Nurses often go unnoticed for their tireless efforts, but there are unseen forces that support them every day. This article delves into the mysterious and often overlooked world of ghost nurses, sharing real-life stories and exploring the emotional toll on healthcare professionals.
Nurses working the night shift often share ghost stories during the early morning hours. These tales become more astonishing the longer one works in the medical field. Last night was one such occasion, where we found ourselves recounting our experiences after a particularly traumatic week filled with obstetric emergencies. Thankfully, no lives were lost.
As we debriefed, it became evident that nurses suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) just like war survivors, police officers, firefighters, crisis workers, social workers, and teachers. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, approximately 22% of nurses experience PTSD at some point in their careers (source).
One of my colleagues shared an unusual story from her time working in an old hospital wing dating back to the early 1900s. The floors creaked, and the air was thick with the scent of accumulated history. Patients often told her that another nurse had already performed their assessments—taking blood pressure, temperature, and listening to lung sounds.
Curious, my colleague asked her patients to describe this nurse. The description was always the same: an older woman in a white nursing dress, white shoes, white hose, and a white nursing cap—an attire no modern nurse wears. The nursing supervisor eventually confirmed what everyone suspected: this nurse was a ghost.
One night, my colleague felt an urgent need to check on a patient who was gasping for breath. Despite all efforts, the patient died of a pulmonary embolism. However, my colleague believed that the ghost nurse had alerted her to the emergency, ensuring the patient did not die alone. She thanked the ghost nurse for her vigilance and service.
The ghost nurse could be seen as a spirit, an angel, or a powerful guide from another realm. She made herself visible to those she chose to serve and alerted nurses to critical patient-care emergencies. This unseen support is invaluable, especially when nurses feel abandoned in life-threatening situations.
Nurses with decades of experience often work with less experienced doctors who may not acknowledge their contributions. Rarely do physicians give credit to the nurses who monitor patients hour by hour. According to a survey by the American Nurses Association, 68% of nurses feel undervalued by their colleagues (source).
When nurses call doctors at 3 AM, they are often dismissed as overreacting. However, their actions are driven by a sense of duty and the unseen forces that guide them. They don't seek short-lived approval but are motivated by the heroic grace that accompanies good work and service.
Many nurses believe they continue to visit patients and administer care long after they leave this physical life. This enduring commitment is perhaps the most amazing feat of all.
Nurses may not always get the credit they deserve, but their dedication and the unseen support they receive make a significant impact. Whether it's a ghost nurse or an angel, these unseen helpers play a crucial role in patient care, reminding us of the extraordinary lengths nurses go to in their service.
These statistics highlight the emotional and professional challenges nurses face, underscoring the importance of recognizing their contributions and the unseen support they receive.
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