Years ago, a coworker and I were asked if we knew someone who could do the sports clearance physicals for a junior high football team. A local pediatrician used to do this and was paid for it; whatever money the team had left went toward buying new uniforms or equipment. The players still had to raise money through bake sales and similar events. We got our health center administration to allow us to use a wing of the center to do the physicals. Parents paid as usual, but we refused payment, so all the money went to the team. It was a rewarding experience, and it gave us the opportunity to expose the students and parents to the NP profession.
I have several friends who volunteer at camps or serve as coaches for sports teams. One volunteers his services as an athletic trainer for a high school soccer team, years after his daughter stopped playing.
We have all benefited in some way from another person taking the time to help us. And we all benefit from the public services in our community—our schools, the parks, the police and fire departments. Now it is time for us to do likewise. Pick a cause and make it your own. Set aside the time to give back in honor of someone, as thanks to someone, or as the return on that investment society made so that you could be who you are today.
Remember that credit card commercial that cites several purchases and their cost and then notes that having that particular card to pay for them is “priceless”? Well, the reward for giving back, no matter how you do it, has nothing to do with money. It is the knowledge that you had a positive impact on someone else, that you made a difference in his or her life.
And that, dear colleagues, is what is truly priceless in this world. That’s what giving back is all about.
It’s good to be back. I welcome your comments at NPEditor@qhc.com.