I have friends who are real estate agents. I ask them about property and mortgage rates. I have friends who plan events. I ask them about event budgets and logistics. I have friends who work in IT. I ask them about my computer. A lot.

So when my friends have any sort of health question, it usually makes its way to me. If a friend of a friend has a health question, it usually makes its way to me. I have made many friends that way actually. I don’t mind it at all. Nurses are a trusted source of information. I realize that, and I am happy to help when I can. Most of the time my answer includes things others can expect to happen – lab tests, imaging, processes. “Yeah, you need to follow-up with your provider about that,” sprinkles my conversations. And, I have no problem at all telling friends I don’t know something. Empowerment and encouragement are often the themes friends seek out without fully realizing it anyway.

I’ve worked in adult medical/surgical acute care, so I do have broad nursing experiences; but I am an oncology nurse, so I really shine as others – including my friends – go through some tough experiences. Unfortunately? Fortunately? Both.

It’s nice to have friends with expertise to help at the right times. I was reminded of that again today. Cancer stinks, and I am glad I am able to help friends if ever they need my oncology nursing knowledge, skills, and experiences. It’s what I do. I’m a nurse. Friend or not. It just so happens my friends have my personal cell and email.