You Can’t Say That

Last week I was speaking with a physician about one of my patients whose family members had (in my opinion) unrealistic expectations for nursing staff. When bringing this difficult situation to thier attention, the MD's argument was that "it is just a concerned mother advocating for her son." Having a chronic condition since childhood, the … Continue reading You Can’t Say That →

Be Kind.

Recently, I had a patient thank me at the end of my shift. He said, "Thank you for being kind", and proceeded to tell me how him and his wife have a sign above their mirror in their house that says "Be kind." He explained that it is so much easier to just be kind. … Continue reading Be Kind. →

Just Being There

A few weeks ago I had a particularly tough patient. I know every new day doesn't guarantee progress. But I still like to think that I leave my patients in an improved state from how I found them. And with this particular patient I struggled to see what impact I left. Quick onset of a … Continue reading Just Being There →

The Good Days

I haven't been writing much. And that's because I didn't think I had anything to write about. I started this blog as a space for me to clear my head. But what I didn't immediately realize is that my head only needed clearing after chaotic, frustrating, or emotionally draining shifts. I never felt the need … Continue reading The Good Days →

How I Did It

Am I qualified to write this? I mean, I did go. And pass. And graduate. So sure, what the heck. My top 10 tips to tackle the beast that is nursing school. Have nursing friends. See Nurse Friends Hanging Out for full reasoning behind this. But it is fairly self explanatory.Have non-nursing friends. This is … Continue reading How I Did It →

Nurse Friends Hanging Out

Nurse friends are a special breed. More than anything, we bond over shared experiences. The first being nursing school. It is a universal time of struggle and self discovery. Not only are you overwhelmed with completely new information, you also have to balance non-nursing curriculum, homework, attempt a social life, eating, sleeping, and maintain general … Continue reading Nurse Friends Hanging Out →

Life After Orientation

Wait...you mean I have to do this by myself? Take all my own patients?? Coordinate my own transfers??? Make decisions???? This week was my first off of orientation, and I gotta say, it actually went well! I went into each shift with an I-can-do-this mindset and an acceptance that it'd be okay if I still … Continue reading Life After Orientation →

Thank U, Night Shift

For the first year and a half of my nursing career, I was on the night shift. 7pm-7am. I was kind of the ideal night nurse, actually. No kids or family, wasn't in school, lived close by, and had always been good at taking naps. For the most part, it worked out well. When I … Continue reading Thank U, Night Shift →

Days Off

Since I've been a nurse, I've learned there are a different types of days off. I've also learned that each type is necessary and completely validated. Type 1: The Recovery After working my weekend (or any three 12s in a row, for that matter) I typically have this day first. I don't set an alarm. … Continue reading Days Off →

“Just Doing My Job”

This morning I was informed one of my patients, and their family, was ready for a terminal wean. Basically, they were ready to withdraw interventions that may prolong an otherwise natural passing while providing patient comfort through medication. After report, the reality of the situation hit me... Today I was going to help this patient … Continue reading “Just Doing My Job” →

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