Reflections on my first few years as an RN

I’ve managed not to kill anyone.

I’ve lost my temper once. I was called to the NUM’s office for that one.

I have been hit by patients more times than I can recall. Out of all of those hits, there were only two that I would class as truly being assaulted.

I made one medication error (on my first day on the job).

I’ve learnt that machines are wonderful things, but they cannot be trusted, and must always be checked.

I’ve learnt to always leave the buzzer within reach of a patient.

I’ve learnt that drug addicts are still human beings.

I’ve learnt that truth really is often stranger than fiction.

I’ve learnt to never find out what an incarcerated patient is in jail for.

I’ve learnt that the students that we have today will be our colleagues tomorrow. Teach them well and treat them well.

I have learnt never to underestimate the amount of faeces that can come out of a single human being.

I have learnt that the yankuer sucker is the single greatest invention ever for cleaning up a bed full of diarrhoea.

I’ve been privileged to witness displays of supreme strength and courage from patients and their families who are faced with devastating illnesses and injuries.

I’ve had ringside seats to those people who have taken bad news in a less-than-dignified manner.

I’ve learnt that a trained monkey can perform a set of obs or give out meds, but it takes a little more to be able to really communicate with a patient and make them feel safe.

I think that I’ve learnt a lot, but the more I have learnt, the more I realise that there is so much that I don’t know.

I think that I’ve made a difference.

First post

Why is it that when I look back on the stupid, regrettable, or otherwise ill-fated escapades of my life, the common link is always “it seemed like a good idea at the time“?

Well… starting this seems like a good idea. At this time…