8: Goodbye & Hello

No matter how many times we have to say “goodbye,” it never gets easier. As nursing students we get attached to our residents, and our residents get attached to us. The sacrifice, love, and care we put in those 4 months, create emotions that produce tears. We feel as if our work is incomplete; there are still mistakes to correct, tasks to complete, and care to provide. Saying “goodbye” is difficult, saying “hello” is just as horrifying. Our eyes are huge as we take in the glass double doors with a sign that says “Stop,” and a hand sanitizer machine below. I passed my first lesson; I performed hand hygiene to stop the spread of infection. First lesson completed a thousand more to perform. Each day will now be a test—tests that will include our critical thinking, skills, and patient care. Goodbye and hello—both difficult to carry out, yet through both phases will come forth amazing stories, education, and outcomes. With my stethoscope close to me, I am ready to conqueror new problems, and create new wonderful memories=)