When I graduated nursing school wayyyyyy back in 1991, I was hired immediately by the hospital I currently work for. I began my nursing career on a med-surg floor working the day shift alongside the nurse who was chosen to be my preceptor, Laverne Pellitier. I had never met Laverne prior to this and I was very nervous, not only to meet her but to “be a real nurse.”

Laverne was a seasoned nurse, very professional and very nice. Her nursing skills were top notch and I learned sooooooooo much from her. She met me with a smile and a detailed packet of what I was to learn and how long I had to learn it. I received a full 6 months of training alongside Laverne. When the 6 months were up I truly felt ready to be on my own and to go to the night shift…Laverne had done her job and I was confident in my skills. Now this isn’t to say there weren’t moments of fear, tears and pain BUT there were more moments of joy, laughter and learning.

I wish I could say that every nurse I worked with during those first few weeks was kind…but that isn’t the case. Read more…