My 2nd Nursiversary!

As of today, I've been working at Hopkins for two full years!  In some ways, I can't believe that it's already been that long- it feels like my first day was just yesterday!  Then I think about how much I've learned, or I look at new nurses that start on our floor, and I realize that I'm a pretty legitimate nurse nowadays.  I still have PLENTY to keep learning, and I'm presented with challenges almost every time I walk through the doors, but in general, I'm no longer considered a "novice nurse."  Now, if I wanted to, I could change jobs rather easily, since I have enough experience to be taken seriously.  In honor of those experiences, I thought I'd share with you a few of the many things I've learned in the last two years:

- I care way more about poop than I ever thought I would or wanted to.  I celebrate bowel movements all the time, and on any given day, I'm doing numerous things to help restart things after surgery.  Also- so. many. diaper changes.  

- You are your child's best resource and best advocate.  You know your kid better than the doctors do, so if you think something is out of place, or they're acting a little strange- say something.

- oh you had surgery?  you're on narcotics? drink your miralax. every time. quickly. (see above)

- there are days I wear more "hats" than I can count- dietician? Repiratory? doctor? Cleaning lady? pharmacist? social worker?

- kids are so, so resilient   They can bounce back from pretty much anything. 

- Don't even try to get vitals during Hospital Bingo. or pet therapy.

- Even the simplest things can make a sick kid smile- one of my favorite patients loves to play with my hair- it can calm him down almost instantly.

- working with "adolescents" doesn't mean all of my kids will be able to talk back to me.  But the ones who can, frequently talk back.

- don't mess with your liver.  it fights back. and usually wins.

- those drinking games from my college days can come in handy during a bowel clean out.

- whoever told you your spinal fusion wouldn't hurt lied to your face.  have you looked up that surgery on youtube?

- "how was work today" is a dangerous question- especially if you're eating.

- I don't need as much sleep as I used to, and for some reason I don't nap as well either.

- having great coworkers can be a lifesaver- for both me and the patients.

- everyone gets a little silly at 5am, no matter how much sleep you got

- it takes about 5 seconds into cathing someone before you realize that you left the bed too low

- chances are, if I'm dreading going in to work, something will happen throughout the day that reminds me why I chose this career, and why I love to do what I do- poop and all.