First Day Realizations

Most of you know I am in nursing school....enough said. I started clinicals this past Thursday. It was lots of fun. Even though we were on a GI floor, I loved it. Really, I didn't get to do that much. A few vitals here and there and I made lots of beds. I thought I wouldn't like dealing with sick 'grown-ups' but things really changed once I actually got there and in the middle of it all.

Here are a list of my realizations...

I realized that they don't want to be there, I mean who really wants to be in the hospital sick.

I realized that as much as I am embarrassed for having to help them do things, like potty, they are equally embarrassed that I have to help them.

I realized that elderly people are very wise and love for you to sit down and talk. One little lady said, "ask me anything you want." She was very witty and just wanted some company. (Don't we all!)

I realized what a tiring job it is to be a nurse. We never sat down, I mean never, until our 6 hour shift was over.

I realized why I want to do this. One of our teachers said that if this is truly for us, we would know in clinicals. She was right!

I realized that I want to treat my future patients exactly like I would want or how I would want my family to be treated. (That little 'golden rule' never goes away!)

I realized that laughter is good for the soul, especially when you are laughing at something you shouldn't have done! (I won't divulge my errors at this time)

I realized that the real hospital is much different than the one my books speak of.

I realized that when my patient said "you can go on to lunch now," that was code for "get out of my room and quit messing with me!"

I realized that you must pay very close attention to any 'CODE' announcement over the intercom. (We had a CODE GREEN, which means they were about to blast for some construction..felt like an earthquake.)

Lastly, I realized I have a lot more to learn!

That about sums it up! Oh, if you get a chance, you should thank a nurse.