I have been fortunate to be able spend my career as a nurse working at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. I love taking care of patients who come from all over our country and the world seeking medical help. Hearing the stories of their distant home city, state, and country sparked my interest in travel.
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| Paul Granlund's "Constellation Earth" |
The relationships that I formed with these patients, family members, and co-workers showed me how we as humans have a special interconnectedness with each other.
I am grateful for the chance to renew these special relationships when we return to Rochester during the summer months.
The smiles of my co-workers quickly put me at ease as they welcome me back and help me catch up with the most recent changes.
During one shift, my patient commented about all the lovely artwork that adorns the clinic and hospital buildings. Being an artist, he "educated" me on some of his favorite pieces like ...
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| Dale Chihuly's "Untitled" blown glass sculptures dancing from a clinic ceiling |
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| Andy Warhol's "Endangered Species" brightening a clinic corridor |
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| Ivan Mestrovic's "Man and Freedom" welcoming visitors in search of healing. |
My patient's art lesson sparked my interest, so during our time in Rochester, I took my own tour and discovered Mayo Clinic's "Art of Caring" evident in both the art and people that I encountered.
The history of Mayo Clinic begins with a devastating tornado in 1883. When Dr. William Mayo arrived in Rochester to help care for the victims, he solicited the help of Mother Alfred who provided a facility and staff to care for the patients.
The collaboration resulted in the building of St Marys Hospital in 1889. With the help of his sons, Will and Charlie, and a number of other skilled clinicians, the integrated medical practice known as Mayo Clinic was formed in the early 1900s.
As I found out during the past few weeks, whether I'm with my Francis 5C work family or walking around the medical center campus, Mayo Clinic's "Art of Caring" surrounds me.
The "Art of Caring" is evident ...
the moment you drive up,
or walk the halls.
This "Art of Caring" is reflected in the ...
unique architecture,
peaceful gardens,
quiet meditation areas,
or the reassuring messages on the walls.
But I found that the "Art of Caring" is also evident in the actions of the people around me ...
like this cute service dog calming a nervous pediatric patient,
or this talented patient filling the atrium with his beautiful music,
or the smile of this cutie who ... for the past four years ... has greeted the patients and families as they arrive on my nursing unit. How, you may ask, does this stuffed drop of blood signify the "Art of Caring"? Well, he is the "trophy" for the winning unit in Mayo's annual Blood Donor Challenge. Through the caring actions of my co-workers, Francis 5C had 101 blood donations to capture first place for the FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW! So happy that he will be there to greet me next summer when RVentures bring us back to Rochester!
Until next time ... Let your "Art of Caring" shine ... and enjoy the adventures in your life!
Time to head east and south ... starting with a Habitat for Humanity build in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Hoping that my "Art of Construction" will shine ... with A LOT of help from Doug!
How interesting! No wonder the Mayo Clinic has such a great reputation! It not only cares for the physical welfare of their patients but also for their aesthetic needs by providing beautiful art. Plus, they have wonderful nurses like you! Safe travels to Baraboo!
ReplyDeleteYou are so kind! Thanks! And it is amazing how much we take for granted of the beauty that surrounds us. Only when we slow down enough, are we able to take it in and really appreciate it. Thanks for following along.
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