I can't believe it's already over.

I successfully completed my 337-hour preceptorship in labor and delivery. I couldn't be happier with my experience; I feel lucky that I had such a great preceptor and that my unit is so supportive of student nurses. And, I'm proud of myself and everything I learned this summer. The experience was exactly what I needed to confirm that labor and delivery is where I'd like to work as a nurse.

My last day was kind of crazy. First, Ashley and I took care of a c-section patient. Then, my secondary preceptor snagged me patient planning a natural delivery, rich with opportunities for labor support. It was exactly what I wanted on my last day -- because everything is all about me and my needs, right?

Oh contraire.

We ended up having a slightly emergent cesarean section. (Another learning opportunity!) The silver lining for me -- other than the delivery of a healthy and happy baby, of course -- was that I was able to be a helpful part of the team as we prepared for the surgery. If we'd had this situation earlier in my preceptorship I would have just gotten in the way and wouldn't have known what to do.

I promised to keep Ashley updated on the hiring process and my plans for the NCLEX-RN exam in October.

Maybe she could be my residency preceptor!

Blood, sweat, and even a few tears

All for this monstrosity:


If you find a typo, dear God, please don' t tell me because I had to take it to the printer's yesterday.

I swear, the dang thing is almost as big as I am!

Only one day left

Tuesday is the last day of my preceptorship in labor and delivery. I'll have completed 337 clinical hours -- and I think I might actually cry at the end of the day. I'm looking forward to having a vacation from my classes, but I'm genuinely going to miss my clinicals. I love labor and delivery, and I love the culture of this particular unit.

I did have the opportunity to introduce myself and talk with the unit's clinical supervisor about employment opportunities. They have a lot of new hires right now, so she said I would likely start as a supplemental employee and probably work nights. It's not a guarantee that I'll get hired, but I know the staff likes me and it seems like they'd like me to work there. Hopefully that'll be enough to help me get my foot in the door.

And now I'm off to finish my research poster, study for Monday's final exam, and think of appropriate thank you gifts for my preceptor and the unit.