Today, I received my official business license for Skilled Nursing Support. It is really special that it arrived today because it happens to be the same day that my mom passed when I was 19 years old. Now you may be thinking, how is that something to celebrate? It is, because I believe it is a sign from her that although this day will always be a sad day for me it is also a day of new beginnings. This is like a gift from the afterlife from her acknowledging that this is a great next step in my career.

My Mother is why I became a nurse. She had much to say about the nursing field and was so happy that it was the profession that I had chosen. Of all the advice that she gave me, this is the one I remember the most and it continues to guide me in my Career. She said, “Maria remember that we are helpless, anxious, and sometimes in pain as we lay here in our beds using our call lights. We don’t understand why staff walk past our rooms that have a light above our doors many times and that makes us sometimes become angry. So I am telling you as your mom and a patient that if you walk by a patient in need and do not stop to at least ask what they need then you should not be a nurse anymore. You may not be able to provide what they need at the time but you should always acknowledge them.” It has been 38 years since she has passed and unfortunately the call light dilemma is still the high rating complaint of patients.

In my Mom’s honor, I challenge all nurses to not walk by that room that has a light on even if you may have just been in there. Yes our jobs are very challenging and these days we are being pulled in many directions but patients don’t think of that. They may just need a box of tissues or a drink. We may be wondering why are they always on the light but it may be that they are frightened, sad, or lonely and don’t know any other way of letting us know that.

If I have had the pleasure of working along side you as a colleague, you will know that I practice what I preach. I will not walk by a room or resident who is requesting help or has their light on. I continue this as a best practice that may prevent a fall, an angry outburst, or may just make someone smile. It is also my continued way that I keep my promise to my mom that I will always be that Nurse who makes her patient’s needs a priority.

I am excited to continue to identify what you as nurses may be interested in learning about:

Are there situations at work that you have questions about and don’t know who to ask or where to get information for solutions?

Is there a new procedure that you have questions about?

Do you have questions related to how to write a Medicare progress note or a general note?

Do you have questions about ICD 10 coding?

Do you need guidance in how to complete an MDS or which MDS should be scheduled for what reimbursement model?

Do you have questions related to long term care regulations?

Are you a new grad with questions?

Are you a new nurse manager that may need guidance?

I would love to help you with any or the above or consult for a topic that is not listed but you have identified.

Please feel free to email me at : maria.messina@skillednursingsupport.com

I leave you with this chinese proverb, “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.”