Well here it is for the friends who have asked me to make a blog! I cannot believe it has been 3 months since I packed up and started a new journey here in Lubbock, Texas. I'll start off with my story.... I graduated in May from Arizona State University's BSN program... it was a LONG 5 years but finally accomplished the biggest goal of my life.... passing my nursing boards and being able to hold the title "Registered Nurse!"
Then came another long hurdle... finding a job. Arizona didn't have such a promising job market for nurses... let alone any nurse wanting to specialize. It has been a dream of mine since I was a junior in high school to be a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit so I just HAD to see if this dream could come true... I went searching on the internet and found jobs in both Pediatrics and the NICU, but all were out of state. I thought long and hard, but couldn't resist giving this a try, so I applied! After only a few weeks I got a call back from a hospital here in Lubbock, TX asking me to fly out for an interview. I was astonished but wasn't quite sure if I was in over my head. My mom and I flew out here, to a city that I had only heard about briefly. Home of Texas Tech University! It was the strangest feeling boarding a plane and not knowing what to expect when you land.... I actually liked the adventure of not knowing! Then our next hurdle..... trying to find our way around a strange city! That was fun! We went apartment searching "just in case" I got the job.... and fell in love with the first place we saw! I could definitely see myself living there, and what do you know.... now I am! Then came the interview... the long dreaded interview. I did not know what to expect, but I had NO idea what I was in for! I get there only to find out that I will be asked questions by a panel of about 8 nurses from the unit, including my supervisor. I was so intimidated, but sure enough I thought of answers to the questions quickly enough that it went really smooth. A few days later I got the call.... offering me the job! I had only 2 days to decide whether or not I wanted to pack up and leave AZ. Let me tell ya, it was the toughest decision of my life! I decided that I could not decline it because I would always wonder "what if??!!!" It happened so fast, but I know that I made the right decision because I cannot replace the experience that I am getting.
I have been on orientation for 12 weeks now, following a "preceptor," which is another nurse who we work with and who gives us guidance in being a new nurse and answers questions. Tomorrow night will be my second day working without a preceptor! The first day I was quite scared..... it is different knowing that you do not have someone to help you right at your fingertips! I know that there are people always around to help, but it's that sense of security knowing that if something goes wrong... you have someone to help you! I am sure it will get easier with time. I have already learned SO much and have taken care of some of the sickest babies. I have seen some go home, and I have seen some pass away. I have watched the babies suffer, as well as the families. It has been hard! It can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining sometimes, but also very rewarding knowing that I helped in some way!
The hardest part of it all is being away from family... and the holidays sure don't help! That is something that will also get easier with time. The most difficult time for me was watching as my family drove off back to AZ, leaving me in a town that is unfamiliar to me. I was scared out of my mind! I still look back to that day and wonder how I got through it. I remember holding back tears until I absolutely couldn't any longer. It was hard let me tell you! I was not able to make it home for Thanksgiving due to the fact that I had to work, but I think working made it all a bit easier. I do have off for Christmas, but only 2 days, so not enough time to make it home! I guess I will just Skype with them :) It's alright though because come December 29th, I will be home for 8 whole days!!! I am so excited!
That is my journey so far, and will post more about my experiences later! Right now I am going to catch some Zzzzz because I am tired! Thanks for reading :)
Jamie
