Big Changes are Afoot

Tomorrow marks 5 months since we first set foot in the windy city. Time has absolutely flown by, and I can't believe we have spent almost half of a year here! We are really settling in now, and making this city really feel like home. However, we have some big changes coming up!

I'm writing today on what is the last day of my unemployment! Since graduating in June, I have had the longest break from school and/or work in my entire life! The whole 5 months we have been here, I have been unemployed and being a homemaker. It has been a wonderful break, but I am looking forward to a change of pace. As I mentioned in the last blog, I have been able to use the weeks leading up to my job starting to get our house in ship-shape and prepare some meals in case work life becomes too crazy to cook.  I really can't believe that this is the last day before I will officially begin working as a nurse! You can look forward to some crazy (and likely gross) stories ahead. 

So, Monday I will begin orientation. I will spend the first week, Monday through Friday from 8-5 in a classroom learning hospital policies, reviewing nursing skills, and learning the computer charting program. After this initial week, I will begin working on my actual unit alongside another experienced RN. I will be paired up with my preceptor for 6-8 weeks to complete my orientation, and then I will be on my own with my own patient load as an independent RN! I am really excited to get back in the game, be around patients again, and learn a TON. I hope my brain is ready for overload! 

All in all, I am very excited about this new season of life. I am also most definitely nervous for all the change that is ahead. I am nervous about being able to keep up with all there is to learn in this new job. I am nervous about the unit culture--what my coworkers, patients, and manager will be like. I am nervous about being able to maintain our home as well as I would like to while working full-time. I am excited to see how Josh and my relationship changes yet again during this new stage. I am excited to be back in a hospital, using my brain, and doing what I love and have prepared for for years. I am excited to be challenged and forced to grow and adapt. I am excited for a PAYCHECK to begin paying off loans and saving for the future! 

So, there you have it. My final thoughts before joining the working real world. You best believe I will be updating as soon as I can after I start my job! Happy Friday!