White Scrubs | Nursing Articles

Happy 4th - 235 Yeas of Confederation

2011-07-04T14:04:00.000-06:00

It's a great time of year, celebrating our nation's independence AND a day off! Hope you had one too!

Facebook

2011-07-04T13:29:00.002-06:00

Check out the Facebook page of our friends at Mynursinguniforms.

The link is: www.facebook.com/mynursinguniforms/

Graduation to real life nursing

2010-12-30T13:06:00.002-07:00

Basic demographics states that the US and Canada will face a massive influx of healthcare patients in the next two decades as the baby boomer generation ages. That means more healthcare professionals like nurses will be required.

THe process of turning students into great nurses isn't one that happens overnight by magic. Here's an article that looks at the transition from nursing student to healthcare provider.

Mentorship in Nursig

2010-12-22T15:04:00.002-07:00

Mentorship is a crucial component to many trades and professions. Nursing is no different. Having a successful internship program or exposure to a new unit, can be the difference between a great and mediocre career.

Here is an article that discusses the importance of mentorship in nursing specifically, including some existing programs.

Follow Wednesdays

2010-10-27T16:45:00.001-06:00

Well, it's not Friday, and we do have a Twitter account, but we figured we'd say , "hey", check out this new/old blog that's back up. http://ernursey.blogspot.com/

Technology in Healthcare and Nursing

2010-09-09T13:00:00.002-06:00

A three part series emerged over at the MNU Blog about technology at the role it has in the daily lives of nurses and subsequent impact on healthcare.

Part one of the series investigated how technology impacts the quality of patient care, stakeholders, and government, and how the focus on technology can contribute to improving the latter (patient care).

Part two takes a look at the struggles technology has had on the healthcare industry and explores the pros and cons of the changeover (which comes as a burden to some).

Part three explores some of the avenues nurses are employing to accent their care. The technology examples provide reason for people to believe that well built technology, and practitioners trained to use the systems, can have a positive impact on healthcare.

Check out the series and add your comments.

Progress of Nursing Series

2010-09-02T14:55:00.002-06:00

There are a few article series that have wrapped up over the MyNursingUniforms blog all of which pertain to nurses.

The first one I want to inform readers about is a series on the change in the nursing profession entitled, "Charting Progress in the Nursing Profession".

Part one deals with Keeping Patients Safe: Transforming the Work Environment of Nurses.

part 2 explored the role nurses feel they play in the unfolding development or regression of their industry.

Finally, an epilogue to the brief two part series was an article about the overall impact nurse collaboration/development has had on the healthcare industry and healthcare quality.

Check them out and leave your thoughts in the comments section.

History of Nursing from Nightingale On

2010-05-05T09:40:00.001-06:00

http://blog.mynursinguniforms.com/index.php/nursing-history-reaches-into-the-future/

Check out our latest article celebrating the Year of the Nurse (and remember nursing day is coming May 15th.)

The article chats a bit more about the history of nursing and some of the key pioneers.

New Series on Healthcare in the US

2010-04-05T09:16:00.002-06:00

The changing landscape of healthcare in the US is changing largely due to necessity. As a large segment of the population grows older, the current system is incapable of handling the new influx of people. That means changes to how health care is delivered around this country.

A new series of articles at MNU takes a look at this topic, have a browse:

Impact Baby Boomers are Going to Have on Healthcare

More than Hospitals: Tomorrows' Healthcare

Keys to Unlock Potential in Healthcare Professionals

Check out HipScrubs

2010-03-31T09:33:00.001-06:00

Before we post a bunch more links to some cool nursing articles, we want to point out another web site that offers MNU scrubs. Check out the new (old) http://hipscrubs.com which was saved from the dead.

Look and Feel Great after Work

2010-02-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

Another article to help you figure out quick and easy tips to get through those long arduous shifts. Read up on Looking and feeling great after work.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at MyNursingUniforms.

Male Nursing - Profession and History

2010-01-19T10:31:00.002-07:00

Another article on the topic of gender issues in nursing. this time an article about the history and current situation for male nurses Check out the MNU blog for Male nurses - profession and history..

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at MyNursingUniforms.

Prevention for influenza is Crucial

2010-01-01T12:44:00.003-07:00

You're at work all day and you wonder to yourself, am I prone to more infections? Well of course, all nurses are around sick people far more than the average. You have to take steps to protect yourself. Most of them are straight forward and common sense: Avoid the cold and flu on the job.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the blog at MyNursingUniforms.

The hidden Meaning of Flowers

2009-12-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what all the different flowers mean? You see tons of bouquets but do you really know the names of the flowers and the meaning of color and arrangement? Read up on The secret meaning of flowers.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at MyNursingUniforms blog.

Back Injury Prevent for Nurse (Easy Lifting)

2009-12-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

You wouldn't necessarily think that nursing is a hazardous job that requires physical fitness. Well that's wrong! Not only are you on your feet all day, walking countless miles, you also likely have to do a great deal of lifting. Protect your back by taking these steps for back injury prevention.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at the MyNursingUniforms blog.

Dealing with Difficult Patients and Their Families

2009-12-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

Everyone has had them on the job, the patient that just wouldn't listen, is condescending, or rude. Then you have to deal with the family on top of that! Here are some preventative tips to help you deal with difficult patients and families.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at the MyNursingUniforms blog.

The Healing power of Prayer Legit?

2009-12-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

If you've worked in any form of medical healthcare then at some point you've encountered patients, family, clergy, praying for someone. The questions is is there a place for prayer in healing? How about in hospitals? Check out the topic The healing power of prayer?.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at the MyNursingUniforms blog.

The Role of Midwifery

2009-12-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

Check out our latest article at the MNU blog on the roles and different types of midwifery. Read up on The role of midwifery here.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at MyNursingUniforms.

Financial Tips for your Home Budget

2009-11-16T13:11:00.003-07:00

It's been over a year since the credit crunch hit and most of us are still trying to figure out ways to pull through on top. Here are some tips and tidbits that will help you save money in tough economic times. Post this article about Financially savvy tips on the fridge :P.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at MyNursingUniforms blog.

More economics and financial news can be found here: Economic forums and blog

Nurses Overwokred Superheroes

2009-11-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

You probably know at least one, and they are special people. It takes a certain person to do the job of a nurse effectively. Most nurses I know play down their roll in healthcare, but they are invaluable to us all. Not only do they do a great job, but they typically are overworked and strung out as well! Check out this article Nurses: Reluctant overworked superheroes.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at MyNursingUniforms.

Nurse Your Aching Feet

2009-10-26T12:41:00.000-06:00

A good pair of shoes will go a long way to save your feet and the rest of your body (like your back). Since you're on your toes all day, why not spend some extra time to take care of your feet? You'll be thankful you did. Here are some tips and ideas to manage your toes: Foot care for nurses.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at MyNursingUniforms.

Getting the Sleep You Need (Shift Work)

2009-10-19T12:38:00.000-06:00

The bad news about shift work (as if there was good news) is the crazy sleep schedule you have to endure. Here are some tips and tricks to get back on track or prepare for your upcoming graveyard shift. Have a read and a snooze by reading Gettting sleep you need when you need it..

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at MyNursingUniforms.

Treat Yourself: Taking Care of Hands and Nails on the Job

2009-10-12T12:34:00.000-06:00

Yours hand take a beating at work since you use them constantly and you're always wearing gloves or washing them. At least nurses are supposed to be washing regularly! Shouldn't you take a moment to take care and maybe, just maybe, pamper your hands and nails? You're worth it, take some easy steps to care for your extremities, they're your world! Taking Care of Your Hands and Nails.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at MyNursingUniforms.

Managing Your Career and Family

2009-10-05T12:32:00.000-06:00

We're up there, among the highest stressful jobs, nursing coupled with wonky shift hours. How do you deal with the issues and demands of the workplace while still maintaining a good balance at home and with your friends and family? Here are some thoughts on how to: Balance Life and the Demands of Nursing.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at MyNursingUniforms.

Regain Life balance after Stressful Work Weeks

2009-09-28T12:28:00.002-06:00

We're up there, among the highest stressful jobs. Dealing with sickness, trauma, death, fast pace, great attention to detail, SHIFT WORK....chances are you're going to have stressful days. If you don't deal with your stress then you're prone to accumulate your stress. Here are some tips on how to: Regain Your Balance after Stressful Days.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at MyNursingUniforms.

Tips for Eating Well Despite Wonky Shift Work

2009-09-21T12:24:00.002-06:00

Let's face it, you don't eat the way you should. I've spoken to many doctors and nurses and they know and preach how breakfast is the most important meal of the day but they themselves don't have time to eat it! But shift work and hectic schedules isn't and shouldn't be an excuse to eat poorly. It's your health, and healthy eating means a longer and healthier life. Take some of our hints for Eating for Shift Work Wellness.

And of course, more Nursing Articles in the articles section at MyNursingUniforms.

Healthy Quick Lunch Ideas You Will Love

2009-08-31T10:09:00.000-06:00

Your mom has probably told you time and time again that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we certainly are not going to argue with mom! But what about a lunch? Let's face it, your time is limited and it's far easier to run out of the house in the morning and just eat lunch in the cafeteria or the closest restaurant every day. Unfortunately, this kind of habit can lead to unwanted pounds, unhealthy choices and wasted money.

Since pounds seem to find my body with ease, making quick, healthy lunches every day of the week really is important, and a lot easier than you think.

Step 1 – Think Location

Where do you store your lunch? Do you have a fridge in your lunch room, or do you have to keep your lunch in a locker? Knowing this will help you decide if you should bring something to work that needs refrigeration.

Where do you eat and prepare our lunch? If your lunch room has a microwave you can easily re-heat your lunch. You can also add water to soups, wash your dishes, and clean up your lunch containers if your lunch room has a sink. If you don't have either of these things, you'll need to make sure you bring a lunch that is ready to eat as-is.

Step 2 – Think Variety!

Sure some people like to eat the same thing for lunch every day, but variety is the spice of life! Think about things you would love to eat and try a few of your favorites like:

• Left over chicken from dinner, tossed with greens and balsamic vinegar.
• Ricotta cheese with water-packed sliced peaches and a slice of rye bread.
• Sliced veggies microwaved until cooked and tossed with a can of tuna.
• Sandwiches filled with your favorite fillings, from a classic PBJ to roasted vegetables.
• Whole wheat bagels with sprouts, fat-free cream cheese, and sliced tomato.

Let color be your guide! When you look at your lunch, make sure you've created a pallet of color and textures that will help you feel satisfied and delighted with your lunch every day.

Step 3 – Think Healthy

A healthy lunch doesn't have to be a bowl of lettuce and a diet soda! The rules are simple: Avoid heavy fats and heavy carbohydrates. A bowl of last night's macaroni and cheese may seem like a good idea, but the calories and carbs will have you tired and hungry within a short period of time after eating it. Go for fresh veggies, whole grain breads, low-fat cheese and lean proteins for the perfect lunch solutions.

Step 4 – Be Prepared!

No time in the morning? Prepare your lunch the night before you go to work and keep it in the fridge. It really is that simple. The five minutes of preparation work it takes you in the evening will be more than worth it when the clock strikes “lunch” the next day!

Feeling? Retreat at Home with Spa Ideas!

2009-08-19T09:53:00.001-06:00

In today's busy world where hospitals are facing twice the work load with half the staff, it's no wonder nurses are stressed out! Stress can affect you both physically and mentally, and if there's one thing that we need to do, it's find balance. One way to do this is to create an oasis at home; a place where you can relax, find contentment, and escape the pressures of the day. The result is a calmer, mentally and physically healthier, you. Here are some great ideas for creating your own home spa.

Setting The Stage for Relaxation

When you think of a relaxing place, what do you think of? Could it be the ultimate bedroom setting? Or maybe you're thinking of luxurious bubble baths to sooth your aching feet and back. Your home spa can be almost anywhere:

• Your bathroom
• Your bedroom
• A corner of the basement
• A spare bedroom
• A corner of the garage
• Your own back yard

Choose your corner of your world and claim it as your place of tranquility. Your space does not have to be one that is never used for anything else, but it should be someplace you can guarantee at least 30 minutes of privacy any time you need it.

Color Your Spa "Relaxation"

The colors red and bright yellow are colors of energy and vibrancy. Not exactly something you need to relax. If you can paint your space with relaxing colors, you will automatically feel better. Some say that shades of green help us calm down, feel more balanced, and help calm uptight emotions. This may be why you see shades of green in hospitals. If painting your walls a new color is out of the question, you can always add relaxing colors to any room by adding creative accents:

• Cushions
• Throw blankets
• Area rugs
• Using the colors in pictures or photos

Invite Mother Nature Into Your Home

Plants and water are both naturally relaxing elements to bring into your home. Whether you buy a little fountain or simply put on a CD with ocean wave sounds, having water in your home spa area will help you relax. In fact, some say that the sounds of rain, waterfalls, or waves actually helps them sleep when they're too tense to doze off on their own.

Now That's Aroma!

Close your eyes and think back to the scents that made you feel good in the past. Was it the smell of mom's homemade cookies? Maybe the smell of roses brings up feelings of nature and pretty things that just simply make you feel good. Aromatherapy is the use of different scents to help the body relax, change, relieve stress, improve your mood and overall help you feel good. To incorporate aromatherapy into your home spa, you can buy essential oils, scented candles, incense, flowers, or anything that smells good and makes you feel good. Here are some ideas for well known aromatherapy scents to try out:

Lavender – Reduces anxiety, reduces guilt and depression, helps cure insomnia and restlessness, calms the nerves, helps the body relax.

Sandalwood – Helps reduce insomnia, reduces nervous tension and irritability, helps reduce exhaustion and depression.

Ylang Ylang – Helps reduce anxiety, reduces nervous tension, reduces depression and guilt.

Finally…Put Your Mind at Ease

The old saying goes "where ever you go, there you are," and when it comes to stress this is very true. If your job is stressing you out, it's nearly impossible to leave that stress at work and come home at ease. To help you relax and shake off the day's tension, you may want to try some of these mind relaxation practices:

• Meditation
• Tai Chi
• Yoga

Calm yourself in your own home! A home spa can be your escape from the wild and crazy stressful days that we deal with day after day. The bottom line is that you're worth it!

We're Back!

2009-08-12T09:28:00.001-06:00

After a lengthy hiatus White Scrubs is back with a change in direction. We'll be primarily offering articles and anecdotes courtesy of all our nursing friends. It will be a great place to stop off for a quick review of some tidbits and thoughts that will both benefit and offer a reprieve to life's nursing grind.

So welcome and thanks for visiting, we appreciate your readership!

You Know I'm Bad....

2007-08-17T13:49:00.000-06:00

This past weekend was mine to work, and work it I did. Three 12's in a row, at least they were days, so I had some semblance of a life. Saturday just plain sucked, but I did have this experience with a patient on an cardioversion-med drip.

Patient has been on the drip for several hours, slow drip 17mls/hour. Has about, oh, three to go. Patient is also on a diuretic, and had been offered the use of bedside commode, but nooo, has to use the toilet. Okay, that's their choice, no problem just ring and either myself or someone else will come by to help you move with the IV pole.

Hour goes by, I go in to check in on them and what do I see? An IV pump running, but the tubing itself is no longer attached to my patient; instead it's running onto a napkin on the bedside table.

"ah, what happened here?"

"well, I just had to go, so my sister (note: no medical experience at all) just took that little clippy thing off the IV into my hand. Could something bad have happened?"

"well, yes, you may have gone back into the arrythmia that brought you here, and it could have had dire results".

"oooohhhh. I thought it was okay to do that".

(Mentally I'm hitting my head with my fist. Yeah, dire results, as in you could have died. But instead of asking for help, my patient, who has been independent their entire life, just couldn't ask for the help they needed.)

So I stop the pump, figure out how much hasn't run into my patient, and then clean off the port, pop on a new clip, and get the drip running again, and, once again, remind the patient to call for help if they need to piddle again.

And once again, offer the commode, which, once again, is turned down.

*sighs*

What Was I Thinking - Third Thoughts

2007-06-09T21:59:00.000-06:00

I feel like I'm drowning.

Really, I do. This past week has really been difficult. Monday I had a complicated patient that I should have gone to the charge and said "This is more than I can handle". But that one-two punch of pride and having to prove myself took over, and I just plowed on. Afib, dementia (is there something going on that nearly every patient I've had this past 1.5 months has been in some form of dementia?), bunches of meds, PO and IV. Heparin protocols, K protocols, Beta-blocker protocols. Thought that the Heparin came up from the pharm, didn't realize that I could grab it from the Pyxis. Nurse following catches this, reports to the charge. Next day, I'm pulled aside (in a really nice way, actually) and asked about this.

I thought I was going to be fired.

"Naw, you're breathing, you're too valuable".

So now I know, Heparin is available from the Pyxis. And if they're in Afib, get it going fast. At least, get it hung quickly, run it according to protocol.

Last night and today my patient was profoundly MR, blind, deaf, mute. Delirium protocol. I felt like I was pushing Ativan and Demeral all 12 hours. HR goes up to the 140's since the patient has pneumonia, fluid overload. Get the lasix in, 800 comes out, breathing easier, HR still in 130s. Finally, charge nurse starts to ask me 'what are you doing? You need to get this under control'.

I'm drowning. Again.

Get more Ativan and Demeral into the pt, HR comes down to the low 120's. Breathing easier, sleeping actually.

I know I'm going to get spoken to again. I just know it.

Why did I chose this unit? Why this profession? I feel like a dog chasing it's tail, and there's no end in sight when I'll feel like I know what I'm doing without second guessing myself. The asst. manager told me "Just wait until August. You'll be here 6 months and will be amazed how much more confident you'll feel."

I hope so.

Remember The Veil? After several bumps, the pt is still hanging in there!

I Could Dream All Day/The Veil

2007-04-09T13:50:00.000-06:00

It's 3:26pm Monday, and I literally woke up about an hour ago.

This was my weekend, and I did the 12 hour overnight shift, since I was hired on as a day/night rotation. By the time 5am rolled around, I was mentally and physically exhausted - it was all I could do to maintain, and added to the fun I got all the admits, since the scheduling sup, whoever that is, decided that all new grads should get all the new admits. Gee, thanks.

Had five patients last night, and actually it wasn't all that bad - had a tubefeeding to handle, IV meds, a dropping UO and BP (a liter of normal saline fixed that), a post-op HTN (Lasix fixed that one). Learned a bunch, but know that other than the awesome crew we have on perm nights, that nightshift isn't for me - I like days/evenings better, my brain functions better, and I retain a lot more.

***********
Admit comes in at 0230. Elderly woman, CHF, dementia. My whole Saturday night was Dementia City. Get her admitted to the unit and her room, explain the call light, whole schtick.

"What do I do if I have to go to the bathroom?"

There's a foley in I explain, your urine goes right into that.

Pauses.

"Okay, but what if I have to shit?"

From the mouth of a woman who looks like she bakes cookies all day, and could be a Norman Rockwell grandma.

I had to laugh.

***********************

Dementia sucks, plain and simple. It was so sad to watch a patient I had had as a past admit start to go down that long road to oblivion, mentally. There are a host of other issues with this person, but when I found them talking to the plant on their bedside table, thinking it was their child, the look on their face when I reoriented them was like watching a kid be told that no, there wasn't really a Santa, or Easter Bunny, or a magic word that will do their homework and clean their room for them. By the time I left this morning they were sleeping most of the time, with the exception of this exchange at 0500 while I sat there with them during a push.

"When will this be over?"

The med push or something else?

"This. All this."

Are you tired?

"I'm finished".

We looked at each other, and the veil had lifted, if only for a moment - their eyes were the clearest I'd seen all weekend, and they were as lucid as I'd seen them in the past, before the veil came down. We didn't say anything, but the understanding was there. We smiled at each other, and then the veil came back down.

Living on Adrenaline

2007-03-29T13:36:00.000-06:00

Happy to report that I survived my first 12-hour overnight shift, and have lived to make the 17.5 mile drive home without falling asleep at the wheel, or making a med error (not while driving of course). Here are my foggy impressions of overnight shifts:

1. After 11pm, it's awfully, ah, not-very-loud on our unit (can't use that 'q' word).
2. Whoa, can some people snore!
3. I have found that I'm not a fan of overhead flurescent lighting at 3am.
4. Speaking of 3am, that hour between 3-4 am is the worst in terms of staying focused.
5. I learned I can mix three meds for an IM injection at 5:45am, and successfully administer it.
6. Traffic north on 169 sure is a lot lighter going North at 7:45am than it is going South at the same time.
7. Our overnight crew is great - three of them told me they preferred working that shift, since it's generally less busy than the day shifts - and they were happy to learn that I wasn't float, but on the unit.
8. I'm going back to bed now....

Dave, Jay, Infomercials, Captain Kirk

2007-03-27T22:51:00.000-06:00

What do the above have to do with each other? They're pretty much the choices one has on the tube when one is trying to stay up as late as possible, so that they can sleep in the next morning, before their first 12-hour night shift. I keep asking myself why I decided to go for the 12-hour shifts (the four days a week off are sweet), but I keep wondering how I'm going to be awake and effective at 4am Thursday morning. I mean, even the dog went up to bed over an hour ago, and I feel like I'm back in college, pulling an all-nighter, writing up the paper thats due at 8am, and that I just started to work on (minus the pack of Marlboro Golds).

And I get to do it all again on Thursday night.

The New Grad program is nearly finished, and while it's been great to listen and learn from the stories that the experienced nurses tell us, I think we're all a bit itchy to get it over with, and get going on our regular shifts. Next week will be a haul - the last New Grad day on Monday, Tuesday I have hemo and Ecco class all day, Wednesday is another 12-hour all nighter, Thursday I'm off, and the it's my Fri/Sat/Sun 12-hour all nighter weekend. AND it's the girls Spring Break; you can imagine how well that schedule is going over with them. But then I'm off for three, on for one 12/day, then off again for three. By then my orientation will be nearly over, and our lives will start to get into the new 'normal' for us. I'm anxious about night shift, but excited about it as well, since I've heard positive feedback about the night crew from one of my instructors, as well as from one of the crew themselves today.

Wonder if I can bring in a case of Diet Pepsi to keep me going tomorrow night.....

Crispy Critter

2007-03-20T13:51:00.000-06:00

That's how I felt on Sunday night about 8pm, after working three 12-hour shifts in a row.

I'd never felt more clueless or harried; theres just so much to remember and do, and I felt like I was a dog chasing it's tail. I have no idea how the other nurses make it look so damn easy - I don't know how I'm ever going to be able to work at the level. I'm probably being too hard on myself and expecting too much. Julie, my mentor, told me "I have 30 years experience, and I'm still learning, so don't be so hard on yourself, you're doing fine".

That being said, I've seen some amazing things, like an angiogram being performed; a patient brought to V-Tach and then shocked back into NSR; a patient self-convert after taking a conversion med; the difference a day makes in the progress a patient can make from post-op day 2 to day 3 after a CAB. I've also seen how family dynamics can worsen a patients symptoms, to the point of considering bringing in security to escort them from the unit (luckily, that wasn't needed, and the next day we had a major snowstorm, so the 'problem' couldn't make it in all weekend).

I'm glad I made this choice, and come home after my shift feeling like I've really worked, both mentally and physically. Next week I start my 7p to 7a shift, and have to admit that I'm not looking forward to trying to sleep during the day! Any suggestions from third-shifters?

Week Two

2007-02-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

This week started with a full eight hours learning the ins and outs of the eMar and Charting system, which for me was pretty much a review, since I'd done both my last rotations and preceptorship at My Hospital. Needless to say, it was One.Long.Day, but I did appreciate the opportunity to learn a few new skills (online order requests, etc.).

Tuesday saw the youngest squid going under the knife to remove those pesky enlarged adnoids. What a champ - the nurses in the OR loved her - they said they'd never had a kid her age handle surgery so well, and with such a good sense of humor. I knew she was scaredscaredscared, and this was her way of dealing with it, so I let it ride. The surgery was a success, because now she can breathe easier, and her voice has changed a bit - no more chronic congestion!

My two days on the unit were busy - between Wednesday and today I realized how much I have to learn about prioritizing and organization, much less critical cardiac care. The nurses that have been on the unit for a while, plus the ones with 10+ years experience, make it look so effortless, it makes me wonder if I'll ever feel comfortable and able to perform at their level. Add to that the ECCO training that I'm working on as well, and it's nearly overwhelming.

But I look back at last Friday, my first day on the unit (well, shadowing to some extent), and I'm farther along today than I was a week ago. Everyday I've learned something new, whether in assessments, critical thinking or meds, and try not to beat myself up for not being at the same level as the other nurses, since that's going to develop as I go along. I like the unit a lot, and am happy I decided on this gig, rather than the one at County, and especially the one offered me at the facility-closer-to-home!