On my own

I've been told that I will officially be off orientation at the end of this month. I'm scared and don't feel nearly prepared enough. I'm told by my peers that this is an expected reaction. I've had a great preceptor. Essentially she has allowed me to be going it on my own but she is always an ear shot away if I need her. I am beginging to know and build a rapport with the Sr Attendings and some of the Interns that have been with us for the last rotation. Jan marks a new rotation, time for all the new interns to come in so time to learn new names and new faces. So, as of Feb 2011 I will be on my own, an official ICU RN! I plan to keep a similiar schedule, 84 hrs, NOC and weekends. I really enjoy the team I currently work with. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my Supervisor will be able to accomodate. I thought I would add a little nursing humor; a great tool I learned to use in times of uncertainty or stress.

 So, wish me luck and keep me in your thoughts come the first of Feb.

Happy New Year!

New Years was uneventful this year. I fell ill end of my last shift and it lasted through New Years. I had to call in sick New Years day, which is rarity. Morgan, bless her heart woke me up 15 seconds before the ball dropped. We watched the ball drop then brought in the New Year together by watching some TV before going back to bed. Hope that isn't a sign of how the rest of the year will be. I have many plans.


With 2010 now considered past events I’d like to review my top 5 accomplishments I achieved during the year.

1) Had the time of my life skiing in the White Mtns! Made it back alive with great memories and few funny stories. Most importantly no fractures, sprains or injuies of any kind. How I managed that is beyond me for I haven't been on a pair of skies since I was 10 years old.

2) Graduated Nursing school, with Honors! Who'd have thunk it?

3) Passed my nursing boards! The morning I sat for my boards could very possibly be the worst day of my life. Or at least the most emotional. So glad that is all done and over with.

4) Got my dream job in ICU! YEAH!!!

5) Moved out of Prescott area (finally) to Lubbock some 800+miles away from family and friends (sadly!)

So now we move into 2011…what now? Great things? Possibly? I am already preparing for my CCRN (critical care RN cert) and will most likely begin my BSN via Texas Tech in the fall. I have a few prereq's to complete first but then I will be on my way once again.