An ode to the new nurse I work with....also known as what I want you to know. I see in new nurses what I felt in myself when I started nursing. Reality shock is real. It is scary. And it stinks. You have sleepless nights and blurry days. You feel sick and are thankful at the end of the day if you didn't kill anyone. But you will get through it. Just hang on and give it time. I have faith in you. You are going to make it!
I want you to know
I saw you crying
I felt your frustration
I understand your turmoil.
I want you to know that you will get through this
(Although sometimes you have to fight your way through)
I want you to know that you will be all right.
(Even if it feels like your career is over)
I want you to know that this soon will pass.
(Even though it seems like it will never end)
I want to to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
(Even if it seems blocked)
I want you to know that we all make mistakes
(Have you heard of the ones that I have done?!)
I want you to know that we all have bad days
(Trust me)
I want you to know that it's not as bad as you think
(Even though you think it's worse than bad)
I want you to know they are not out to get you.
(But they can eat their young, so be careful)
I want you to know that your time management WILL get better
(But probably not until you realize how bad it is)
I want you to remember that you are still learning.
(I don't know anyone who isn't)
I want you to know that those who speak the loudest aren't always the smartest
(Even if they think they are)
I want you to know that years of experience doesn't mean knowledge of everything but
(That knowledge comes with experience which comes with time)
I want you to know that you ARE a good nurse
(Even if you think they say you are not)
I want you to know that there are so many options
(Just keep that in mind)
I want you to know that we have all been where you are
I want you to know that I care.
It's ok to cry
To vent
Just please come back tomorrow and do it again
Because I like working with you
Believe it or not
I see some of myself in you
And someday
Somehow
You will see
It will get better
(I just wanted you to know.)