What was your first real job? I know my early ones were babysitting and then in college serving food in the cafeteria and working the dorm’s front desk and being an RA. But I have been reminiscing about that very first “real” job – that full paycheck one.
I worked 3-11 pm as an ER nurse in a small rural hospital in NW Ohio.
What made me think about that work was when I read that the second Wednesday in October is National Emergency Nurse Day. I never heard that before, have you?
I was a new graduate and often worked by myself in a small ER. Man was I green and unexperienced. I did have a great supervisor and had to learn fast. I used all my nursing skills and never knew exactly what kind of cases would be coming “down the ramp” into the ER. Some evenings were quiet and even boring but then the next day we wouldn’t stop and had people of all ages, injuries, illnesses, accidents piling up all over. It could become a crazy chaos quite suddenly.
I also gain experience in dealing with all sorts of challenging people in traumatic situations. I discovered I could remain calm but often would fall apart once I got home at night.
An ER RN specializes in assessing, intervening and stabilizing patients with a wide range of illnesses and trauma. An ER nurse requires decisive action which means they must be knowledgeable about both specific and general health issues. Understanding triage, a method of prioritizing injuries and other physical as well as mental conditions based on medical need is essential. This means they’ll have to be able to make a quick, accurate assessment of patients, often under pressure. I learned to make decisions and to move quickly.
Looking back starting my nursing career in the ER was a great place to begin as it sharpened all my skills and gave me a broad experience in health care. I didn’t know what I didn’t know so didn’t realize how brave I had to be to take that job. Looking back wow that took courage to be 22 years old and work that ER often by myself, making those types of decisions. Courage or stupidity, not sure. Sometimes not having the wisdom of looking back like I have now gives us more courage. Never considered that before either. Maybe I am too cautious now and could use some youthful bravery occasionally.
Lessons learned by reflecting back to my first real job. What about you? What can you learn looking back to your early life’s work?
We put such a lot of responsibility on people so young! But I am very grateful for all the ER nurses that are able to handle such stress. They truly see people at their worst moments, yet they have to remain calm and collected. I’m sure you were a blessing to many people during your time doing this, Jean! My first real paid job was working on Redstone Arsenal as a clerk typist while I was in college getting my accounting degree. It didn’t pay much, but I felt rich at the end of each summer! 🙂
amazing to reflect on those first jobs and how they laid the foundation for our future isn’t it?
Wow, Jean, I don’t think I knew you had been an RN! And yet when I consider all that you’ve written and shared over the years, I shouldn’t be surprised. You bring so much of that caring, compassion, and skill to this aspect of your life right here.
I’m blessed to be one of those who benefit from your wisdom.
That was my other life, lol. Thanks for your kinds words. God has always allowed me to “nurture” others in one way or another. Isn’t it fun though to reflect back on our early lessons?