So today was the first day at the children's residential facility - it was just an orientation, tour, then the last hour was us on the unit that we are assigned to (I got the children's unit with Heather and Allison). I think that this is going to be more difficult than I originally had thought. I just got a little taste today of some of the issues on the floor - kids screaming, banging heads, provoking others, etc. Then again we were only there for a little bit and not all day with the kids like we will be for the next 2 months.
I foresee this being mentally, physically and emotionally challenging. I want to be able (if possible) to leave the issues at the facility, but if not then we also have journals for our class that will help to kind of let go of the week. Taking on the kids problems would be way too much. I really can't imagine these families that deal/work with them everyday - they have to be incredible frustrated, exhausted, feel hopeless, etc. There is also the other side of the coin showing that they are getting help here and will hopefully improve and return home better!
On a kind of different note, you know when you just see people that are great working with kids, can just relate to them and are wonderful at what they do? I really aspire to be like that, but then I think...can I even do that because don't most of those people just have an innate gift? One thing that made me feel really good was one of the people in my program brought their two kids to the AE program party, and I was just playing/talking with them for a little bit. The next day, she told me that I was really great with her kids and have a gift with children. That comment really made my....month. Like I said, I aspire to be one of those people that just connects with children and knows the right thing to say at the right time. It is early within my nursing career; I'm keeping my options open - I like adolescents, children, babies - all of the above. I wonder where I will end up and what I will really like? I pray that God leads me to my special gift where I can truly help and touch other people's lives, no matter the age.
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