NursingZen

Six months ago,
- I arrived at the hospital for work a half hour early.
- I went home over an hour late.
- I prayed fervently before every shift.
- I called an MD for colace at 10:30 pm.
- I made several medication errors in a span of a few weeks.
- I had no idea what to expect.
- As the only new grad on my unit, I felt lonely and isolated.

Today…
- I arrive at the hospital only 15 minutes early.
- I leave the hospital a half hour late.
- I pray a little less fervently before every shift.
- I think up and try nursing interventions before calling an MD.
- I triple check my medications (though to be honest I recently gave a patient a double dose of Simvastatin).
- I’m starting to get a feel for the rhythm of the unit and the hospital, so that I have an idea of what to expect.
- I’ve developed good relationships with several nurses who are smart, nurturing, and kind, and I try to stay clear of those who aren’t.