Orientation

I'm done with orientation now. I'm starting my first solo shift tonight. 

I'm nervous of course but I have to remember to breathe and take my time and ask questions when I need to.  My coworkers are great and compassionate and I really enjoy them too.  

This is what I've been preparing for. That still makes me anxious LOL. 

Here we go!

It's my birthday!

I've been on this planet for 32 years today. Birthdays are weird and wonderful. I frequently use mine to start new things and start the year over. 

This past year has brought so many changes. It's amazing how a day, a week or months can seem to creep by but when looking back the year flew by. I don't know how that happens. 

This coming year I'm looking forward to settling in as a nurse, enjoying time with my family and friends and being thankful for them. 

To everyone who supports me and loves me, THANK YOU! You may never know how much I truly appreciate you but I do. 

My thirties are awesome and I'm loving them!!

First week as an RN

This was my first real week as an RN!

I've been on 12 hour shifts and it's taken some getting used to.  My feet do hurt some but not as bad as I thought they might.  I enjoy the 12 hour shift actually, I'll miss it when I'm off orientation and working 3-1130pm. 

I have to say that I really love it. It's overwhelming and there is so much information to think about, get done, get charted and pass on to either MDs or other nurses etc but I can see how eventually I'll settle in.

Another nurse and I went and started an IV on a new patient and the way the other nurse talked me through was AMAZING, and high fived me when we were out of the room for my VERY FIRST OFFICIAL IV start, ONE STICK

I get nervous and anxious before having to do a new skill but it feels so great to get them down and I'm getting more comfortable with medications already.

I did have a patient with bad news this week and I was able to sit and talk and hold her hand some too after she came to a big decision (it is an oncology med/surg floor) but I felt like I made a difference and she smiled and thanked me for sitting with her.

Someday when I'm a seasoned nurse and all these things are second nature to me I want to be sure to remember how it felt to be the new kid on the block, to be scared, nervous and so excited to be at the beginning of my career journey.  When I'm the preceptor I hope I can remember that, because it makes all the difference! 

First day

Today is the day that all that school was meant for. Of course it's paper work and meetings. The floor won't be til next week. 

This is a new chapter for me. Something that I'm going to love. I'm going to have sore feet, and a sore back, sweat and cry for this but it is worth it and I will love it even when I hate it. Remember this! 

The day I became an RN

Today is the day I officially became an RN legally, officially.  The exam was yesterday and today I have a license number!  It feels a little surreal and so amazing!  

When I feel like quitting I need to remember this day, remember why I want to do this, remember the hard work that I put in to call myself a nurse. (And the hard work others did too to help me get here)

My first interview was last week Friday and I'm really crossing my fingers that they call me soon. It would be a great fit for me. I'm ready to work hard and learn so much more.  I'm ready to prove myself. 

There were times I felt like I might not make it, or that it would take forever to get here, but the fact is I did make it. I didn't give up and I made it.