When turned the big 23 one year ago I got my first job as a RN! My first official job was actually giving flu shots at Walmart (this job
rocked, I got paid to sit on my butt and read….Hunger Games are so good). My
second job as a RN, (technically my first real nursing job) was
at Kolob Rehabilitation in St. George. Gosh I wish I would have wrote in my
journal when I first starting working, talk about stress. The bathroom was my
saving grace, I would occasionally go there for a five minute break where I
could cry in private and then resume the stress of the floor. My morning med
pass lasted from 6 AM to 1030 AM, only to start my second med pass at 11AM. There
were so many patients that I didn’t really know any of them and had no idea
what they really needed. I had never changed a dirty brief in my life and
although this is TMI I had to double glove over and over again due to
constipation….digital removal is oh so very gross. From falls, chest pain (I
hate chest pain, you never know when its real), supervising CNA's, dealing with
doctors, getting punched in the face from combative residents, med errors, caring
for those that were actively dying, calling family and telling them that their
loved one has passed and much much more I eventually began to like my job. I
hated commuting but learned to appreciate the geriatric population and enjoyed
making a difference in their lives and in my own. Being a geriatric nurse is
hard work but I continue to push myself as I think of the fact that one day in
heaven these individuals and my Father in Heaven will hold me accountable for
the care I provide for them in this fragile state.
The first time I worked with a resident actively dying I
learned what a privilege it is. Those are very precious moments and to make one
comfortable during that time is a very rewarding feeling. The first time I had
a resident pass the family was not there and it was my responsibility to call
the family and inform them of this, I had been keeping touch with the daughter
frequently but to tell someone that their father has passed away, that is hard.
I could not/cannot do it without crying and hope I never can. The family called
after this day and spoke to someone one in management and complimented the care
I gave to their father during his passing and how I informed/treated the family
during and after, that is rewarding.
When I went to
nursing school I never dreamed of being a geriatric nurse but I am so glad that
my career gave me this experience. I really learned to get to know my residents
as well as love them. There’s nothing like hearing “you’re my favorite nurse”,
you know you’re not only taking care of them physically but mentally as well. I
love those residents. I know one day in heaven I will be best friends with some
of those residents and I look forward to that.
I am now working in Cedar City at Kolob, owned by the same company but under different management which makes a big difference. I enjoy my job but I do look forward to working in a more acute area such as medsurge. Being the breadwinner is definitely challenging at times and i'm thankful I don't have to do it forever but while I am doing it I'm becoming a stronger person and learning from those I work with, especially those in the geriatric population.
