I have become a nurse

Last Thursday marked one year that I walked across the stage to accept my pin and graduate nursing school. I feel like this year has absolutely flown by, and in another few months I'll graduate again as a registered nurse. In the last year I have done, seen, and learned so many things; too  many to name, but here are a few things I am greatful that I've experienced along the way:

I have learned how to get what I want from doctors.

I have learned to listen to the older nurses, even if they aren't nice.

I have learned to go with my gut, always.

I have learned to check, double check, and recheck my meds.

I have learned that two hands are better than one, and four are better than two.

I have witnessed families coming apart, and families coming together.

I have cared for people who have no one in the world.

I have cared for the alcoholic, the drug addict, and the mentally ill.

I have cried happy tears, and sad ones.

I have had days where I questioned myself on end, and days where I didn't.

I have received praise for my work, and reprimand for my mistakes.

I have seen a mother welcome her child into the world, and a daughter tell her mother goodbye.

I have learned that it's okay when you don't know everything, and it doesn't hurt to ask.

I have pounded chests.

I have learned what teamwork really means.

I have pushed meds.

I have been called names, good ones and bad ones.

I have seen people who are at their worst, still give their best.

I have had people lift me up, when it should have been the other way around.

I have called codes, called ambulances, and called families.

I have held a patient as they took their first breaths, and another as they took their last.

I have become a nurse.