2014
It's a new year, and I am as ready as I'll ever be. So far I have taken 3 photos on instagram, and mostly have involved some critique on the weather. New years seems to be the season of reflection, goal setting, positive outlook on the new year,...and all of this is good and I haven't decided if I'll do any of that on my blog yet or not.
HOWEVER, I do have news that I have been waiting to announce until everything was officially offical; and we've made it to today. I am officially a full-time (0.8/ FTE) RN in a surgical-oncology department and I am pumped! If I have learned anything during this time of waiting is that God is faithful, good, and always has better plans than what we could fathom...it just might require some patience.
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Friday, December 13th (evening mind you) - I logged onto a portal of a local area health care system website, from my iPhone, to see if there were any positions open that I would be interested in. I knew it would be a long shot considering the holidays but decided to at least give it a chance. Sure enough there was a 0.8 (which means 8 shifts in a 2-week or 10-day work week; which for those of you who know nursing is considered full time and is benefit eligible) in the surgical-oncology department, and for those who know me or who have followed my story through nursing school know that's kinda my thing and I applied (FROM MY PHONE), thinking if I hear back...if at all it probably won't be until after the holidays anyway.
Monday, December 16th (10:30am) - I received a phone call from the HR recruiter regarding the position I applied for and if he could set up a phone interview and in-person interview. I was so stunned and excited so I of course set one up for later that week (Wednesday @ 10am - phone interview, and Thursday @ 1pm - in person interview with the unit manager).
Thursday, December 19th (1:00pm) - I had my interview with the unit manager and I was so entirely impressed, but because of past experience I did not want to set myself up for being disappointment. However, deep inside I knew that this would be an awesome fit and great opportunity for my career.
Monday, December 23rd (1:30pm) - I had literally just gotten out of the shower still wrapped up in my towel and look down at my phone and saw that the HR representative pop up on my caller ID, I was so nervous/ excited I answered the phone. She introduced herself and offered me the position, and I was shocked/ stunned/ excited/ couldn't control myself. I had to though and be professional. Following this conversation I walked out of my room (still dripping and in my towel) everyone was home (except my youngest brother), including my brother who is usually away at college. And I did the craziest happy dance/ shouting ever, and for those who also know me really well....that's not my style, except when you get pretty darn close to your dream job that you've been hoping and praying for since before starting nursing school.
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I cannot describe or explain how thankful I am, and how I do not take any of this for granted. This experience and journey to full-time employment was one like a roller coaster ride, and was the story of expecting the unexpected. All in all, I graduated May 25, 2013....took my board exam on Wednesday, July 3rd...found out I passed and was a licensed RN Friday, July 5th. I began applying for jobs Monday, July 15th, almost 5 months exactly to the day I finally received an offer of sustainable employment that will provide a firm foundation for my nursing career.
Even as I type this I hurt and yearn for satisfying jobs for my peers who are either unemployed, or employed but haven't found a good fit yet as new nurses who worked equally as hard to graduate with their degree and pass their boards.
Today was my first day. It started early this morning where I sat in a half-day session for all new employees (not just new nursing hires) with the HR department. I cannot wait to get on the floor and work alongside well-experienced and practiced nurses where I can learn, grow, and develop my nursing practice as a new young professional.
Even as I type this I hurt and yearn for satisfying jobs for my peers who are either unemployed, or employed but haven't found a good fit yet as new nurses who worked equally as hard to graduate with their degree and pass their boards.
Today was my first day. It started early this morning where I sat in a half-day session for all new employees (not just new nursing hires) with the HR department. I cannot wait to get on the floor and work alongside well-experienced and practiced nurses where I can learn, grow, and develop my nursing practice as a new young professional.
* * *
At the end of my interview when asked, "Why should I hire you?", I responded with something like this;
I love working with people and have a heart for people that are experiencing cancer diagnoses.
Most importantly, even though I am a new graduate with limited experience, I am confident in one thing; and that is that the nursing field and career is for me, through all of my experiences both in my personal life and academically, even though difficult at times I have never questioned my commitment to nursing as what I want to do.
That is 100% the truth from the bottom of my heart.
I know nursing is hard. It is draining. It is not always fun.
BUT, it is necessary and important work that requires people working within their strengths and talent areas to provide care and compassion to people in difficult circumstances.
I am up for the challenge.
Let's do this thing!
