A little scorched earth...

Oh, it'll be mighty exciting the next time I'm working with Senior Charge. She acted friendly the other day just before delivering her scorching response when she asked me if I had seen any of our patients at the sister unit (SU)clinic. "So, seen any of our people there? Well, that's not a very good use of a rehab nurse for that department." Most of this venom had to do with Big Boss who mandated that SU and their clinic be supported while certain staff members are out on medical leave. I told her, "Well, ask them to send our people to me. I'm ready!" She didn't find that humorous.

Since that incident, she's steered clear of me. I'm not sure if it's the fact that I'll not be available to hear (mostly via others) that Senior will get the pick of the holidays off, or if Senior now wishes he/she would have picked my gig. Who knows....I've given up trying to resolve that logic.

Meanwhile, I'm building my reputation as a quick learner. Got to do a few things by myself and got checked off for my orientation. Thanks to SU's boss, I'll also end up with more orientation. There's a lot at stake getting things online and thoroughly inspected, so after my success with the craziness of JC earlier this year, I think they realize I can deal with whatever comes my way...if I get prepped and have some time to study. Big Boss and nurse manager seem to have confidence in me, so I'm going with it.

I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. This is the most visible position I've held as a nurse. I'm not a supervisor, but I am important to the team. The floor will still be there when I get done, and so will the attitudes and characters out there. I have to forgive...but I never forget.

On we go...stay tuned.

Lord, grant me...

Forgiveness, when I accidentally spill coffee on our most senior nurse as I pass.

Patience, when some patients think up all sorts of excuses.

Fortitude, when I have to transfer people who just want to give up, no matter how you try to give them a sense of dignity.

Restraint, when I really want to reach across the bed and strangle the specialist who tells me I am "leading the patient" with my questions. I really wanted to say, "Since I'm with him a little more than you and he told me xx (see that note), how am I leading him, when I'm asking for an update?"

Strength as I push, pull and move people around.

The ability not to cry, when my favorite patient (who's been here the longest of anyone we have right now) goes home. What a day to do it...bright and sunny!