4 years later

Almost 4 years out from starting in the ICU I have learned the following things:

1) Even the smartest new grad, with the highest grades in school, doesn't know squat. Be humble. Experience and knowledge will come in time.

2) The show will go on without you. Don't be afraid to take a mental health day every once in a while. The staffing people will figure it out. If you feel guilty calling in sick you are probably co-dependent, and need to practice putting your own needs first for a change. Tend to your own needs, or you will burn out. Or you will always be playing martyr and that is really annoying.

3) Like it or not, the people you work with are your family. Think about it: your gay uncle, your bipolar cousin, your drama queen sister....they may not be the people you choose to have beers with on a Friday night, but they are your family. Except them for their differences, love them for what they contribute in a positive way, and try not to strangle them at Christmas and family functions when they get on your nerves. You are stuck with them until they die, retire, or quit. Find something you love about them.

4) Do not encourage or participate in unit gossip. It ruins morale and destroys team cohesion. Furthermore, don't ever say something behind someone's back that you wouldn't say to their face.

5) Stop trying to be perfect-it is impossible. Trying to be perfect will make you neurotic, and it will eventually bleed into your personal life, where your cats and husband will think you are crazy and then eventually leave your ass.

I'll check back in in another 4 and give you some more pearls.