I love a hospital. There I said it. Now I know “love” is a strong word, but a recent trip over to our local hospital for an x-ray evoked some strong feelings in me. I miss it. I really do. The patients, the beeps, the smells, the camaraderie among the staff…. The itch to get back into the clinical setting is getting stronger.

As I waited in the hallway, I could hear nurses calling out for help and replies of “be right there” (while thinking to myself…Can I help too?), patients coughing up sputum (Can I see that? We might need to get a culture), and beeps of portable monitors (Excuse me…I think a lead came off). Even the familiar scent of hospital soap on the technician's hands smelled good to me.

I felt at home even as a visitor. Is that odd?