Contra Costa Times
October 29, 2009
"Helping career"
I recently spent several days at Doctors Hospital. Next to me was an elderly man having difficulty adjusting to the hospital.
One morning, a bright, energetic nursing student from Contra Costa College introduced himself. He said he would look after my roommate for a few hours and asked if he could do anything for me.
His patient was reluctant to discuss his condition until the conversation turned to sports. The student was a ballplayer and they discussed teams, recent games, etc. While talking, the student skillfully prodded the patient for details about his illness and soon had him talking freely.
Before I had a chance to ask my young ballplayer why he had chosen nursing for a career, his time was up and he returned to his classes.
He'd had some live experience and made my roommate's stay more humane. Imagine what a million more young people like him could do.
President Barack Obama has called for youth assistance in the helping professions and to assist in implementing health care for the millions of those we have abandoned.
I am grateful nursing got such a lucky break with that student.
Dennie Briggs
San Pablo