Ashley Rodriguez
CandidateAshley Rodriguez
New Grad Takes the Floor
So, first day on my own, no preceptor, no safety net. I felt like a deer in headlights, sure, but I made it through. It wasn't pretty - nerves had me missing things, going back and forth more times than I'd like to admit. But guess what? Patients got their care, meds were given on time. I survived. Yet here I am, staring at the ceiling, second-guessing everything I did. Suppose it gets easier? Or do we forever question each part of our day?
Honestly, it takes time. You'll question less as you gain confidence. Just remember, you’ve been trained for this.
Always question, always learn. That's how we improve.
My first month solo, I almost gave a patient 10x their insulin dose. I caught it at the last second. After that, double checking became my religion.