So what has been going on in this crazy adventure as a Navy nurse? So much! I recently finished my nurse residency program and now I am on my assigned floor, which is the floor I wanted! I am on the multi-service ward for now and I am liking it so far. Our floor has its days, unlike a big three we can have very very slow days (I mean really slow, like zero patients slow!) but then we can have extremely busy days as well. Yesterday was one of those days, we got about 5 patients at the same time so it was a little hectic but I like that because I know when I do go to a big three it will be like that every day! This small hospital experience is very different from a big three, honestly I would probably recommend all new grads go to a big three for the experience. But I don't regret the decision I made, I am here for a reason and I will learn as much as I can in two years and then have to catch up at a big three but that's ok, I am a fairly quick learner so I know I will be fine. So when it comes to work I am learning a ton! The learning curve is steep in the Navy and I only got two weeks of orientation on my floor before they put me on my own. It makes me extremely nervous but they also have confidence that I will be fine on my own. There is still always a nurse with me most of the time but I am now off orientation for real so now its time to spread those wings and fly!
I have been exploring a ton too! A couple of weekends ago I was able to experience Kyoto for the first time and I was blown away, I love it there! I also booked a flight to Okinawa, some friends and I will be going there for Thanksgiving. I also booked my first international trip, a friend and I are taking 10 days of leave to go to Korea and Thailand. I can't wait!!! There is A TON of paperwork to do to be able to go out of the country but I just have to get it done so I can relax and plan all the cool things we will do while we're there. This is why I chose Japan as my first duty station, I wanted to travel and see the world and find out who I am all on my own, and that is exactly what I am doing! If you are looking for an adventure and an experience that will challenge you to be ok with being uncomfortable in every aspect of your life, this is the duty station! I love it! I love feeling lost most of the time; but now that it has been 4 months since I arrived in the beautiful place I rarely feel lost now. But every time I go somewhere new it is a new adventure and I feel lost again, its awesome! :)
I never thought I could come to a new country and make such a huge change and be even happier than when I arrived. I love Japan and I am so thankful for the opportunity to travel and experience the world on the Navy's time. Hooyah! Go Navy! :)
Here are some pictures from Kyoto and the last month!