Assignment #3 Beginning to End
Haven’t been here in a minute! I started this post at about a month into my third assignment, and here I am six months later finally finishing it. :)
Well, it took a bit longer than anticipated (and yet not long enough…) but so far, I’m 5 weeks into assignment #3. The time off was unplanned, but LOVELY. Being able to focus more on my health/fitness goals as well as start some classes I actually want to do was a blessing. While I wasn’t necessarily looking forward to the return to work, these new experiences will continue to help determine what I want to do, where to do it, and also when. At least, I hope!
I haven’t traveled far for this contract, in fact it’s the closest one yet. Not able to claim the housing stipend, I’ve instead settled on the 45 min commute to/from. Pros and cons. It makes for even longer shifts, but I also get to sleep in my own bed and live in my familiar environment full time again. Part of the reason I chose this assignment was for that reason as well as to develop a greater work-life balance. Between classes and my own wellness, I want to place greater focus on my own goals, rather than a profession that my heart is only moderately invested in. Another important reason for choosing this assignment is the ability to trial day shift. I’ve been a night shifter for the majority of my 4 years in this field. While I appreciate the (generally) more relaxed environment - i.e less frequent testing/procedures, changes in care, fewer calls/interruptions/meetings, etc. - it isn’t exactly conducive for a healthy lifestyle. I feel I have been able to adapt to night shift routines, and switch in and out from it, fairly well. That being said, I’m certain a more consistent sleep-wake pattern would better serve my holistic wellness.
So, I did a little mixing it up with day shift & nights… quickly realized that while I would like to transition to dayshift schedule, it’s a bit more hectic! Discharges followed by admits, tests, family, doctors, therapists, management, the list of potential headaches goes on (no offense to any of said people, just sometimes can add further stress to an already stressful day). Especially when only receiving a day or two of orientation on the unit, I did not feel comfortable trying to keep up during the daytime circus.
By the end of my 6 months there, I had realized I don’t actually dislike my job! I know, I was honestly a bit surprised by that conclusion myself. Yes, the job comes with ample frustrations and burn out is all too common, and reasonably so. But looking past all those (which seems easier to do on nightshift I will add), I did enjoy being able to use my knowledge and experience to help people, both patients and coworkers.
While I may still be a fairly young nurse, and learning may never cease, I imagine part of this is becoming comfortable in a variety of situations. Another part is realizing what is within my control, and what is not. Our healthcare system is flawed, and I by no means am saying just “suck it up” and take whatever hand we’re dealt. I believe working within that system, and not letting the stress and frustration negatively impact our lives outside of work is paramount to being able to not only survive, by thrive in this profession. That, and knowing our limits and sticking to our guns when something doesn’t feel right.
All in all, I enjoyed this past assignment. I was able to work with some great people, feel genuinely appreciated by patient and coworkers, and gain confidence in my ability to bring calm to stressful situations. I’m planning to take some time off now, both to enjoy the holidays and to take a step back and reevaluate both my professional and personal journeys. While travel nursing isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, it definitely has its perks, and the flexibility to take weeks off between assignments is quickly becoming one of my favorite aspects.
