Job update

 Wednesday will mark 2 weeks since starting my new job and I thought I should update you on how it's going.

First, I thought I would share a few pictures.  This whole building is 2 separate practices.  The top level is a family medicine practice, and I work in the lower level which is a Geriatric medicine practice.

There are 2 sections to this; one part is a home-based medicine, which had quite a few doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who go to people's homes to see them.  The other half of the practice (which is the group I work with) is another group of doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants who go to nursing homes and assisted living facilities to see residents there. There are some patients seen in the office, but only on Thursday and Friday.  

Here's what it looks like in our area.  There are windows all around, and I've been amazed at all the birds that are around.  I've seen lots of blue jays and cardinals, and even several hawks.  They tell me there are frequently deer as well.  It's nice to have that type of view!

This is the area that the Geriatric medicine nurses work in and the home-based nurses are on the other side of the room. They are not separated so there's lot of talking between everyone here. There's laughter and fun, and people who help each other out.

It is busy. The phone rings a lot, and we also deal with lots of computer messages from insurance, pharmacies, staff at different buildings...  so there won't be a problem with being bored.

This is my own little cubby, which I'm just starting to personalize a bit.  I haven't spent much time here as I've been orientating with other nurses.  The people here have been wonderful, and this place takes orientation very seriously, and doesn't want to just push people into a position.  The biggest part of my orientation is doing Epic training.  Epic is a computer system that I will use to chart on, to document every phone call, to schedule appointments, to order meds...  It's very intense and I have 6 scheduled days at a training facility just to learn the basics.  I was warned by the office managers that it would be overwhelming and to "give yourself grace".  It is overwhelming, but I'm learning!  I've had 2 days of this training so far, will have another one this week, and then 3 days the next week.
I've really enjoyed coming back to the office and being able to put some of those things into practice.

One thing I don't think I shared is that I was told that after about 3 months, when I'm feeling comfortable with the job, they will let me work 2 days there and 2 days from home.  They've already got me set up with a computer to take home and a head set for phone calls. They also said that if the roads are bad or I don't feel 100 %, I can let them know and work from home.  That's a huge blessing!
I've also been so relieved to not be getting constant phone calls and not being called into work.   I have been back to my old job for one day to help the girl who is doing some of my old tasks.  She is overwhelmed and was thankful for some help.  I was once again reminded of why I left, although it was good to see some of the workers and residents again.
Thanks for the prayers as I adjust, and the messages checking on me!