Holy Moly! I am back in the work force. Well, I'm technically not back yet. But the contract has been signed, and I have a *tentative* start date of December 20th, because really, does credentialing and privileging ever go according to the perfect timeline that is initially given!? My guess is I will actually start just after the new year, but we shall see.
While I have thoroughly enjoyed taking off the last 2+ years off to be at home with my girls, I am thrilled to be getting back in the hospital again.
Let me back up a bit though because it's been awhile!
We moved across country to be near family when Isabella was just 6 weeks old. I had every intention of going back to work when she was around 6 months old. However, after 2 applications being sent in (1 to an pediatric urgent care, and 1 to a brand new Fertility Preservation Specialist position), and then rejected (the first was filled by an internal candidate the day after posting, the second job was removed all together b/c they didn't have all the details/funds to put it together), I had to put my job hunt on hold because I found out I was pregnant! Happy, happy surprise.
While I worked through my first pregnancy, I wasn't thrilled about the idea of looking for a job, going through the interview process, taking 3-5 months to get licensed and credentialed, and then needing to take a maternity leave very shortly after starting.
So here we are, almost 2 years later. I have had quite the extended maternity leave, and have loved (mostly) every moment of it with my two beautiful girls!
That being said, once I had my second daughter, I told my husband I would start looking for a job when she was 2 or 3 months old, because I just missed it!
Here's where it starts to get crazy. The week before my daughter turned 3 months old, I looked online for Pediatric APN jobs near my and didn't love what I was finding. I knew I only wanted a part time position, preferably 2 days a week, and knew that I didn't ever want to do nights again. Oh, and no holidays or weekends would be great as well.
Not a tall order for a nurse practitioner at all, huh!?
So as I'm describing my perfect, ideal, dream job of being a PICU nurse practitioner without having to work nights, weekends or holidays, I realized just how crazy that seemed. There are not PICU jobs like that out there. It is a 24/7 unit, and it needs 24/7 workers.
Then comes a text that would change my life. A former fellow that I worked with in the PICU in Chicago had recently taken a job at the children's hospital near me who was in great need for APNs, and he remembered that I was in the area. He text me stating that he knew I just had a baby and wasn't sure if I had even gotten a job at that point, but wanted to know if I'd be interested in a PICU position.
I thought, well I've been looking for PICU positions, but the few I have found were either all nights, or 50% nights, and of course included a holiday and weekend rotation that I wasn't interested in that. He asked what I was looking for, and I just threw it out on the table thinking it would be thrown right back in my face.
BUT it wasn't!!
I then got a call from the director of the PICU and we had a phone interview. I thought I would tell her my requirements from the get-go (2 days a week, no nights, weekends or holidays), and it would then be thrown off the table at that point.
BUT it wasn't!!
I then got an in person interview and met with various physicians and nurses in the PICU. After many of them asked if I was willing to work nights and I told them no, I thought it would be thrown off the table.
BUT once again, it wasn't!!
So here we are now...I get an offer letter with 2 days a week, of my choosing, no nights, weekends, or holidays, AND a pay increase from my previous hospital where I had 50% night shifts, 3 holidays a year, and every third weekend!
Honestly, it seemed to good to be true. Some days, despite a contract, it still seems too good to be true.
I kept waiting for the ball to fall, or something to fall through and them say, "Oh you meant two DAYS a week, we need you two NIGHTS" or something like that.
But it never did! And yes, I haven't started yet, so there is a chance that it could be a terrible place to work. But from what I hear and the people that I have talked to who work there, it seems like a great place.
Will it be a perfect job without any flaws or concerns? No. Does a perfect job that has absolutely no flaws or concerns even exist. I think the answer is no. Even my last job which had so many amazing things about it, and amazing people to work with, was far from perfect and I certainly had complaints (mostly in the scheduling department!).
So for now, while I am in the process of credentialing, I am going to enjoy my time at home with the girls. But I will also continue to be super excited for the new adventure that is ahead of me. I know that I have so much to learn, so much to catch up on, so much to take in before I step back into the PICU! Agghh, 2 years off is a long time!
But I also know that I am a fast learner, and am willing to take whatever challenge lays ahead of me.
Oh, and the other major bonus is I don't have to change the name of my blog. Because really, "Adventures of a Fertility Preservation Practitioner" just doesn't sound quite as adventurous! So here's to staying in the world of Pediatric ICU. Here's to dream jobs fulfilled. And here's to the many new adventures that lie ahead of me!
For those of you that have stuck along for the ride all these years (and through my hiatus), thank you. I hope you will continue to keep your arms in at all times, because I'm sure it will be a bumpy ride at first, but I know that it will be a fun one!
Here we gooooooo.............................................................
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Thursday, July 9, 2015
A PICU-less Update!
Well, well, and suddenly 6 months have flown by since my last post! Seriously how does that even happen!?
Well I can tell you life happens, and blogging gets put on the back burner. Especially a blog about being a PICU Nurse Practitioner, which I still am at heart, but not currently employed : )
Since our move down south last year, I was thoroughly enjoying my time at home with Isabella. My initial plan was to be a stay at home mom for 6 months and then go back. But 6 months came and went so fast. We were buying a new house and moving when she was 6 months.
So then I thought, ok, let's give it a month or 2 so we can get settled in. Who wants to have a 6 month old, unpack a ton of boxes, furnish a new house, and just get organized all while starting a new job!? But after a month or two of settling in, I will be super ready to find something part time! So over the next couple weeks I applied to 3 positions.
The first job was the one I felt very excited about! It was a part time, 20 hour a week (2 ten hour shifts) job through the children's hospital down here called a Fertility Preservation Practitioner. It was no nights, no weekends, no holidays, no on call! Schedule heaven!! But even more, I loved the idea that I was still able to work with adolescents and young adults and also be able to combine my experience and passion for fertility help.
However, HR said that it was a brand new position, and it would take several months to get some details together. Umm, hello, ok...so why post the position now!?.
Anyways, in the meantime, I applied for an urgent care position that was also part time and about 15 minutes from my house. Although it was some off hours and some weekends, I was ok with that b/c I think that Urgent Care would be interesting, or at least more interesting than some specialty clinic positions that were available.
BUT then HR called back the very next day saying "Thank you for your application. We have filled the position within 24 hours with an internal candidate. Thanks for your interest and please apply again!"
Ugh, the technicalities/legalities of job postings is crazy. If you have a person to fill the job, why waste anyone else's time in the application process if you know you aren't even going to consider them!?
But then, a second urgent care position opened up, once again part time and about 30 minutes from my hose. And once again, it was filled internally.
I found out a few days later that they were removing the Fertility Preservation Practitioner position for now because they couldn't get together all the logistics of the position at this time, but it was something they were hopeful about for the future.
So strike 3, I'm out : )
No seriously, I was out of the job hunt market, at least for now. Not just because those 3 jobs fell through, but mostly because....
It was a big surprise b/c with all of our fertility issues before, we didn't think we'd get pregnant so easily and effortlessly...ever! But it happened and we couldn't be more thrilled. I am almost 19 weeks and just chuggin' right along.
So in the last couple months I have looked a couple times just to see what was out there. I felt like if something was truly exciting or seemed like a great opportunity I would apply. But since I was told it takes 3-4 months to get into the hospital, get fully credentialed and privileged, at this point it doesn't make sense to start a new job that I could potentially be at for a month or so, then need to go on maternity leave.
So I continue to be a PICU nurse practitioner...at heart, at home : )
It's definitely not the life turns that I would have expected for myself, but I am truly happy.
I try to stay on top of some journals so I don't lose all knowledge completely. Plus there is still our Noise Study publication that we are (forever!) working on, so at least I am still involved with some of my PICU colleagues which makes me feel connected.
And regardless of what happens with my career next year, I look forward to what that will bring. I may not (most likely will not) be in the PICU anymore. Perhaps I will find something in a specialty that rounds in the PICU on their patients, but the likelihood of finding a part time, no night shift PICU postion down here is impossible (as in, they don't exist, b/c all their PICU practitioners do nights).
Until that time comes though, I will continue to enjoy being at home with my 1 year old, and embracing the fact that as sick as I have been with this pregnancy, I didn't have to throw up in a nasty old hospital toilet...that can be done in the comfort of my own home this time : ) Some things are just far better done outside the PICU!
Well I can tell you life happens, and blogging gets put on the back burner. Especially a blog about being a PICU Nurse Practitioner, which I still am at heart, but not currently employed : )
Since our move down south last year, I was thoroughly enjoying my time at home with Isabella. My initial plan was to be a stay at home mom for 6 months and then go back. But 6 months came and went so fast. We were buying a new house and moving when she was 6 months.
So then I thought, ok, let's give it a month or 2 so we can get settled in. Who wants to have a 6 month old, unpack a ton of boxes, furnish a new house, and just get organized all while starting a new job!? But after a month or two of settling in, I will be super ready to find something part time! So over the next couple weeks I applied to 3 positions.
The first job was the one I felt very excited about! It was a part time, 20 hour a week (2 ten hour shifts) job through the children's hospital down here called a Fertility Preservation Practitioner. It was no nights, no weekends, no holidays, no on call! Schedule heaven!! But even more, I loved the idea that I was still able to work with adolescents and young adults and also be able to combine my experience and passion for fertility help.
However, HR said that it was a brand new position, and it would take several months to get some details together. Umm, hello, ok...so why post the position now!?.
Anyways, in the meantime, I applied for an urgent care position that was also part time and about 15 minutes from my house. Although it was some off hours and some weekends, I was ok with that b/c I think that Urgent Care would be interesting, or at least more interesting than some specialty clinic positions that were available.
BUT then HR called back the very next day saying "Thank you for your application. We have filled the position within 24 hours with an internal candidate. Thanks for your interest and please apply again!"
Ugh, the technicalities/legalities of job postings is crazy. If you have a person to fill the job, why waste anyone else's time in the application process if you know you aren't even going to consider them!?
But then, a second urgent care position opened up, once again part time and about 30 minutes from my hose. And once again, it was filled internally.
I found out a few days later that they were removing the Fertility Preservation Practitioner position for now because they couldn't get together all the logistics of the position at this time, but it was something they were hopeful about for the future.
So strike 3, I'm out : )
No seriously, I was out of the job hunt market, at least for now. Not just because those 3 jobs fell through, but mostly because....
I found out I was pregnant!!!
It was a big surprise b/c with all of our fertility issues before, we didn't think we'd get pregnant so easily and effortlessly...ever! But it happened and we couldn't be more thrilled. I am almost 19 weeks and just chuggin' right along.
So in the last couple months I have looked a couple times just to see what was out there. I felt like if something was truly exciting or seemed like a great opportunity I would apply. But since I was told it takes 3-4 months to get into the hospital, get fully credentialed and privileged, at this point it doesn't make sense to start a new job that I could potentially be at for a month or so, then need to go on maternity leave.
So I continue to be a PICU nurse practitioner...at heart, at home : )
It's definitely not the life turns that I would have expected for myself, but I am truly happy.
I try to stay on top of some journals so I don't lose all knowledge completely. Plus there is still our Noise Study publication that we are (forever!) working on, so at least I am still involved with some of my PICU colleagues which makes me feel connected.
And regardless of what happens with my career next year, I look forward to what that will bring. I may not (most likely will not) be in the PICU anymore. Perhaps I will find something in a specialty that rounds in the PICU on their patients, but the likelihood of finding a part time, no night shift PICU postion down here is impossible (as in, they don't exist, b/c all their PICU practitioners do nights).
Until that time comes though, I will continue to enjoy being at home with my 1 year old, and embracing the fact that as sick as I have been with this pregnancy, I didn't have to throw up in a nasty old hospital toilet...that can be done in the comfort of my own home this time : ) Some things are just far better done outside the PICU!
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Measures of Success
Well hello New Year. My, you came fast! In my last post I talked about getting a new job in the new year, and here we are. And yet, in this moment, I am no closer to working then I was back then.
I will say I did a quick search for jobs in my area last week. Nothing jumped out at me right away, and then Bella started crying so I got sidetracked and haven't thought about it since. Well, a PICU position was posted which got me all excited, but then it listed the 16 hour night shift requirement, and the joy quickly escaped me. So then I stopped thinking about it.
What I have thought about, however, is how much my definition of success has changed in the last 7 months since becoming a mom.
In the PICU, a successful day was going home at a decent hour with my patient(s) still alive.
I suppose in the same arena, if I go to bed at night at a decent hour and Bella is indeed, still alive, that's a success.
But I am thinking that this is where the similarities probably end.
In the PICU s successful day is not getting blood or any other bodily fluid on my white coat or nice dress clothes. A shower is assumed and not any measure of success.
As a mom, a successful day is one in which I take a shower (more than 2 minutes would be nice!) and get dressed (and yes, leggings or yoga pants do count as "dressed!"). A really successful day is getting less than 2 bodily fluids on my outfit by bedtime!
A successful day in the PICU has built in work-outs as I am constantly moving, and perhaps success is found in moments where I can actually sit.
A really successful Mom day includes a 20 minute dedicated work out.
A successful PICU day involves completing rounds, all procedures, multiple patient examinations, charting, and all phone calls before 6 pm.
As a mom, a successful day means I have completed breastfeeding my baby 5 times, and solid feeding her 3 times all by 6 pm. *Let me tell ya, we don't have many successful solid eating days around here!*
In the PICU, a successful day involves giving my patient multiple medications, stabilizing blood pressures, preventing bed sores, having many thought provoking and educational conversations, and providing comfort to family members in distress.
As a mom, a successful day involves remembering to give Bella her Vitamin D drop, stabilizing her booty so she doesn't topple over as she learns to sit, preventing total meltdowns by anticipating her next need, having one conversation that doesn't involve my voice sounding about 5 octaves higher than normal (and something educational would certainly be a successful bonus!), and providing comfort and cuddles to my little one in her moments of distress.
After a successful day in the PICU, I leave feeling exhausted, accomplished, thirsty, fulfilled, and like I made a difference in the life of someone.
At the end of a successful day as a mom, I feel exhausted, not always sure of what I accomplished, thirsty, fulfilled, and not entirely sure if I made a difference.
Yes, my life is very different right now. Being a PICU APN is hard work. Being a MOM is hard work! And at the end of the day, many times it does not seem like I am as successful as I once was as a PICU APN. Yet I know deep down that this is not true. I know that it takes stamina, knowledge, patience, love, and compassion to be a great mom.
So I guess while success can be measured in so many different ways, in the end it is the success itself we should be relishing in. Yes, keeping my patient, or my daughter alive is a great success. But it's the intricacies of all the other Mom successes, and PICU successes, that are just as important.
And until I have career stresses, and successes, once again, I will do just that. Relish in all of the good mom moments. Relish in the days where I know just what I accomplished. Relish in all of the many, amazing Mama successes!
I will say I did a quick search for jobs in my area last week. Nothing jumped out at me right away, and then Bella started crying so I got sidetracked and haven't thought about it since. Well, a PICU position was posted which got me all excited, but then it listed the 16 hour night shift requirement, and the joy quickly escaped me. So then I stopped thinking about it.
What I have thought about, however, is how much my definition of success has changed in the last 7 months since becoming a mom.
In the PICU, a successful day was going home at a decent hour with my patient(s) still alive.
I suppose in the same arena, if I go to bed at night at a decent hour and Bella is indeed, still alive, that's a success.
But I am thinking that this is where the similarities probably end.
In the PICU s successful day is not getting blood or any other bodily fluid on my white coat or nice dress clothes. A shower is assumed and not any measure of success.
As a mom, a successful day is one in which I take a shower (more than 2 minutes would be nice!) and get dressed (and yes, leggings or yoga pants do count as "dressed!"). A really successful day is getting less than 2 bodily fluids on my outfit by bedtime!
A successful day in the PICU has built in work-outs as I am constantly moving, and perhaps success is found in moments where I can actually sit.
A really successful Mom day includes a 20 minute dedicated work out.
A successful PICU day involves completing rounds, all procedures, multiple patient examinations, charting, and all phone calls before 6 pm.
As a mom, a successful day means I have completed breastfeeding my baby 5 times, and solid feeding her 3 times all by 6 pm. *Let me tell ya, we don't have many successful solid eating days around here!*
In the PICU, a successful day involves giving my patient multiple medications, stabilizing blood pressures, preventing bed sores, having many thought provoking and educational conversations, and providing comfort to family members in distress.
As a mom, a successful day involves remembering to give Bella her Vitamin D drop, stabilizing her booty so she doesn't topple over as she learns to sit, preventing total meltdowns by anticipating her next need, having one conversation that doesn't involve my voice sounding about 5 octaves higher than normal (and something educational would certainly be a successful bonus!), and providing comfort and cuddles to my little one in her moments of distress.
After a successful day in the PICU, I leave feeling exhausted, accomplished, thirsty, fulfilled, and like I made a difference in the life of someone.
At the end of a successful day as a mom, I feel exhausted, not always sure of what I accomplished, thirsty, fulfilled, and not entirely sure if I made a difference.
Yes, my life is very different right now. Being a PICU APN is hard work. Being a MOM is hard work! And at the end of the day, many times it does not seem like I am as successful as I once was as a PICU APN. Yet I know deep down that this is not true. I know that it takes stamina, knowledge, patience, love, and compassion to be a great mom.
So I guess while success can be measured in so many different ways, in the end it is the success itself we should be relishing in. Yes, keeping my patient, or my daughter alive is a great success. But it's the intricacies of all the other Mom successes, and PICU successes, that are just as important.
And until I have career stresses, and successes, once again, I will do just that. Relish in all of the good mom moments. Relish in the days where I know just what I accomplished. Relish in all of the many, amazing Mama successes!
Sunday, December 14, 2014
PICU APN?
Isn't it amazing how fast time just flies by when you are having fun!? Since I last blogged (7 1/2 months ago!!!) I was placed on modified bedrest at 34 weeks, had a beautiful baby girl, moved to Lawrenceville GA, then moved to Suwanee GA. Whew!
So here I am, 2 1/2 months after my maternity leave technically ended, and am no longer a PICU APN. Well, that's not entirely true. I will always be a PICU APN at heart. But I am no longer employed by a PICU as an APN.
For the time being, I am enjoying being at home with my baby girl. My original plan once we got down to GA was to get another job by the time Isabella was 6 months old. Well, she is now 6 months, and I haven't even put my application in.
Part of this just makes total sense to me. And part of it still surprises me how happy I am being at home with her. I have always said that I did not want to be a stay at home mom. I am passionate about what I do. I thrive in the PICU setting. I do well staying busy and on my toes.
And certainly staying at home can be busy too. Just a completely and utterly different kind of busy.
Staying at home has taught me the importance of slowing down and enjoying the little moments. It has taught me that rocking my baby through the pain of teething, or just simple fussiness is as important as what I do in the PICU.
It has taught me that while 12 hour days flew by in the PICU without question, 12 hour days at home can too...except I don't have the same work to show for it. It's amazing how little can be done with a new baby, and yet that can easily be classified under a successful day!
And so here I am in work limbo. I am still not entirely sure where the next path will lead me in my career.
My plan is to enjoy the holidays with my family, and not worry or think once about a new job. In a career that is 24/7, holidays not excluded, this is a great change of pace.
Once the new year comes, I will take a look at what is out there. What I do know is that I would love a PICU position. What I know more than that however is my family comes first. That means I want something part time, and something where I can be home in the evenings and not a total mama monster, so no night shifts!
I have no idea what is out there. I have no idea if it will take me one day, one month, one year, to find the next best thing for me. What I do know is that it will be very weird for me to say anything other than "PICU APN" when someone asks what I do. And it will be slightly heartbreaking at first.
But, with new priorities come new challenges and new adventures. So I look forward to where that may take me!
But first, I will enjoy the peace and togetherness of the holidays. I hope that you take some time to slow down and enjoy this time with your family and friends as well! I will see you next year!
So here I am, 2 1/2 months after my maternity leave technically ended, and am no longer a PICU APN. Well, that's not entirely true. I will always be a PICU APN at heart. But I am no longer employed by a PICU as an APN.
For the time being, I am enjoying being at home with my baby girl. My original plan once we got down to GA was to get another job by the time Isabella was 6 months old. Well, she is now 6 months, and I haven't even put my application in.
Part of this just makes total sense to me. And part of it still surprises me how happy I am being at home with her. I have always said that I did not want to be a stay at home mom. I am passionate about what I do. I thrive in the PICU setting. I do well staying busy and on my toes.
 |
| With all this cuteness, who couldn't love staying at home! |
Staying at home has taught me the importance of slowing down and enjoying the little moments. It has taught me that rocking my baby through the pain of teething, or just simple fussiness is as important as what I do in the PICU.
It has taught me that while 12 hour days flew by in the PICU without question, 12 hour days at home can too...except I don't have the same work to show for it. It's amazing how little can be done with a new baby, and yet that can easily be classified under a successful day!
And so here I am in work limbo. I am still not entirely sure where the next path will lead me in my career.
My plan is to enjoy the holidays with my family, and not worry or think once about a new job. In a career that is 24/7, holidays not excluded, this is a great change of pace.
Once the new year comes, I will take a look at what is out there. What I do know is that I would love a PICU position. What I know more than that however is my family comes first. That means I want something part time, and something where I can be home in the evenings and not a total mama monster, so no night shifts!
I have no idea what is out there. I have no idea if it will take me one day, one month, one year, to find the next best thing for me. What I do know is that it will be very weird for me to say anything other than "PICU APN" when someone asks what I do. And it will be slightly heartbreaking at first.
But, with new priorities come new challenges and new adventures. So I look forward to where that may take me!
But first, I will enjoy the peace and togetherness of the holidays. I hope that you take some time to slow down and enjoy this time with your family and friends as well! I will see you next year!
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
PICU Midyear Review
It's April which means time for the annual Midyear Review. It's a time to check in with the manager, go over the goals we set 6 months ago to make sure we're on target for reaching them, and evaluate what we are doing well vs what we can improve.
I've worked in the same PICU for the last 9 years, and really have never had much feedback in the "what we can do to improve" area.
This year, we have a new manager who strongly believes that at least one area for improvement needs to be focused on. So I knew after talking with several other APNs who already had their review that there would be some legit personality feedback.
That being said, I had NO idea what to expect going in. And let's just say when I left, I left with a smile on my face.
Not because I didn't have something to work on. But because what I had to work on was something not surprising to me...and because of the way that it was presented.
So as my manager started saying "The top area for improvement is"...she had a smile on her face. She then proceeded to say "I would work on your patience...particularly with the newer fellows."
Now a fairly recent conflict came to mind in which I was extremely frustrated with a fellow who did not act in the best interest of the patient, and didn't follow the plan that we had set out the day before. Let's just say I walked in that morning fiery and let him know it.
So I asked if this area of improvement...patience...was based on that particular incident. My manager said "Oh, absolutely not...that situation was 100% called for and the way you handled it was filled with passion for the patient, and a bit of impatience was very appropriate to fight for what was right!"
So when I asked for examples, she simply stated that at times I come up with a plan for my patients, and if the fellow isn't "on my level" I can get impatient with them waiting for them to get there.
I'm not entirely sure what that meant (or rather, couldn't think of specific examples), but I definitely realize that I can certainly work on patience in general.
She then proceeded to say that while she can tell that I am impatient at times because she knows me so well, other physicians that provided anonymous feedback were surprised to hear this because I come across and "joyful and pleasant".
We then moved on to the "Additional comments" section and I just had to laugh out loud. What in the world does "takes no prisoners" mean!?!?
She laughed and said that a physician gave that feedback and said that I was a very hard worker, and would do whatever it takes to get the best care for my patients...taking no prisoners along the way. *I'm definitely thinking this was referring to the above incident, that afterwards was fully supported by the APN manager, PICU director, and Critical Care medical director...yes, it was a rather large situation which is why I was so firey!*
So in a way, the impatience is tied in with taking no prisoners.
As a PICU APN, I love my job. And I love caring for patients and their families. I want what's best for them mind, body and soul, and yes I will fight to make sure that happens. So if a little bit of impatience can help to get that done, I'm ok with that.
However, I know there are areas that I can grow in. Focusing on areas of my impatience that can have a negative impact on myself and my co-workers is one of them. I want to be a team member that people enjoy coming to work to see. Someone who lights up the PICU that can be a dark place at times. Someone who can admit to their flaws, and change them, or work on turning them into a positive.
At the end of the day, it was another good PICU Midyear Review. Probably the best review that I've ever had because it actually gave me something to work on, on top of giving me a ton of encouragement. And while I will definitely work on my patience, I have no plans on "taking less prisoners"....because really, how awesome does that sound!?!?
I've worked in the same PICU for the last 9 years, and really have never had much feedback in the "what we can do to improve" area.
This year, we have a new manager who strongly believes that at least one area for improvement needs to be focused on. So I knew after talking with several other APNs who already had their review that there would be some legit personality feedback.
That being said, I had NO idea what to expect going in. And let's just say when I left, I left with a smile on my face.
Not because I didn't have something to work on. But because what I had to work on was something not surprising to me...and because of the way that it was presented.
Now a fairly recent conflict came to mind in which I was extremely frustrated with a fellow who did not act in the best interest of the patient, and didn't follow the plan that we had set out the day before. Let's just say I walked in that morning fiery and let him know it.
So I asked if this area of improvement...patience...was based on that particular incident. My manager said "Oh, absolutely not...that situation was 100% called for and the way you handled it was filled with passion for the patient, and a bit of impatience was very appropriate to fight for what was right!"
So when I asked for examples, she simply stated that at times I come up with a plan for my patients, and if the fellow isn't "on my level" I can get impatient with them waiting for them to get there.
I'm not entirely sure what that meant (or rather, couldn't think of specific examples), but I definitely realize that I can certainly work on patience in general.
She then proceeded to say that while she can tell that I am impatient at times because she knows me so well, other physicians that provided anonymous feedback were surprised to hear this because I come across and "joyful and pleasant".
We then moved on to the "Additional comments" section and I just had to laugh out loud. What in the world does "takes no prisoners" mean!?!?
She laughed and said that a physician gave that feedback and said that I was a very hard worker, and would do whatever it takes to get the best care for my patients...taking no prisoners along the way. *I'm definitely thinking this was referring to the above incident, that afterwards was fully supported by the APN manager, PICU director, and Critical Care medical director...yes, it was a rather large situation which is why I was so firey!*
So in a way, the impatience is tied in with taking no prisoners.
As a PICU APN, I love my job. And I love caring for patients and their families. I want what's best for them mind, body and soul, and yes I will fight to make sure that happens. So if a little bit of impatience can help to get that done, I'm ok with that.
However, I know there are areas that I can grow in. Focusing on areas of my impatience that can have a negative impact on myself and my co-workers is one of them. I want to be a team member that people enjoy coming to work to see. Someone who lights up the PICU that can be a dark place at times. Someone who can admit to their flaws, and change them, or work on turning them into a positive.
At the end of the day, it was another good PICU Midyear Review. Probably the best review that I've ever had because it actually gave me something to work on, on top of giving me a ton of encouragement. And while I will definitely work on my patience, I have no plans on "taking less prisoners"....because really, how awesome does that sound!?!?
PICU APN...taking no prisoners!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Rounding in the PICU
PICU Rounds are a big part of the day. It's the time when the APN's can present their patient, summarize what is going on, and then state their plan of care for the day.
Usually I love rounding. It lets me take responsibility for my patients. It calls me to think more about them. And it definitely teaches me a lot.
The other day, I learned a big lesson. As I was presenting my patient, I got to the summary part, and said something to the effect of: "This patient remains critically ill, has pulmonary and kidney injury consistent with Wegener's disease..." and went on.
Only to find out later in the day that it is now considered a faux pas to call it Wegener's anymore. Apparently Mr. Wegener was a Nazi, and that just doesn't sit right. Instead, it's now called Granulomatosis with polyangitis.
So there ya have it. You learn something new in the PICU everyday. This APN certainly learned that she doesn't want to be supporting Nazi's or diseases named after them. I will definitely not forget that one!
Usually I love rounding. It lets me take responsibility for my patients. It calls me to think more about them. And it definitely teaches me a lot.
The other day, I learned a big lesson. As I was presenting my patient, I got to the summary part, and said something to the effect of: "This patient remains critically ill, has pulmonary and kidney injury consistent with Wegener's disease..." and went on.
Only to find out later in the day that it is now considered a faux pas to call it Wegener's anymore. Apparently Mr. Wegener was a Nazi, and that just doesn't sit right. Instead, it's now called Granulomatosis with polyangitis.
So there ya have it. You learn something new in the PICU everyday. This APN certainly learned that she doesn't want to be supporting Nazi's or diseases named after them. I will definitely not forget that one!
Monday, February 24, 2014
Only One
I have taken care of a lot of kids in the PICU over the last 9 years.
And yet only one has truly captured my full heart.
Only one who I was able to see grow up from a six month tiny baby to a four year old man-sized boy.
Only one who I spent countless hours with, took countless walks with, and made countless PICU memories with.
One who helped me fall in love with Dr Seuss books, largely because of the ear to ear smiles that would spread over his face as I tripped over my words.
One who taught me every word backwards and forwards to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and certain Sponge Bob episodes.
One who never got tired of my silly rendition of Itsy, Bitsy Spider.
One who taught me just what it means to be a patient advocate, and one that I advocated just like he was my own son.
One who would smile at very few people as they walked into his room, but I was lucky enough to be one of those few.
One who cried as I left at the end of my shift on multiple occasions.
One who has filled my Nursing Box with more photos, drawings, and cards than any other patient.
One who helped to instill a true, deep passion for the PICU in me.
One who I am now mourning for.
Heaven truly has gained an extra special angel this weekend.
While it was much too soon for you to be taken, and I wish for just one more longer lasting good-bye where I give you kisses all over your face as you roll your eyes, I know that this life cannot offer you what you will have in Heaven.
You have thrown off your cumbersome body brace and are running through the streets of heaven. You have removed your trach and are able to breath freely and easily. Your voice and precious giggle can now be heard once again.
Know sweet boy, that you are loved. Know that you are cherished. Know that you are etched in our hearts. And know that you are so deeply and so dearly missed.
Rest in peace little one.
And yet only one has truly captured my full heart.
Only one who I was able to see grow up from a six month tiny baby to a four year old man-sized boy.
Only one who I spent countless hours with, took countless walks with, and made countless PICU memories with.
One who helped me fall in love with Dr Seuss books, largely because of the ear to ear smiles that would spread over his face as I tripped over my words.
One who taught me every word backwards and forwards to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and certain Sponge Bob episodes.
One who never got tired of my silly rendition of Itsy, Bitsy Spider.
One who taught me just what it means to be a patient advocate, and one that I advocated just like he was my own son.
One who would smile at very few people as they walked into his room, but I was lucky enough to be one of those few.
One who cried as I left at the end of my shift on multiple occasions.
One who has filled my Nursing Box with more photos, drawings, and cards than any other patient.
One who helped to instill a true, deep passion for the PICU in me.
One who I am now mourning for.
Heaven truly has gained an extra special angel this weekend.
While it was much too soon for you to be taken, and I wish for just one more longer lasting good-bye where I give you kisses all over your face as you roll your eyes, I know that this life cannot offer you what you will have in Heaven.
You have thrown off your cumbersome body brace and are running through the streets of heaven. You have removed your trach and are able to breath freely and easily. Your voice and precious giggle can now be heard once again.
Know sweet boy, that you are loved. Know that you are cherished. Know that you are etched in our hearts. And know that you are so deeply and so dearly missed.
Rest in peace little one.
 |
| via |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)