worked at XXXXX so long that I did not think I could be a "real" nurse
anymore. But, I was wrong, and I now have great self confidence in
myself as a nurse. I thank Debbie and my husband and family for
supporting me and giving me the confidence to broaden my horizons.
Initially I was lucky enough to find a part time job at a nursing home
in Boerne. The DON was so kind to me, and told me, "you CAN do this!"
She is former Navy, and basically gave another Veteran a chance, and for
that I will be eternally grateful.
So, my first day I was terrified! Of what? The new insulin delivery
systems! As far as I can tell, nothing else has changed. My preceptor, a
young nurse in her 20's, was just the ticket to build my confidence. I
can now manage the various insulin delivery systems, and treatments for
20 patients, MD orders, etc. I have also managed 2 emergencies. I serve
as a resource person to 2 LVN's and a medication nurse as well as 2
CNA's, and my confidence has returned. You know why? The human body has
not changed. Not much else has changed either. We CAN do this! We did
not lose our minds sitting behind a computer. If anything, we have a
broader base of knowledge than when we started at XXXX.
I have just started in a full time hospice RN Case Manager job , and
it's going well, and I am making more than I made at XXXX, and in 90 days
I get a raise. I was given a bag of all the necessary nursing tools,
including a pulse oximeter, cell phone and a laptop. I am ready to go,
working in central SATX. Our newest territory is the Boerne area, and I
will move from SATX to Boerne, as their case load grows. I did not give
up my part time job, because I love it, and will work there per Diem. I
just can't let those residents go, as they have wormed into a place in
my heart.
What makes my day now are hugs from my elder patients, an "I love you"
from some of them, and hearing stories from one woman who is 100 years
old, which are extremely interesting. I would not trade these moments
for anything in the world. I have been given the opportunity to
remember, why I became a nurse in the first place, and it feels good.
Pat, I know you and I were not the best of friends, but I just wanted to
let you know, there is life outside of BRC, should you decide to go
that route.
I am thankful to my wide circle of friends, who took me in their arms,
loved me, and helped me find my way when I was so upset that I did not
know where to turn.
