My first day as a REAL nurse

From Monday, September 18, 2006

Today was my first day ever as a real nurse in the hospital. It was a good day! I was so jittery last night that I hardly caught a wink of shuteye. Wide awake on my trusty bike this morning, I trudged through the 6 am Seattle rain and wind. Walking onto the floor, I was feeling both soaked and scared out of my mind. I caught Erika’s eye and my fears were quickly calmed when she came over and gave me a hug. My preceptor, Kristin, and I worked a busy 12-hour shift. Kristin graduated just 2 years ago - she’s an extremely knowledgeable and caring nurse. It was so enjoyable to meet all of the different nurses – the staff is so diverse on so many different levels! So are the patients! Both of my patients today were Spanish-speaking. I loved being able to use Spanish with them; it brought me back to my time in Honduras this past summer. I learned so much today – everything from the UW charting system to giving blood. I think what “got” me today the most was when Kristin was telling me about how our patients get stem cell transplants that have been donated by a relative or placental/umbilical cord blood. When this happens, it’s a big deal on the floor and everyone calls it a ‘second birthday.’ Everyone signs a card and celebrates the new cells. To me it was so profound because it’s not just an opportunity for new cells – it’s a second chance for life. These people are basically dead from chemo and the sacrifice of another person, which allows for a stem cell transplant, can rescue them. It just makes me think of how, on an eternal level, being saved by Christ’s grace gives us new life. He’s our rescue when we’re as good as dead. Wow. Needless to say, I am going to bed now both excited and exhausted. Peace out!