2.28.19

        The month of February has definitely been a rough month. From working, school, and the passing of my grandfather; it has been long but also has brought many good things. 

This month has been a big focus on transitioning from our clinical rotation in psych back into the hospital. There is a HUGE difference nursing wise from working in a nurse role in a psychiatric facility to working in a hospital setting. It really hits hard when you see individuals hurting so much. No matter the circumstance, it hurts and you have to do your best to help them and empathize with them but in a professional manner. The hospital has also been very eventful for my experience as a student nurse. I did rotations this past week in the emergency department and the intensive care unit. The emergency department was extremely busy and many patients with various illnesses and conditions came in. Great for learning, but very anxiety-producing for patients and their family members. In the intensive care unit, I witnessed my first death in the hospital setting. It was a very intense situation and everyone truly did everything that was possible to save the patient. The pictures that you see online of an ICU where there are IV tubings and poles everywhere, tons of them. Medication vials, syringes, and packages all over the place. Many people crowded in the room communicating SO well with each other. Everyone knew exactly what they were to do and when they were to do it. It was such an incredible yet emotional experience. 

A few of the things that have really brought some light this month were that I got many experiences in the hospitals this week, I had an interview with a potential future employer, I got my preceptorship placement letter (YAY!), graduation portraits and I was reminded (as I am everyday) that I have the BEST support system. Living in an area where I am not close by to my family or friends is extremely difficult. With everything going on this month, it has been especially difficult but knowing that I have a great support system by my side and has done everything to lift my spirit and keep my mind in the right place. 

Preceptorship : 

In our final semester of nursing school, everyone is excited, nervous, and antsy to hear where they are placed for our final preceptorship rotation. This particular rotation is the last 6 weeks of our semester and is looked at as a place where you hope to become employed. You can choose 3 areas in which you hope to be placed but are not guaranteed to get a placement in any of your preferred choices and could potentially be placed in a completely different hospital or facility. My three choices for our preceptorship were: 

1. ICU/Critical Care
2. Mother Baby/Labor & Delivery
3. Hospice

These are highly competitive areas as many people want these areas so it is extremely difficult to get your first, second, or even third choice. I was (luckily) one of the first 5 people to receive their preceptorship placement letters and was informed of where I would be doing my rotation. I am beyond excited to share that my preceptorship will be taking place in the ICU! I have always wanted to work in a place where I am provide the most help to others and am excited to be able to learn everything that working in an ICU entails. Yes, there will be some times where it is difficult and not all happy outcomes but to be able to be there and provide care for those who need it most. 

t-minus 2 months till graduation!