I got to work today at 7am. I took at 15 minute lunch break, no breakfast (unless you count the energy drink and coffee I slammed before noon while charting). And with all of that time, my 12 hours turned into 14. Leaving work at 9 pm isnt what I WANT to do- BUT.. I took the time to clean a womans mouth out with a sponge so she was actually able to SPEAK- and the first words she said were I want to kiss you. I took the time to feed a man who couldnt hold a fork. I took the time to reassure a husband beside himself with the care he has to provide his wife and time to convince the patient she really should stay one more night at the hospital by listening to her concerns and working toward resolutions. These things arent things I can check off of my task list. My charting at 8 pm was far from complete. But all 14 hours I did what I worked so hard to get my license for. I provided patient care in any way necessary. Nursing is a lot of charting and task completion that only the nurse holds the qualifications to complete- but I will never be the nurse who puts charting before the patient. My patients needs come before my own 100% of the time. I dont feel that I cant complete my tasks in 12 hours. I feel the patient deserves everything I can offer them they cant offer themselves. I assure you it isnt lack of time management. It isnt not knowing how to prioritize. I am exactly where I should be, doing exactly what I am meant to, and Im damn proud of it.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 02:11:19 +0000