Today marks my 1 year anniversary of being hired at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. One year ago today I jumped up and down embarrassingly ecstatic outside the Parnassus Starbucks while I tried (and failed) to not drop my phone (or my coffee) out of shock and to keep my cool, using my adult voice on the phone to say why yes I would love to accept your offer of my dream job. But in reality I did not succeed in doing this and I'm pretty sure my new boss could hear that I was basically happy crying on the phone. But I digress, a year ago I somewhat embarrassingly and very excitedly accepted my offer to be a per diem Patient Care Assistant at UCSF in the Intensive Care Nursery. 

Never then could I have imagined the things this job would bring me. I knew I would learn, but I had no idea the insight I would gain into this badass field I am joining. I expected I would connect with patients, but never could I have imagined the stories I would hear and the heartbreak and also happiness I would feel alongside the families. I knew I would get tired but never could I have predicted how it feels to hit 3 am on your third night shift in a row. I knew I would meet great people but I was so not expecting the amazing atmosphere and camaraderie found within the staff on my floor. I knew I would gain resilience, but I was not expecting how it feels to lose a patient and move forward to hope for the next. The list goes on and on, but in short, I am so so so very grateful for the experiences, skills, and growth I have been gifted from UCSF.  

In the last year I have come far. I started as fresh, albeit a little over-excited 18 year old ready to cuddle any baby I could get my hands on and learn every possible thing I could. Now, I would say that I might be a little less fresh-faced after countless night shifts and my eager heart may be more guarded by some tragic losses, but my hunger to learn remains intact and I look forward to the next year and the 30 after that I plan to spend in this field and I feel excited, ready and more resolved than ever to become the best nurse I possibly can be. A huge thanks to those who have taught me, supported me, cheered me on, and encouraged me to do my best, I love ya, couldn't do what I do without you!