What nursing sick children has taught me...

It’s possible to giggle,
even when their in pain.
Just like the old saying:
children know how to dance in the rain.
Parents are their safe space,
no matter the age or gender.
You'll witness amazing family love,
of parents and siblings in all of its splendour.
If we are lucky,
they will welcome us in.
To do obs and medicine checks,
with nursery rhymes to sing.
 
Distraction is a must,
you’ll find yourself doing anything!
Silly dance routines or jokes to tell,
parents hide their faces, colleagues stifle their grin!
 
No popularity contests on the teenage unit,
kindness is the new craze!
Tea and toast is is an absolute must,
when the nights are as long as the days!
 
No one ever gets hurt In life,
from spilling and wearing a little wee. 
Poop is another story I don’t need to explain,
that I think is pretty clear to see ....
Boiled sweets, mints and chewing gum,
are great at disguising the chemo taste.
Humour is always a welcomed attribute,
because a day without laughter is a total waste.
 
Kisses really are magic,
and help sooth pain away.
And teenagers do love mum hugs,
no matter what the books say! 

They will test you, prank, and scare you,
but always bring out your best.
Its not only your brains and knowledge,
but your love and resilience they will test. 

They’ll bring you to tears,
and their consultants too,
I’ve seen many a nurse crying, 
whilst hiding from the ward crew. 

They’ll leave their mark upon your heart,
and this you can’t control.
Even though they tell us not to get attached, 
I dare you to resist the innocent little souls.

A grieving mother,
is hard to bare,
when theirs nothing you can do,
but show her you care. 

Paeds Nursing is not for the faint hearted,
it will ground you, humble you and make you too.
And life will never feel the same,
once they trust their precious little lives with you.