I'm ready to retire!!!!

Ahhhhhh... the wonders of being a nurse....
Nursing, along with any other job, has its ups and downs. Unfortunately, I've encountered a lot of downs for the past few days. Normally, my shift is 7 am until 7:30 pm. Lately it's been 6:45-9:00!!! Don't get me wrong, I love-love-love helping people... it's just... there's soooo much to do in the span of 12 hours... and even that's not enough time. Whenever I encounter those days... I think to myself... I had a choice to be here in the hospital... the patients don't. I choose to help others, it is more like an opportunity rather than an obligation. Because at the end of the night, regardless of how late it may be.... I have the chance to go home.
Anyway, I received a pseudo-marriage proposal today from one of my patients. I think he was just trying to get another cup of jello out of me, though. But nursing really is a challenging profession... and I don't want to be biased or anything... but I give mucho props to nurses and all other medical/nursing professions. The hospital is a difficult place to work. There are days when you see wonderful miracles happening right before your eyes, and then there are days when you've just seen too much. You are not only monitored for efficient nursing skills/tasks, but also for customer service or bedside manner. You have to be quick and efficient, but at the same time calm and polite to not only the staff but more importantly to the patients.
Anyhoo... nursing is great. It's like you're able to practice a type of ministry of helping the sick.... and at the same time, you're getting paid. All I can say is... it's not easy money.