Jan 04 2009

Independence day

Published by nurseSF at under So this is nursing...

Credit: Photographer Onkel Wart on FlickrI’ve been independent for 8 shifts now, and I like it.

I like the sound of “my patients.” They’re not “my nurse’s” or “my preceptor’s.”

I like the sound of “Hello, I’m your nurse this evening,” not “Hello I’m a student nurse,” or “Hello, I’m working with so-and-so today.”

And I confess — I feel a thrill when:
- giving report
- taking report
- signing “RN” after my name
- being asked to witness a narcotic waste
- being asked to check a heparin or insulin

There’s even something satisfying about charting — when there’s time.

Along with the thrills is the responsibility. In the beginning it felt unbearable, but my mind and body are learning to shift and balance the new weight. Sometimes the responsibility feels like a burden, but usually it does not. I’m hoping it’s a new dimension that will eventually fit naturally into my everyday.

Viewing 2 Comments

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    congratulations!!!

    i'm kicking myself in the ass for not having visited your website earlier. I just read a handful of your entries and have been enjoying them. i can't believe it's already been almost two years! I remember getting your email announcing the link and i kept putting it off telling myself I'd read it when I had time. Now I have time and now I wish I had made time to read your blog. Last night Tim suggested i start blogging again. Most likely I will; in the past few months I've had nights where I can't fall asleep and I have a hunch it's because of the state my mind is in. All my thoughts are suffocating up there; they need a place to go and thrive. I'm rambling; it's almost 2am! Goodnight nursesf, I'll talk to you soon.
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    that is so awesome! really happy for you that it feels right for you, for your spirit, your mind.
 
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