The Beginning

Last night was my first night working as a traveling nurse. While it was a wild and crazy night thanks to a special patient, it was the beginning of a journey that I'm now excited to be on. My feelings going in to the night were a mixture of anxious, nervous, excited, and scared. Mostly I thought, "I've been off for a month, will I remember how to do it?" But, I soon remembered what I tell my mom, "It's like riding a bike"- and it was.

Many pieces of the traveling puzzle had not been put together yet, so things weren't smooth sailing, but it felt right to be back in the hospital with patients. The charting and the ins and outs of the units will come, but the patient care always stays. I realized I missed the interactions between patient and nurse. I was refreshed with my passion for nursing and there's no better feeling than knowing you're doing what you were made for.

Luckily, I met some fantastic nurses to help me through the night and was so grateful for their patience, expertise, and willingness to help the stupid traveler. My fears of being discriminated and not wanted/appreciated were assuaged when at the beginning of the night I walked into the report room and several nurses introduced themselves without prompting. The rest of the night was just as friendly and I felt competent again as a nurse, if maybe a little rusty.

It woudln't be a journey if there were no ups and downs. In a way, beyond my frustration, I'm glad things haven't gone perfectly. I've learned important life lessons and am learning daily how to better myself. I know I still have a lot to learn, but by the end of this I'm sure I'll have renewed vision for nursing, myself, and my future.

Love,
K

P.S. Favorite quote of the night from special patient "How many seizures can I have so I can come back to your unit?"