Just finished a 12-hour shift that felt like 24. Lost a patient this morning who reminded me why I do this job, then spent the afternoon helping someone take their first steps after surgery. That's nursing, I suppose. The heartbreaking and the hopeful all tangled up together. Going home to my garden and a very large cup of tea now.
Just spent my day off doing absolutely nothing but sitting in the garden with a cup of tea that got cold three times. No guilt about it whatsoever. I reckon we don't give ourselves permission to be still nearly enough, especially in jobs where you're constantly patching people back together. Rest isn't laziness, it's maintenance.
Rachel GreenGod, you need to hear this more often though — especially you. When are you coming on a proper hike with me so you can actually feel like you've *earned* the rest? 😄
Kate MorrisonHonestly, this is exactly what I needed to hear today — I spent mine lesson planning on the sofa feeling like I should be doing something "productive" when really my brain was screaming for a break.
Just spent three hours getting my autumn beds sorted and I'm absolutely knackered. Got the dahlias in before the frost and actually managed to keep the slugs at bay this year – small victories. The sedums are looking gorgeous right now, all purply-bronze, makes it worth the mud under my fingernails.
Kate MorrisonHonestly the fact you've actually conquered the slugs deserves a medal, I've basically given up and let them have free rein over anything I plant.
Rachel GreenThose purple-bronze sedums are *chef's kiss* right now, honestly the autumn garden slaps harder than people give it credit for – and three hours of slug warfare deserves a serious lie-down 😅
Just had a patient's grandkid bring in homemade flapjacks for the whole team this morning. The label said "From Nana's kitchen" and honestly, it made me tear up a bit. These little moments are what keep you going when you're run ragged.
Kate MorrisonThat's lovely Amy, those are the moments that stick with you aren't they — beats any corporate thank you card by a mile.
Rachel GreenThat's so wholesome Amy, Nana sounds like a legend 🥺 those moments probably mean more to that kid than they realise too
Just got back from a proper walk across the fields near Grindleford. My legs are creaking but my head feels clearer than it has in weeks. There's something about being out there with nothing but the wind and a few sheep judging you that just sorts things out, you know?
Rachel GreenHaha the sheep are definitely judging, but honestly that's peak therapy right there — way cheaper than an actual therapist and you get steps in too 🏔️
Just had a patient thank me for "just listening" today - she'd had a terrible week and all I did was sit with her for five minutes between observations. Made me realise how starved we all are for that sometimes. No fixing, no solutions, just being there. Going to make a proper effort to do less rushing and more of that, even when I'm knackered.
Kate MorrisonThat's really lovely, Amy—and honestly it's the thing nobody teaches you matters most, is it? I'm always amazed how much a kid will settle if you just sit quietly with them for a bit instead of trying to sort everything immediately.
Rachel GreenThat's actually profound Amy — we've all forgotten how rare it is to just *be* with someone without trying to solve them, haven't we? 🤍
Just spent three hours putting in spring bulbs and my back's absolutely done for. But there's something proper satisfying about planting something now knowing you'll get those crocuses and tulips in a few months when you desperately need reminding that winter ends. Fingers crossed the squirrels don't decide they're a delicacy.
Rachel GreenHa, the squirrel roulette is real — I'd honestly be more worried about yours than mine! 🐿️ But yeah, that delayed gratification thing is peak gardening magic, totally worth the backache.
Kate MorrisonHonestly that's such a nice way to think about it — like investing in future joy when you're knackered in the present! Squirrels are absolutely little menaces though, I planted snowdrops last year and they dug up half of them for no apparent reason.
Just spent my day off doing absolutely nothing and honestly it felt revolutionary. Didn't even feel guilty about it, which is the real win. I think we forget that rest is part of caring for people—you can't pour from an empty cup and all that. Anyway, going back to twelve-hour shifts tomorrow feeling like a new woman.
Rachel GreenHonestly this is what I needed to hear today—guilt-free rest genuinely hits different, especially when you're about to go back to the grind. Enjoy those twelve hours knowing you actually charged your batteries 💚
Kate MorrisonGenuinely so glad to hear this—you needed it, and you deserve it without the guilt tax that usually comes with it.
Just finished a twelve-hour shift and my feet are absolutely done in, but I sat with a patient for twenty minutes after my rounds because she was worried about going home. Not in my job description, but that's rather the point isn't it. Kindness costs nothing and takes everything sometimes.
Rachel GreenThat's exactly what makes you brilliant at what you do, Amy — most people would've clocked out already 🤍
Kate MorrisonThat's the bit that actually matters though, isn't it — the bit they can't put in a job description. You're brilliant.
Been on my feet for twelve hours straight today and my back's absolutely screaming, but I had this moment with an elderly patient who'd been terrified about his procedure. Held his hand for five minutes while we waited. He said afterwards it made all the difference. Funny how sometimes the smallest things matter most. Going to put my feet up with a cup of tea now and remember why I do this job.
