The Still-Tender-Hearted ER Nurse

My co-workers started making wagers on how long it would take for me to become a calloused, hardened ER nurse.  Some gave me a year, others were not so generous. I sarcastically interjected a snide remark, appeasing those betting on my early demise.  If only they knew how my heart broke for them as well as my patients.  As they replied with almost sinfully satisfied laughter, they paused. And with a look of lost terror in their eyes, they subtly, yet honestly implored,

"Don't become like us. Don't lose your heart."

Most of the people I meet every day at work are literally having the worst day of their lives. Some have prepared well and are able to stand firm in their beliefs, their values. Others, I can only guess were ill prepared... probably having never prepared at all.

I sleep with my degree and license certificate next to my bed to remind myself in the mornings that it wasn't all just a dream.  I am where I aspired for so long to be.  But regardless of the pieces of paper acting as monuments to signify our accomplishments, each day we live is a culmination of our entire lives.  Each day is a goal that we have had to prepare our entire lives to accomplish. How have we prepared for the inevitable circumstances? Are we ready for tomorrow possibly being the worst day of our lives?