A Regret?

There was support and encouragement

To make the change

So much hard work and a life to rearrange

Anticipation and excitement to help those in need

Falling short, my expectations, my hopes and dreams

Disappointed, disillusioned yet determined to find a niche

A place in nursing where I could settle instead of switch

The OR, pre-op, home care then public health

So little time to provide a new nurse wealth

Not wealth for diamonds and cars or fancy homes

But wealth enough for the mortgage, credit cards, and school loans

Now I help to teach, encourage and foster a sense of hope

Within a healthcare system where many seek how to cope

With patient-nurse ratios, DRG’s, understaffing and such

Creating a vigilant nurse from the moment we touch

How can the health of our patients be fine

With so much concern for the bottom line

If the one thing I do with my life as a nurse

Is make life better for those, and not make it worse

I join with my colleagues to improve our way of life

Through education, action, and lobbying without strife…………………………….