This Is Why I’m a Nurse: Connie Jonas
Sometimes when I tell people I work in cancer care, they say, “Oh, that must be so sad and hard.” The reality is that it isn’t. It can be sad and it can be hard, but most areas in healthcare can be. Yet so many wonderful things happen when people go through this kind of major struggle. It really brings out the best in them. And it is so rewarding because these patients are really, really special. Every day I am reminded of my preceptor in oncology and what she said years ago, “You can learn a lot about living by learning about dying.”
“You can learn a lot about living by learning about dying.”
I think back to an experience I had when I was working on Medical Unit 2 in the hospital. It was probably 15 years ago. I had a patient who was an elderly lady who received pain medication that was causing her to be completely not within her right mind. I was working the night shift that whole weekend and it took her about three days to completely come around. We had one-on-one nursing staff with her. Her husband was in and out and was just distraught beyond belief about what was going on — not understanding why she was behaving the way she was. I had the opportunity to really spend a lot of time with both of them because I was there all weekend.
I saw her when she was at her worst on Friday until finally she was back to being herself on Sunday afternoon. At the end of it, she and her husband shared their gratitude to me and the rest of the team for sticking with them, for seeing them through and keeping them safe. Her husband was so very grateful for explaining things to him and making sure he was taken care of, as well.
I was just so happy to see her turn around and get better. It was amazing to be a part of that. And I was able to experience their feelings of gratitude for what we had done for them. It really touched me. Later, her husband who was a woodworker carved a little wooden cross for each of the members of our team. I still have that little cross at home sitting on my desk and it reminds me every day why I became a nurse.
Connie Jonas RN, OCN
Director, Med Oncology and Infusion Services
Connie what a beautiful story you shared. It gave me goosebumps! You are an amazing Nurse and Director. I am so happy our paths have crossed🤍. What a gift you received that weekend on your personal journey of Nursing. The wooden cross is a symbol of why we all do what we do. It is beautiful! I am so glad you were given that as a sign of gratitude and it continually inspires you each and every day. Thank you for ALL that you do.✝❣
What a wonderful story Connie; it is absolutely amazing!
I love this story and you. My life too has been blessed to work by your side for many years! Thanks for sharing your story. 🙂
Connie, I have worked along side of you for many years and I never knew this story. Absolutely amazing!!!
I thank God for bringing you into my life. You have made me a better nurse and I appreciate our friendship.
Beautiful story Connie. Thanks for sharing.