LIFE AS A NURSE

Well, it's been a long time since I updated my blog! I came off orientation the first weekend of June (after only 8 weeks, so I guess I was doing ok) and I've been working since then. I was only part time (1/2 time) due to availability on our unit, but during the summer was able to work almost full time most of the time. 

During the summer we got word that Dale's employer was going to be closing in a few months. We have known for years that this had been a possibility but never really thought it would happen. The building had been sold and an end date was set for late August. We had a vacation planned for late August that was booked 15 months in advance so we were NOT going to cancel that! The close date of his business was pushed into September so we made the most of our summer and enjoyed our vacation and cruise.

During the summer, I worked every shift that had openings, trying to get the hours I could while Dale was still working.  This gave me the opportunity to learn what is needed to be done on each shift. I personally like each shift for different reasons. 

On September 11th, I was called to my managers office and told what I had been praying for and hoping for. . . A FULL TIME POSITION!!!! This position was 'effective' in two days (that coming Sunday). God's timing is always perfect for that coming Sunday would be Dale's lasts 'sale' day (then just clean up for a few days). It amazes me that no matter how much I worry and was concerned, Dale was not worried in the least, he knew God was in control.

So I became a full time nurse on September 13th! I continue to work each shift (even though I have primarily a day/evening person), I like to fill in wherever I am needed. I often go in when called to fill a void. I do work every other weekend while most nurses on our unit work every third weekend but I am working and I love it! With the full time position came full time benefits! My portion paid for insurance went from more than $1000 a month to about $200 a month! Another blessing! Just as Dale was losing his job my job would be 'paying more' due to not having to pay out of pocket so much for insurance! 

Since working as a nurse I have gotten a lot of experience with all sorts of things! I still have days where I don't realize I am not familiar with something until it comes along and thankfully I work on a unit that helps each other out. There is always a charge nurse or another more experienced nurse I can ask for assistance if I am in doubt. I'm never made to feel stupid for not knowing something and am given the chance to continue to learn.

I have been blessed so often seeing patients recover and get better. Often we have patients who stop back and see us and it is great to see them walking on their own or with minimal assistance. I truly love that about our unit. 

I have been working 'on my own' for almost six months and feeling better each day and not so 'new'. I've been recognized a few times with 'Diamonds' (our hospital recognition system) and I was nominated by a patient for the Daisy Award over the summer. I truly love the care that we give to our patients.

As life goes on, Dale has started working at the new Wegman's in our area. This is entirely different from anything he has ever done but he is really enjoying it. Now the two of us take advantage of any time we both have off together (as we are often on opposite schedules). We are both looking forward to our upcoming trip to Disney to see all the Christmas decorations and partake in all the holiday things going on.