Monday, August 18, 2008
first
Today was my first day on the floor where I was actually hired to work. I had just finished 3 shifts on the unit where I was training... I had such a good experience there that I thought I would be sad to move on. But I had a surprisingly good day, and I feel surprisingly happy about being in this new place. After just one day I already have ideas about how to make things run more smoothly. And best of all, I did not feel like the "new kid". I knew 2 of the nurses on the floor with me, both of the unit secretaries, and one of the aides. And then my classmates E* and O* showed up at shift change and it was truly lovely to see them both. E* and I are sharing a locker in the staff room now, where we will keep a stash of cinnamon Altoids which my husband hates. I don't know if E*'s wife likes them or not.
I also learned today what happens when we call for a show of force from the security department: a whole lot of people RUN onto the unit and scare the crap out of whoever is causing trouble. That was awesome. (Incidentally, the trouble-causers were the friends(?) and family of the patient. The patient himself was way too out of it to be troublesome.)
At least so far, I'm feeling like my preceptorship on the trauma unit prepared me extremely well, and I am going to be just fine. That is a good feeling.
Now I am about to enjoy two days off, followed by a couple of short shifts, and then a weekend with my parents. Life is good.
I also learned today what happens when we call for a show of force from the security department: a whole lot of people RUN onto the unit and scare the crap out of whoever is causing trouble. That was awesome. (Incidentally, the trouble-causers were the friends(?) and family of the patient. The patient himself was way too out of it to be troublesome.)
At least so far, I'm feeling like my preceptorship on the trauma unit prepared me extremely well, and I am going to be just fine. That is a good feeling.
Now I am about to enjoy two days off, followed by a couple of short shifts, and then a weekend with my parents. Life is good.
Labels: nursing
Saturday, August 16, 2008
replying
I've been working and not blogging. But I appreciate the visits & comments from readers! So here are my replies to some of you, because I have been a terrible e-mailer lately.
UnsinkableMB -
Thanks for the thoughts on shoes, orthotics, and achey hips. I've been trying out different shoes in my closet and haven't found the perfect thing yet - but I'll keep looking. And I think I'll investigate orthotics, especially if my insurance will pay for them!
ThirdDegreeNurse - it's so nice to hear from you! I hope you're doing well in your nurse career, too. I'd love to get an update from you if you feel so inspired.
Emilie - Yes, nurses have to eat either in starving bear mode or in fluttering bird mode. One shovels without perceptible chewing or swallowing, the other zooms through the breakroom and swoops up a few bites of whatever potluck dishes are still left and repeats this move several times throughout the day.
Also thanks for the nice words about my "good" things. I am having trouble remembering the good things when I have a hard day.
Heather - Sorry for the shivers. I will keep posting my helpful tips as they occur to me, but I'll try to keep them tasteful enough for non-nurse reading. :)
Kim - Thanks for my move to the big leagues! And I love the idea that I was giving birth to a career. Hee.
Anonymous Shoreline RN program applier - You absolutely DO need to make sure that your transcript gets to the nursing department, but it doesn't have to be an official copy. Stop by the front office in the nursing building - the secretary for the nursing dept can help you make sure your paperwork is in order. And, at 115 points you should be a shoo-in to get accepted! I've heard that the required number of points is back down near 100 points now. Good luck!
Caroline - Thanks for the compliment! And hey, I know I haven't been commenting on your blog, but it sounds like you are rocking the house. Good for you!
CyNurse - Thanks! And the weight loss continues but slowly. I am down 18 pounds at this point, but I still can't fit into my favorite jeans. Not quite.
GeekRN - Hi there compadre! Nice to hear from a fellow Shoreline grad. Especially since you're still working as a nurse, which means that in several more months I will most likely still be functioning, also. :) So you're Mr. Meow Note?? When I started the program in spring 2006 the management students were passing out CDs of them to everyone. By the time I graduated, that practice had pretty much fallen out of favor. I don't think it was because of the administration, though - I think it had more to do with the fact that the curriculum has changed over time and the notes didn't match up to the lectures as well anymore.
So. I have just a few more days of orientation. And my first day on the new unit is Monday. In a cheery note, I already know that I will be giving report Monday evening to my classmate E*, who is well on the way to being my new work-spouse, after being my clinical boyfriend during last quarter. Yes, I'm being a little facetious, just to annoy my husband.
I'm surprised to find that I'm starting to feel ready to be on my own at work. I'm sure I will still need help, and that I won't be all that happy with my performance on a regular basis, but I seem to have gotten past the pants-wetting terror of my first few weeks at the hospital.
UnsinkableMB -
Thanks for the thoughts on shoes, orthotics, and achey hips. I've been trying out different shoes in my closet and haven't found the perfect thing yet - but I'll keep looking. And I think I'll investigate orthotics, especially if my insurance will pay for them!
ThirdDegreeNurse - it's so nice to hear from you! I hope you're doing well in your nurse career, too. I'd love to get an update from you if you feel so inspired.
Emilie - Yes, nurses have to eat either in starving bear mode or in fluttering bird mode. One shovels without perceptible chewing or swallowing, the other zooms through the breakroom and swoops up a few bites of whatever potluck dishes are still left and repeats this move several times throughout the day.
Also thanks for the nice words about my "good" things. I am having trouble remembering the good things when I have a hard day.
Heather - Sorry for the shivers. I will keep posting my helpful tips as they occur to me, but I'll try to keep them tasteful enough for non-nurse reading. :)
Kim - Thanks for my move to the big leagues! And I love the idea that I was giving birth to a career. Hee.
Anonymous Shoreline RN program applier - You absolutely DO need to make sure that your transcript gets to the nursing department, but it doesn't have to be an official copy. Stop by the front office in the nursing building - the secretary for the nursing dept can help you make sure your paperwork is in order. And, at 115 points you should be a shoo-in to get accepted! I've heard that the required number of points is back down near 100 points now. Good luck!
Caroline - Thanks for the compliment! And hey, I know I haven't been commenting on your blog, but it sounds like you are rocking the house. Good for you!
CyNurse - Thanks! And the weight loss continues but slowly. I am down 18 pounds at this point, but I still can't fit into my favorite jeans. Not quite.
GeekRN - Hi there compadre! Nice to hear from a fellow Shoreline grad. Especially since you're still working as a nurse, which means that in several more months I will most likely still be functioning, also. :) So you're Mr. Meow Note?? When I started the program in spring 2006 the management students were passing out CDs of them to everyone. By the time I graduated, that practice had pretty much fallen out of favor. I don't think it was because of the administration, though - I think it had more to do with the fact that the curriculum has changed over time and the notes didn't match up to the lectures as well anymore.
So. I have just a few more days of orientation. And my first day on the new unit is Monday. In a cheery note, I already know that I will be giving report Monday evening to my classmate E*, who is well on the way to being my new work-spouse, after being my clinical boyfriend during last quarter. Yes, I'm being a little facetious, just to annoy my husband.
I'm surprised to find that I'm starting to feel ready to be on my own at work. I'm sure I will still need help, and that I won't be all that happy with my performance on a regular basis, but I seem to have gotten past the pants-wetting terror of my first few weeks at the hospital.
Labels: nursing
