My First Night - The Next Hurdle

Well, I thought I'd add to the news now that my 3 foot stack of paperwork inquired here is done (yay!!) and I just finished my first night of work. It was quite an interesting experience. My first night was at Centennial Hills Hospital (one of 8 hospitals I am eligible to work at in this area). I walked in, they gave me a badge and threw 3 patients and 3 new admissions at me within the first 2 hours!! That may mean nothing to anyone not in the nursing field, but that's a lot of work! Even with all the craziness, a new charting system, trying to read paper orders (which I'm not used to, we do it all by computer in Michigan) it went well; the nursing staff was very helpful, I loved the charge nurse, and I'm making money again!! It feels good to know all the work/paperwork was worth it.

Plus, all the miscommunication through separate parties and the agency I'm working for, it was a bumpy start when I got here. I was told incorrect dates and times for orientation, and did not have anyone to contact to schedule me for actual work while I was here - it's difficult to work if no one can tell me where to go. But it was all figured out (with more phone calls and paperwork) and just as I was getting very frustrated with the whole system I was called by the vice-president of staffing with a full apology and statements that she wanted to do whatever she could to keep me with the company. That was a great boost in spirit before my first night of work, so all is going well on this end. They also told me I can work as many days as I want because they are in a great need for nurses - hello overtime! We'll see how much energy I have with all of the new and exciting situations. I do want to enjoy the area to some extent. That's all for now thanks for all the calls, comments, and support!

~L

p.s. Matt got his cell phone charger back so he's contactable again! Thanks mom and dad.