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What I've Learned Since Becoming a Nurse

So today, looking at the date, I realized its been one year exactly that I graduated nursing school, Aug 27, 2009. Here is a list of things I've learned so far. They aren't listed in any particular order, or have more importance than the other.

1.) Sometimes it's worth not getting out on time.
2.) Sarcasm can really hurt.
3.) You may just find a friend for a lifetime, a co-worker
4.) Must have gum
5.) I know the feeling of having to pee really bad, but don't want to wake the little child that's finally fallen asleep in my lap.
6.) Family members are just scared of the unknown, we all are.
7.) Just give the ninety-year-old, with high blood pressure the salt shaker. The arguing may cause more damage than the salt.
8.) Sometimes you just have to let it be known, they can't walk all over you.
9.) Laughter really is the best medicine.
10.) Nurses make the worst patients, they really do.
11.) The most simplest thing a patient could ever need from you is friendship.
12.) They become a second family.
13.) Animals and music have magical powers
14.) Live as if its your last day.
15.) The best part of my day is seeing the little ones smile.
16.) You never feel like a hero after performing CPR. Even when you've saved their life.
17.) Always have a pen in your pocket, a black one.
18.) At the end of the day, even if they have frustrated you to no end, you still love each and everyone of them.
19.) As much as you may try, its impossible not to get attached.
20.) Its o.k. to cry.
21.) Family members do appreciate you.
22.) Even though you may not want to, attending a patients funeral means a lot to their loved ones.
23.) Its not my job to cure you, but it is my job to care for you.
24.) You can't save them all.
25.) You mustn't feel guilty when you feel a patient will be better off when they aren't suffering anymore.
26.) Just because the advanced medical technology is available, doesn't mean your patient wants it.
27.) Every elderly person must be like Sophia from "The Golden Girls". Haha JK
28.) Always have a sense of humor.
29.) Invest in a good watch, with a seconds hand.
30.) You're no help to your patients if you don't take care of yourself.
31.) Family and friends will always come to you with a list of nasty, disgusting symptoms and ask you to diagnose them. My diagnosis.....see your own doctor!
32.) A smile can really brighten their day.
33.) Its o.k. to be silly
34.) Buy expensive shoes, you'll be on your feet a lot.
35.) You can never have too many scrubs.
36.) Never make a promise. You never know what can happen to break that promise.
37.) The human body is an incredible machine, but just like a machine, it can break down.
38.) Never underestimate the power of a hug.
39.) Never dismiss their feelings. They feel what they feel.
40.) Nurses really are angels on Earth.