The Plunge!

 I try to post to my blog regularly. But sometimes that is not possible. I seem to post when there is a change happening or a pivotal moment in my life. Those are the times I find myself in need of telling a story with my words. Well this is one of those moments. I am in the midst of  the biggest career changes since I became a nurse. Those of you that know me personally know that I have always worked at OSF Saint Antony Medical Center in Rockford, IL. I have also only worked in Neuro/Trauma/Burn ICU. Now don't let my lack of changing jobs/depts fool you. I have gained sooooo much knowledge and experience there in the last 7 years. For most of my career there was never a dull moment on that unit. I worked with some of the smartest and most experienced RNs out there. Not to mention those doctors that actually took the time and chose to take me under their wing and teach me. I am definitely a much better and far more experienced nurse than when I came out of nursing school...Obviously! LOL

But for those of you that are near and dear to my heart, I will give you a bit of background. I grew up in Elgin, IL since I was 9. It is the place I consider my hometown. Now, I have always wanted to be a nurse. All my life that is what I told everybody that asked me "What do you wanna be when you grow up?" So, when it was time to select a college I looked into local schools like NIU. I also looked across the country like ASU (jus cuz most kids do, trying to get as far away from their parents as they can-LOL) My big brother was already a student and a star football player at Rockford College. It was on a whim that I applied there thinking that it would be cool to go to school with him! I checked into their nursing program, and it turned out to be really good. I got accepted and so that is where I went! Fast forward 2 years, I needed a flexible part time job, and my mom told me the only job I was allowed to take was one in healthcare. I applied at the closest hospital to campus...Good ol OSF. I worked on the Medical/Oncology unit for my remaining 2 years in school.

I got to see and experience so many different types of nursing when I was in college. But it was not until my final semester that I had one specific type of nursing speak directly to my soul. I took a job as a tech in the ER at OSF. It was freakin' amazing!!! I loved it. But the crushing news came down from management that because this ER is a Level I. This means it provides the highest level of surgical care to trauma patients. It has a full range of specialists and equipment available 24 hours a day. Not to mention that it is a certified chest pain and stroke center. So in short "NO NEW GRADS ALLOWED!" I was told to apply for a residency (6 month intense orientation w/ an experienced RN) in the ICU and get 1 year of experience, and then come back. Well folks...that is almost exactly what I did. All except coming back in a year. After spending my residency and my first year as a nurse in the Neuro/Trauma/Burn ICU I was in love with my job! I loved it do much that I put my dream of being an ER nurse on hold, a looooong 7 year hiatus.

But I have been thinking alot about my life and my career lately. After 7 years in the ICU I have been felling a bit burnt out for a while now. Because of this I began to reevaluate what I want my career to be. I want to share my gift with the world in the best way I can. And of course my heart took me back to my first dream in nursing...ER!!! The time I spent in the ICU has given me an amazing platform to launch me into a new an exciting way to help people. 

So after much soul searching and cold feet/chickening out about a year ago (LOL don't ask) , I am taking the plunge!!! I have decided to not only leave my unit, but I am taking on an even bigger and definitely very scary challenge. I will be starting at a new hospital! Look out Sherman Hospital, cuz here I come! I am completely excited about my choice and I think this opportunity will challenge me in many new ways!

I am ready to help those that are in need. The reason I love the way an ER helps people is simple. It allows me to feel like I am really helping those in need and saving a few lives too. I want to show my skills to all those that need help, not just the ones with insurance. I need a much more selfless way to do the work that God put me here to do. And with this amazing opportunity...I CAN!

I have always loved the thought of being a member of an ER team. Because regardless of race or social class u get the same care. And I love that. It becomes about the patient, not a money making machine. We are the first people that a person/family sees when they need help. I want to be a part of that!