A little more time; what I've learned on the job thus far

As of Thursday, I have accepted an 8 week extension at my current job, which was offered to me last week. I didn't say yes or no right away, as I was awaiting word on a potential contract in Saint Louis. Turns out...it just ended up not working out, so I'm now here until the end of January, pending the signing of the extended contract, which will begin a day after my current contract ends. I was looking forward to going somewhere else, but in all honesty I think I'm just happy to be here a little longer. Granted, I now run the risk of having to work on Christmas, but it's all good. After the pretty crazy last couple of days, I'm really REALLY thankful for my team. They're not afraid to jump in, get their hands dirty and do what needs to be done. It was one of my biggest trepidations when initially going into travel nursing; that I wouldn't be liked or fit in with my co-workers, wherever I ended up. I'm so thankful that that is not the case at all. I'm really blessed, to be honest. We have a tough enough job as it is, and in my past experiences when I've really had to lean on my team to help, they've balked at the last minute or are suddenly too busy to help out. I was talking to one of my co workers just recently, and one of the things I remembered in nursing school was to ALWAYS treat your techs, CNA's or other helpers really well. Let's face it; they're the backbone of any job. They're out there doing the dirty work and doing the stuff we as nurses can do, but often times just dump on them based on convenience. Yeah...I've seen that done before many times, and it really irks me. If I'm right there and a patient asks the staff for a cup of coffee, yeah I'm going to get up and get them a cup of coffee, some socks or a toothbrush. So many times I've seen the nurses say "go ask one of the techs" or "go ask someone on the floor." It's not bothering me in any way, and they have stuff to do, too...so yeah. I'm all about pitching in and helping them too, as they do SO MUCH for us!

I'm not trying to put myself on a pedestal by any means, but I've always carried with me that simple lesson I learned on one of my first days in school. And attitude is everything! I'm much more willing to work with staff who are positive, acknowledge me when I say hello or good morning and don't carry around a negative aroma whenever they walk into the room. Though some may disagree, I really do think if you're not in a good mood, you can just fake it. It may take a little bit of effort, but you'd be amazed at how much extending kindness goes. Sometimes, just hanging onto negativity isn't really worth it...at least for me it isn't. And yes, I know that we've all had some bad days and there will be bad days ahead, but my sister actually shared something with me not too long ago. I was having a meltdown, eating my lunch in my car because I just needed to get off the unit and go as far away as I possibly could without actually driving away. She said "Kelly, you've survived your worst days, so you're doing ok!" She said she had read that on Facebook or something, but shoot; it really is true. How guilty I am to turn everything into doom and gloom when things go south. I always tell myself lately that at least every day isn't like what's going on now. Mind over matter.

Holy cow, it's almost Thanksgiving! I was talking to my mom a few days ago, and she said it doesn't feel like it. They can't read this, thank goodness, but I'm actually surprising them! I told them I'm working tomorrow, Thanksgiving day and the day after, but in all honesty, I'm working tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday, then hopping in my car on Wednesday and driving up to see them! I can't wait to see them! This time of year is always special; my family and I are really close, and it's been harder for me because my work schedule is so unpredictable and I don't know when I'm working, not working or if I'll have some holidays off. Thanksgiving off this year for sure, maybe Christmas, we'll see!


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