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!