As We Go On, We Remember: I Pass Nursing Orientation; My Patient Graduates High School In the ICU

Milestones are universal, measurable events to mark the progression of life. It signifies movement into the next stage of our lives. But what if movement is not just moving on, but beyond? Graduating high school is such a remarkable time in human life. I can't tell you the amount of times I've seen movies about … Continue reading As We Go On, We Remember: I Pass Nursing Orientation; My Patient Graduates High School In the ICU →

Free Bird: A Short Story On Starting A New Job In the ICU

An extended metaphor comparing a fledgeling learning how to fly to a new intensive care unit (ICU) nurse navigating the critical care environment. The fears. The tears. The cheers. The Piece Mama bird shoved me out of the nest. I cried out in startlement. My calls were drenched in anguish and distress. Instinctively I flapped … Continue reading Free Bird: A Short Story On Starting A New Job In the ICU →

1 Year in the ICU: A Self-Reflection

A self-reflection on the resolution of one year at, what nursing school me would consider, her "dream" job. Is this what dreams are made of? It's around the one year mark of my time here in the intensive care unit. This was my dream job after college. I actually interviewed here as a fresh post-grad, … Continue reading 1 Year in the ICU: A Self-Reflection →

In Sickness and In Health

I reflect on the meaning of love and commitment when a beautiful example shines into my patient assignment. “…in sickness and in health.” We’ve heard that vow many times before whether on screen in movies, or IRL at an actual wedding. My mind often drifts back to the concept of love because my definition and … Continue reading In Sickness and In Health →

Instinctual Thoughts

At the basis of our inner core, what is it that drives us? When the looming threat of mortality triggers us, who or what comes to the surface? I work in the neurosurgical ICU. As you can imagine, a lot of my patients have lapses in memory. I end up having the same conversation, multiple … Continue reading Instinctual Thoughts →

The First 6 Months: I’ve Been A Nurse for Half A Year Already??

Reaching 6 months of experience in your first nursing job is no easy feat. At 6 months, you've officially upgraded from new grad nurse to novice nurse. Here are some ways I adapted from in-school simulation and clinical to real-life patient interactions.