When Nursing Changes the Way We See the World

Hey, Rise & Thrive Tribe,

There’s a version of you that walks into nursing—
wide-eyed, textbook-trained, and hopeful.

And then… there’s the version of you that emerges after living it.

I went into nursing with what I can only describe as virgin eyes.
Even clinicals didn’t fully prepare me.

Because nursing isn’t just clinical.
It’s deeply human.

I remember one patient in particular.

They had cancer and had traveled across three continents searching for a cure.
By the time they arrived at our hospital, we were their last hope.

What stood out wasn’t just the diagnosis—it was their faith.

Even a small improvement in labs was enough to reignite hope.

They had just started their married life.
And illness was already threatening everything.

We grew fond of each other.
I’m a storyteller, and we just connected.

The day they left for hospice…
that goodbye stayed with me.

I wanted to be strong—but I am human.
And that human in me showed up.

Moments like that change you.

They teach you that life is fragile.
That relationships matter.
That tomorrow isn’t promised.

Nurses all over the world stand in these same spaces—
where life, loss, hope, and humanity meet.

And the question becomes:
What are we doing with what we’ve seen?

For me, I choose to live with intention.
To love well.
To not take moments for granted.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

Food for thought:
How has nursing changed the way you see life?

Selah Moment:
Pause. Reflect. Realign.