What is your name : Lisa Pearce

Who do you want the poem written for: Pam Sanford

Why do you want the poem written: The poem is an appreciation gift for my graduation from nursing school in March. She is an instructor at the school who was critical in my success here.

What are the key messages you would like to send: That she was the single most influential instructors I have ever had. She is tough but has one of the biggest hearts a human being can have. She knows her stuff. She is small in stature, but again, has a big heart and a great deal of compassion. She is completely committed to everything she does. If it weren't for her I most likely would have given up. She has the greatest laugh!

Do you have any funny, sad, happy, embarrassing or otherwise memorable moments that you would like to share: "Dr. Ben" at a clinical rotation site, he's not a doctor, just thinks he is, he is a patient care technician. He was a big "know it all" and was the butt of many jokes. During clinical labs days: fear in the faces of "baby" nurses during tracheostomy care, catheters, injections, dressing changes, tube feedings etc. Some things she has endured during lectures: students falling asleep (due to obvious lack of sleep), short tempers and argumentative, mispronunciation of terms. She of course, hated the old rumor mill, gossip thing.

Do you have any other comments or thoughts: Mrs. Sanford is a mother of 4 children, has adopted children who have special needs or those from hostile countries. She loves animals. She also taught ballroom dancing. During our education we had several instructors, Mrs. Sanford however was the instructor we had the most. She taught one of the most difficult (and most important) courses - Medical Surgical Nursing. During this semester, we endured 3 hurricanes (Charley, Jeanne, Francis) and the threat of Hurricane Ivan (we live in southwest Florida). Mrs. Sanford fights for her students rights and respect.

What style of poem would you prefer (happy, sad, romantic etc.): Happy, appreciative, "thanks for the memories and support" and "you matter" kind of thing. Please choose which package you would prefer:Unique

Would you like a copy of the handwritten drafts:Yes

Do you have any last comments or thoughts : When I felt like quitting, she encouraged me to go on. When I felt overwhelmed she reminded me of why I was there. When I felt isolated and targeted, she listened with an open heart and open mind and kept me on track. (I am the president of my class and was often in uncomfortable positions - this helps explain the isolation and targeted thing). She takes a lot of "crap" from people because she is tough and expects her students to use their talents and education to use "Critical Thinking" (a VERY BIG DEAL IN NURSING).

Critical Thoughts

Hello, Pam Sanford, these words are just for you, because I'm very proud of who you are, and I'm very proud of what you do. I just wanted to say "Thank you", but in truth, I didn't know where to start, so I thought I'd share a few feelings, and give you some words, straight from the heart. You're tough but you've got one of the biggest hearts, at times, your heart is too big for your chest, but of all the instructors in this World, I'm lucky to have known you, you are the best. You're small in structure and you know your stuff, and compassion and kindness are qualities you've never lacked, you're completely committed to everything you do, and it's because of you, I stayed on track. You may not know this, but if it weren't for you I would have given up, and that's something I would've lived with for the rest of my days, it has been an important lesson for me to learn, I know that where there's a will there are ways. By the way, you have the greatest laugh! I know we've caused you to frown and smile, we've shared our short tempers and a tear or two, and yes, some of us have even fallen asleep (just once in a while). I'll miss the jokes about "Doctor Ben", Your infectious laugh and the stories of your family. Remember us as your "baby nurses" and the fear on our faces, Suctioning trachs and "cathing" private places. Seriously, I know you hate the rumor mill, but it's you that I'd like to talk about, you see, not only have you taught me about nursing, but this is what I'm saying on the way out. Because you're the mother to so many children, and I've discovered your true and honest worth, and I know that I'm blessed to have shared you, I'm the luckiest nurse on planet Earth. And 3, nearly 4 hurricanes couldn't stop us, because we had a leader who simply led the way, and Mrs. Sanford, I just wanted to say "thank you", and now, I have just one last thing to say: You see, you've been critical to my success, I'd like to thank you for your unyielding support, you were the single most influential instructor I ever had, and with my critical thinking, that's not just a critical thought.

Copyright www.agiftofpoetry.co.uk 2009

Allen Jesson

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