I currently only have 3 quail with many ideas about how I will expand. I have 2 female and 1 male. The male makes this incredible sound, like ka-kawww. It startled me a bit, at first, because they are still in my kitchen. But then I remembered something.
Memories of My Nursing Days
When I was a new nurse (many many years ago), I worked on a med-surg floor at Franklin Square hospital in Baltimore, MD. Back then, the common saying was 'nurses eat their young'. But I actually worked with a beautiful group of ladies that I still consider friends to this day.
Night Shift Nostalgia
I remember that I was working the night shift and it was a full moon. Night shift nurses can tell you what phase the moon is in without ever checking a fact, by the way. So, I was assigned to a 'frequent flyer' patient who always kept us on our toes. He was mentally ill and homeless. He would get admitted through the ER, be evaluated by psychiatry, and then get kicked to us on med-surg because his feet were so damaged. And we would get the job of removing his shoes, cutting off his socks with bandage scissors, and treating his wounds.
But on THIS full moon, I went into the room with my wound supplies and the bed was empty. Until I heard, 'ka-kawwwww!'. He was under the bed, hiding, from the giant bird hallucination in the sky. He pointed up and said 'Can't you see it? Ka-kawww!"
I still remember my teammates standing in the hallway laughing, with me, not AT me. Welcome to nursing.
As I care for my quail and reminisce about my nursing days, I can't help but draw parallels between the two. Both require attention, care, and a keen eye for detail. Just like how I monitor the behavior of my quail, I used to monitor the vital signs of my patients, always ready to act at a moment's notice.
The Importance of Teamwork
Just as my quail rely on each other for companionship and support, teamwork was essential in the nursing profession. I learned the value of collaboration and communication while working alongside my fellow nurses, each of us bringing a unique perspective to the table.
While my quail may not understand the complexities of the healthcare world, they teach me about patience, observation, and the beauty of nature. As I watch them interact and communicate in their own way, I am reminded of the importance of empathy and understanding in all aspects of life.
So, as I continue to care for my quail and nurture my dreams of expanding my flock, I carry with me the lessons and memories of my nursing days. Both experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, instilling in me a sense of compassion, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings.
oh, and ka-kawwww!
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