So...you know you're a nurse when you have absolutely no idea what day it is or what time of day it is. Or perhaps that is a miliitary nurse thing since every week I work different days and my hours get changed every so often. I got off of work early a little while ago and was very confused to see so many people dressed up. Once I finally figured out that it was Sunday...it all made sense. I also, consistently have no idea what time of day it is. You see...I go to work when it's dark and leave work when it's dark. I pretty much don't see the sun unless I am not working...so...it always takes me a moment to come up with the proper greeting..."Good morning/afternoon/evening sir/mam." Beyond that...to make matters even worse, I am about to go to night shift...which is bound to have me all kinds of mixed up on top of everything else. So...if you talk to me and I greet you with a "Good morning" when it is, in fact, 1600...don't be surprised and just go with it! When you get right down to it...
This week has been a busy one...as usual. I have very much enjoyed being oriented on the labor and delivery unit (L&D). It is nice because I only have one to two patients...most of the time I just have one. It is rewarding to be able to build a relationship with each patient...and it isn't so hard to do since I stick with them all day long. The longer I spend over here, the more sure I am that this is what I would like to do. I'm getting much better at fetal monitoring, charting, and knowing the norms. There is so much to know, but my preceptor has been really great...and lets me do everything. I have two more weeks of orientation here before I return to my unit...and to the night shift! I'm excited...should be interesting :-)! On another note...my Christmas break starts in two days and I cannot wait to go home. They got snow yesterday and I hope there is some left for me once I get there! There is nothing better at Christmas than to have my whole family together...it's been so long since that has happened...and I will savor every moment! So...I have decided that each week, I am going to try something new. I figure that in order to make the most of being stationed here, I should get to know the best Virginia has to offer. I already have plans for this coming Monday...and will fill you in shortly. This past week, I took the ferry from the end of my street to Norfolk, where I walked a bit, went shopping at the mall, and sat down for some lunch. It felt so good to get out...but my favorite part was riding the ferry and meeting new people. I always say that when I travel, the best experiences are meeting people from each place I go...and it remains true. I didn't go far, but it felt good to do something different from my normal routine. I'm excited for Monday...I'm going a bit further...and I'll leave it at that and keep you guessing ;-)! Also...I am going home for Christmas...very soon! Can't wait! Tomorrow is my last day of orientation on my unit! I am loving my work and the team I work with. I feel quite thankful for where I have landed! I am getting much more efficient in my work and better with time-management...a big thing for any nurse...but especially new nurses. There is still lots to learn, but it doesn't feel so overwhelming anymore. This next week, I will be starting a three-week orientation period on the labor and delivery unit to work on fetal monitoring. My permanent unit comprises several areas--antepartum (before birth), postpartum (after birth), OB/GYN surgery patients, and any women that the hospital doesn't really know where to put. We see a little bit of everything...a great way to learn...with a focus in the area I am interested in. That being said...fetal monitoring is part of my job on my unit and I'm going to L&D to learn it better. Should be fun!
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Prayer Requests...
That I grow in my role as a nurse and always do my best. That I would follow the Lord wholeheartedly. Friendships AuthorI'm Carolyn...am so excited to be starting my nursing career in the Navy. Who knows where this all will take me?! Archives
July 2015
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