Yes, we just celebrated Father’s Day. A day where dads can play golf, go fishing or whatever they enjoy on a Sunday.
Wait, don’t they do that every Sunday? OK, so on this one Sunday, they get gifts and cards as well.
Father’s Day makes me think of the roles a dad plays. He is supposed to be a protector, an encourager, give you advice, give confidence, sacrifice for you. And really, just show up.
Sometimes Father’s Day is difficult for people. It may be because you had a terrible dad, an absent dad, didn’t have a dad, or your dad is no longer with you. And if this is you, someone who has a difficult Father’s Day, remember, you have a bunch of dads right in your facility you can celebrate.
Many of these men sacrificed for you by defending our country. Many of these men showed up the best they knew how. Many of them no longer have families that visit them.
We need to show respect, compassion, and, yes, love. It’s our turn to protect, encourage and care.
So, no matter who your daddy is — great, good, bad, or non-existent — let’s show up for the dads in our facilities. And the next time someone shouts, “Who’s your daddy?” you can answer, “Which one!?”
Just keeping it real,
Nurse Jackie
The Real Nurse Jackie is written by Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC, Senior Director of Clinical Innovation and Education for Mission Health Communities, LLC and an APEX Award of Excellence winner for Blog Writing. Vance is a real-life long-term care nurse. A nationally respected nurse educator and past national LTC Nurse Administrator of the Year, she also is an accomplished stand-up comedienne. The opinions supplied here are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer or her professional affiliates.
The opinions expressed in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News guest submissions are the author’s and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News or its editors.
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