Progress?

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!