first year finnally over

[atrex]

so i finally finished my first year of nursing. what a ride.

small urban hospital in NJ on the telemetry floor. i love and hate it at the same time.

loves,

+the not working in an office anymore. career change for me. i'm still a little geeked it worked out as it has.

+saving someones life. (2 code blues both successful, what a rush i tell ya)

+learning so much in such a short time. and so much more to learn. dreams of NP one day.

+actually making a difference in someone's life.

+having someone see me on the street around the hospital and have them thank me in front of their family

+getting to wear pajamas to work. after 10 years of business casual, scrubs are awesome. i don't think about what i wear, either blue, black or red...

+3 days on....4 days OFF!!! more time with the fam is awesome! saves $ on daycare!!!

+the doc's who take time with no sarcasm to teach you something. maybe it's where i'm at but unfortunately they are few and far between. it's a non-teaching hospital, so no residents.

the hates

-i have seen things done, i can't repeat, but now know that people are capable of things i once didn't think possible.

-having to be a whistle blower....seriously...glad that was\is confidential.

-my manager, a paper tiger who hides in their office. how can you manage from your office on another floor? you're clueless and i know you're leaving once you're done with school. i only see you when you need something from me. i hope you leave soon. or grant me my transfer request to the ICU. which ever comes first.

-the negativity, people LOVE to hear themselves complain complain complain....WAAAGHHHH MEEEE. get the heck over yourselves. we all have problems, try to leave most of them at home and focus on what you're collecting a check for. people depend upon you to be professional, act like it.

-MD's with no care what-so-ever to involve you in patient care. i feel like an errand boy...

-telemetry is so fast i really just move more people in and out, i would prefer a lower patient ratio to better understand the diagnosis and treatment plans and interventions. but hell at this point i'm happy to just have a job.

\\====//

what is weird is opening up the obit section and seeing a patient's name/picture i have taken care of....i'm accused by friends now of being 'morbid' when suggesting they have a living will and talking about our inevitable enfeeblement, but it's the cycle of life. what can i say, it's my reality now.

ok enough rambling. thanks everyone here for support, and help from Susan's plan to help pass the NCLEX.

seems like a lifetime ago. new grads out there don't give up. it took me 6 months of *** kissing and networking to land a job, but eventually it worked out. have faith.

[smileymimi]

Hey, I recently got a position at telemetry unit for night shift as a new grad.

The nurse manager said the patient ratio is about 6-7 but many times up to 8 during night shift.

To me that seems like a lot to handle and I'm concerned if I can do it!

Congratulations on finishing your first year.

I'm sure it involved hard work and effort.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Good for you and congratulations!

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

CONGRATS OP on finsihing your first year!!! Every six months as a new nurse is a victory!

[SadRN2010]

Congrats on making through the first year. I am nine months in and everyday is a struggle. Too many patients (7 NOC) and it is insane. Hope I can say the same thing in three months :)