Just a lowly nurse!

 I am just a nurse,  a lowly nurse.  No I don't diagnos problems, don't prescribe medication,  don't do surgery and don't stitch people up ( although I can stitch someone up if I had to).
  Here is what I do!  I am the one that makes sure that the doctor has what she needs to take care of you.  I always try to be a step or two ahead of her.  She very rarely has to ask for something.  You see it's my job to anticipate her needs so that she can take care of yours.
  I am the one who worries about how you are going to pay for medication that your insurance won't cover.  I know where the free medications can be found, what programs are out there for you.  I spend countless hours on the phone with your insurance carrier begging and pleading on your behalf to get your medication covered for you.
  I am the one who makes sure that your tests are scheduled in an appropriate amount of time.  Again I spend alot of time with your insurance company getting that MRI that you just have to have done approved.  If you don't have insurance I can tell you the best place to go for the cheapest price.
  I am the one who draws your blood.  I look at your reports and if something is crucial I bring it your doctor's immediate attention.  I call you with your lab results after the doctor has reviewed them.
  I give you your shots,  I change your dressings,  I remove your sutures.staples.  I look at your rashes, sores, places that just don't look right to you.  I check your blood pressure and your urine.
  I take your phone calls and I listen to your complaints.  I make sure your refills are called in.
  I am the one that calls and schedules your appointments with the specialists.
  I am the one that gets to work early and I leave late.  I make sure everything is as it should be.  I mostly eat my lunch on the fly.  I am the one that comes to work sick, and in pain so that I can help take care of you.
  I am the one that worries about you after hours.
  I am just the Nurse!  I have been nursing for almost 25 years and I think I love it more today than I did when I started.  To me,  nursing is calling and not everyone is cut out for it.  Since I was 5 years old all I wanted to be was a nurse.  I have picked up a few things along the way and I am smarter than people think I am. 
  I am not complaining,  I just wanted you to know who I am.  I am not the doctor or even the nurse practioner,  I am the nurse.  I love my job and I love where I work and I love being able to help take care of you!
  I like to think I am good at what I do.
  I am more than a lowly nurse!