Here I sit in the break room, at 3 am. My first break in 8 hours 
I can’t call/text anyone back home because it’s 6am there on a Saturday and that would be frowned upon. Not having anyone to text on your break is a bummer. Although, I guess some conversation with my fellow co-works would be nice. Oh wait, I’m in here alone it’s ok cuz they talk to me at the desk, so don’t think I’m a total loner! So I had one baby (so far) today and avoided the OR! Which, in l&d nurse lingo means best shift ever! I still feel like a fish out of water. With two separate labor units I have to re-orient seemingly every day. Today, my biggest struggle was finding clean towels! I guess on the grand scale- that is not so bad. My patient was greatful and her baby was beautiful so that’s all that matters! I still think about my CMH and SMH peeps back home-how I know we had each other’s backs, and how I know where the rooms are and where things are located within each room- that comfort is hard to let go of. I know the doctors and what they want/like/expect. Here idk if the person in the room is a doctor, a student, a doula, or a dietary assistant! I literally have to write down the name of the person, their credentials and how to contact them if I need them should they leave my patients’ rooms! 😂
Earlier today, before work, I didn’t do much of anything. I had a rough morning emotionally for a multitude of reasons, and didn’t want to be super woman today. So, I got out of bed, made the bed (I think), ate three meals and drank my daily water intake. I showered and brushed my teeth- and headed into work. Let’s be real-somedays, that’s all you want to do, and it’s ok to do that SOMETIMES, but not everyday.
This is my first of 4 shifts in a row and I know I’m gonna go home and (hopefully) sleep away most of the day before coming back at it. I will be happy with just eating enough, sleeping enough and drinking enough water for the next 3 days. I will come out on the other end as a better (exhausted) nurse, person, and Seattle explorer.
Real life, Real nurse 
Night shift is indeed rough but you get use to it. ( I’ve been doing it for yrs now and I’m still not use to it) lol. Things will get better and you will get use to where things are and the important people you need to. Hang in there, you’ve got this! Happy sleeping💤💤💤
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You can call me anytime day or night.. I am usually up at 430 AM.. You are such a wonderful nurse and person. If this is too much for you it is ok to say so.. and move back. there are many many people that would gladly welcome you back. It is never a sign of failure if you decide this is not for you .. It is a sign of success that you chose to do this in the first place. I am so proud of you and quite frankly I wish I had your guts. This is like starting a new job every time your contract comes up and you choose a new assignment. I love you to the moon and back and I will always be by your side even it if it only in spirit. Get some rest today and tomorrow is a new day ..
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Hang in there, your going thru transition. You are a strong young woman gaining new experiences.
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I remember those days when I took a break at CMH. Good thing Kentucky basketball was on the TV in the nurses lounge. Ha! I think we were on the same time maybe an hour off so I was able to make calls or texts. But I still felt like the odd ball at times. I personally could not have done it without the dogs as my best friends. I enjoyed listening to each person as they talked about their families and some of the family dynamics a lot of us nurses have on a personal basis. ”Tis the woes of being a nurse sometimes. I imagine the change is a bit emotional coming out of a relationship. Put your faith in God and he will lead you through this. Enjoy the West coast. Chance of a lifetime. 😉. 🙏💕
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Hopefully it gets better EM❤️
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