During the month of November on Facebook, people posting a daily "I'm thankful for..." post sprang up. I didn't technically commit to it, but tried to post every day. Here was my list...
2..Thankful we don't have a lot of carpet in our house. Sophie came in with mud covering her ginormous paws.
3. Thankful that my "injury" this morning from the cat/dog fight in my bed missed my eyes-only have 3) nice scratches across the bridge of my nose. Wow, did it bleed.
4. Thankful for warm, hooded sweatshirts with a kangaroo pocket. Perfect for these chilly Iowa days!
5. Thankful for a puppy that loves to play outside and loves Isaac too.
6. Today I'm thankful for 54* at 840 AM! Beautiful weather for early November!
7. Today I am thankful for a boy that slept all night....in his own bed.
8. Today, I'm so thankful for my DMACC classmates. We've laughed, we've cried, we've worked hard to get this far together.....Congratulations to all of us for making it this far. In another month, we'll be RN's!
9. I am thankful for a God that loves me unconditionally and will see me through. "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it." So very true as I head into my final test today.
10. Today I am thankful to have passed what I view as the most difficult nursing class I've taken. It was difficult, stressful, tiring...but I did it.
11. Thankful for our veterans today.
12. Today I'm thankful for a happy and healthy 5 year old.
13. Thankful to be moving into my preceptor this week. This is one of the last pieces of schoolwork before graduation...
14. Thankful for my heritage today. Although after seeing them run rabbits on an obstacle course on Amazing Race last night, it makes me wonder about the Danish side of the family....
15. Thankful to know that Graduation is a month away. A MONTH AWAY!
16. This sounds silly, but I am thankful for a comfortable bed/pillow! I was very tired and sore after yesterday and I feel good today!
17. Thankful for all my friends today-near, dear and far away.
18. Thankful for these royal blue scrubs today. They tell you stories about my journey to becoming an RN. These scrubs are getting me to the finish line.
19. Today I am thankful for Starbucks, my sister and ISU Football.
20. Today I am thankful for my crockpot!
21. Thankful for the opportunity to practice nursing on the unit that has become my favorite (of all our rotations!). The people and nursing staff on the oncology unit are fantastic! (Yes, oncology=cancer).
22. Thankful for my sister who helped us out last night by watching Isaac. He had a lot of fun and got to see his beloved Kate.
23. Thankful for a day to spend at home baking and getting ready to head north
24. Thankful for many things today. A God who loves me. A healthy family. Friends and family to love and to love me back and the freedom to celebrate this day. Happy Thanksgiving!
25. Thankful for a boy who slept in today! (7 AM!)
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
30 days of Thankfulness...
During the month of November on Facebook, people posting a daily "I'm thankful for..." post sprang up. I didn't technically commit to it, but tried to post every day. Here was my list...
2..
3.
Thankful for a day to spend at home baking and getting ready to head north
2..
3.
Thankful for a day to spend at home baking and getting ready to head north
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thanksgiving
Can't believe that Thanksgiving has came and went!
I made a pumpkin pie and a chocolate desert to take to my parent's yesterday. I also tried a recipe for Texas Roadhouse butter that I found on Pinterest (yum!)
My sister, Isaac and I headed to my parent's yesterday morning. Her husband had to work and Mark had a lot of homework to do so it was just the three of us. My brother and his family had to cancel, so it was a small group. My uncle joined us, as usual.
my mom broasted the turkey and then finished it off in the oven. It was delicious! We had the usual mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, jello, green bean casserole, candied carrots, scalloped corn, stuffing.
After lunch, my mom, sister, Isaac and I headed to the park. We stayed there about an hour and then headed to another park, where we spent another hour! We could not have asked for better weather! It was fabulous! About 65* and sunny!! YAY!
We got home about 6 last night. Isaac was pretty tired and went to bed without a fuss and then proceeded to sleep until 7 this morning. That hasn't happened for a while!
I spent last night after he was in bed working on some homework. Knocked out my philosophy paper and blog post for class for the week. I am plugging away at my preceptor journal.
This morning, Isaac and I went to Boone to hit up Wal-Mart. It was about as busy as it is on a Saturday. We got a few things and Isaac used his money to buy himself a new toy. I've been buying here and there today online for gifts. There are some good deals out there!
Tonight, Mark has to work at the hospital so I'm toying with the idea of taking Isaac to see the Festival of Trees down in Des Moines. I think we both would enjoy it a lot!
I made a pumpkin pie and a chocolate desert to take to my parent's yesterday. I also tried a recipe for Texas Roadhouse butter that I found on Pinterest (yum!)
My sister, Isaac and I headed to my parent's yesterday morning. Her husband had to work and Mark had a lot of homework to do so it was just the three of us. My brother and his family had to cancel, so it was a small group. My uncle joined us, as usual.
my mom broasted the turkey and then finished it off in the oven. It was delicious! We had the usual mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, jello, green bean casserole, candied carrots, scalloped corn, stuffing.
After lunch, my mom, sister, Isaac and I headed to the park. We stayed there about an hour and then headed to another park, where we spent another hour! We could not have asked for better weather! It was fabulous! About 65* and sunny!! YAY!
We got home about 6 last night. Isaac was pretty tired and went to bed without a fuss and then proceeded to sleep until 7 this morning. That hasn't happened for a while!
I spent last night after he was in bed working on some homework. Knocked out my philosophy paper and blog post for class for the week. I am plugging away at my preceptor journal.
This morning, Isaac and I went to Boone to hit up Wal-Mart. It was about as busy as it is on a Saturday. We got a few things and Isaac used his money to buy himself a new toy. I've been buying here and there today online for gifts. There are some good deals out there!
Tonight, Mark has to work at the hospital so I'm toying with the idea of taking Isaac to see the Festival of Trees down in Des Moines. I think we both would enjoy it a lot!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
1/2 way through already!
How is it that I am already 1/2 way through my preceptor hours? I guess 3) 12+ hour days will do that!
I have enjoyed every minute I've been back on the oncology floor. I'm learning a lot and getting to do a lot of things!
I've hung a lot of IV meds (Piggyback), done IV pushes, done sterile dressing changes, watched a few IV starts (my turn is coming!), and participated in overall cares for my patients.
I feel so very lucky to be where I am-I truly feel like oncology is where I am supposed to spend my nursing career!
It's easy for people to see a patient with cancer and feel sorry for them, treat them with pity, etc. On the oncology floor at MGMC, we don't see the person as their diagnosis. They are still a person and are most appreciative of the care you give to them. The families are great as well. They understand we have to ask questions, do lots of assessments, etc and are just overall fantastic.
I do 17 more hours next week, leaving me only 2 more days after that. I'm hoping to be able to board and then find a job at MGMC on the oncology floor!
I have enjoyed every minute I've been back on the oncology floor. I'm learning a lot and getting to do a lot of things!
I've hung a lot of IV meds (Piggyback), done IV pushes, done sterile dressing changes, watched a few IV starts (my turn is coming!), and participated in overall cares for my patients.
I feel so very lucky to be where I am-I truly feel like oncology is where I am supposed to spend my nursing career!
It's easy for people to see a patient with cancer and feel sorry for them, treat them with pity, etc. On the oncology floor at MGMC, we don't see the person as their diagnosis. They are still a person and are most appreciative of the care you give to them. The families are great as well. They understand we have to ask questions, do lots of assessments, etc and are just overall fantastic.
I do 17 more hours next week, leaving me only 2 more days after that. I'm hoping to be able to board and then find a job at MGMC on the oncology floor!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Preceptor
I went and met with my preceptor yesterday.
Have I mentioned how excited I am that I am on oncology?? I could jump up and down!
I think I got my schedule hashed out now and will have to run it by her on Tuesday when I'm there for my first day. She's more than willing to work with me on all the objecives and skills I had to write about.
Monday, I get to shadow a Public health nurse. Then 2 weeks after that, I get to visit the Boone County Wound Clinic. I am also going to be doing a stint with the elementary school nurse in Boone in December. I'll probably end up with a shift at one of the doctor clinic's as well.
This is such an exciting time! We have class on Thursday nights from 430-630 and that's it! Lots of online stuff goes along with the class though.
Have I mentioned how excited I am that I am on oncology?? I could jump up and down!
I think I got my schedule hashed out now and will have to run it by her on Tuesday when I'm there for my first day. She's more than willing to work with me on all the objecives and skills I had to write about.
Monday, I get to shadow a Public health nurse. Then 2 weeks after that, I get to visit the Boone County Wound Clinic. I am also going to be doing a stint with the elementary school nurse in Boone in December. I'll probably end up with a shift at one of the doctor clinic's as well.
This is such an exciting time! We have class on Thursday nights from 430-630 and that's it! Lots of online stuff goes along with the class though.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Whew, I did it
Well, Adult Nursing is over and done with.
I passed. Now I get to move on to my preceptor experience! YAY!
It was a tough test. Last night was the first time I've stayed up past 11 pm studying for a test since I've been in school! I was up until 3, then couldn't get to sleep between the dog and having burns and intercranial pressure in my head.
I walked out feeling ok. While I didn't do the greatest, I passed the course. I'm happy I did.
I start my nursing seminar class tomorrow night and meet with my preceptor on Friday to start the ball rolling on that.
Monday, I work with Boone County Public Health to begin my community hours. Doing 4 hours there, 7 at an elementary school in Boone, 4 hours at the Boone Wound clinic and possibly a day at the doctor's clinic. I need 16 hours total there, but can go over. Since I'm at 15, I will either rearrange places to get to 16 or just have the extra.
We are going out to dinner to celebrate tonight!
I passed. Now I get to move on to my preceptor experience! YAY!
It was a tough test. Last night was the first time I've stayed up past 11 pm studying for a test since I've been in school! I was up until 3, then couldn't get to sleep between the dog and having burns and intercranial pressure in my head.
I walked out feeling ok. While I didn't do the greatest, I passed the course. I'm happy I did.
I start my nursing seminar class tomorrow night and meet with my preceptor on Friday to start the ball rolling on that.
Monday, I work with Boone County Public Health to begin my community hours. Doing 4 hours there, 7 at an elementary school in Boone, 4 hours at the Boone Wound clinic and possibly a day at the doctor's clinic. I need 16 hours total there, but can go over. Since I'm at 15, I will either rearrange places to get to 16 or just have the extra.
We are going out to dinner to celebrate tonight!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
What I read over the summer
**My goal was to read 32 books (since I turn 32) from May 4-August 24 (when I start back to school)).
This was my goal for the summer. I fell one short...if only summer break had been a couple days longer, I would have made it.
*1. Ape House by Sara Gruen Finished on 5/8/11 FANTASTIC
*2. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls Finished 5/9/11 I could not put it down!
*3. Midwives by Chris Bohjalian (Finished 6/23) 3.8 stars. Sometimes hard to get into and stay with. I'm glad I have some medical background!
*4. Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Backby Todd Burpo Finished on 5/21/11. Awesome book. I read most of it while walking on the treadmill at the Y.
*5.. Dewey's Nine Lives by Vicki Myron (finished 7/11) 5 stars for sure! LOVED this book, but not as much as the first
*6. The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick Finished 5/15/11 I'd give this one 3.5 stars. It wasn't the greatest book I've ever read, but I wasn't going to not finish it.
*7. These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf (started and) Finished 5/15 Takes place in a pretend town in Iowa, written by an Iowan author. Good book!
*8. Waiting for Spring by R.J. Keller (finished 5/26/11) 3-stars TOPS. There are many stories weaved into this one that confuse you. You question things never to have them answered. It was hard to get through. I finished because I finally was intrigued, only took like 2/3 of the book.
*9. Summer Secrets by Barbara Freethy (finished 5/31) 3 stars. Hard to get into, hard to follow at times. Maybe if I knew more about racing/sailboats?
*10 Looking for Trouble by Erin Kern (finished 6/1) 3.5 stars A quick little read for fun
*11. Diary of a Mad Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee (finished 6/8/11). This book is not even one that should have been published. Not sure why people liked it.
*12. Faking It by Elisa Lorello (finished 6/7) 3 stars tops. It was an ok read, but I didn't like the ending.
*13. Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope by Mary Beth Chapman. (finished 6/11)I could not put this book down. I cried, I laughed. This book told the story of how Mary Beth and Steven Curtis (Christian singer) came together, married, ended up adopting 3 daughters from China and subsequently lost one adopted daughter to a horrible accident.
*14. Easily Amused by Karen McQuestion (finished 6/13) An ok read, it got to be pretty predictable.
*15. A Promise to Remember by Kathryn Cushman (Finished 6/17). 4 stars. A good story about forgiveness and how decisions we make affect others.
*16. Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult. (Finished 7/3). 5 Stars! I COULD NOT put this book down. I love Jodi Picoult and this book did not disappoint! What a fantastic story.
*17. Positive Discipline A-Z by Jane Nelsen, et al. (Finished 7/8) Looking for ideas to help with our boy. Hopefully, I picked up some new tricks to try.
*18. Goldendoodles by ? I read this to learn more about our dog breed, even though she is a labradoodle.
*19. Broken Laces by Rodney Walther (finished 7/23) I couldn't put this one down!! 5 stars!
*20. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (finished 7/26). So glad I listened to several people and read this book! FANTASTIC! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN~ I started 7/25! 5 stars
*21. A discipline book but it's in my bedroom so I don't know the name.
*22. Lay My Isaac Down by...(on my Kindle)
*23. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris (finished 7/31) I love the Sookie Stackhouse series and this one was the same, yet different as the others. Many new questions are asked, some are answered.
*24. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (almost as good as The Hunger Games!)
*25. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (the final book in the Hunger Games Trilogy. I liked it, but not as much as the others.
*26. Edge of Grace by Christa Allen
*27. Charity by Christa Allen
*28. Faith by Christa Allen
**29 I deleted 2 off my Kindle w/out getting the names. So that takes me up to #30.
31. I don't remember what book it was but I do know I finished it the day before I started class.
This was my goal for the summer. I fell one short...if only summer break had been a couple days longer, I would have made it.
*1. Ape House by Sara Gruen Finished on 5/8/11 FANTASTIC
*2. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls Finished 5/9/11 I could not put it down!
*3. Midwives by Chris Bohjalian (Finished 6/23) 3.8 stars. Sometimes hard to get into and stay with. I'm glad I have some medical background!
*4. Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Backby Todd Burpo Finished on 5/21/11. Awesome book. I read most of it while walking on the treadmill at the Y.
*5.. Dewey's Nine Lives by Vicki Myron (finished 7/11) 5 stars for sure! LOVED this book, but not as much as the first
*6. The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick Finished 5/15/11 I'd give this one 3.5 stars. It wasn't the greatest book I've ever read, but I wasn't going to not finish it.
*7. These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf (started and) Finished 5/15 Takes place in a pretend town in Iowa, written by an Iowan author. Good book!
*8. Waiting for Spring by R.J. Keller (finished 5/26/11) 3-stars TOPS. There are many stories weaved into this one that confuse you. You question things never to have them answered. It was hard to get through. I finished because I finally was intrigued, only took like 2/3 of the book.
*9. Summer Secrets by Barbara Freethy (finished 5/31) 3 stars. Hard to get into, hard to follow at times. Maybe if I knew more about racing/sailboats?
*10 Looking for Trouble by Erin Kern (finished 6/1) 3.5 stars A quick little read for fun
*11. Diary of a Mad Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee (finished 6/8/11). This book is not even one that should have been published. Not sure why people liked it.
*12. Faking It by Elisa Lorello (finished 6/7) 3 stars tops. It was an ok read, but I didn't like the ending.
*13. Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope by Mary Beth Chapman. (finished 6/11)I could not put this book down. I cried, I laughed. This book told the story of how Mary Beth and Steven Curtis (Christian singer) came together, married, ended up adopting 3 daughters from China and subsequently lost one adopted daughter to a horrible accident.
*14. Easily Amused by Karen McQuestion (finished 6/13) An ok read, it got to be pretty predictable.
*15. A Promise to Remember by Kathryn Cushman (Finished 6/17). 4 stars. A good story about forgiveness and how decisions we make affect others.
*16. Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult. (Finished 7/3). 5 Stars! I COULD NOT put this book down. I love Jodi Picoult and this book did not disappoint! What a fantastic story.
*17. Positive Discipline A-Z by Jane Nelsen, et al. (Finished 7/8) Looking for ideas to help with our boy. Hopefully, I picked up some new tricks to try.
*18. Goldendoodles by ? I read this to learn more about our dog breed, even though she is a labradoodle.
*19. Broken Laces by Rodney Walther (finished 7/23) I couldn't put this one down!! 5 stars!
*20. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (finished 7/26). So glad I listened to several people and read this book! FANTASTIC! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN~ I started 7/25! 5 stars
*21. A discipline book but it's in my bedroom so I don't know the name.
*22. Lay My Isaac Down by...(on my Kindle)
*23. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris (finished 7/31) I love the Sookie Stackhouse series and this one was the same, yet different as the others. Many new questions are asked, some are answered.
*24. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (almost as good as The Hunger Games!)
*25. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (the final book in the Hunger Games Trilogy. I liked it, but not as much as the others.
*26. Edge of Grace by Christa Allen
*27. Charity by Christa Allen
*28. Faith by Christa Allen
**29 I deleted 2 off my Kindle w/out getting the names. So that takes me up to #30.
31. I don't remember what book it was but I do know I finished it the day before I started class.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
less than a week!
Wednesday night marked my last Wednesday night class. Scary, thrilling, unbelievable!
Only have class Monday morning (3 hours) and then the final test on Wednesday morning (PRAY!).
As I reflect back, I am amazed at the tenacity of myself and classmates. Clinical was HARD, class was HARDER. I've had more knowledge put into my head this semester than any other, I think. I appreciate the opportunity that I've had to pursue this crazy thought I had 3 years ago. It's hard to imagine that it's coming to an end soon.
Next Thursday, we have our RN exit exam and then start our next class. This class coincides with the preceptor and is also web-blended. From what we've been told, it's very busy and intense, but in a different way than 551.
I'm getting really excited for preceptor because I'm anxious to see what I know and how I can apply it!
Prayers are appreciated this next week! Have to pass this test to pass the class!
Only have class Monday morning (3 hours) and then the final test on Wednesday morning (PRAY!).
As I reflect back, I am amazed at the tenacity of myself and classmates. Clinical was HARD, class was HARDER. I've had more knowledge put into my head this semester than any other, I think. I appreciate the opportunity that I've had to pursue this crazy thought I had 3 years ago. It's hard to imagine that it's coming to an end soon.
Next Thursday, we have our RN exit exam and then start our next class. This class coincides with the preceptor and is also web-blended. From what we've been told, it's very busy and intense, but in a different way than 551.
I'm getting really excited for preceptor because I'm anxious to see what I know and how I can apply it!
Prayers are appreciated this next week! Have to pass this test to pass the class!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Halloween.
Another Halloween has come and gone.
Isaac seemed to enjoy all the festivities he was a part of!
We joined a friend of mine from class and her 2 littles at the Zoo in Des Moines for Night Eyes. We've never done that and Isaac seemed to enjoy it a lot.
At his party for school, he was excited that his mom came to help!
We did trick or treat downtown in Boone. He acted like it was the best thing ever!
Trick or treat night in Ogden was the same as Boone. So, we headed to Boone for a bit and hit up our old neighborhood, his old babysitter's house and another friend of ours. Then walked around her neighborhood. We got back to Ogden and stopped at a few on the way home then walked around our neighborhood. Our house and one across the street were the only houses on our block that had lights on.
He had a great time dressing up each time as well. Can't beat buying a costume LAST year on clearance for dress-up and wanting to wear it this year. So, I was out $2 for a costume last year!
I'm glad the weather was pretty decent!
Isaac seemed to enjoy all the festivities he was a part of!
We joined a friend of mine from class and her 2 littles at the Zoo in Des Moines for Night Eyes. We've never done that and Isaac seemed to enjoy it a lot.
At his party for school, he was excited that his mom came to help!We did trick or treat downtown in Boone. He acted like it was the best thing ever!
Trick or treat night in Ogden was the same as Boone. So, we headed to Boone for a bit and hit up our old neighborhood, his old babysitter's house and another friend of ours. Then walked around her neighborhood. We got back to Ogden and stopped at a few on the way home then walked around our neighborhood. Our house and one across the street were the only houses on our block that had lights on.
I'm glad the weather was pretty decent!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Clinical complete!
I finished up my clinical rotation on telemetry today! It was a make up day since I was sick a couple weeks ago.
It was an overall good experience. I was nervous because it is the "cardiac" floor, but happy to say no one went into cardiac arrest while I was there.
The last few weeks we had 2 patients/day. The first day was a bit rough, as I had to juggle numerous medications between my two patients. The second day of clinical always went much smoother.
I learned a lot on my rotation and am lucky to have that opportunity.
Class finishes up next Wednesday, the 9th. The 10th we have our RN exit exam and start our community health class along with our preceptor. I received my preceptor assignment and was so excited to learn that I got oncology, which was my top choice. I'm looking forward to going back there and learning a lot more!
It was an overall good experience. I was nervous because it is the "cardiac" floor, but happy to say no one went into cardiac arrest while I was there.
The last few weeks we had 2 patients/day. The first day was a bit rough, as I had to juggle numerous medications between my two patients. The second day of clinical always went much smoother.
I learned a lot on my rotation and am lucky to have that opportunity.
Class finishes up next Wednesday, the 9th. The 10th we have our RN exit exam and start our community health class along with our preceptor. I received my preceptor assignment and was so excited to learn that I got oncology, which was my top choice. I'm looking forward to going back there and learning a lot more!
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