Felt like part of the team...

Published Nov 24, 2008

3 Posts

Specializes in surgical care.

I work on the 3-11 shift on a surgical care unit where I am the only new kid on the block. All of these nurses have worked on this unit for a minimum of 15 years, with very little turnover. They work together like a well oiled machine. Needless to say, being new, I sometimes feel like I don't fit.

But last evening this changed. One of the nurses found out that I started an IV on one of her pts last night. For me this was a BIG deal and her pt said I was very nervous while doing it, which was absolutely true! So while I was doing my assessments at the beginning of last night's shift, this nurse came into my room, handed me IV supplies and said "You need practice. Go start an IV on my pt when you're done". Well, I did exactly that. I missed my first stick and was ready to quit and find somebody else to do it, but the pt said to me "You can do it, try again". Well I got it on the second try and couldn't have been happier. I think I floated out of his room! Later on, my collegue said it was working fine and looked good.

I really felt I was taken under these nurses' experienced wing last night. They don't say much in terms of encouragement, but I know they want me to succeed. I couldn't ask for anything more. After 5 months on the job, with all the major ups and downs, I'm happy to be on this unit and to be a nurse. These little victories make it all worthwhile.

Have you all have a Happy Turkey Day!