When I was in nursing school I just knew when I got out of school I would feel “like a pro”.  Five years of nursing later, I’m confident that’s not the truth.

I mean I’m sure Russell Wilson in his eight years of experience is quite pro status.

It’s like when you hear about people who have been nurses for ten years plus and you’re like wow they must be at an expert level! 

Well here’s the honest truth:

You will never know everything there is to know about nursing.

Or any career for that matter.  And just like plenty other jobs, it’s more of a learn as you go vibe.

And I have definitely learned that in my five years of nursing.

This past September it has been five years since I sat and passed my NCLEX.

Woohoo cue the bells and whistles here!!!

And in 100% transparency, I’m so happy I never have to take that test again.

If you’re a nursing student reading this just skip that part, it’s not that bad *inserts heavy sarcasm here*

I’ve been a nurse for five years and it honestly does not feel like it.  Each day with new lessons, new experiences and truthfully a whole lot of fun.

Here’s 5 things I’ve learned in my five years of nursing:

1. It is unpredictable.  Even if you find yourself in the most routine setting like a clinic or doctor’s office, an occasional surprise is bound to happen.  This is a part of the medical field.  The faster you come to grips with that, the better you will be prepared to handle these situations. And honestly who doesn’t like a little excitement in life!
2. You will never know everything.  And this isn’t just for when you change jobs.  You can be in the same job for 10 plus years and still learn something new every day.  The ongoing learning experience is what makes the job so unique.  You will never get stagnant and truly you can always feel like a student (to some degree).
3. Everyone is really good at something.  Find your thing and own it.  My patient care is unmatched.  I may not always know the answer by the book or can rattle off a lab value at the drop of a hat, but when I go into that room to interact with my patients I know that the experience they have with me will be top tier.  It was something my clinical instructors told me in school and it’s still something that still holds true now.  
4. Never stop learning.  This point kind of ties into number 2.  It’s so easy to feel a sense of relief once you get out of school that you never want to look at another study guide or lecture again.  But the reality is on a day to day basis nursing is a learning experience.  Take advantage of each day.  You never know what you might discover!
5. Have fun.  Life is what you make it.  That statement is truly a fact.  If you go into work with a bad attitude you will feel that the entire shift.  If you go in with a great attitude it can shape the entire shift.  You control each and every experience you have, make the best of it.

Being a nurse was the most rewarding job I had ever done, until motherhood came and blew that out the water.

The acts of selflessness needed to care for another even on your worst day is truly an act of courage.

From my very first shift to my current, I have felt overwhelming feelings of joy, sorrow, appreciation and more.

I can’t wait to see what the next 5 years bring.

Take care of you too,

Aysia B.