Nursing - a terribly wonderful job

Well, I succumb to the pressure and finally got myself a blog. I'm not really sure how often I'll post though... Anyway, so I am officially on my own as a nurse! I've done three shifts on my own and so far (on my own...) I've had a patient die, get a terminal diagnosis, collapse a lung, stop breathing, poop all over my hands, and tell me they don't like me. I've had family members faint, scream at me, refuse to let me do any cares, and scrutinize my every move. I've had to monitor 4 chest tubes (in one patient, mind you), wean drips, give millions (really, a lot) of antibiotics, push pain meds, do postmortem care, pull out a rectal tube (that was nasty...), bag patients (that means try desperately to help them breathe so they stay alive), put in IVs, stalk the doctors, track down missing meds, take poop samples - blood samples - urine samples - sputum samples - samples of any body fluid you can imagine, stay after work for 2 hours to finish paperwork, skip lunch, beg other busy nurses for help.... really, I could go on for pages. And all this was in the last three days!! What in the world was I thinking taking this job? It is the hardest, most stressful and emotional thing I have ever done. Everyday is a surprise - and not always a good one. I have grown so much since that fateful day - September 8th. 6 months ago seems so far away! Even though I take care of some of the sickest kids in the nation, I also take care of some of the strongest too. These kids have strength that I only wish I had. Everyday I learn something from them. My job is a terrible one, but it's also so rewarding. It's those moments when the parents thank you, the kid gets better, or the kids and the family have a peaceful parting that you really start to feel like your work is meaningful. Ricky always tells me that things in life are opposite and equal - to feel the greatest happiness you have to suffer the greatest sorrow. So far (in my advancing years...) I have not experienced anything that has such extremes in emotion as nursing (except for maybe marriage! - love you sweetie!). Just a shout out of thanks to all of you for your support!