I am so sorry that women on television belittle your career. I am so sorry that not everyone recognizes that the ability to make someone’s heart start beating again, or hold someone’s hand as they take their final breath, takes talent, passion, and so much more.

I have been your “patient” many times. You have held my hand when I was poked with needles. You have sat by my bedside and waited for the doctor’s to give a diagnosis. You have been nothing but patient and kind even when it was difficult to do so just as I know you do for all of your other patients.

If only those women on television could see how much pride you take in providing quality care to all of your patients. If only they could feel the ache in your feet after a 12-hour shift when you didn’t even get a break. If only they could take a walk in the blood, feces, and vomit covered scrubs. If only they could see the faces of a patient’s family as you tell them “there was nothing else we could do.” If only they could spend a day in your shoes. Then maybe, just maybe, they would understand what that “doctor’s stethoscope” could do in your hands or how the mobility of those scrubs allows you to excel in caring for your patients.

I admit, maybe I am a bit biased because not only are you the best nurse I know, you’re also my mom. Although there isn’t a “bring your daughter to work day” in the ER, I recall a class field trip in the fifth grade to our local hospital where you gave us a tour of a room in the ER. You carefully explained the basics of patient care and the functions of the machines and instruments. I can still remember your co-workers telling me how great of a nurse my mom was.

I have seen how you have mothered me, and I know that if you put in even one ounce of that passion into your career, then you definitely are as great as those nurses said you were. Not everyone may see your talent as glamorous enough for Miss America but I do. I think it takes so much courage and bravery to pursue your career in spite of what others think of it. I hope to let that passion extrapolate into my life as I pursue a career in the medical field. Thank you for instilling those values in me.

Love,