Happy nurses week my people of the people.

Here is what I know about nurses in year two of my practice: We are the strongest threads in our community quilt. Binding the diversity of incomes, ages, and cultures together with help, healing, and unconditional (sometimes tough) love.We can simultaneously hold a cynical view of our fellow man and have the deepest reservoir of hope in humankind. That is to say we will complain bitterly while suffering twelve hours of abuse by a certain patient, and then stay four more hours to see them through when their condition deteriorates. We need to see them through.If I am your nurse, you are my very own one. I will protect you, I will defend you, I will advocate for you. I’ll go toe to toe with the provider who endowed my hospital if I feel you are being hurt. If you need it, I might even bring you secret coffee from my very own stash. You must know—it is to you I will always be true. Not because you’re nice, though please consider being nice, but because you’re mine. If the building caught on fire I’d sling you over my shoulder and carry you down the stairs. (This isn’t policy, just a metaphor. Trust we have better evacuation plans). I’m not special. I’m “just a nurse.”I'll recognize you when I see you out in the world and under light less harsh than hospital fluorescents, but you likely won’t remember me. I don't need you to. I’m one of many clad-alike interlopers palpating and auscultating and delivering medication. Our time together is sacred and secret. I'll acknowledge your return to health in silence, with a smile that is overjoyed to see the color in your cheeks. You're back at work or running the aisle of the grocery after your wild, beautiful children. My chest fills with pride as I think: She’s one of mine! Look at her, so well!I don’t know any nurse who feels differently. We are for patients. What a noble group of people to share a name with. Every day I find time to do a little jig of joy to celebrate my membership in this club of tough, tender advocates for humans. Doing work that cares little for glory and much for justice. It's the only gift I want.Happy nurses week to all of you, you magnificent beings.