The constant shortage with the nursing staffing especially on the PM shift had prompted our highest supervisor to make some changes with the nurses’ schedule. But the ones to be affected most were our staff, the night shift nurses. He made everyone worked 12 hours per shift. It was not something new to some who had been working it already. The big change would affect me.
I had been working part-time, only 8 hours per night. I had injured my neck long time ago when I worked at the hospital as an Orthopedic Nurse. I recalled, I even hurt it twice. The second time aggravating the pain, as I tried to help a confused patient who was about to fall and caught her head at the right time. My neck had not been the same. It’s constant. But I could still do things.
As the changes were supposed to take effect on January 15, my doctor gave me his note allowing me to only work 8 hours per day to prevent my neck pain from getting worse or even worst. My supervisor complied except I had to go through this process of being evaluated from our Employee Wellness Center.
He walked in. He didn’t assess my neck. All he said were disappointing. I knew he was trying to be helpful at times. But most of the time, it sounded like he was discouraging me. I wasn’t sure if he knew what he could say or not say. But God was my sole witness that day.
“You’re lucky you got away with it for so long,” he stated regarding myself working part time for 6-7 years now.
“What do you mean lucky?” I rebutted. “That was approved by my supervisors.”
“Well, did you tell us that you had a permanent disability when you were hired? That’s not good if you didn’t. You may lose your job!” he ended our hour long encounter.
“Have a good day,” was all I told him.
I cried when I got home. To my supervisor who was patiently working with the schedule changes for me as she tried to keep me on only 8-hour per day schedule. I felt discouraged. I felt the proper evaluation was not done. It was more of someone else’s opinion instead of evaluating my condition and honoring my doctor’s request. But I wasn’t afraid. I just wondered how many other people suffering he hurt more by talking this way to these already injured individuals. Not only physically but as they also went through lots of emotional pain as they dealt with their physical inabilities to perform the same tasks they used to do. Like me…
And I cried to the One Who is always there for me. As I listened to His Word, this is exactly what He said that morning when I got up after a day full of frustrations and being belittled:
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33;NLT]
There will always be trials. They come from different situations. They can be caused by other people. The severity varies. And He constantly reminds me…”You have peace in Me. Because I already claimed the victory for you.”
As the New Year comes, I know it will be another 365 days of uncertainties, of varying trials to come my way. Those are inevitable. But I want the change not to come from those. I don't want to make any resolutions that I can't keep. I want the change to happen within myself. That I am reminded constantly that I can be stable despite the instability I will face. That I have joy despite the chaos. I want to feel more secure and more calm. That I won’t be afraid. Because no matter how many changes come my way, I have that “unstable, immovable, unbreakable piece of heaven”…Living in me.
[Addendum: Please pray for God's guidance, protection and discernment for me. People cannot discriminate if you have any disability. Do not let anyone put you down if you have any type of disability. God loves you for who you are. He knows what you are going through. And His promise never..NEVER...fails. That He will always be there with you going through all these trials. I am not afraid. I know what actions to take. Because of Jesus. "I can do all things through Him, the One Who gives me the strength that I need." Glory be to God. Happy New Year to all of you and may you be reminded of the STABLE ROCK you're standing on amidst all these instability. God bless.]
May 2011 bring you much love, peace, faith, happiness and prosperity.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Sister Rosel, prayers are going up for you. We were born into this world at this time for a reason ... for God's purposes and though it is a "fallen" world, full of that which is not of gd, Jesus has overcome the world and we have citizenship in His kingdom, peace here that is not of this world, Joy that flows from what the Lord has done for us, and a blessed assurance of eternal life went this pilgrimage comes to the end of this earthy road. But we are here now, with pain and trails also, so we must continue to look up, and stand up, and cheer each other up daily. Christ is with you. Blessings Sis!
ReplyDeleteI have had enough physical limitations this last year to know a little of how you are feeling. It is frustrating to not be able to do the things you were once able to do. And yet you are soo right. The Lord will use us for what He intends, NO MATTER WHAT or WHO tries to stop it. I will pray your situation works out at work, and that what is best will work out for you. HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and your family Rosel, and may the Lord make His face to shine upon you now and always. HUGS, Debbie
ReplyDeleteDear one I am sorry for you neck pain. Sorry for the encounter you had to endure by EWE. (((((Rosel)))))
ReplyDeleteMay 2011 bring joy and much needed peace to you dear one.
Dearest Sister, sorry about the pain in your neck. May God's healing hand bring you relief. May you have a blessed and prosperous and RESTFUL 2011. Blessings and (((hugs))) Jo
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you and you are going to have a great year. God is healing you!
ReplyDeleteJust before I read this post I stopped to read your testimony on your profile of how God directed your path into correctional nursing. If God still plans to use you there then no one can remove you. If He wants to use you in another place He will take you there. In either case you are safe in His care. I am praying for you dear sister.
ReplyDeleteI have been praying for God to make changes in me this New Year for things that I cannot change myself. I don't make New Year resolutions. True change can only come from God's hand. I can do all things through Christ and I can do nothing on my own.
Dear LORD I pray that you will pour out your richest blessings on my friend Rosel in the New Year and through-out her life. I pray that as you work in her situation that you will let her see your hand in her circumstances, that you will help her to trust your plan, and that you will give her peace that passes understanding.
Thank you for your love and your care. In Jesus' Name - Amen
Love to you my friend!
I think the devil has been working overtime in 2010. I do know we are on God's side. The winning side and no matter what come our way we can not be defeated. Hold on tight and my 2011 be a great year for you. God Bless. Wanda
ReplyDeleteMy aunt has a new dr - her wonderful dr died of Lou Gehrig's disease at age 56 a few years ago. His bedside manner was what all physicians should have. Her new dr fussed about her high blood pressure (which she only has at the dr) and she finally stood up and said, "You scare me to death - that's why it's so high!"
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your experience. I'm a justice girl who just never understands why other people don't think about the effect their words have on others; however, it is an unjust world. God, however, is our great champion.
This year, it has been hard to have peace in the chaos, especially when my spirit grieved. However, despite the grieving, the mourning I stood on that rock, holding tight to my faith. Maybe my question is am I supposed to feel peace in the chaos? Always?
But, back to your post - I will be praying - that all things work together for the good to those who love Him - I will be praying that you feel that peace in the chaos, that God give your spirit rest! May your new year be filled with blessing, joy and peace!
Words can try to pierce our hearts and some people just don't know how sharp their words are. Praise God that He is our provider and protector. I pray for favor on your behalf. No matter what happens we have peace..Psalm 23
ReplyDeleteHi Rosel, I hope you feel better this year.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year From Southern California.
Don't forget to watch the 122nd Rose Parade on New Year's Day coming from Pasadena, California...only 30 miles from The Old Geezer's home :-) If you miss the live telecast, I'm sure there will be lots of reruns through out the day.
No matter what looms ahead, if you can eat today, enjoy today, mix good cheer with friends today enjoy it and bless God for it. ~Henry Ward Beecher
May God Bless and Protect You in the Year to Come. ~Ron
My dear sister and friend, so much of what you wrote I can pull from. Thank you for that! You've blessed continuously throughout the year by sharing your heart, your testimony, and all that you encounter in the areas GOD uses you. I am praying for you and your family dear one!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! Keep living for the LORD. You warm His heart I'm sure.
"I want the change to happen within myself. That I am reminded constantly that I can be stable despite the instability I will face. " Amen to that. I'm prayin for ya. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI have a number of friends who are nurses and I think they are always at risk for injury and infection. They put themselves on the line so much....and are not appreciated by the admin at the hospital. I will pray for you Rosel...that He put a sheild around you...and give you grace and favor....I love what you wrote. "I have that “unstable, immovable, unbreakable piece of heaven”…Living in me." so true...stay strong out there and safe.
ReplyDelete(((Rosel))), I'm sorry you experienced that with such a sharp tongued person. More than that, I am sorry you live with neck pain.
ReplyDeleteI am in agreement with Sarah whose comment is above mine. I pray you will have great FAVOR and your job will be protected in Jesus' Name.
May 2011 be a year of great joy, ministry, and healing.
Love & hugs,
Beth
The 'Stable Rock' on which we stand. You've obviously shone that 'disability' is often a state of mind. In Christ - you are a new creature. By the renewing of your mind - you are able to STAND on that Stable Rock Christ Jesus - who lifts you higher than we could ever go - on our own strength. He has obviously blessed you in your weakness and filled you to the brim - with MORE of Him and less of you.
ReplyDeleteGood post, Rosel
God bless your new year
I love your new header
Patrina <")>><