43D701AD-172B-4E7D-AC40-B27546C3E7B2.jpg

I am a : Nurse  

March 12th is national nurse appreciation day. This year is the first year I get to celebrate being apart of the most trusted profession. 

The process of becoming a nurse was the hardest thing I had ever done: the tests, clinical hours, simulations, care plans, and presentations. Then, the NCLEX was the most stressful test I have ever prepared for. 

Not only was the process of becoming a nurse trying but I now work in an ICU where people are constantly fighting for their lives. My patients aren't always well enough to know I am caring for them but I have such pride in being able to care for them and their families. 

 

The first nurse I encountered was my momma. Growing up she would tell me stories of coordinating heart transplants and the beautiful relationships she developed with some of the recipients. We got christmas cards from many of them for years after she took a break from nursing and stayed home to care for me and my siblings. 

Her support through school and the ability to be a true sounding board when i've had a hard shift has been the greatest gift. She understands the trials and demands like few others.

We not only share this profession but share our alma mater so when I graduated, she pinned me with pride. She wore her own IU school of nursing pin.  

IMG-20170824-WA0000.jpg
1A3E5DDC-3693-4E78-92ED-9670929A5239.jpg
 
411448DD-09CD-421A-BADD-75F0E2604721.jpg

Every day when I come home from my night shift I empty my pockets of essentials. Notes and reminders that act as my brain, pens (so many pens), and chapstick because I don't drink enough water. I typically have alcohol pads, folded pieces of tape, sometimes a flush or two, gum wrappers, glasses to keep stuff from spraying in my eyes (yes, its happened). All a reflection of how that night had gone. 
I keep a notebook with me all the time that has notes on how to page different teams, phone numbers I don't want to forget, where to find specific supplies, or tricks and memos of how to do different things so I won't forget.  

My nursing practice is at its beginning but I am so thankful for the people around me who have shown constant support and encouragement. Being a nurse is the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done and I don't see myself being happy doing anything else with me life.