feeling like a nurse
I’ve been a nurse for fourteen months and seventeen days, and I can still remember the first day I showed up like a deer in the headlights for orientation. Even moreso, I remember my first day on my own with no preceptor. Now, I’m not judging here (okay, I am), but I firmly believe that being a new nurse is one of the hardest things in the entire world. You’re expected to know everything and be efficient, but really, you actually know very little and are absolutely terrified. You can read every book in the world and get A+’s in every class in nursing school, but the fact is that you know very little about being a nurse until you’re actually a nurse.
That being said, I think yesterday was the first day I felt fully confident in everything I was doing as a nurse…I didn’t feel like a “nurse”…but a NURSE. I sometimes hesitate to tell people that I’m a nurse because I don’t feel like one sometimes! But yesterday, I really felt like I knew what I was doing. Other nurses asked me for help, and not only for my huge muscles to move patients, but for my opinion on what they should do. More importantly, I had a confident answer to give them. During my shift, I helped another nurse with what the proper wound care supplies were for her patient and how to fix a leaking Foley catheter. At the end of my shift, I taught the oncoming nurse how to work a drain my patient had (nothing major, but still).
And of course, nothing makes you feel like a nurse like a patient buying you pizza. Just saying….nurses love their food.
This post officially sets me up to have the worst night ever tonight (thank you, karma)…but people say nursing get better after a year…and then even better after 16 months. So while I’m not there yet, I’m learning. I don’t hesitate to ask questions (because it’s dangerous not to!), but I’m becoming more confident in myself as a nurse and trusting that I know what is the right thing to do.
Please just don’t code on me.
What kind of job do you do? Do you feel confident calling yourself a doctor/accountant/teacher/whatever you may do? How long did it take you to feel that way?
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I’ve been kinda tired since my triathlon on Sunday! I think it took a lot more out of me than I thought since I wasn’t that tired during the race, but I was totally zonked on Sunday afternoon. Perhaps it was the four hours of sleep I got beforehand…who knows. I’ve been sleeping a lot (probably too much…oh well) and taking my runs easy in this crazy heat we’re still having.
Monday, August 2
4.02 miles in 32:42, avg pace of 8:08
Took this run super easy after the tri on Sunday since my legs were tiiiiired! Felt good to get out there though.
Wednesday, August 4
5.05 miles in 40:40, avg pace of 8:04
I never think the heat is that bad…until I realize that it is! “Feels like 92” is not the greatest running weather, but when fall comes and it’s 70, it’s going to be glorious! As I was running, I kept wondering why I didn’t see anyone else on the trail (besides the fact that it’s 11:15 on a Wednesday…), then I remember that it’s 90 degrees and I’m the only crazy one.
Time to get ready for work…I’m head to CHICAGO tomorrow for a long weekend!! So excited!
Mann, I am with you. I am counting down the days until 60 and 70 degree days in the fall. (Preferably 60, I like it a bit cooler.) Crazy girl, running in the heat.
That’s great that you feel confident about your job now. What a great confidence booster as you start your NEW job!
I do not feel like a GRAD STUDENT or like a RUNNING STORE EMPLOYEE (??). Mostly, I feel like I fake my way through life, looking like I know what I’m doing but basically having no idea. In terms of the former, I don’t feel qualified to be here in terms of my knowledge and often, my intelligence. For the latter, I get stressed out trying to fit shoes to people’s feet, especially when it’s a new or injury-prone runner. I think, “My God! I hold the keys to person’s running career IN MY HANDS. SO MUCH STRESS. WHAT DO I DO?!”
Okay, that was a long, weird diversion. Never mind.
Yay..what a great feeling! You are going to head into your new job with confidence…it’ll be amazing.
I think I was ready to be a dietitian after doing staff relief because I was basically doing the dietitian’s job. It will probably take me a while to get adjusted at whatever job I take on next. My interview went pretty well, and I should have an answer in a couple weeks!
have fun in chi town!!!
I totally can relate to that feeling of knowing and finally being helpful and able to do things on your own. I have an architecture degree, but am not an architect (legally) but am finally starting to understand things in my office
It’s pretty cool in Chicago right now! Hope you are enjoying it!