be a better nurse

happened yesterday. We had a very busy busy day and at 1 pm I decided I would just “die” without coffee, so I begged the charge to handle my pts for 10 min and tried to run upstairs. The elevator was broken , so I was standing there when a woman who looked vaguely familiar approached me smiling. It was the wife of patient I had had over te weekend with a dying heart. He had gotten a pacemaker and was just all smiles. I rarely get that opportunity to see how patients do. He thanked me for everything, especially reassuring him that he would feel like a new man after Pacer insertion (and he Did!). Not sure this qualifies as being a better nurse, but, It really made me feel happy with my choice of profession.

I want to be more organized, mean what I do and what I say. Not worry what others say, be more assertive and less wishy washy. No allow others to sway my judgement. Set out what I accomplished to do.

How did I get so lost? I want to care and help people. All I worry about is someone dying and not killing someone. I have become someone I don’t want to be. I like what I do 50% of the time. The rest of the time I am on edge. Please help me to become an efficient, and better nurse.

We actually defibrillated a patient the other night and saved his life on my last day of my contract. It was quite an unexpected event and the two of us that worked him both now say we felt like complete and utter morons. Luckily we were pretty fast moving and intelligent morons, as he actually survived, and survived well….
It’s actually probably one of the coolest things I’ve done recently, and the wierd part was that it was all autopilot…I barely recall doing it, but we did it correctly, thank goodness.

I begin training for the relief case manager position next month. I hope to become a case manager by this fall. The advantage to being a case manager, is that I get to see the same patients each week. There’s also a bump in pay when I become a case manager.

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

My contract here in NM. Probably won’t but as always it is nice to be asked. :)

more to come

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?

I think since my last entry in May I have learned to be a better nurse through getting better time management. There are still somedays I could do no where enough. Tomorrow is my last day on Med/Surg. I’m starting in the ICU on the 1st and hoping this is more up my alley!