Things I wish I knew before embarking on my nursing career : part 1

Things i wish I knew before embarking on my Nursing career : part 1

1. Not all heroes wear capes , most of them wear scrubs

Special shoutout to the nurses and healthcare professionals who worked throughout the covid 19 pandemic. Covid 19 took the world by surprise. A global pandemic ?  The healthcare professionals STILL of course had to work throughout it when there was no vaccine let alone knowledge of the nature of the virus. I salute them ! The joys of healthcare... facing whatever is thrown at us next one FFP2 mask at a time . More recently storm Éowyn had the whole of Ireland freaking out. I am thankful I was not scheduled to work on that day , but I was on duty the day before. I watched the nurse manager make arrangements for nurses to sleepover at the hospital or stay in a near by hotel . It was really another reminder that nurses really are the backbone of the healthcare system.

‍

2. You need thick skin and a soft heart 

Working in healthcare can sometimes be incredibly draining and sometimes toxic. Whether it’s staff you don't get along with or a patients family member who is testing every ounce of patience you have , it can be tricky to navigate. Take everyday as it comes , with grace. Nurses need a "thick skin and a soft heart" because their work involves navigating emotionally intense, high-pressure situations while still providing compassionate care to patients and their families.

‍

3. You don't get paid for supernumerary placements 

This is something I didn't really give much thought to before nursing. It all just kinda hit me in first year of placement when I realized that I was required to work full 12/13 clinical hours and there was only the National Competency Assessment Documents (NCADs) to show for it . Bruh. BUT the GOOD news is , after the first year of nursing is completed a nursing student is qualified to work as a healthcare assistant in hospitals and healthcare facilities. (Another thing I did not know till I started nursing)

‍

4. There will be days you question if nursing is for you (and maybe it's not)

Personally, nursing is a vocation for me , a nurse is one of the many things that God has called me to be. BUT I still have may days of “wait”... “So this is what I’ve signed up to do for the rest of my life”? It can be daunting ! But I am certain of this : being confident of this, that he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6). Another thing I did not know before starting nursing is how many different avenues there are for nurses to take ! Bedside is not the be all and end all.

‍

5. The sooner you acquire a good work/life balance the better

This life must what ? IT.MUST.BALANCE ! If you are not your best self , then how can you give the best care to your patients ? Get that facial , book the pedicure , eat good foods , read your Bible ! I am a big advocate for self care , especially for people whose primary role it is to take care of people e.g. nurses , parents etc. (Have you read my post : Who Takes Care of the Carer ? "

If not what are you waiting for ???

I pray your new week is fruitful and full of happy moments - love Jennyfa ❤︎

#RGN2BE