IV ME ALREADY! — Thoughts on empowering those around us

Chances are that if I don’t write this now, I won’t write it ever so here it goes!

How do we support those that are around us?

I’ve been reading “Meditations” by Marcus Arelius, and it’s been a really enlightening experience. While the text doesn’t explicitly touch on what I’m saying, I believe the idea of one’s purpose being defined as what is natural, with the idea that humans are meant to perform acts within their nature, and not waste their time judging their fellow man, applies within the context. I’d very much recommend this read for anyone who is interested in exploring the purpose of man (or women if you’re a feminist – but who really gives a shit), expanding their literary horizons, and who’s interested in really digging into philosophy. Yeah, you like philosophy, but have you actively picked up a book with deep reflection on the subject. I hadn’t, till now. It’s all golden.

My friend Kelsey is in nursing school and I stopped over at her and her boyfriend Jeff’s, house for a glass of wine and dinner. Truth be told, I didn’t feel like I needed to be there initially, but I attended as a courtesy to their invitation.

We had an excellent, relaxed dinner: burritos with wine, some sheesha, while the hosts indulged in their own personal pleasures. Nearing the end of our engagement, I began digging into Kelsey’s life as a nurse and what challenges she was facing. It so turned out that she was looking forward to the opportunity of performing an IV, but was nervous as she had not done it yet! —Aside— Nurses in Alberta do not have regular opportunity to perform IV’s. They must be certified some way or another, so it’s not something they train regularly —Aside Complete—

So, how do we turn this into a great opportunity to:

1. 1. Build stronger relationships. Most relationships are built stronger through experiences, regardless of whether they are enjoyable or not.

1. 2. Help Kelsey out in her studies

3. And show support for our friends?

IV Me Already!

You an guess how the rest of that experience went. Laughs, tension, three missed IVs, and my arm now having track marks (nah, it’s not that bad).

Overall a great experience. I think too often, opportunities to better ourselves, and others around us aren’t actively seized, and we let these opportunities pass. As an example Kelsey stated (after she had IV’ed me 3x with trembling hands), “Sometimes things are way easier once you actually do them!”.

Totally.

I’d also like to mention that she had smoked a little bit of weed prior to performing the act. Should that have changed my/our judgement? I don’t think so. This ties back to Meditations by Marcus Arelius. It’s in her nature to be curious of how to improve her nursing skills. Beyond that, I don’t hold judgement against her. The risks undertaken are solely upon myself to blame, and should it not be the duty of man to take advantage of opportunities to do good? Besides this I’d be honored to help a friend do better at something that they are interested in.

So, after tonight, all I have is a bunch of smiles, a nursing student thinking of how to perform IVs better (with more confidence for when they have to do it in front of an instructors), and better relationships.

Thoughts of a Ho. Now you know….