Six months in and...

[Adam D. RN2005]

Loving it more and more.

Been busy over the past couple of weeks that has taken me away from my computer, but on February 7th, 2006, I had my six month anniversary as a practicing RN.

When I looked over the past 6 months, I realize how far I have come as an RN. And I also see how comfortable that I have grown with the role of Registered Nurse.

I had my evaluation the other day, and my supervisor told me how proud she was of me. She has watched me deal with several emergencies over the past couple of weeks, and not once did I bat an eye.

I also found out that I will be winning an award. I think it is called the Outstanding Nurse Award, or something like that. I am humbled by all of this.

I love my job. I love the pressure, and I love the interaction with the patients.

I also enjoy when I have students, because I get to teach them why things are done in certain ways. One of my old instructors who is currently on our floor told me the other day that her students all request to have me as their primary because I keep them on their toes. And I am willing to take the time to explain things to them.

I enjoy what I do. At the end of the day, I leave work with a smile, and know that I have made a difference.

Adam, RN

[MackNJacks mom]

Hi, Congratulations Adam and what a relief it is to hear from people who are enjoying their careers in nursing. I started this week but only in orientation and then I will be on the floor, ER 7pm - 7 am. The question I have is, out of all of you that love your job do any of you have nights? This is a fear for me and so many people report hating it so bad. Let me know. Thanks

First of all congrats Adam! I wish I could say I feel as confident as you do.

I have been an RN on a pedi neurosurgery floor for about 5 months including orientation. On my own for going on three months. I work nights, days, and weekends. I like changing. I work weekend option nights (for the really good $), and then pick up a day or night during the week. I think nights are not nearly as bad as one would think, but it definately depends on the person. I like that there is less chaos during the night (for the most part). I think nights is something you have to do a couple times to see if you can do it. I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, which is what I think makes a big difference. I stay on a normal schedule when I don't work nights. I have three kids so I need to stay normal. Anyway good luck!!

[ut_utRN]

Congrats Adam, I am so happy for you. Being a nurse is not just a profession... it is a commitment...to make a difference in other's life whether it is a patient, a peer or anybody else. You are so lucky because in six months time the efforts that you have done is appreciated by your superior..Keep up the good work!!!!!!!

[liebling5, MSN, RN]

Hi, Congratulations Adam and what a relief it is to hear from people who are enjoying their careers in nursing. I started this week but only in orientation and then I will be on the floor, ER 7pm - 7 am. The question I have is, out of all of you that love your job do any of you have nights? This is a fear for me and so many people report hating it so bad. Let me know. Thanks

congrats on your award, Adam. I'll be six months as a practicing RN next month (March). It went by sooooo fast.

Serenity, there is another thread about working nights and how to adjust. As for me, I was always a "morning person", but I was working 3-11 for a few months prior to grad last year. I was nervous about working nights, too, but have been blessed to get adjusted very quickly. Having your bedroom as dark and quiet as possible, telephone ringer turned off, earplugs if necessary really helps. And when I'm off, I take naps or go to sleep whenever I feel sleepy. Don't try to do too much your first day off.

[NicuNightRN]

My 6 month anniversary as an RN was January 30, and it passed without me realizing until a couple of days ago! Time has flown by, and I absolutely love what I am doing. I work in Neo ICU, which is what I always wanted to do. There is such a huge variety of pts...one night I could have a 24 wkr, and the next a term baby from home admitted for hyperbili, or anything and everything in between! And, because it's an ICU, I learned very quickly to expect the unexpected - that 24 wkr might do wonderfully, while the term baby suddenly crashes. Everyone who hears me talk about my job can tell that I love it. I guess I get all hyper and excited, and my eyes light up when I talk about "my babies."

I do work the night shift, and I love it. I am not a morning person, so for me it was never an adjustment to stay up all night...but getting up at 5:30 for orientation on day shift was always an adjustment. I'll admit that it can be a pain sometimes, especially when my friends have "normal" 9-5 jobs, or are still in school, and basically aren't on the same schedule as me. But I love the extra money on night shift, and I personally felt that I "clicked" more with some of the night shift staff than I did with people on day shift. Not everyone is meant for day shift, and not everyone is meant for night shift...so if your hospital lets you switch between different shifts (I was hired specifically for night shift), try different ones out and see what works for you! :)

Sarah

[tes85]

Congrats on the award... I hope that my experience is similar... very inspiring!!!

[cnolan]

Hi, Congratulations Adam and what a relief it is to hear from people who are enjoying their careers in nursing. I started this week but only in orientation and then I will be on the floor, ER 7pm - 7 am. The question I have is, out of all of you that love your job do any of you have nights? This is a fear for me and so many people report hating it so bad. Let me know. Thanks

I work 11-7 and absolutely LOVE it! I wouldn't work any other shift. Teamwork on 11-7 is incredible - it's got to be, seeing we have to run the hospital on skeleton staff. People are much more friendly and laidback (in my opinion and experience). Enjoy!