Submitted by admin on Fri, 03/04/2011 - 09:13
What Dreams May Come
by Danielle Newman RN, BSN
The nursing program taught me a great deal. It taught me how to prioritize, how to utilize my time wisely, how to properly study for a nursing exam, and it taught me how to work well in a team environment with others. Students who did not know each other during their freshman year most certainly knew each other by the senior year. The program had a way of bringing the students together.
All of my nursing clinicals built upon one another. They all culminated with our senior residency. My top three choices for residency were: NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) and ICU (intensive care unit). I received my top choice and was assigned to the NICU at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. This is an experience like no other. The skills that I learned in the NICU are invaluable. The staff and my personal preceptors took the time to educate me whenever there was a teachable moment. It was an exhausting 13 hours shift but the time flew by and I couldn’t wait to get back and learn more the following week.
As a recent graduate I am facing the task of a job search. A seasoned nurse has no problem gaining employment but it’s a bit of a challenge for a new graduate. I have total faith that I will find that perfect position for me. My goal at this point is hospice nursing. I think that it will be a good fit for me at this point in my life. I know that wonderful things lie ahead for me in my journey into my nursing career.