transitions

it was her first two weeks transitioning into labor and delivery. after one year working in a demanding institution, she was excited for this next step, a new challenge.

she had heard stories of how critical managing labor and delivery patients would be. the quick pace. the instantaneous ups and downs. so when she learned she would be oriented on that dynamic unit by one of the best, she was ecstatic. ten weeks of close collaboration with the utmost respected.

those first two weeks exceeded her expectations. she felt confident in her decision-making, quick to respond to non-reassuring patterns. she felt she was providing safe care, even as the novice she was. not once did she feel like she was running frantically, clumsily multi-tasking with her only two hands. priority - she knew it. between critical thinking, quick decisions, and medical know-how, she was still there for her laboring patients...there to foster a peaceful and healing environment, fit to welcome new life. during those first two weeks, she never doubted her abilities, knowledge, or future. and while orienting with the best - the most respected - she never thought to herself: i wish i was her. instead, she was thankful to be who she was, where she was at.

and then i woke up.