Nursing 101

While in nursing school, I truly felt as though I was going into a profession where I could make a difference and help people. After graduating in May and starting my career as a RN at a bigger hospital I have learned what being a nurse is actually like. Don't get me wrong- I do love what I do, but I never expected the work to be so physically, mentally, and even emotionally demanding. My job as a RN on an ortho/neuro/surgical unit has been very rewarding at times and at times just exhausting. I LOVE caring for my patients and helping them heal and being their advocate during the hard times. What I don't care for so much is the late night phone calls to MDs or the chaos of day shifts with so many discharges, surgeries, and admits. Even though I have come home many times with tears pouring down, I know in the end that what I do is worthwhile. I realize this when I see the smile on my patients' faces or when I hear a simple thank you from a patient for doing what I do. Caring for people is what I do and what I love to do. I just wish my job would allow me more time to provide the care I truly want to provide to my patients. I'm sure that I am not alone on this one!