By Rachel Reed
I come from a family of nurses, so when Nursing Appreciation Week comes around every year, my heart is already full of thankfulness and gratitude for nurses. I can look back on my earliest memories of my grandmother, Sally Ryland, in her white nurse uniform, digging through her bag for Campho Phenique, which she put on any of my scratches and sores–it was her go-to, her cure-all, along with Vick’s VapoRub.
Sally, my Granny, began her nursing education at age 26 and graduated from UCLA with an A.S. In Nursing at age 28. After that, she worked at a convalescent center for a year, from 1965-1966. Granny was then hired by Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles as a floor nurse, where she worked from 1967-1969. She moved to Fresno in 1969 and worked as a floor nurse, charge nurse, and House Supervisor at Sierra Community Hospital. After that, she worked at the new Kaiser Permanente built in Fresno. She ran the ICU and also worked as the House Supervisor. Following that position, she went to work at Fresno Community Hospital in the Renaissance Adolescent Center from 1986 until she retired in 1996. Granny worked as an RN for 30 years, from 1966-1996. During that time, she also obtained her B.S. and Master’s Degree at Fresno State and was a licensed LFMT and Certified Drug & Alcohol Counselor. Granny worked many weekends and evening shifts, from 3-11 pm, for years while working on her other degrees, licensing, and certifications.
Not only do I have her legacy of nursing, but I have that of her sisters, as well. Aunt Becky and Aunt Alta were both RN’s. Aunt Janice and Aunt Bernetta were both CNA’s. Aunt Cathy was an LVN. Gran’s daughter, my Aunt Laura, is a retired RN. My own sister, Rebecca, is a nationally certified oncology nurse.
My family of nurses has taught me so many things. First of all, a good nurse is a caring nurse. Nurses are hardworking, intelligent, fast-thinking, and honorable. A good nurse is worth more than any hospital can pay her. She is, in fact, worth more than diamonds or rubies, any precious metals, luxury hotels, or vehicles. A good nurse deserves more than we can offer her, so treat her well. Respect her. Listen to her. Give her your time and attention–she knows what she is talking about, and she has something to say. A good nurse is where I come from. If I didn’t pass out at the sight of blood, I would probably be one.
To all of the nurses out there–I see you and I honor you this week.
To my family of nurses–I thank God for your loving care every single day, and for the legacy of love I have because of you. Thank you.