New experiences

It's been an interesting past few days. I've worked a few extra shifts due to major staffing issues (ugh. And I'm done on that subject). so it's been nuts needless to say. This past weekend (Friday-Sunday) I've had the opportunity to work on a different unit with some of the older folks. I really don't mean to sound derogatory, but yeah. It is what it is. I covered for someone on Friday, which is when the working on the elderly unit started. It was an interesting experience, but it just simply re affirms why I really don't care for that population. Some of them were sweet, some mean, and some a little bit frisky. It reminded me too much of a step down nursing home, which again, I don't really care for. But I really did enjoy the staff I worked with, and they were all super great! I have a lot of respect for them, because again, that population at times is not the easiest to deal with. I feel that in order to want to work in that setting you have to really love it. But oh goodness, the stories I could tell from just the 3 days I was there could take hours!

I find it hard to believe I've been where I am for almost 3 months. I've seen a lot of patients, heard a lot of different stories and have seen people get worse but far more get better. I've had quite a few frustrating moments, but the positives outweigh them all. I like working on my unit and I don't mind helping out when needed, but I suppose when you're in one place for a while you get used to it and it becomes your comfort zone. Perhaps I should be more open to change. But nevertheless, I'm still thankful that 3 days a week at least, I know I'm going to a job that I love. And yes, I do only love working 3 days a week. I wouldn't have it any other way; the pay is good enough, my bills get paid and I feel that if I worked full time I would be more succumb to getting burned out. Trust me, at a place like mine, it is very easy to. Maybe someday, but not anytime soon. Now my train of thought has run out; worked my regular shift yesterday then half of night shift. My brain is still a little fuzzy I suppose. So this will be all for now. I'll leave with this, and I'm not just preaching to the choir but to myself as well; not every day at work is going to be a cake walk. Sometimes you'll have to do things or go to places (or other units) you don't want to. But at least you have a job. If you like it, let that passion keep driving you. If you don't, figure out why and if you can, do something about it. If you can't do anything about it, find something you do love.