Fears...

I have been thinking about the things I am most nervous about with this new position. I know that my concerns will soon be eased but here is what comes to mind first.


1. Sitting at "the table" during report. This sounds stupid but the whole time I have been working on the floor the nurses sit at "the table" when report is given at the beginning of the shift. The Nursing Assistant (me) just leans against the wall or crouches on the floor. I will be a member of the table, getting report on my patients. Crazy.


2. Doing rounds the first time. On the floor the Docs are up there all the time during the day. After we break from morning report and get the morning meds out (if you are lucky enough to get it all done first) you go sit at "the table" with the Doc and discuss your patients for the day and what needs to be done. I have never been part of this.


3. Night shift. Yes, 7 pm to 7 am. I have never in my life worked through the night. I am just nervous as to how my body will handle it. I have the advantage that I have no trouble sleeping during the day. I know some RN's have trouble during the day trying to catch up when they get home. I hope I don't! I'll let you now how that goes, I work the first on Aug. 14th.


And now for the Biggie!

4. The pumps. Let me just give you an example.

The IV pumps I set up and dealt with in nursing school:


The IV carousel I will be using at work:

The amount of meds going at a time, the importance of meds and blood products- WOW!

So those are the main things for now, I am sure after my floor orientation I will be able to come up with a million more things.