Bittersweet Good-Byes

Last night was my last night at work for West Valley Hospital. My time there has been an interesting and educational one. I worked for that hospital the longest in my RN career, 4 years. It is the smallest hospital so far, that I have worked for. I was a RN on their Postpartum floor. I love doing postpartum. I enjoy teaching new parents how to take care of their newborn. I know it's in my job description to help my patients, but it makes me smile when I have been working all night with a mom who just wants to breastfeed and 5 mins before the end of the shift, the baby finally latches and the mom is elated. It is very gratifying work. Plus, I get to hold little newborns when I go to work. I get my baby-fix and then send the babies back to their mommies. Could it get any better?! My wonderful colleagues threw a farewell party. I was so touched that almost all of the postpartum staff with a good number of night shift L&D staff had come. They brought great food! I have made many friends there that have been patient with me and taught me many things. Below are some pictures of the ladies that I had the pleasure of working with, unfortunately it wasn't everyone. All of them gave me hug before I left.

(L to R) Melody (she's Hawaiian), Me, Maria, Lisa, Pat, Eden.

Pam (a day shifter) and Me. People kept insisting that I be in the picture.

These are some of the crazy but fun L&D staff that I work with: (L to R) Stephenie, Damian (our scrub tech and go-to man when we need things), Arlene, and Christine. Fun girls!!!

This was the end of my last shift. See how great I look (heavy sarcasm). (L to R) Pam, Me, Evelyn, Lisa, Delphia. After looking at all these pictures, I look like a giant compared to the rest of ladies. No wonder they kept telling me that I was soooo tall. I didn't think I was that tall, but I guess when I stand next to them, I'm HUGE!
There were so many more people I didn't get to take pictures of, especially Gloria who put together the farewell party. Her husband is such a great cook, and I enjoyed many nights when we are working together, of food her husband would cook. He needs to open a restaurant. She also gave me a gift that her husband made (this guy is so multi-talented and she is a great, smart nurse as well). I will have to take a picture and post it of the gift and of her and the other friends I missed last night. These are the bittersweet parts of moving. I'm excited to be moving on to other things, but sad to leave behind the friends I've made. Thank goodness for technology to keep me in touch with everyone.