"Kindness"

I started my very first role as a nurse in the acute setting. Having just graduated I was understandably overwhelmed, nervous, but most of all excited! I had worked hard all throughout my academic career and was looking forward to applying all of that theory into practice. The first few weeks were rough, to say the least. I wasn't treated like a welcome, new graduate with much to learn. I was treated like an idiot who knew nothing. The way I was spoken to, spoken about (both directly, and behind my back) was heartbreaking. All I wanted to do was to try my best and do well. I've come to understand that this really wasn't about me, this was a workplace culture. I want to actively work towards changing this culture and fostering a workplace of compassion and kindness for all staff, patients and visitors.