Two years ago I decided it was time to change jobs . . . while I loved (chuckle) working in the deli at the neighborhood grocery store, it wasn't what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I grew up wanting to work in the healthcare world, first I wanted to be an ob/gyn, I determined I didn't want to go to school for that long and decided I would rather be a nurse. Unfortunately life happens. I didn't go to the school I wanted and wasted two years of my life doing what my mom wanted me to do. Then I got married and dropped out, big mistake.
So two years ago I took the first step to doing what I really wanted to do and took a CNA class and got my certificate. I then got a job working at an Alzheimers facility. I absolutely loved it!!! I loved my patients and there was never a dull day, not to mention every day was different. The only thing I didn't love was the 30 minute commute. Then a Rehabilitation facility was being built just down the road, luckily I got a job there. I have been working there for a year now and still love my job.
Back in August I switched from working in the afternoons to working the graveyard shift. So I go in at 10:00 at night and get home at 6:00 in the morning. And I couldn't love it more. A lot of people tell me how sorry they are for me to work the hours that I do, but I love it. Yes, I do lack in the sleep department, but I get to be home with my kids during the day, and get to help them with homework in the evenings and have dinner with them at night and even get to tuck them into bed before I leave for work. Another thing that is nice, I don't have to deal with management. How many people complain about their boss and the other people in the office. I don't see those people. How great is that! I see them on payday and that is about it. I also hear a lot that is must be quiet and not much goes on because everyone sleeps . . . HA! Yes, we do have nights where there are few call lights that go off, but I am usually moving all night long. Some nights are quieter than others and I have the opportunity to watch a movie, but it takes all night to watch the movie. Yes, there are some unpleasant things I get to do also, like change briefs and deal with some unpleasant people, but we all get to do things we don't want to do.
The best part of my job is that I get the opportunity to work with people that make work not seem like work. Lynette and I laugh and have fun all night long. Not to mention that she has become one of the best friends I have ever had. She has the ability to make a long and sometimes frustrating night to be fun and full of laughter!
Two weeks ago Caitlyn had to opportunity with the Young Women in the ward to spend an evening there visiting with the patients I have to opportunity to work with every night. I was so excited to have her spend time with these amazing people. It was fun to have her come home and tell me about what she talked about with my patients. I think she had fun learning a little about what I do.
I am getting my nursing degree. This isn't the ideal time to do it, but I am not giving up on my dreams and that a great thing to teach my children! I love my job, I really, really do!
