the_caffinated_nurse

🩺 Ten Years in the ICU: A Farewell Letter

After a decade in the ICU, I find myself at a crossroads—grateful, reflective, and quietly heartbroken.

Ten years of adrenaline, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to patients and colleagues alike. I’ve witnessed miracles, mourned losses, and stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the most brilliant, compassionate professionals I’ve ever known. The ICU shaped me—not just as a clinician, but as a leader, a listener, and a lifelong learner.

But as I step away, I carry a bittersweet truth: even the strongest teams can fracture when vision is lost. Leadership, when misaligned with purpose, has a way of dimming the brightest lights. It’s disheartening to watch a place once defined by excellence and unity slowly unravel—not because the people changed, but because the compass guiding them did.

I leave with pride in the work we’ve done, sorrow for what could have been, and hope that those still within will find their way back to the heart of what matters. To my colleagues—thank you for the memories, the mentorship, and the moments that made it all worthwhile.

Here’s to new beginnings, and to never forgetting why we started.

— Jessica

from in 🤪 it was super hot 🥵, like 100* but it was such a especially since I got to spend it with the of 💕 something we don’t get to do very often

Last is if you’re trying to figure that one out 😅 us 😆

소꼬리탕 or sokkoritang is a Korean ox tail soup. Full of collagen from simmering for hours (I started at 5am for dinner) and seasoned simply with garlic, green onions, 고춧가루 (gochugaru), salt, and pepper. Delicious, satisfying, and fulfilling. I can’t wait for dinner 🤤

Look who got her drains removed today!

Many stitches and 5 drains later she’s home from the vet. I still can’t believe what happened, but I’m so happy to have her back home. Thank you to all the kind vets and vet techs for your compassion and care, and also for getting her in quickly.

It might be Monday, but it’s my Friday.