It's been a month since my last life update post... time flies, and I feel like my life's been stuck on 'fast-forward'. It's been a 'testing' week for me. Lots of random thoughts for this post...
"I love that you want to see the best in people, but please be careful. Because sometimes seeing the best just means not seeing the truth." -Hart of Dixie (the only TV series I follow; thanks to DVR.)
I think that's me. I see the best in everyone (although it sounds good)...is it a personality flaw? Not sure...something to think about though.
Tuesday, May 1st... Ryan's 1st trip to the ER. 27.5 months old. Mommy & Ryan photo shoot, running, tripped then flew over a set of railroad tracks. Front left tooth plunged into inside of top lip and slightly all the way through his lip. He cried inconsolably for 30 minutes & as he cried, it bled. I was a basket case. (Keep in mind; I deal with 'sick/hurt children with neurotic parents' at work. However, this did NOT prevent me from becoming an anxious, worried, neurotic parent myself. When it's your baby; it's a completely different ballgame!) Made the decision that holding Ryan down for sutures would be more traumatic than the actual laceration. Luckily, it was on the inside of his mouth & the mouth heal quickly. Day 4; it's still swollen. My poor baby.
I had a single-parent mommy meltdown on Monday night. It's tough doing this parenting thing alone. I'll be the first to admit, I took for granted how much Jerad did help me out. Even the small, "Go play with Daddy while Mama _____." was helpful. (At the time, it didn't seem like he was doing enough...but looking back, he did. So ladies, when you see your husband, fiance, boyfriend...make sure you acknowledge their help today!) I now do everything... with Ryan not too far away. Not complaining; but it's different...
And Monday...well, Ryan and I were both having a bad day. He was fussy most of the day. We decided to go eat. He dropped everything under the table (which he HAD to go cave diving after)- as soon as the food arrived, he had to pee (which I think he just wants to get up from the table and see every public restroom)- go back to the table and our food was cold; of course- set him bedside me at the nice, hard wooden benches that Fat Boys has- as he sits down, he slams his back into the corner of the bench and starts screaming. I pick him up; set him in my lap- rocking, cuddling and 'shhh-ing' in his ear...& at that moment I wanted to cry. But I didn't...I was just overwhelmed and felt so alone. It wasn't until we were on the way home when Ryan said, "I've gotta pee pee."-- pulled over on the side of the road in a grove to find out that he'd already peed and soaked his entire car seat...that I laughed. ("Hold it baby" is NEVER an option for a newly-potty-trained toddler.)
Ryan is talking...up a storm (a phrase my Mama would say). I hear, "Mama, Mama, Mama.." before he tells me whatever he's got to say; at least 200 times a day. He can count to 10...but we're still working on colors. He knows exactly which shoe goes on which foot- which I find advanced for his age. I feel like my heart is out in the world, walking around outside of my body...and essentially it is.
Between work and Ryan- my social life is depleted. Yes, friends and family; I am alive and doing well :)
Next... a post about work.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Working on Whitney...
1. Talk Less. Listen More.
I'm a talker; so even though it's easier said than done...I'm learning- the more I listen...the better I am. It's almost becoming a 'tactic' for me. When listening to friends/family vent, for job negotiations, even in confrontation and drama---I'm going to focus on shutting my mouth and opening my ears!
2. Have More Teaching Time with Ryan
Even though my 12-hour shifts at work kill me...it gives me more 'day-time' with Ryan. I work 3 days and I'm home with my little man for 4. I'd like to focus on new, learning, hands-on crafts and/or activities to help expand his little brain! Now- we read, play and talk...but I'm ready to break out the finger paints!
3. Get To Know...Me (& find my self-esteem)
After being in a relationship for 7 years; it's easy to lose yourself. Not saying I changed... but suddenly the "where do you want to eat?" or "what do you want to do tonight?" abruptly became MY choice. I want to figure out exactly who I am- & I want to love myself. I am my biggest critic...and I want to work on that. I know I'm far from perfect...but I'm a good person, and I believe I deserve good.
4. Commit To The Gym
OMG! Am I the first woman that's ever set this goal? :) No further explanation needed.
5. Continue My Education.
There's one thing, that no one can threaten me with, take away from me, or hold over my head...and that's my education. It's so so so valuable to me. I have a few credits left; I really need to start taking a night class here and there.
6. Put My Toes In The Sand
I want to go to the beach every chance I get. The sound. The smell. The feel. It's the one place that I feel closest to my mom.
7. Continue Working On Our Home
It's not he biggest, nicest, most-expensive home...but it's ours! I wish I were more "handy-man-ish" because my home improvement list keeps on growing! I finally got my wooden laminate floors I've been wanting and new living room furniture! I love it...
8. Save More; Spend Less; Invest
The more you make. The more you spend. Fact. My solution is quiet simple (see above)...now I've just got to do it!
9. Eat Better
I eat like a 6-year old. Plain, very few vegetables and lots of JUNK! I at least want to TRY different things!
10. Facilitate Healthy Co-Parenting
God give me help and guidance on this one...may I always keep Ryan's best interest at heart. Nice words, no name calling, and trust...
11. ReInk
I regret my tattoos; yes, plural; there's 2. One's a 'tramp stamp'...a butterfly with tribal (yes; so original...I'm aware.) that I just HAD to have the DAY I turned 18. (Thanks Jess...what in the world were we thinking?..that's ok, yours followed 4 months later.) And then a breast cancer pink ribbon on my right foot. My 2nd choice showed much more thought & meaning... but at the end of the day, I'm sure my Mama wouldn't be pleased. Tattoo removal doesn't fit into my 10-year financial planning...so as ironic as this sounds; I really need them touched up! They're faded from sun and tanning beds; and I never applied sunscreen to them...so I'm ready for more color!
12. Read
I love to read; but never feel like I have the TIME; or when I do...I'd rather catch up on my ZzZzZs.
13. Work on an Awesome Playlist for my iPod
Music's always been my special "take me away"...the sound...the words.
14. Be a Better Friend
A downfall. I'm a selfish friend. I really am. The friends in my life have been SO good to me especially when I'm down. I've spent 7-years putting MY ALL into a relationship and unfortunately my friends took the back burner. You live. You learn.
15. Show Gratitude
Say 'thank you' more often. Even over the smallest gestures. My boss, Brittany showed me how important this is. Since I've started working in September, she's sent 3 cards...basically just saying "thanks" and how much she appreciates me. 2 minutes of her time plus one stamp; totally worth the end results. I want to make people feel like that- especially my friends and family.
16. Worry Less
If I can THINK it; I can WORRY about it. I'm tired of stressing over the small stuff. I want to be more laid back. I need to tell myself it's OK if all the laundry isn't done, or the dishes aren't washed, if the beds aren't made and the house isn't spotless... (I'm actually MUCH better at this than I was 6 months ago.)
17. Welcome Change
Not all change is bad; I want to accept it; and embrace it! I'm most comfortable in my 'norm' or 'what I'm used to' but that's not how my life is evolving at the moment.
18. Be Patient
"Good things come to those who wait." I am the WORST person when it comes to patience. It drives me crazy driving behind someone slow or waiting at the doctor's office. Even just trying to LIVE life; I find myself restless and eagerly waiting for my life to fall into place..you know..the way 'it's supposed to be'. I need to relax and just let it all happen.
19. Be More Timely
Ever heard the saying, "she's going to be late for her own funeral." ---well, yeah, that's probably me. I don't LIKE to be late and I don't MEAN to be late. I just am. Sometime I just hit the snooze one too many times while other mornings I'll wake up earlier just so I can piddle around the house more with dishes, laundry, etc. Work, appointments, family get-togethers...I'm late. :(
20. "Wherever you go, go with all of your heart."
Enough said.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
To the Moon & Back...
"No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you.
After all; you're the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside."
Ryan,
I hope I can remember you like this forever. You have been the biggest blessing in my life; and I can't even begin to imagine what my life would be like without you. It's so hard for me to believe that you're 26 months old! What happened to my baby?
Today we went to the play park. As I watched you play, tears of happiness came to my eyes...just as I sat; thinking; taking in the whole situation. You; are amazing. You are a little boy now. You were running, jumping, climbing and skipping. Sweat covered your face and you're chubby cheeks were pink. You held your little hands out in fists; as if pretending to hold handlebars (to a 4-wheeler, or bike? I'm not sure) as you run and make sharp turns, flipping mulch up with your feet. You ran by once and I said, "I love you Ryan." Without missing a beat I heard, "Wuv Ou" as you continued running away from me. 2 other kids were at the park; my guess would be a 6 year old boy and his 3 year old sister...you fell right in playing with them. As they walked up you said, "Hey Guys!" and smiled. I was so content sitting there watching you play.
You are almost completely potty-trained; with the occasional 'poo poo' accidents and sleepy time. You take your shorts and "big boy undies" off and climb onto the potty backwards.
With the weather getting warmer; you picked up with swimming exactly as you left off last summer. You love the water! You'll jump in Papa's pool without hesitation!
You're still a very picky eater (but so are your mama and daddy) but you're trying more and more each day!
You still take your 3 hour naps and Mrs. Audrey has to wake you up when you're at her house. Mama works 3 days a week so you're usually with Mrs. Audrey 3 days a week. I feel so lucky that she's had you since you were 6 months old. Your friends there are Adi, Bailey, Baby Charlie, and Savannah.
You love playing with all of your cousins too! As long as there's no sharing involved; you're a loving little boy. Every baby is named "Bubba"; and you want to hold; touch and kiss them. Sissy and/or Jaden...you use both words! I miss watching you 'rough house' on the bed with your Daddy because I know it's one of your favorite things to do.
You know everyone's name now :) and will generally repeat me if I say, "Ryan say ___." Like a southern gentleman, Mama makes you say "Peeeaass" and "Tank Ou"!
You know all of your letters and their sounds...thanks to SuperWhy, letter magnets and blocks. Most recently, Papa and M&Ms have taught you colors. (We haven't started shapes yet; I think we went out of order.) You still love books, tractors, trains and trucks; and you have since you were much smaller. I love to hear you sing; you'll sing popular country songs (that we turn up loud), Mary Had a Little Lamb, ABCs and the Sponge Bob theme song. (Mama doesn't like Sponge Bob.)
You melt my heart...every day. You so eagerly give me lips kisses (and I know those won't last forever). When you're sleepy; you'll walk yourself into your room, crawl into your toddler bed and ask for 'MoMo' (Elmo) and 'Bear' (a blue teddy bear that Gana and Poppie bought you at the hospital). We say prayers every night and the word 'Amen' is the cue for your to give me a kiss.
You don't share very well. And you say, "No" sometimes if you don't want to do something. You're very stubborn and hard-headed; which is completely genetic! A strong will is good; if used in the right situations when you're older.
You also know how to 'find your shoes and put them on' (your Crocs) especially if you know we're going outside.
Mama thinks you're very observant for a 2-year old. You typically spot animals, people, and objects on your own...most recently the moon. "Moon. Up." I followed with, "Ryan, I love you to the moon and back. Can you say that?" in which you replied, "Moon and back."
"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."
Love Always,
Mama
Friday, March 23, 2012
Completely Unfinished
(This is a heart-felt post; but I chose to include some humor at the end for amusement.)
Nursing school prepares you to pass boards. Nursing school does not prepare you for specialty areas in nursing. So, although I'm finished with school; my learning will continue. I've spoke with 40 year-seasoned nurses that STILL learn things every day.
I've been working in the ER since September 2010. 6 months. The ER is a different world... as you could imagine. I'm working alongside some of the BEST nurses ever. I'd trust them with MY life... yes, they're THAT good. I came into the ER with base knowledge, with the eagerness and willingness to 'learn the ropes'.
Some days I have doubts; not about my skills or competency; but my personality. I wonder if I'm 'laid-back' enough for the chaotic-ER-atmosphere. I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist, I like organization and routines. The ER pulls me out of my comfort zone.
On our busiest days, I get a bit 'high-strung'; while I'm in a room for an hour with a critical patient; I've got 3 more patients waiting on me (for their discharge papers, pain medicine, to draw their bloodwork or lying in pee-filled sheets). Doctors are barking orders, another nurse asking me to help her hold a pediatric patient so she can start an IV, a HUC asking, 'what's this order say?', EMS lining the halls with their stretchers...and the list goes on. Can you see how this may cause a Type-A personality like myself to go into full-on anxiety mode? I had an experienced nurse tell me once, 'If no one dies on your shift; it's a GOOD day in the ER." I'm adjusting and learning my own 'way' to manage my patients
I have, what I consider, a flaw. I'm prone to see the GOOD in all people. OK, maybe it's not a flaw...but more like...a double-edged sword. ER nurses get burnt out; I see it. I work with some. They have this 'hardness' about them and they have no tolerance for stupid or 'faking' patients. I'm not even sure they ENJOY what they do anymore. I never want to become that type of nurse...
The patient encounters I've had over the last 6 months are unforgettable. I have laughed, prayed, comforted, yelled, cried (3 times) and counseled. Here's a few that stand out as I'm reflecting...
-Shift change; 7A, I helped pull a dead elderly man out of his frantic wife's van onto a stretcher. 45 minutes into our code; he had a pulse, a blood pressure and was intubated. He was alive. (For those of you in the medical field; our doctor went against AHA standards---just a reference note. Atropine.) They let me go tell his wife.
-Triage aka. 'the sorting booth'.
Me: "Sir, do you have any health history?... Such as high blood pressure, heart problems, surgeries, mental health issues, breathing problems?"
Patient: "No."
Me: "Are you allergic to any medications?"
Patient: "Haldol and Abilify."
Me: "Are you currently taking any medications on a daily basis?"
Patient: "No."
...that moment when you realize you're in an 8x8 room with a schizophrenic patient not on his meds.
-One of my FIRST sick patients. Patient presents with tachycardia (high heart rate). Labs show elevated potassium 7.2 and I'm given verbal orders for a large dose of Kayexalate while we're waiting on a room assignment. I eagerly pull the medication; pour it in an 8 oz cup and instruct the patient to drink it. I casually ask another nurse, "so how is that going to lower her potassium?" The nurse gets that 'bulging-eye look' and says, "Get her upstairs now." ...breakdown: the excess potassium is then excreted in the form of "poop". Lesson learned. Code Brown (Poop) is never good in the ER.
Dear Floor Nurses, ER nurses chart that we gave Kayexalate 20 mins ago. In reality, it goes in our pockets and we let our patients drink it in the elevator on their way to you. We truly apologize.
Haha, JK... maybe.
(Side note: EMS is not trained in Code Brown. I do not know this for a fact; but it's become my observation that EMS does nothing for their code browns. Thanks EMS! It's so nice that you slide poop from your stretcher to mine. Much love.)
And I have to end this blog posts with quotes from my FAVORITE ER patients...(fellow nurses: I'd love to hear yours...post them in the comments below!)
"Well last time I was here, that gave me some pain medicine...it started with a D- I think; it really worked good."
During triage time, "Honey, do you think I could get a box lunch, I'm a diabetic and haven't had anything to eat today."
Child with a 102.8 fever, I ask the parents, "Have you give him/her any tylenol or motrin?" ---"No." (As I remove the child from a buddled blanket and fleece sleeper with footies)
I ask, "Have you followed up with the _________ (insert: neurogologist, pain managament, orthopedic specialist) since your last visit here?" --- "No."
I ask, "So what were you doing when your chest pain started." ---"Well, I just ate Taco Bell about 20 mins before." OR ---"I was smoking meth."
A 30-something patient brings her 4 misbehaving kids into triage (the 8x8 box). All of them munching or sipping on Doritos, Funions, Coke and Mountain Dew from the vending machines. I ask, "So what brings everyone to the ER today?" ---"We all need to see a doctor because we've got stomach pains and have been throwing up all morning."
I ask, "So why did you call 911?" ---"I didn't have a ride."
And finally....P.S. No worries; even if it's viral...we'll make sure you get amoxicillin or a Z-Pak!
Nursing school prepares you to pass boards. Nursing school does not prepare you for specialty areas in nursing. So, although I'm finished with school; my learning will continue. I've spoke with 40 year-seasoned nurses that STILL learn things every day.
I've been working in the ER since September 2010. 6 months. The ER is a different world... as you could imagine. I'm working alongside some of the BEST nurses ever. I'd trust them with MY life... yes, they're THAT good. I came into the ER with base knowledge, with the eagerness and willingness to 'learn the ropes'.
Some days I have doubts; not about my skills or competency; but my personality. I wonder if I'm 'laid-back' enough for the chaotic-ER-atmosphere. I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist, I like organization and routines. The ER pulls me out of my comfort zone.
On our busiest days, I get a bit 'high-strung'; while I'm in a room for an hour with a critical patient; I've got 3 more patients waiting on me (for their discharge papers, pain medicine, to draw their bloodwork or lying in pee-filled sheets). Doctors are barking orders, another nurse asking me to help her hold a pediatric patient so she can start an IV, a HUC asking, 'what's this order say?', EMS lining the halls with their stretchers...and the list goes on. Can you see how this may cause a Type-A personality like myself to go into full-on anxiety mode? I had an experienced nurse tell me once, 'If no one dies on your shift; it's a GOOD day in the ER." I'm adjusting and learning my own 'way' to manage my patients
I have, what I consider, a flaw. I'm prone to see the GOOD in all people. OK, maybe it's not a flaw...but more like...a double-edged sword. ER nurses get burnt out; I see it. I work with some. They have this 'hardness' about them and they have no tolerance for stupid or 'faking' patients. I'm not even sure they ENJOY what they do anymore. I never want to become that type of nurse...
The patient encounters I've had over the last 6 months are unforgettable. I have laughed, prayed, comforted, yelled, cried (3 times) and counseled. Here's a few that stand out as I'm reflecting...
-Shift change; 7A, I helped pull a dead elderly man out of his frantic wife's van onto a stretcher. 45 minutes into our code; he had a pulse, a blood pressure and was intubated. He was alive. (For those of you in the medical field; our doctor went against AHA standards---just a reference note. Atropine.) They let me go tell his wife.
-Triage aka. 'the sorting booth'.
Me: "Sir, do you have any health history?... Such as high blood pressure, heart problems, surgeries, mental health issues, breathing problems?"
Patient: "No."
Me: "Are you allergic to any medications?"
Patient: "Haldol and Abilify."
Me: "Are you currently taking any medications on a daily basis?"
Patient: "No."
...that moment when you realize you're in an 8x8 room with a schizophrenic patient not on his meds.
-One of my FIRST sick patients. Patient presents with tachycardia (high heart rate). Labs show elevated potassium 7.2 and I'm given verbal orders for a large dose of Kayexalate while we're waiting on a room assignment. I eagerly pull the medication; pour it in an 8 oz cup and instruct the patient to drink it. I casually ask another nurse, "so how is that going to lower her potassium?" The nurse gets that 'bulging-eye look' and says, "Get her upstairs now." ...breakdown: the excess potassium is then excreted in the form of "poop". Lesson learned. Code Brown (Poop) is never good in the ER.
Dear Floor Nurses, ER nurses chart that we gave Kayexalate 20 mins ago. In reality, it goes in our pockets and we let our patients drink it in the elevator on their way to you. We truly apologize.
Haha, JK... maybe.
(Side note: EMS is not trained in Code Brown. I do not know this for a fact; but it's become my observation that EMS does nothing for their code browns. Thanks EMS! It's so nice that you slide poop from your stretcher to mine. Much love.)
And I have to end this blog posts with quotes from my FAVORITE ER patients...(fellow nurses: I'd love to hear yours...post them in the comments below!)
"Well last time I was here, that gave me some pain medicine...it started with a D- I think; it really worked good."
During triage time, "Honey, do you think I could get a box lunch, I'm a diabetic and haven't had anything to eat today."
Child with a 102.8 fever, I ask the parents, "Have you give him/her any tylenol or motrin?" ---"No." (As I remove the child from a buddled blanket and fleece sleeper with footies)
I ask, "Have you followed up with the _________ (insert: neurogologist, pain managament, orthopedic specialist) since your last visit here?" --- "No."
I ask, "So what were you doing when your chest pain started." ---"Well, I just ate Taco Bell about 20 mins before." OR ---"I was smoking meth."
A 30-something patient brings her 4 misbehaving kids into triage (the 8x8 box). All of them munching or sipping on Doritos, Funions, Coke and Mountain Dew from the vending machines. I ask, "So what brings everyone to the ER today?" ---"We all need to see a doctor because we've got stomach pains and have been throwing up all morning."
I ask, "So why did you call 911?" ---"I didn't have a ride."
And finally....P.S. No worries; even if it's viral...we'll make sure you get amoxicillin or a Z-Pak!
-W. Scott, RN
Saving the World from Seeing Their Primary Care Doctor
Monday, March 12, 2012
Our Mini Spring Break
After last week's work-week almost killed me...I had 5 days off in a row to spend with the best little man around! Here are some highlights...
Friday we hit the Strawberry Festival with Aunt Leslie, Reli and Adi. It surprised me how 'selective' Ryan was about the rides. He rode 2; multiple times. First pick was the train- anyone that knows Ryan knows he loves trains! I wasn't sure if he was tall enough to ride alone, so I pulled out some tickets for the both of us...and he ran ahead of me. He picked a seat next to a small, blonde-headed girl. My heart sank; he didn't want to sit by Mama. It was bittersweet. My angel cakes is growing up. I took a seat behind him and caught this picture...
The next ride choice was...
'TRUCKS!" as Ryan would say. Trains and Trucks. That was it. No school bus, no ferris wheel, no cute spinning strawberries... he was very clear on what he wanted to ride! After the rides, it started to sprinkle so we headed towards the strawberry shortcake tent. (Ryan's been eating strawberry shortcake with Papa [my dad] recently. Dad pours milk over the strawberries and cake; it's a northern thing I believe...and Ryan tears it up!) But Friday, Ryan didn't want strawberries, or whipped cream, or cake. He picked 'corn'...popcorn!
Today, we went to Holmes Beach at Anna Maria. Traffic was terrible; and finding a parking space was a nightmare. Once in Brandenton, we rolled the windows down and talked about everything we saw! Ryan can say "beach" (beesh) and it brings a smile to his face when he says it! He also learned that "sand" went in his bucket, not "dirt". It's tough to catch his smiling face; especially when he feels like he's "doing something" so my pictures are just him in action! (Mr. Photogenic will say "cheese" but never look up at the camera!) He loved the water; (the puddled spots were his favorite) and the sand! We grabbed lunch at Publix and he had a nice nap on the way home!
Friday we hit the Strawberry Festival with Aunt Leslie, Reli and Adi. It surprised me how 'selective' Ryan was about the rides. He rode 2; multiple times. First pick was the train- anyone that knows Ryan knows he loves trains! I wasn't sure if he was tall enough to ride alone, so I pulled out some tickets for the both of us...and he ran ahead of me. He picked a seat next to a small, blonde-headed girl. My heart sank; he didn't want to sit by Mama. It was bittersweet. My angel cakes is growing up. I took a seat behind him and caught this picture...
The next ride choice was...
Today, we went to Holmes Beach at Anna Maria. Traffic was terrible; and finding a parking space was a nightmare. Once in Brandenton, we rolled the windows down and talked about everything we saw! Ryan can say "beach" (beesh) and it brings a smile to his face when he says it! He also learned that "sand" went in his bucket, not "dirt". It's tough to catch his smiling face; especially when he feels like he's "doing something" so my pictures are just him in action! (Mr. Photogenic will say "cheese" but never look up at the camera!) He loved the water; (the puddled spots were his favorite) and the sand! We grabbed lunch at Publix and he had a nice nap on the way home!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
The Start
I graduated nursing school in the May of 2009; passed my boards in the Fall of 2009 (6 months pregnant); had Ryan in January 2010. Then, started my first job in the summer of 2010.
(I couldn't have planned my pregnancy any better. I was able to enjoy my growing belly; be extra involved in Jaden's Kindergarten year; and spend the first 6 months home with my little prince. Financially...well...we made it!)
I have Jan Croley to thank for my first nursing job. In school, they pound it in your head, "You really need med surg experience." aka, FLOOR NURSING. Not my cup of tea. So I was determined, to find something more compatiable with me. Jan was the Director of Labor & Delivery, Mother/Baby and Surgical Services at Florida Hospital. I applied for a mother/baby position and an RN-positions at Cooper, Branch and Lesasburg's office (OB/GYN).
First job interview; like in the REAL WORLD...not Foodway, or Central Florida Health Care- I was a nervous wreck. Jan spoke with me about the mother/baby position (only part time) and the lack of pay RNs received working in an office. I wasn't quite sure where she was heading...until she said, I've got another position... it's in Endoscopy, part of our Surgical Department. I want you to meet Deanna, the Director of Surgical Services. (cue Deanna).
Somehow, my desire to work with babies had become an endoscopy interview. (What did nursing school teach me about endoscopy? Um...nothing? Endoscopy meant what to me? Scopes? Cameras? Oh God, I wasn't even sure. Note to self: go home and research endoscopy nursing.) Deanna was nice. (Thought to self: I could work for her.) Hospital nursing generally consists of 12-hour shifts. Endoscopy was a M-F, 7:00A-3:30P job...and I had a 6-month old baby at home. Ended the interview, torn, with Jan saying, "You go home and think about it; call me in 4 days. It's something you really need to consider."
End result: I became the next Endoscopy nurse at Florida Hospital in Sebring. I worked with the best 2-person crew; Tony & Carol. Best co-workers you could imagine. (I will later discover the importance of those you work with.) Tony & Carol taught me the ropes; quick, fast-paced, doctor/patient-pleasing. I've seen the inside of mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, common bile ducts, colon; GI bleeds, ulcers, strictures, cancer masses, polyps, hemorrhoids. I was eager to learn. Deanna gave me the opportunity to learn outpatient sugery, pre-op and PACU (recovery room). Every free moment I got; I'd be back in the OR. I worked alongside the best nurses, techs and anesthesiologists around. I've laughed, cried and prayed with my patients. I loved my job.
Anyone considering nursing...I'd highly suggest it. It's such a broad-field with so many opportunities. But remember- nursing takes heart & compassion; it's a career (in my opinion), you've either got it or you don't. There's qualities that a text book can't teach you... you never know where you're nursing career may lead you...
...next job, ER (more to come)
(I couldn't have planned my pregnancy any better. I was able to enjoy my growing belly; be extra involved in Jaden's Kindergarten year; and spend the first 6 months home with my little prince. Financially...well...we made it!)
I have Jan Croley to thank for my first nursing job. In school, they pound it in your head, "You really need med surg experience." aka, FLOOR NURSING. Not my cup of tea. So I was determined, to find something more compatiable with me. Jan was the Director of Labor & Delivery, Mother/Baby and Surgical Services at Florida Hospital. I applied for a mother/baby position and an RN-positions at Cooper, Branch and Lesasburg's office (OB/GYN).
First job interview; like in the REAL WORLD...not Foodway, or Central Florida Health Care- I was a nervous wreck. Jan spoke with me about the mother/baby position (only part time) and the lack of pay RNs received working in an office. I wasn't quite sure where she was heading...until she said, I've got another position... it's in Endoscopy, part of our Surgical Department. I want you to meet Deanna, the Director of Surgical Services. (cue Deanna).
Somehow, my desire to work with babies had become an endoscopy interview. (What did nursing school teach me about endoscopy? Um...nothing? Endoscopy meant what to me? Scopes? Cameras? Oh God, I wasn't even sure. Note to self: go home and research endoscopy nursing.) Deanna was nice. (Thought to self: I could work for her.) Hospital nursing generally consists of 12-hour shifts. Endoscopy was a M-F, 7:00A-3:30P job...and I had a 6-month old baby at home. Ended the interview, torn, with Jan saying, "You go home and think about it; call me in 4 days. It's something you really need to consider."
End result: I became the next Endoscopy nurse at Florida Hospital in Sebring. I worked with the best 2-person crew; Tony & Carol. Best co-workers you could imagine. (I will later discover the importance of those you work with.) Tony & Carol taught me the ropes; quick, fast-paced, doctor/patient-pleasing. I've seen the inside of mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, common bile ducts, colon; GI bleeds, ulcers, strictures, cancer masses, polyps, hemorrhoids. I was eager to learn. Deanna gave me the opportunity to learn outpatient sugery, pre-op and PACU (recovery room). Every free moment I got; I'd be back in the OR. I worked alongside the best nurses, techs and anesthesiologists around. I've laughed, cried and prayed with my patients. I loved my job.
Anyone considering nursing...I'd highly suggest it. It's such a broad-field with so many opportunities. But remember- nursing takes heart & compassion; it's a career (in my opinion), you've either got it or you don't. There's qualities that a text book can't teach you... you never know where you're nursing career may lead you...
...next job, ER (more to come)
Monday, February 27, 2012
Apathetic Interest
There's a lot swirling around; and I'm just thankful for my friends and family that are behind me and know who I really am. Even Jerad knows where I stand. There are only 2 in any relationship; whether it be father-daughter, husband-wife, mother-son, boyfriend-girlfriend, friend-friend... what counts is...what's between those bonds.
Enough at looking back; I'm ready to move on...and upward. Ryan's transforming into 'a little boy' right in front of my eyes. Each day he loses a little bit more of that "baby-ness". It's bittersweet. He's like a little clock; his day starts at 7:00 with his wake-up call, "MaaaMaaa" (Even though his crib is now a 'toddler bed') he still insists on me coming to him. This morning, I crawled back into bed with him...tried to snuggle, just started to close my eyes and "Up Mama"...and so our day began. We are 'full steam ahead' when it comes to potty-training...so when we're spending the mornings at home, it's easy to get dressed! Undies only!
(Here's Ryan with his morning snack...an hour after he ate 2 waffles! Breakfast time is his favorite.)
Got to visit with my long-lost, best friend, Jessica tonight. (I am so glad she's back home!) Ryan's got that shy personality around new people so I was anxious to see how he'd act. He was a little more quiet than usual, but was happy to "brag" by bringing me the magnetic letters on the fridge (to show Jess he KNEW his letters.) ... I meant to snap some pictures.
Ever since Ryan's turned 2 (January 20th) I've been "trying" to cut out his 'paci' use. It's my weakness, and his most prized possession. He ALWAYS has it at naptime and bedtime. Even though I still give them; I have long stopped buying them. Point of the story? We're out; we had 2, then one disappeared yesterday, and now the last, final paci went missing tonight. Ryan never gives me a hard time going to sleep; but tonight...oh boy! He never actually said or asked for his paci; but we BOTH knew it was missing! I remained strong and fought the urge to just put him in bed with me...we had 3 'tuck-ins' until finally...his battle with the sandman ended.
Enough at looking back; I'm ready to move on...and upward. Ryan's transforming into 'a little boy' right in front of my eyes. Each day he loses a little bit more of that "baby-ness". It's bittersweet. He's like a little clock; his day starts at 7:00 with his wake-up call, "MaaaMaaa" (Even though his crib is now a 'toddler bed') he still insists on me coming to him. This morning, I crawled back into bed with him...tried to snuggle, just started to close my eyes and "Up Mama"...and so our day began. We are 'full steam ahead' when it comes to potty-training...so when we're spending the mornings at home, it's easy to get dressed! Undies only!
Got to visit with my long-lost, best friend, Jessica tonight. (I am so glad she's back home!) Ryan's got that shy personality around new people so I was anxious to see how he'd act. He was a little more quiet than usual, but was happy to "brag" by bringing me the magnetic letters on the fridge (to show Jess he KNEW his letters.) ... I meant to snap some pictures.
Ever since Ryan's turned 2 (January 20th) I've been "trying" to cut out his 'paci' use. It's my weakness, and his most prized possession. He ALWAYS has it at naptime and bedtime. Even though I still give them; I have long stopped buying them. Point of the story? We're out; we had 2, then one disappeared yesterday, and now the last, final paci went missing tonight. Ryan never gives me a hard time going to sleep; but tonight...oh boy! He never actually said or asked for his paci; but we BOTH knew it was missing! I remained strong and fought the urge to just put him in bed with me...we had 3 'tuck-ins' until finally...his battle with the sandman ended.
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