The End of a Chapter

Today marks the end of a chapter of my life, my role as the research coordinator for the adult cystic fibrosis center has ended and my role as nursing student will begin in just a few short days. It's hard to believe and it has been quite the journey.

These past ten months represent some of the hardest work I have ever done. I have been certified for sweat testing, study specific spirometry, coordinated over 9 clinical trials, and processed hundreds of sputum and lab samples. I have worked with over 100 patients, each one with a story of their own, I've coordinated home care for IV infusions and hospital admissions, I've located emergency housing and hand delivered medications during hurricane Sandy, I've answered 10pm, 3am, and 7am text messages, and put in 14 hour days. I've witnessed the death of a beautiful young woman and supported two families through the deaths of their loved ones. I've counseled on the tremendous decision of lung transplant and been a patient advocate and ally. I've published three abstracts, been part of a national quality improvement initiative, worked as an interdisciplinary team member, and have my work to improve end of life care for cystic fibrosis is being presented at two international meetings. I have listened without judgement and provided compassionate care. And somewhere along the way I have convinced all of my colleagues as well as myself that I am going to be a great nurse.


I can't find the words for what it meant to work in the clinic where Jennifer and Marissa were treated, side by side with their care team, and in the very hospital rooms where they took their last breaths. I can't describe the feeling I had when I first walked in to that clinic in the summer of 2011 or the feeling I had walking out today. What I can say is that this experience has certainly changed my life, and will forever be a part of the way I practice as a nurse.

I don't think I will ever be able to express what an absolute honor and privilege it is to care for an individual with cystic fibrosis. I thank Jennifer and Marissa for their lives and love, for the strength they have given me particularly throughout this past year and I thank them from the very bottom of my heart for introducing me to this beast of a disease and to the incredible people that live and thrive with it and despite it every day.

So as this chapter comes to a close, a new one begins. And 12 months from now I will be graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing.