Just Like Riding a Bicycle

I was right; it was like riding a bicycle.  Last night ended up being not so bad, after all.  What a relief!  Sure, my shift was busy and a little stressful at times, but I dealt with it.  Admittedly, I was a bundle of nerves when I walked onto the floor and introduced myself.  It’s never easy being the new girl.  It’s even more difficult when the new girl feels like a fish out of water.  There I was, in an American ICU, scared out of my mind.  I plastered a smile across my face, but I was trembling inside.  I doubted myself.  I had grown accustomed to the practices and pace of my ward in Australia, and was certain I had forgotten every last bit of my critical care training and time management.  But, as I sat down with the outgoing nurse to take report, it all came back to me.  I remembered what questions to ask.  I understood what I needed to do.  I was able to formulate a plan for the night.  Even though I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy night, a wave of relief rushed over me.  I did belong there.  I could do the job.  It’s going to be a while before I gain all of my confidence back, but last night was a good start.