Post by nataliewhite on Dec 21, 2015 8:23:15 GMT
Over the last year I have been challenged in making the adjustment to working as an RN, compared with my previous experience in retail. The first main challenges I faced were time management and confidence. When I first began in February, I found myself rushing to finish shifts on time, and sometimes staying back to finish my notes. With support and practice, this improved. Confidence also took time to grow, and while initially I was nervous to approach the medical staff, I have transitioned to a nurse who can confidently approach a doctor to advocate for my clients well-being.
The other greatest challenge that I faced this year came 6 months in, when I moved from the Perinatal and Infant Inpatient Unit (PIIU) to Ward E, the adult inpatient unit. While in PIIU, I gained many skills in nursing women and their infants (I felt like a cross between a pediatric nurse and a psychiatric nurse). However, entering Ward E brought completely new challenges, including; complex medication rounds (compared with PIIU), more acutely unwell patients, AMA, restraint, seclusion, and a different nurse-patient load. Moreover, I spent 2 months on night shift whilst on Ward E; giving me insight into the role of the night-duty nurse, and a more holistic understanding of how nurses care for patients 24/7.
A favorite memory for me was on Ward E, when I had the pleasure to refer one of my clients across to PIIU due to her improved mental state. I was able to advocate her suitability for PIIU with the Ward E treating team, and began the referral process for the doctors. My knowledge of when a client is well enough to be at PIIU with their infant allowed a woman to leave Ward E and continue her recovery with her baby. This relieved her anxiety and took pressure off her family, who were having to care for the baby at home.
The other greatest challenge that I faced this year came 6 months in, when I moved from the Perinatal and Infant Inpatient Unit (PIIU) to Ward E, the adult inpatient unit. While in PIIU, I gained many skills in nursing women and their infants (I felt like a cross between a pediatric nurse and a psychiatric nurse). However, entering Ward E brought completely new challenges, including; complex medication rounds (compared with PIIU), more acutely unwell patients, AMA, restraint, seclusion, and a different nurse-patient load. Moreover, I spent 2 months on night shift whilst on Ward E; giving me insight into the role of the night-duty nurse, and a more holistic understanding of how nurses care for patients 24/7.
A favorite memory for me was on Ward E, when I had the pleasure to refer one of my clients across to PIIU due to her improved mental state. I was able to advocate her suitability for PIIU with the Ward E treating team, and began the referral process for the doctors. My knowledge of when a client is well enough to be at PIIU with their infant allowed a woman to leave Ward E and continue her recovery with her baby. This relieved her anxiety and took pressure off her family, who were having to care for the baby at home.