Working Woman

I have been working now for just over a month.  I am officially off my orientation period and this Sunday will be my first shift on my own!  For orientation I worked with another nurse, that way I could easily ask questions and have someone teaching me the ropes.  I am slightly nervous to be out on my own, but I think I am ready and it will be ok. 

This unit is SOOOO much different than the unit I was on previously.  I was on a cardiac unit for those that don't remember, and now I am on an oncology unit.  Some initial differences I am noticing in the patient population are:

• Cardiac is fairly black and white compared to cancer
• Families are much more involved in the oncology world, which is great.  I am so encouraged to see how much support my patients get from their families and friends.  Cancer is awful, it truly effects the entire family.  I have had so many patients and families (in my short time there...) tell me they rely on faith and prayer for strength.  How amazing to hear that!
• Unlike the previous unit I was on where most of the patient population was elderly, this unit has a very young population a lot of times.  It is very hard for me to see patients that are so young to be so sick.  It makes me very thankful for the health God has blessed me and my family.  

I am enjoying learning all the new things though.  It is very overwhelming and I feel very behind the curve.  There is just so many new things I have never dealt with before, but I am up for the challenge.  At some point I will have to become chemotherapy certified, which will allow me administer chemo to patients.

Overall it is going well. I do miss the feeling of being more confident on the job, but that will come with time!