there were times when stigma and stereotypes bubbled to the surface about substance use and people who use substances, and people who do not fit into the narrow range of normal. Much emotional labour was expended. Has that ever happened to you?

My shifts in direct care nursing are few and far between. I like the mystery of being a casual staff, not knowing who I might be working with when I walk into my shift. It’s the magic of the night shift. Sometimes I work with staff who don’t talk to me the whole shift, and other nights I work with someone who I have opportunities to talk about nursing, and other nights I work with nurses who are chitty chatty about all kinds of things not in any way related to healthcare or nursing.

On this night shift I have never more felt like maybe my time working night shifts is done.

Love,

Michelle D.