As a seasoned nurse, training in the Operating Room is by far one of the hardest orientations I've had. My initial operating room preceptor and the schedule had me calling it quits. I honestly did not think I had what it took to be an Operating Room nurse. I felt defeated, something that is hard to swallow for an experienced nurse. Paula stepped up and said, "let me give this a shot, give it some time, you'll get there." Thankfully she has been nothing but helpful and encouraging through many self-loathing moments and frustrating shifts that I trained in the Operating Room. I honestly think I would have quit early on if Paula hadn't stepped up to salvage my orientation. I am grateful for this difficult but rewarding start to my Operating Room career. To say a good preceptor can make or break you is an understatement.
***
I hope Paula knows how truly special she is, like a diamond in the rough. She has razor-sharp intelligence and a thick gritty, somewhat scrappy exterior. She is exactly who I would want to care for my loved one because once you're past that exterior, then you can take on anything. Paula has a warm compassionate heart it's no wonder that she is entrusted to care for our littlest patients.
***
Throughout my career, I have had several preceptors. Paula outshines them all. Turns out I am now a full-fledged OR nurse. Paula never doubted me, she pulled me through to my full potential. She is an outstanding Operating Room nurse and teacher. She helped mold me when I thought my mold-able days were gone. Thank you, Paula, for sharing your wealth of knowledge with me and seeing my abilities even when I was not able to.