Nursing Experience

Nursing has always been a part of my future that was definite. There was never any doubt that “RN” would trail behind my name one day. For a little over a year now, I have been able to call myself MA, RN, BSN. This is an honor and a privilege that I never cease to forget. Every day I go to work knowing that anything is possible and my job is to expect the unexpected. In the short time I have been in this position, I have had many unique and eye opening encounters with a cast of characters, which have included patients and family members. It is extremely difficult to describe just one, but a certain weekend and one patient in particular sticks out in my mind. After this specific weekend, I went home with an entirely new perspective of my role as Registered Nurse. Since working at Exeter Hospital my role has changed several times. I started in the float pool, orienting for six weeks during the day shift and ultimately working the night shift. Shortly into my stint on nights, my manager approached me with an opportunity to work on 3 West day shift and PCU weekends. Learning about each floor and the different types of patient populations, I found myself drawn to the PCU. These patients presented me with a challenge. Digging deep into their illnesses, treating their symptoms and managing multiple medications requires me to think critically and make smart decisions. At the same time, it is just as important to keep in the front of my mind that these patients and families are at a very low point in their lives and they need support, compassion and advocacy. All of these things were presented to me as an opportunity to test my mind and my abilities as a nurse; something I was eager to do. It was the first weekend I was scheduled to work on my own in the PCU. Just me, responsible for two or three patients. Excitement and nerves battled each other in my mind as I entered the unit. Immediately the vibes from the night nurses were that of relief to see their