OMG, I'm going to toss my cookies. "Calm down. It will be fine." *Runs to bathroom.*
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Repeat to self 47 times.
And this was at 5 AM, before I started getting ready. I managed to iron my uniform, grab a water and all my clinical supplies, and head out the door. I arrived on the unit, and ran to the bathroom right after I put my bag down. (The limbic system is responsible for stress related GI issues. Mine has a very active sense of responsibility.)
After getting that handled, I went to look up med administration times and order changes for my patient, nervous that he would have been discharged by the time I arrived this morning. (If any of you know me, it's a running joke that I can't keep a patient. I have not once ever had a patient for the entire duration of shift.) I received report, gave report to my instructor, and went to my patient's room, cringing the entire time it took me to open the door to the room.
I went in, introduced myself, and started the assessment... and I realized, I was fine. My fear had melted away, and I was confident. I can and I will do this. And I did. I completed the assessment, charted vitals, gave meds (and on time, I might add), gave a bath, and so many other things! And I didn't feel stupid or incompetent. The primary nurse was great, and allowed me autonomy, but she was there if I needed her. My instructor was awesome, and peeked in occasionally. I stayed busy the entire morning, and I gave my patient the best care I possibly could. This nurse thing is me.
Our group went to lunch, and when we returned, my patient had orders to be discharged. Of course. :)
But... it made me so happy because I got to d/c my first (real) IV!
And at the end of the day, my primary nurse and my patient thanked me and told me I provided excellent care. Excellent!
Because real nurses skip around with med trays. :)
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