What a year it’s been. 2020. The Year of the Nurse. And we rose to the occasion, all of us. I had been feeling pretty down about myself when all this started. I was scared. I didn’t work for two months, which was partly because elective cases weren’t happening, and party because I didn’t want to be in the thick of it. I didn’t want to subject myself to the PTSD my fellow nurses are developing. I didn’t want to take the chance to expose myself or my family to this new disease with so many different and unknown symptoms. So, I didn’t. I hid. And I hated myself for that a little bit.
When OR jobs started popping back up again, I was nervous, but I was also excited to get back to work. My amazing recruiter submitted me to a few jobs in Washington, and although the interview process was a little weird, I accepted a position in a town near Seattle whose name I couldn’t pronounce correctly and STILL don’t know if I’m pronouncing correctly.
I fell in absolute love with Washington. I fell in love with the weather, the people, the hikes. I fell in love with the Mountain. Rainier…you’re gorgeous. Thank you for the hikes, the lessons, and the challenges. I hope very much to see you again someday and maybe summit. Although we are in the rainy season now (which is pretty much the whole year), I am still enjoying the outside things. My mantra has become “just pack your raincoat.” I guess I have accepted that sometimes I will be damp.
Also, I have met some pretty awesome people. They work hard, they care about their jobs and the people they serve, and they care about each other. Thank you for taking me in and treating me like one of your own. It’s been a pleasure working with all of you.
What have I learned this year? So many things that I’m going to make a list, because I love me some lists.
Job-Specific:
- Ask questions. Figure out where things are quickly. Learn where the break room, cafeteria, locker room, pooping bathroom, and coffee shop are within your first week. Figure out where equipment and supplies are kept. You’re brand new to the facility and even though you’re expected to hit the ground running, you don’t know where everything is. Ask the dumb questions, because if you don’t ask, you won’t know when you’re expected to know.
- Make some friends! You’re going to be with these people 8-12 hours a day, and sometimes more, especially if you’re expected to take call. Be friendly, be open, and be willing to help if you have time.
- If you don’t know how to do something, don’t be afraid to speak up and say so. Nobody knows everything. We are a team, especially in the operating room.
- Things can change with a phone call. My first contract this year was cancelled when I had about four weeks left, due to Covid. The hospital was no longer doing elective cases and they didn’t need me anymore. That being said, have a backup plan. My backup plan was my parents and they were awesome and let me live with them for two months while I was depressed and figuring out what I wanted to do next.
Adventuring:
- Go.Do.The.Things. Explore the city you’re in. Find some local restaurants or coffee shops to frequent and support. Find a park to walk in. And if there’s nothing in the city you’re actually in, maybe there’s something fun to do nearby! And if there’s literally nothing nearby, then maybe pick up a hobby or save your money for the next cool place you travel to!
- Stay safe, but have fun. Be aware of your surroundings everywhere, but don’t be afraid to check stuff out.
- Pack for the weather. I made absolute sure I brought a raincoat and rainboots with me to Washington.
- Plan things in between assignments! I took a week off between assignments here in Washington and went backpacking in Yellowstone for a couple days. It was awesome and super relaxing to be out in the wilderness and away from people.
- Be a tourist if you’re near a tourist town. I absolutely wish I had taken advantage of exploring Charlotte, NC better. I did take advantage of living near Asheville, though. I visited the Biltmore with my parents and it was so fun! Also took advantage of living near Seattle. I’ve been to the Market multiple times, I’ve been to the top of the Space Needle and to the Chihuly glass museum, it’s been great!
Family and Friends:
- This year especially, I have leaned heavily on my friends and family. I have video chatted with my family at least once a week, and I have kept in touch with my friends more than every. Have people who aren’t with you to talk to and bring your home, at least for a little bit.
- Talk to old coworkers! I’m in a group chat with some of my old coworkers and they are freakin hilarious and make me smile when things are junky.
The number one thing I’ve learned this year is to just go for it. It’s scary to leave home and to leave what you know, but it’s honestly so worth it. I’ve learned that I have a lot of confidence, that I’m strong and independent, and that I can do hard things. I’ve learned, most of all, that I am a pretty good nurse, even on the days I think I’m not.
This assignment is over, but this travel life is not!! I’ll be starting 2021 off in Kingwood, Houston, Texas! I’m nervous, but excited to spend some time in the Lone Star state.
Now that we are in the holiday season, I want to wish you all a happy holiday season, especially if you have already celebrated yours. Stay safe, stay warm, stay healthy, and wash your hands, folks!
ShutterbugRN Travels 