a list of things

there is always so much to say about my job. and if i was better at this blog thing, i would say one thing each day that i work. one thing that exasperated me. one thing that made me cry. one thing that i found particularly interesting. or one thing that i learned. but instead, i let time go by. and the impact of these things that feel really BIG when they happen, lessen just a little bit. so instead of one powerful story, here's a list of some things about my job.

- i've been in charge now just three times. and each day, every patient on my floor survived. and only a few nurses hated me because of my assignment! i'm excited about this new role. it makes me feel important. my manager always says that being in charge is an extension of management. and in a way, i get it now. i make decisions on an hourly basis that effect our unit's budget. whether i send a nurse home or call one in on overtime, i not only impact the unit's budget, but also, the staffing, safety, and patient and staff satisfaction.

- i took care of one patient MANY shifts in a row. and on the day of his transplant, of course his cells arrived 5 minutes before shift change. instead of being annoyed that it would take extra time on my part to receive the cells and quadruple check them, i felt excited to deliver this gift to someone whom i had grown to really enjoy. i gathered a bunch of other nurses, who also had just worked 12 hours and wanted to go home, and we sang happy birthday to him (since transplant is a birthday of sorts - another chance at life thanks to a kind donor!). as soon as the first words came out of our mouths, my male patient lost it. he sobbed like a baby in his hospital bed, curled up to next to his adorable wife. and i cried too. i couldn't help it. it was a lovely way to end my day.

- i had the first of my teaching sessions last week. and i'd like to say, it was a BIG success. my two new nurses who had already spent a few weeks on the floor totally appreciated my welcome and the chance to go over material more in-depth without having to complete patient care at the same time. we have another session next week. what's really nice is i've received feedback from management and they are impressed too! thanks goes a long way at work. it's really motivating to hear you're doing a good job.

that's it for now.

oh. one more thing. i'm working on my non-resolutions. i have a cleaning lady coming on saturday (overtime money put to good use).