During the years as a nurse I came across some characters that made the job worthwhile. Here are some of the things that happened to me.

This was an elderly patient with a terminal illness, he was a gentleman, and a kind heart and a huge smile were what got him a place in my heart. He knew he was dying. He would only be called by his Christian name; I have changed it for this story though.

Joe – Nurse I am worried

Me – Oh Joe, why?

Joe -well I am going to die

Me -yes, we all are at some stage

Joe -no I am going soon

Me -Ok how does that make you feel?

Joe -a bit worried now you asked me that!

We laughed together

Joe – What I want to know is will I need any money?

Me – What do you mean?

Joe – Will I need any money to take to Heaven?

Me- I don’t think so, I think we leave all those sort of things behind

Joe – So why do people put stuff in your coffin?

Me – I think it helps them feel comforted knowing you have possessions etc

Joe- I am having my will changed now, I am having £100 put in my coffin with me, I am not so sure and I don’t want to get there without any money

Me-Oh, (lost for words) good idea

Later that morning

Joe – Nurse will you come to my funeral?

Me- If that would make you happy, yes

Joe – aahh, that’s nice, why?

Me being a bit cheeky and wanting to lighten the mood, said:

“‘cos I know where there is a £100 for the taking!”

We chuckled together, sadly Joe passed on a week later, I did attend his funeral but his money is intact.

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I was helping a lady into the bathroom when she asked if I knew God, I thought she meant, did I go to church or had religion, I told her I had personal views and that I was not to get into talk about my personal opinions. She asked again, did I know God, again I explained my previous statement. She sat on the toilet and sighed deeply, I thought she would need a bit of privacy and turned towards the door, she stopped me by calling out very loudly “God, I can’t find one bu**er on this ward that knows you, all I want to do is get someone to ask you if we come back to you intact or will I want my good set of teeth in when I die?

This nurse walked politely out of the door and ran into the office for a good cry, tears of laughter fell in abundance!