To summarise the changes I have experienced, I have compiled this list:
- Doctors talk to you more frequently. As a student, it was like we were invisible to them most of the time.
- Other nurses ask you to check medications and Scheduled drugs. This is the weirdest feeling! As students, we were not able to do this.
- Your patients expect more of you. In every single way.
- Signing progress notes and paperwork with your name, followed by 'RN'.
- Wearing scrubs... Which I LOVE!
- Feeling like I am working on much more of a even playing field. As a student, I felt that there was a knowledge or experience barrier between me and the nurses I was working with.
- Not having someone looking over my shoulder every step of the way. When I was a student, I would sometimes find my self questioning everything I did when I had a nurse looking over my shoulder. Now, it's just me and my own thoughts. And I love it!
All in all, I have really enjoyed my first week as a RN. My patients have been exceptional and so have the nurses I have been lucky to work with. I am excited to see where this year takes me!
In the mean time, stay healthy!
NKC
