Nursing in Virginia Magazine - Richmond Times-Dispatch

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Fall 2009 || Contents/Letter to You | Articles | Past Issues | Index of Advertisers

NIVleisure

Soothing the Soul
Ashlee Spellman, RN
Memorial Regional Medical Center, Critical Care Unit
NIVleisure

I am a graduate of Old Dominion University and recently finished my first year of nursing in the Critical Care Unit of Memorial Regional Medical Center. My love for people and interest in the human body led me to a career in nursing, and the CCU at MRMC was a perfect match. I enjoy helping patients overcome their illnesses and also helping families cope with their loved ones' situations.

Although nursing in the CCU often leads to good outcomes where most patients overcome their illnesses, there are also difficult times. Nurses have the skills necessary to deal with diffi cult and sometimes sad outcomes; however, they are also affected by those outcomes.

They can become stressed and often need an outlet. During stressful times, I enjoy playing the piano. I began playing the piano at 7 years of age and use that skill for relaxation during difficult times. I enjoy playing classical music, but most of all, hymns, which provide much comfort during difficult times. My favorite hymn to play is "Sweet Hour of Prayer."