While approaching the Education Department, I leave Nicole with Ashley. Ashley replies….” Well I’m glad that you’re gonna be a part of our Team. We are in the midst of a shift change where we are taking patients off and putting them on. Come with me so we can talk. While I set up my machines you can observe and ask me any questions you like.” Nicole replies…” Man it’s busy here and it’s loud. Machines beeping, people talking , and I can feel people staring at me…..” I Don’t Know About This now. I’m kinda overwhelmed.“… Ashley replies….” Hey I get it. I felt the same way when I first started. It was very scary. I mean I could literally feel my heart pounding a million miles a minute, my legs constantly shaking, palms sweaty and my anxiety at an all-time high. I felt dizzy, weak, and also nauseous at times. I was going through it. Nicole replies…. “ Sheesh I couldn’t have said it better myself. I’m kinda thrilled yet scared. Last night before coming here I was so nervous. I couldn’t sleep. It felt like the first day of school or something. Girl my anxiety was at an all-time high. Ashley says,” Oh I get it. The unknown is what is the most annoying. But try to think about why you applied and what you want to accomplish!”….. Meanwhile, AW is leaning to her left listening……,as Ashley continues to say, “ I remembered my interview, and I was nervous then too but yet excited. See this is like my first job in a healthcare setting. I plan to further my career and go to school to either get my degree to become a Registered Nurse specializing in Nephrology or maybe consider being a Renal Dietician. See girl I love to work out but love food too “ Yum!”, As Nicole laughs and says,” That’s awesome . I’m so glad you kinda calmed my nerves. I really appreciate you. So, will you be here all the time or just today?”, Oh I’ll be here. I kinda like our clinic. The job gets very demanding but taking care of our patients is very rewarding, and I know the outcome and end result will be grand. Nicole I’ll be happy to talk to you anytime. Just let me know…. ( Even though Ashley spoke to Nicole with great enthusiasm, she still has the look of despair and disposition on her face and swelled within her demeanor)…. Nicole replies, “ Thank you so much. There’s Dwelyn coming back. I see he has the simulation props on the cart coming this way. Hmm mm, I wonder what that’s all about? I’ll see you later girl!” ……. Ashley replies, “ Not a problem. “ Oh Nicole here’s something for you to read later on in your training. ( Ashley gives her a sealed envelope ) You may not need it since Dwelyn will be training you, but I sure did. Hope you find it insightful.
As I walk back to the floor I see AW looking to her left curiously at Ashley and Nicole ending their talk. As Nicole heads towards me ,” Hey Dwelyn how’s everything going? Why did you bring the simulation props out here?”. I replied, “ Well Nicole let me introduce you to AW, she’s new like you and the one thing you both have in common….. This is both your first day. On my cart I have 4 simulation devices to supply a visual to AW . I have a Graft simulation device, a Fistula simulation device, a Catheter (CVC) simulation device , and a model of a pancreas. Nicole replies with excitement and smiling ,” Can I help ?”… You know I moved to stick the arms!” Oops!!! I meant cannulate ! Sure thing. “ AW looks with a crazy look on her face. “ Ooooo Dwelyn those things look scary and so life-like. What is that gold thingy that looks like a little Gun? Lol… “ AW that’s a pancreas !” AW replies…. What does a pancreas have to do with this dialysis stuff it we are in here because our kidneys don’t work?
To Be Continued…..
Kidney Trails 