Where has the time gone?

Suddenly, it's the first of July. I officially have 120 hours (of my required 336) logged in labor and delivery. It feels like so much has happened, it's like I don't really know where to begin!

I'm 1 for 3 for IV starts on patients. I did, however, manage to start an IV successfully on another nursing student who's working at the hospital as a tech for the summer. I was proud of myself today because I managed to get a mom all cleaned up, gown changed, underwear in place on my own -- even though she was still a little bit numb from her epidural. I've finally gotten used to the 12.5-hr days. Don't get me wrong -- I'm still tired when I get home, but now I can at least stay up after 2100 after getting home from my shift. I'm very comfortable with my preceptor, to the extent that I'm more nervous when I'm in a patient's room by myself than I am when she simply stands in a corner and watches me.

I've had good days and bad. Today was a good day. I had my first delivery where I didn't even feel a bit like shaking while coaching the mom through her pushes (in Spanish!) and I've finally overcome my habit of getting lightheaded in the OR.

I guess what's most important is that I still love it and am so happy to be here. I'm slowly becoming more independent, and each day I'm a little more confident.

I hope, I hope, I HOPE I get a job in an L & D unit when I get my license!