the finish line
On the other side of the finish is the start of something new.
I’ve been waiting for this day since the first day I set foot in my hospital. For the record, I can’t believe what I wrote in that post! My job has been ANYTHING but relaxed, and most days it’s just insane. People ask me why my job is so stressful or why it makes me cry, and I really can’t explain it unless you’re a nurse, and even then, unless you’ve been a nurse with a miserable job, you might not even understand. The nurses I went to school with mostly seem to enjoy their jobs, while all the new nurses I work with question their career choice on a weekly (if not daily) basis. I believe this goes to show that it must be where we work, not the work that we do, as all six (or more) of us couldn’t have made the wrong career decision.
That was a bit of a tangent. Today is my LAST shift at my job. I will turn in my hospital ID tag and retrieve my nursing license from the nursing office. I will give report for the final time. I won’t call pharmacy again for missing meds or scream on the inside because the ER sent my admission up without faxing report first. At 11:30pm tonight, I will be a happy, happy girl. You should all have a virtual drink with me!
I’ve been saying goodbye to some people through the week…people who won’t be working tonight. I am a little sad about leaving the people I work with, as many of them have helped me become the nurse I am today. They precepted me, gave me a hug when I cried in the med room, answered my eight million questions, drew my blood cultures for me, and reassured me that everything I went through in the past year was normal and that one day it would “just click.” I’m not sure it’s totally clicked yet, but I have become a more confident nurse and have come a long way in the past fifteen months. I strongly believe that being a new nurse is one of the most difficult jobs in the entire world, as you know so little yet are expected to know so much. Time doesn’t stop when you’re overwhelmed and lost. Sometimes, you don’t eat dinner, go to the bathroom, or have time to breathe…and then a patient wants a refill on their water.
Being on the front lines has it’s pluses and minuses. I’ve been yelled at by patients, families, and doctors. I’ve been proposed to by old men and had patients tell me I’m their favorite nurse. Shifts have passed where one patient tells me I’m terrible and the one next door tells me I’m an angel. I’m not going to lie…I smile a little when a confused old lady turns her head and whispers, “You’re really pretty.”
For whatever reason, many people recommend getting medical/surgical floor experience before moving onto a specialty. I’ve seen an incredible range of diagnoses, so I know a little bit about a lot of different things. However, I’m ready to move into a specialty and jump from a community hospital to one of the top hospitals in the country. I have no idea why they even decided to interview me, let alone offer me the job (my mother says I don’t give myself enough credit), but I feel truly lucky to have this opportunity and can’t wait to see what’s next.
After all…it can’t be worse, right? 
I’m so happy for you and I know how you feel exactly because I went from a miserable job to a much better one, and am much happier and fulfilled with what I do. While I cannot guarantee that you’ll never have to call pharmacy again about a missed med, or curse the ER for something they fuck up (hehe), I have a feeling that your next position is going to be much more happy~!~!!
And i agree, non-nurses have no freakin’ idea what it’s like. Truly, we do sooooo MUCH that no one understands. ugh. work lol
I also find it highly amusing and funny when people are on twitter all day and also at work. I’m like…ok, sure, you might have a difficult desk job, but if you can spend that much time tweeting while at work, then you have noooooo IDEAAA what it’s like to run your ass off for 12.5 hours literally dealing with other’s bodily functions and LIVES. end rant.
Yay for finally getting to your last day! I hope it’s not too crazy and that you can make it through with a smile on your face. Good luck in NYC!
We are TOTALLY having a virtual drink tonight. I’m going to email you my phone# so we can do it via text. YAYAYAYAAYAYAYAY! So happy for you and your new adventure.
I found your blog through another “food” blog. I had to comment since I’m a year old nurse as well and your words could have flown right out of my own mouth. Nothing is more difficult and I’ve spent many times crying before, during and after a shift. I dread going everyday. Glad you found something better. I hope it all works out for you – as I look forward to the day I can get off my own post-surg floor.
I KNOW you’re in a new york state of mind
yay for being doneskies! well almost 
and i’m totally having a virtual drink for you! CONGRATS girl you’re amazing for making it this far!
Right! I know it will be better! Congratulations on getting through your (oftentimes) hellish stint at this hospital. You are a stronger lady for doing it!
I am so happy for you that you are DONE there!! Your new job sounds like it will be a much better place for you!!
yay! so happy for you and excited for your new adventure in new york! i can’t wait to read all about your adventures there.
hoping that my scenery changes soon, too!
Congratulations & Good luck! I just came across your blog recently and am going through a somewhat similar situation….after doing med/surg for a just over a year, I’m getting a new job…but you have the more exciting opportunity. I’m going from large teaching hospital to small community hospital due to my husband’s job relocation.
I am so happy for you..YOU ARE DONE!!!
Excited for this next adventure!