‘Twas the morning of Christmas, when all through the building
No staff member was sitting, but everyone scurrying.
The residents were washed and groomed with care,
Knowing that visitors (finally) soon would be there;
No more COVID restrictions would make them feel blessed;
Grandkids would come, dressed in their best.
Mrs. Brown in her sweater, Mr. Schmidt in his cap,
With Boots, the group’s kitty, having a nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my computer to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
Our usual COVID surveyor in her car, parked so near.
I tried not to panic, tried not to be sick,
Maybe I’m dreaming, maybe it’s St. Nick!
More rapid than eagles this surveyor came,
But she smiled, and grinned, and called me by name.
“Don’t you fret, don’t you worry, no IC survey today.
I’ve come to visit Aunt Bessie, then I’ll be on my way!”
A wink of her eye and a twist of her head
Confirmed that inside I had nothing to dread;
In just a few moments some breath found my lungs,
Then off of the floor, I picked up my tongue.
Up to the units, I rounded, I flew —
With a heart full of joy, my staff felt it too.
Despite being masked, the residents joyful.
My staff, the best — all heroes, so loyal.
As I turned my head, I saw activities abound,
Carol singing, cookie making, what fun was around.
I missed seeing my kids open gifts Christmas morn.
Yes, I missed being home, but I wasn’t forlorn!
Seeing staff and residents jolly and merry,
Reminded me my calling was not ordinary!
My mouth drew up big like a smile in a bow,
You could “feel” my smile under my mask, I know!
Then I ordered some food my staff always favors,
To go with the baked treats, I hoped they would savor.
And when evening came, and I could go home;
I knew there was no better place that I’d roam;
You could hear me cry out, as I drove out of sight—
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
Just keeping it real (and joyful… Happy Holidays!),
Nurse Jackie
The Real Nurse Jackie is written by Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC, Senior Director of Clinical Innovation and Education for Mission Health Communities, LLC and an APEX Award of Excellence winner for Blog Writing. Vance is a real-life long-term care nurse. A nationally respected nurse educator and past national LTC Nurse Administrator of the Year, she also is an accomplished stand-up comedienne. The opinions supplied here are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer or her professional affiliates.
The opinions expressed in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News guest submissions are the author’s and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News or its editors.
