Someone once told me that every person needs a cheerleader in their life. Someone to cheer them on when the going gets really tough. As a child, as a student, as a family member, athlete, or as a newcomer to a profession, we need daily reminders to persevere and strive on towards the goal of becoming better versions of ourselves each day. Some of us are fortunate enough to have had such cheerleaders to spur us on in all aspects of our lives.
Two things make entering Nursing in the Operating Room for the first-time tough: a huge learning curve, and co-workers who don't yet know you, your work ethic, skills, and who are jaded and overly critical - having forgotten what it was like to first step foot in the O.R.
I had wonderful colleagues, and I highly respect and admire each and every one of them. One Nurse in particular literally welcomed me with open arms my first day stepping into the O.R. She immediately told me that she remembers what it was like starting out, and there were folks that were extremely tough on her. She told me to let her know if anyone picked on me and she would confront them, personally. From that day forward, she checked-up with me regularly. I will never forget what she said every time we ate in the lounge as she would devour an entire Chipotle burrito within 10 minutes. She said, "don't ever listen to any mean things others say. I know you, you're smart, you work hard, you're not a complainer. You will do great things - I truly mean that." God blessed me with a cheerleader.
We all need cheerleaders, and to cheer others on in life. Happy birthday to my cheerleader!
