It’s my second week as a full time staff nurse under the orientation status. This means I am still under the supervision of a senior staff as I do my job. It’s Christmas and although our religion does not observe this kind of festivity, I am still expecting a lighter atmosphere since most of the people celebrate Christmas.
Unfortunately, I am structured to have the most bitter person in the ward as my preceptor.
She was my charge nurse. We only had 5 patients, she took only one. The only one that is low maintenance and was voluntarily admitted just to have the room reserved for his husband who was in the ICU. Another patient was admitted making my total census of patient assigment 5.
While I was doing my patient care, she was there in the station lounging around. Barking what I should do next and constantly reminding me that we should go home early.
I can really feel that pressure. I also wanted to go home early but I am just new in this arena. I wanted to ask help from her but the pride in me is pulsating which is hard to ignore. I want to prove to her that I can finish my tasks without her help and I know she’s not willing to lend a hand. I had to them on my own. The pressure was building up on me that I started to break down in tears.
I took 5 in the bathroom. I looked in the mirror and I spoke to myself. If you cannot finish your task on time, you cannot go home on time. This means that she also has to stay behind. I smiled. We’re even.
I was done at past nine in the evening. She had a date and she’s late.