So I have just finished 2 weekend day shifts. My feet hurt and I feel physically and emotionally drained.
Rather than on the negative I'd like to talk about the positive, of which I discovered a HUGE one.
I had the less acute bay but one of my patients required much more input than the others. She had pneumonia and decreased mobility and due to a back problem was in a lot of pain, especially with any intervention. Anyway, she needed to go for an X-ray and we needed to change her sheet. Moving her with 2 was impossible, 4 was difficult but I never expected the whole team (NA's, nurses and the ward sister) came to help me transfer my patient and change her sheet. Apart from in ITU I have never seen this sort of team work. It was an amazing moment that really made me appreciate my colleagues.
Which brings me on to my ward sister. When I had reached my literal breaking point she took me to the office, talked me through my tears and give me the reassurance I desperately needed. She told me the most important thing was to care for my patients the best way. I can. Crossing every T and dotting every I is important but must not come before the hands on input with those under my care.
I came home after this, exhausted and with feet that felt raw, but rather than feeling defeated I felt supported, and a Facebook message from my wonderful ward sister later that evening made me smile and realise just how lucky I am that at least some of my colleagues appreciate how tough it can be to be the new girl and the newly qualified.
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