At last.
11.17.2006
I have found "meaningful employment." Or at least a job that I can sign "RN" after my name. No more telemarketing, janitorial, light industrial, warehousing; I'm finally putting all of the hard work of nursing school to work. And what a job it is. I feel like more of a drug mule than a nurse. I think that in the 3 days I have worked, I've passed more meds than I did during my entire time in school. Or at least it feels that way.
The place is a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), alternatively known as a nursing home. In addition to long-term residents, there are folks who need skilled care greater that what a regular residential place can give. But it is a far cry from anything I have ever done. I nearly walked out my first day due to sheer frustration and the overwhelming nature of what I was dealing with. The second day was a little bit better: I didn't feel like just walking out of there. The reason why is simple: sheer numbers. Try 26:1. Give or take. All needing multiple meds, not to mention Accuchecks, insulin, PRN pain meds, inhalers, nebulizers and whatever else crops up int he course of the day. And it is just me handing all of this out. Sure, there are aides for the ADLs and daily routines of life, not that there is time for the nurse to do any of that, but the amount of work is astounding.
But a job is a job, and the pay is much better than the place I was previously offered a position with, (or at least enough to justify driving across town at 5am to get there.) It is by no means a permanent thing, merely a chance to work and get some experience while I find the right job. Yes, this sounds very mercenary, but, I spent a lot of time working for my license and I am going to do all in my power to get the job that I really want, that's just reality.
And, I have an interview for that job a week from Tuesday...
Til' later...
