"This Is Us"

—  —  —

“This Is Us” by Paul Sabbatini

(Reprinted by permission from the author)

This is us. This is a calling. When the world is falling, we are there. This is us.

When others run out, we go in. When others walk away, we say send me. When it seems helpless, we say let me try. This is us.

We go rather than being sent. We answer the call at a drop of a hat. When all around us seems to be fading, one thing remains. This is us.

When it appears hopeless, we will be at your side through it all. When the skies become dark and grey, we will be a light. When there are tears, we will hold your hand. This is us.

We are advocators. We are educators. We are providers. We are supporters. This is us. 

This is more than 12 hours at a time. This is more than bedside manners. This is more than hanging fluids. This is more than changing sheets. This is us.

To those that ask: You’re going where? Isn’t that dangerous? Why would you want to do that? I answer: Yes, I am going. It is more dangerous if I don’t go. I signed up for this. This is us.

This is bigger than self. This is more than money. There is a greater calling. There is a bigger picture. This is us.

Be proud. Be encouraged. Be brave. Be bold. Be empowered. This is us.

This is our time. This is a light. This is a heart matter. This is us.

This is us. This is a calling. This is family. This is nursing.

—  —  —

UMMC nurses who can be heard in the video are (in order of appearance):