be a better nurse

I am working in a surgical/cardiac/trauma ICU in a bigger hospital. I drive almost an hour to work now, which is a big change from 6 minutes! I am learning at breakneck speed and just came off orientation 3 weeks ago. What can I say? Each shift is truly an adventure.

I survived being in charge on 2 extremely hectic nights. It was stressful, but I kept my cool. I am grateful for the experience, even though the responsibility is a bit daunting.

We are all being forced to work extra shifts now, since we are shorthanded. It’s only been a few weeks and already there is much griping. I am trying to keep it in perspective. There are many jobs out there. I am choosing to work where I am right now. Knowing I have options helps me feel more in control of my own destiny.

I am supposed to transfer to the ICU this summer. I think it is still what I want! Lol

This morning I picked up my schedule for next month. It looks like I am being trained for charge duties. I am excited to learn but also a bit nervous. I know I need to step up to the plate to prove I am ready for the critical care environment.

I applied today for an ICU position not sure I will get it, but who knows?

Went to a class on diabetes today. It was a lot of repeat from the pathophysiology courses I took for my nursing degree. I am glad I studied that stuff when I did! I saw a few people I graduated with that work at other facilities and also some nurses I rarely see from other units. It was kind of fun catching up. I have a lot of education to absorb in the next month.

I floated to the ER the other night. That went pretty well. The nurses there said I should apply to work there. I said I might consider doing that in the future but not right now.

I got the job on the tele floor. I will start sometime next month. I am very excited. The nurse manager said I could plan to spend about a year on this unit and hopefully move into the ICU after that. I have so much to learn, but I am moving in the direction I want.

On Friday I am interviewing for a position on the cardiac/telemetry unit in my hospital. It will mean a return to the night shift, but I can deal with that. It will move me one step closer to the ICU (it’s actually right down the hall). The two units have the same nurse manager. My current nurse manager told me that I will probably get the job. I am still nervous though. It will be a big change.

I floated to the ICU again one day. I introduced myself to the nurse manager there. She told me about an upcoming opening on the cardiac/telemetry unit that I am going to apply for. I am hopeful.

I had my annual review yesterday. It was so much better than I had anticipated. My supervisor sees more than she lets on. I guess I didn’t realize that some of her pushing is really an attempt to make me better. I am going to try to remember that! I got high scores in communication, patient teaching, dependability, and working with others. I need to work on my organization and speed. No surprises there.

New grads are coming! Two of them will be working on my floor on Sunday. I can’t believe a year has passed since I was in their shoes.

I am almost done with my home health nursing orientation. I was supposed to go in this morning to complete my training. There were some scheduling conflicts on their end, so I guess I will be finishing next week. After that I will starting doing visits on my own but processing the paperwork with someone else for a while.

I began orienting for the per diem home health job. There are a lot of subtle nuances to this specialty area. I will learn a lot about dealing with insurances, medicare, medicaid in addition to actual nursing care.

I was thrilled to get out of the office this afternoon and go out on 3 home visits. I enjoyed meeting the people. There were situations that required intervention in all 3 cases. The first one had to be sent to the hospital for evaluation and probable admission. It is amazing to see how some people cope with severe illness and disabilities in their daily lives.

Next week I begin orienting for a home health agency. Once I am trained I will work for them on a PRN basis. I am excited to learn about another facet of this profession. I think it will make me a more well-rounded nurse.