Since my previous post, I've had 5 days and 2 shifts to improve my skills and my attitude about myself and about my job. Things have been SO much better since that first day on Monday. I can now say with some relief, that Monday's shift was a particularly challenging one due to a heavy patient load, and that things will NOT always be like that.

Today I felt like I was in a rhythm, yet able to react to changes in plan, and interruptions in my activities, and still get back on track afterwards. This seems to be an important skill in nursing. For example, I go to a patients room, am about to administer a list of 19 oral and IV medications, and I get a text that a patient needs help to the bathroom immediately and that the tech (nursing assistant) is busy. Or, I finally sit down at the computer to start in on my pile of charting, and I find out that I'm getting an admission, and they are already in their room waiting for my arrival. The key in these instances, is remembering to go back to what you were doing, whether it's 2 minutes later or 2 hours later. Getting comfortable with partly completed tasks is difficult, especially where none of them can stay that way.

Best part of my day today? Meeting up with Jonathan for lunch of course! How awesome is it that he works in the building? Granted, 5 minutes into our lunch I got a text that my admission was coming up any minute. But, it was the nicest 10 minute lunch ever. Jonathan has also been commuting with me on my day shifts so we actually do see each other, even when I work 12 hour shifts. These aspects of my job make me so very grateful for it and for our life here in St. Louis. We couldn't have planned such a simple and sweet existence if we'd tried. I'm just glad someone did :)

Hopebench