I'M A BEDSIDE NURSE

I went back to the world of bedside nursing 5 months ago.The 12 hour days full of adventures is becoming easier to handle as I maneuver back into the groove of things.

The last time I worked on the floor was 4 years ago. Paper charting was it! Thick heavy charts that you have to constantly look for takes up a lot of your time. Not only that, you almost need a degree in hieroglyphics or some shit, just to understand the physician's handwriting!

But not anymore, Electronic charting is the bomb. I was apprehensive at first, but as I learned where to click, copy, and paste, my workload seems more like a breeze! Everything is right there in front of me..Drawback? I feel like I'm losing my touch with narrative charting. Since everything is click, click , click, I feel like I'm not thinking anymore.

Maybe it's just me. What do you think?

I also like the use of Rovers to scan patients ID bracelet in conjunction with their medications that you have to give. It's like having another person with you doing the 5 Rights. How cool is that? But, the drawback is trying to find a Rover that's charged and ready to go. Most of the time, rovers are left behind uncharged,

When you're starting your shift looking for a charged up Rover so you can give the freaking 0730 call from a patient who wants Dilaudid......you get the picture!

But overall, I have to say patient interaction has been a joy. I'm not really sure why I left it in the first place. I guess, I had to search and find out for myself what I truly enjoy about nursing.

Making a difference. That's what keeps me charged up. No matter how small it may be. Whether I'm ordering that extra jello that they like on their lunch tray, to educating them more about how to manage they're disease and see they're eyes light up, gives me goosebumps all the time. Dramatic right?

I also thrive on the adrenalin rush!  The burst of  phone calls you receive while trying to hang 4 units of platelets before the 11am surgery, call lights twinkling for that much awaited pain med teaches you how to organize and prioritize to keep em alive till seven oh five!

It's not perfect by all means. I can run into some really challenging situations. But it keeps me grounded. It makes me think. It makes me do better not only for my patient but also for me.

At the end of the day, when my patients look at me and thank me for everything I have done for them, becomes music to my ears. That my friend is good enough for me.

Happy Nursing.