And I feel fine…

Ok, that’s not quite true. It’s actually pretty bittersweet. As I’ve written in my last few posts, my last scheduled shift was last night. I said farewell to many people. Actually all week it’s been series of goodbyes.

Sunday was my second to last official shift. But even before it was over, I had already planned on picking up a shift Monday night. The ED was short staffed and I figured I’d take the extra money and also help out. I mention that because I knew that one of my fellow Techs, Mike S. had been planning something for my final shift last night.

So I was a bit confused when my ANM (Assistant Nurse Manager) came to me around 6:00 AM or so and whispered in my ear, “I’m going to need you for a special huddle.” I was a bit confused, but thought perhaps she was going to privately say good-bye or give me some final words of wisdom.

Around 6:45 I took aside the orient I had that night and told her she was going to give the report to the incoming tech and asked her what she was going to present. I’ve done this dozens times as part of a new techs orientation, especially when they’re about done. Well, it’s a good thing I did since at about 6:58 the ANM came and practically dragged me by the elbow, “we’ve got to get to huddle.” Now I was completely confused. I couldn’t figure out why it was so important I get to huddle. That’s generally only for the incoming shift and the only folks who brief is an ANM or the person taking over as Charge Nurse. In any event, my orient ended up giving the hand-off report without me and did great.

Well imagine my surprise when I walked in and saw a table full of donuts and bagels and folks congratulating me. All I could keep saying was “but I have two more shifts!” I was at first a bit embarrassed, partly between the attention being given me and the fact that I felt it was a bit premature. But by the end I’ll admit I was on the verge of tears. It was a very touching moment.

Last night, despite it not being a surprise, was also very touching. While I greatly appreciated the day shift send off, the truth is, most I hadn’t worked with much or if I had, it had been well over a year ago. The night shift send-off though; I knew most of them very well. We’ve done battle together. We’ve broken bread together. We’ve staved off death together. And sometimes, we’ve mourned together. They’re my ride or die crew. So having a chance to celebrate with them was extra special to me.

Besides the food and music though, I was looking forward to one more tradition afforded folks leaving. The picture in one of our trauma bays.

After the photo in the trauma bay, we received a Level 1 trauma that took me the rest of my shift to help with, including getting them to the OR. It was a sad, but somehow appropriate way, to end my shift.

The part that meant the most to me tonight were the well wishes and votes of confidence from my colleagues. In a few short weeks I’m going to embark on what’s probably going to be one of the hardest, prolonged challenges of my life, and it really meant a lot to hear so many people saying positive things.

Yes, I’ll pick up a few shifts over school breaks, but it won’t be the same. This was the end of an era. Over 5,500 hours (by my best estimate) of working as a tech. I’ve learned so much and made such friends and gained such mentors. So I walk away a bit sad that I’ll miss working with such great people on a regular basis. But also extremely excited about my new challenge and honored that such folks have such faith in me.

And as always, my views and thoughts do not reflect those of my employer Albany Med Health System.