Why do I want to be a nurse?

It's the question not only that job interviewers will ask, it is also the question of why I chose to go through all the school, the long nights, and studying.  A lot of people will answer the question with this: I want to help people.  While this is true, I feel that is not the full explanation of why I want to be a nurse.  I want to serve God through helping people.  I wanted to care for people.  Nursing was the perfect choice that fit with my personality, my interests, and what I enjoy.   Nursing is also a career with so much diversity.  I can work in an acute care setting, I can practice emergency medicine, work in a clinic, serve underprivileged people, or work in education, teaching others.  I can see all of these things possible in my future.

Let me tell you a story.  In the summer of 2008, a group of of from my church went down on a trip to Mexico.  A group of dentists, and a couple of students operated a dental clinic.  That was my first experience working on some sort of medical clinic -- and it was inspiring, and it was an extraordinary growing experience.  We worked long hours, in less than optimal conditions.  We worked in a cramped trailer, with very low ceilings, which ran on a generator.  One day, the generator broke, and we did not get started until the late afternoon.  We ended up working until midnight.  But even with all the things that didn't go according to plan, things worked out.  We had a group of men and women that love God, and worked well with one another.  The people were so appreciative and hospitable to us.  Those people in Mexico, had very little: small houses with dirt floors, limited clean water and electricity, yet they were very grateful for the little help we could give them.

It's experiences like this that made me want to do nursing.  God has told us to help those in need, to help the orphans and widows.  If your neighbor is hungry, feed them, if they need clothing, give them your jacket, if they ask you for money, give to them, without expecting them to pay you back.I hope I can do something like that with nursing.

Trust in the Lord

Going through nursing school has been such a great journey.  At times, yes, it has been difficult.  Lots of studying, working clinicals at all different hours of the day, putting myself in sometimes uncomfortable situations.  All of these have been great learning experiences.  I'll be graduating in May, but that isn't the end of the journey.  Nope -- there's the NCLEX, the nursing boards to get my license to study for, and there's the search for a job.  All of these things are part of the process of growing, and learning.

I've learned through all for this to put full trust in God.  Sometimes, yes, I do struggle with this, but in the end, whatever happens, it's in God's sovereign plan for my life.  It was a miracle that I got into this program.  God opened many doors, from the volunteering opportunities in the ER, from getting accepted to a great program at Sequoia Hospital/Canada/SFSU, and the clinical preceptors I have had throughout my different rotations who have helped me grow as a nursing student and mature into a young adult.  Even the job market for new nurses in the Bay Area doesn't look too promising, if it's God's will, He will provide a job for me here.  If he wants me to relocate, I have to put my faith in His decision for my career and my life.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Often, as a sinner, I am not as thankful as I should be -- for the family, friends, and people God has placed in my life.  It's people that matter, not material things in this world.  Money can buy the latest clothes, gadgets, or cool toys, but it cannot buy joy.

The Dark Night

Yesterday/today was my first night shift.  11pm to 7:30 am.  There is actually a lot to do during the night shift.  There are still lots of meds to give, and assessments and interventions to do.  There's also a lot more paperwork.  Getting that done is not difficult, but it is time consuming.

Learning to prioritize is definitely something I see myself needing to work on.  My preceptor had me take all five patients this shift, and wow, it's a lot of work.  Prioritizing is so important to getting everything done in a timely manner.  Remember, meds first!  After getting report from the previous shift, it's already time to give meds.  You should give them from highest to lowest priority.

Working nights has thrown off my whole schedule, and planning around my shift to find the time to do things I need to get done, and to find some rest is difficult.  I'm making it through.

I'm doing a second shift tonight.  Hope I have the energy to keep going, like the engine that could.

A New Hope

Today I took on responsibility for three patients, trying to challenge myself as a student. I’m learning a lot from my preceptor. I got to see continuous bladder irrigation running, and how to measure output from that. I also learned out dressing changes and wound care, for a patient who had some drainage from a post-op hip surgery. I think, the more clinical hours I’ve been getting in, I’m starting to feel more comfortable with all of the things I need to do. I’m feeling more comfortable in the nursing environment, being independent, doing the assessments and other things with less help. I removed a foley catheter, and learned about the administration of Ativan, used to help calm anxiety. My preceptor continues to encourage and challenge me, which, I think has helped me grow through this process. She’d like me to take on a full load next time. I feel like today’s clinical was a turning point for me, in feeling more comfortable with nursing.