Cups and tray tables thrown my way.

True story. 

The cups, along with many other contents residing on the beside tray were thrown my way just as I, a battered, hungry, frizz-headed, overworked, yet still energetic nurse toiled to untangle a patient from his tubing mess.

He wasn't mad at me per say, but at his situation, and I can't blame him. I wouldn't want be a patient either. It is tough stuff having someone poke and prod, tell u when to eat, ask you how much and what time you peed, and make you walk and breath on other's commands. 

As nurses we toil all day, we run from room to room,always in a rush to get care done. Sometimes we are so preoccupied with the clinical aspect that we forget that behind those drains and IV tubing, is a human being. Often these human beings are older, probably wiser, have life histories and experiences that have shaped them into something more significant than a room number with a diagnosis. These people with a whole life behind them are suddenly succumbed to our rules, and dependent on us for their daily care.

That tray table thrown my way, was my kick-in-the-butt reminder, of the soul and feelings of the human being behind the hospital gown, monitors, and IV tubing entanglement.