I’ve found nurses to be selfless, giving, and very caring people. I’m sure it’s no coincidence that many nurses are also highly sensitive people. Back in 2005, nurses made my stay in the hospital, when I had pneumonia, more bearable. They were incredible sources of information and comfort in a system that can sometimes feel cold and uncaring. I remember how they took the time to give me the “inside scoop” on the doctors and the types of care I could expect. As a highly sensitive person, I really appreciated the way these nurses took care of me. 

Since nursing is a helping profession, I think this is a good career choice for HSPs to consider. Nurses work in many different types of environments and help people of all ages. They protect, promote, and help optimize health. Alleviating suffering is a very important component of their very important work. If these words resonate with you, you might want to get more information about this much-needed and important profession.

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, (1820-1910). This English nurse became known as the founder of professional nursing, especially due to her pioneering work during the Crimean War (1853-1856). Due to her habit of making rounds at night, Nightingale became known as “The Lady with the Lamp.”

On National Nurses Day, celebrations and receptions are held across the United States to honor the work of those who work in this profession. Among the most popular activities are banquets, state and city proclamations, and seminars. Many nurses receive gifts or flowers from friends, family members, or patients.

Below are some quotes I found about nurses and care giving:

• “The trained nurse has become one of the great blessings of humanity, taking a place beside the physician and the priest.” — William Osler
• “Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” — Gibran Khalil Gibran
• “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves. They may not remember your name but they will never forget the way you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
• “To do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else can do in spite of all we go through, is to be a nurse.” — Rawsi Williams
• “When you are a nurse, you know that every day you will touch a life or a life will touch yours.” — Anonymous
• “Nurses dispense comfort, compassion and caring without even a prescription.” — Val Saintsbury
• “Bound by paperwork, short on hands, sleep, and energy … nurses are rarely short on caring.” — Sharon Hudacek
• “Nurses are the heart of healthcare.” — Donna Wilk Cardillo
• “It would not be possible to praise nurses too highly.” — Stephen Ambrose
• “Save one life, and you’re a hero. Save a hundred lives, and you’re a nurse.” — Unknown
• “Nurses may not be angels, but they are the next best thing.” –Anonymous

Have you been helped by a nurse? Are you a nurse? If so, what are your thoughts on this profession? I’m interested in any thoughts or comments that you have.