Thursday, June 11, 2009
surreal
One year ago I was a brand-new nurse scared out of my mind about starting work.
Today I precepted a brand-new nurse (a graduate from the same school I attended) who was scared out of her mind about starting work.
One year ago I could barely handle taking care of two patients.
Today I had a total of six patients with admits and discharges.
One year ago I had successfully drawn blood once.
Today I helped my preceptee try to draw blood for the second time. She didn't succeed. I stuck the patient once and while I had to dig around a bit for the vein, I got the blood sample.
One year ago I had no idea how to put a tele monitor on a patient, much less how to read an EKG.
Today I admitted a tele patient, stuck on the monitor and assessed his rhythm, then called the doctor to report on the weirdness I was seeing without breaking a sweat.
One year ago I was nervous every time I went into a patient's room because I felt awkward and incompetent.
Today I breezed into a patient's room and was greeted by the patient's daughter, who informed me that I was her mom's favorite nurse.
One year ago I was not sure how I would like working in a hospital with lots of people I didn't know.
Today I got hugs and kisses from most of my coworkers, including a doctor.
This job has worked out brilliantly.
Today I precepted a brand-new nurse (a graduate from the same school I attended) who was scared out of her mind about starting work.
One year ago I could barely handle taking care of two patients.
Today I had a total of six patients with admits and discharges.
One year ago I had successfully drawn blood once.
Today I helped my preceptee try to draw blood for the second time. She didn't succeed. I stuck the patient once and while I had to dig around a bit for the vein, I got the blood sample.
One year ago I had no idea how to put a tele monitor on a patient, much less how to read an EKG.
Today I admitted a tele patient, stuck on the monitor and assessed his rhythm, then called the doctor to report on the weirdness I was seeing without breaking a sweat.
One year ago I was nervous every time I went into a patient's room because I felt awkward and incompetent.
Today I breezed into a patient's room and was greeted by the patient's daughter, who informed me that I was her mom's favorite nurse.
One year ago I was not sure how I would like working in a hospital with lots of people I didn't know.
Today I got hugs and kisses from most of my coworkers, including a doctor.
This job has worked out brilliantly.
Labels: nursing
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It's been a joy to watch your progression. You're my favorite nurse too!
# posted by 
: June 19, 2009 9:27 AM
: June 19, 2009 9:27 AM
I'm so happy for you and jealous...It has been trial by fire for me. I just passed the 6 month mark and am coming to terms with the fact that I made a terrible choice for my first job. I am learning a tremendous amount, but missing my big university teaching hospital where I should have stayed. I am hoping I will survive the next 6 months, so I have a year under my belt when I start looking for a new job.
Congratulations, you give me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Z
Congratulations, you give me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Z
# posted by : June 28, 2009 11:08 AM
: June 28, 2009 11:08 AM
That is an amazing post to read! I am you, one year ago - i.e. graduating soon and totally freaked out about starting work. But it sounds like in relatively little time (only a year!) you learn and change so so much. I can't wait. :)
Thanks for the hope...I'm just finishing preceptorship and more than a little nervous about starting work as a 'real' nurse...it's nice to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel :)
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