I have 7 working days left and this has been the week that I have had to tell my patients that I am leaving on a trip that will last a year, maybe longer and I will no longer be THEIR nurse. It’s been a sad week for me and I’ve shed a few tears along the way. I am going to miss them.

I have been fortunate in the hospice field that I work in, to have most of my patients for a long time. What does that mean in hospice terms? Greater than 3 weeks, but even more I’ve many of my patients 6 months to a year! And I really like them! I like, no more than like, love my job! I’m on a great team and feel comfortable with them, feeling like I really contribute and make a difference, which is going to come to an end soon. I’m VERY fortunate that my company is going to save my hire date for a year! So will have the option to coming back to work again.

Most patients understand and wish me luck. But one patient said, “You’re like family” and even though I’m a nurse, I can get very connected to them especially when you see them every week for many weeks and months.

I am looking forward to leaving, but it is very different this time because I am connected to a team and I’m connected to my own caseload of patient. Today my Team Leader and I picked the nurses on our team that will be taking over their care, and there is comfort that I know they will be well care for by them.

This too shall pass and it’s part of the process to get ready to go cruising, which I have missed terribly these past 2 years. Next week, I’ll introduce them to their new nurses and say a little prayer for them.