I know I can do it.

mommytrackd
Originally uploaded by kelly's World2007

Most people know by now that I'm a nurse and that I've just spent the last 6 months training to work in the ICU. I've finally finished orientation on the "unit", and today I did my first shift flying solo (although I was surrounded by a very supportive staff that seem to want me to do well). Here starts my career in ICU!

During the past 6 months I learned at nauseum about such things as advanced hemodynamic monitoring, adminstering inotropes and vasopressors, etc (it's payback time to my "techy" friends and family members....I'm finally speaking in a language they can't understand). Anyhow, I've been fixated on the many technical aspects of the ICU, and I've been anxiously awaiting the time I would be applying my new skills on my own. Today was D Day and I have to say it was a great day! At the risk of sounding like Mary Poppins, I'm pleased with the great nursing care I was able to provide. I fell back on what I know best, caring for people. Everything else just kind of fell into place. The truism of "you know more than you think" rang true today.

After my 12 hour day shift, I came home to my family (and a warm dinner to boot.... I love my husband:) Paul says that ever since I've started working in the ICU, I don't look exhausted at the end of my shifts. I think it's true. I don't know what it is. Maybe I was no longer enjoying where I was working and I've found the place for me. Who knows (I hope it's true after finishing the last 6 months of training.....doing papers till the wee hours of the morning and then heading off to clinical in the morning, etc).

When I get home from work, the balancing act ensues....making sure I say hi to everyone, giving everyone a kiss hello, making sure the kids have fun in the bath (not just doing a rushed cleaning job), and spending enough cuddle time with Peter, Isabella and Paul. I love my family and I'm so lucky that they're all patient with me.

Tomorrow begins my night shifts. Anything can happen on nights (and usually does). This is the great thing about my job; I can work a bunch of 12 hour shifts in the week and still manage to make it out to play time at the rec centre.