I think I've finally started to make it as a nurse. There have been little signs all around, like when I had a massive recuscitation and only wanted to vomit a little from the nerves, or when one of the notoriously cranky trauma surgeons complimented me on running a well done trauma - to my face!- and in front of witnesses, no less. But you know how I know I've really made it?
An ambulance had just come in, and I had gone to triage the patient. Blah blah, frequent flyer, chief complaint of achy leg for a year, "I just couldn't take it anymore!" at 0430 on a wednesday morning. I'm standing out at the nursing station, when one of my favorite docs asks what is going on with the patient. I give a brief summary, and then ask "do you want a workup, or should I just go tell the patient to Man Up?"
He looks at me, and goes, "
you know, when you started here you were quiet and shy and nice. What the hell happened?!"
Yes, I have arrived.
On an unrelated note, the ED manager today asked me - ME - to orient a new ER nurse. Good lord. I've only been a nurse for 18 months, and you want
me to orient someone?! Granted, they've been a nurse way longer than myself and just need the ER orientation, but still. Somehow I can't help but think this is a bad idea.
I haven't said yes or no yet, but I'm thinking on it. There are a lot of factors to consider besides the obvious lack of experience. Do I want to risk irritating the more experienced staff by assuming I'm good enough for orientation? Do I want to commit to this when I'm not even sure I'd make a good preceptor? Will I be able to thoroughly educate someone on the workings of a department when I'm still relatively new myself? Do I even know enough about the ER to do this? Lots to chew on...
And of course, the manager wants an answer soon - and I'm leaving for MEXICO this weekend! I think the ER might just have to wait...
Hasta luego, suckeritos!
