I graduated nursing school in the May of 2009; passed my boards in the Fall of 2009 (6 months pregnant); had Ryan in January 2010. Then, started my first job in the summer of 2010.
(I couldn't have planned my pregnancy any better. I was able to enjoy my growing belly; be extra involved in Jaden's Kindergarten year; and spend the first 6 months home with my little prince. Financially...well...we made it!)
I have Jan Croley to thank for my first nursing job. In school, they pound it in your head, "You really need med surg experience." aka, FLOOR NURSING. Not my cup of tea. So I was determined, to find something more compatiable with me. Jan was the Director of Labor & Delivery, Mother/Baby and Surgical Services at Florida Hospital. I applied for a mother/baby position and an RN-positions at Cooper, Branch and Lesasburg's office (OB/GYN).
First job interview; like in the REAL WORLD...not Foodway, or Central Florida Health Care- I was a nervous wreck. Jan spoke with me about the mother/baby position (only part time) and the lack of pay RNs received working in an office. I wasn't quite sure where she was heading...until she said, I've got another position... it's in Endoscopy, part of our Surgical Department. I want you to meet Deanna, the Director of Surgical Services. (cue Deanna).
Somehow, my desire to work with babies had become an endoscopy interview. (What did nursing school teach me about endoscopy? Um...nothing? Endoscopy meant what to me? Scopes? Cameras? Oh God, I wasn't even sure. Note to self: go home and research endoscopy nursing.) Deanna was nice. (Thought to self: I could work for her.) Hospital nursing generally consists of 12-hour shifts. Endoscopy was a M-F, 7:00A-3:30P job...and I had a 6-month old baby at home. Ended the interview, torn, with Jan saying, "You go home and think about it; call me in 4 days. It's something you really need to consider."
End result: I became the next Endoscopy nurse at Florida Hospital in Sebring. I worked with the best 2-person crew; Tony & Carol. Best co-workers you could imagine. (I will later discover the importance of those you work with.) Tony & Carol taught me the ropes; quick, fast-paced, doctor/patient-pleasing. I've seen the inside of mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, common bile ducts, colon; GI bleeds, ulcers, strictures, cancer masses, polyps, hemorrhoids. I was eager to learn. Deanna gave me the opportunity to learn outpatient sugery, pre-op and PACU (recovery room). Every free moment I got; I'd be back in the OR. I worked alongside the best nurses, techs and anesthesiologists around. I've laughed, cried and prayed with my patients. I loved my job.
Anyone considering nursing...I'd highly suggest it. It's such a broad-field with so many opportunities. But remember- nursing takes heart & compassion; it's a career (in my opinion), you've either got it or you don't. There's qualities that a text book can't teach you... you never know where you're nursing career may lead you...
...next job, ER (more to come)
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