Wednesday, May 1, 2013

The end of the end


So, it seems for months now that I have been building up to this moment. First, it was midterms... only half a semester to go until the end. Then it was the marathon bombings and an active manhunt for a terrorist literally outside my front door. Then it was my last day at clinical. I vowed that I wouldn't cry: it was a happy thing after all! But there went the waterworks at the final sight of my great preceptor. And then there's tonight, and the countdowns are as follows:

FINAL final exam: Tomorrow
Graduate hooding ceremony: 6 days
Commencement: 10 days

With things practically all in single digits, it is clear to me that this amazing, crazy, ridiculous journey is coming to an end. And although it is just the beginning, I can't help but feel a little reminiscent about the early days of this crazy ride.

News Headlines: Rachel's Most Pressing Memories from 3 Years at Regis College

Fall semester, 2010
-Petrified at VA Hospital: Clinical instructor forced to physically push student into patient room
-Still petrified at VA Hospital: Afraid to administer meds due to possibility of patient death
-A little less petrified at VA Hospital: Young student nurse successfully administers medications to patient.
-Confident at VA Hospital: Student nurse cares for 2 patients simultaneously, administering medications and helping to create care plans.

Spring semester, 2011
-ZzZzZzZzZzZz: 5:30am- Student nurse dozing on bus to Mt. Auburn Hospital with two best friends in tow.
-Snow. Snow. More snow. Will the seemingly never ending winter wallops ever end?
-Clinically clinical: 3 clinical days a week- how much is too much?
-A time to remember: Regis College nursing student feels more 'nursish' than ever, also worked in locked psych ward and lived to tell the tale.

Summer semester, 2011
-Summer, summer, summertime: No sitting back to unwind for this girl- Children's here we come!
-Perspective: The little things mean most for CF patient at Children's Hospital, all the way from the United Arab Emirates for the expert care of Children's providers.
-Pop! Nursing student watches Cesarean section birth without fainting... only hyperventilation.

Fall semester, 2011
-Wait, what? Regis program requires 125 hours in clinical setting as part of RN preceptorship.
-Getting 'er done! 3 classes and over 20 hours of clinical a week later, nursing students rally towards NCLEX finish line!
-Winter break, what's that? Students sit in crowded, loud classroom for NCLEX review.

Spring Semester, 2012
-The time is NOW! Nursing student schedules NCLEX exam for February 15 at 11:00am... but who remembers that?
-A long 7 DAYS later: student learns of official passing of NCLEX exam...dreams come true!
-The longest paper ever: research paper on thesis proposal goes off without a hitch... haha. Not.
-Double Trouble: Grad student earns her second Bachelor's degree! Let's celebrate!

Summer Semester, 2012
-Health policy shmolicy: Students learn the importance of knowing the healthcare system, even when it bores them.
-Health assessment....advanced. Head to toe assessments and diagnosing...advanced style.

Fall Semester, 2012
-Holy moley: 3rd year student shakes head at concept of being NP student.
-Woah. Woah...just woah.
-Case study pandemonium: 25+ page paper per week drives NP student to insanity.
-Learning in action: Active clinical works encourages NP student confidence, skills and expertise.


And then we are here, Spring Semester 2013... the time I never dreamed would actually come. So what are this semester's headlines, you ask? Those are best summed up in complete sentences. Looking back on this incredible 3 year journey, I have never felt more proud. I also have never felt more grateful: to the teachers that have taught me how to not only be a nurse, but to be a compassionate, empathic one. To the school that has given me the skills to not only be a nurse practitioner, but to be one that is ready to enter the field with confidence, ample experience and knowledge. To the Regis community for allowing me to be a part of such a diverse, special group of people.

So, folks, with that I bid you and this blog adieu. Thank you for giving me the privilege of entering your homes, computers, and lives each week with my thoughts, stresses, experiences and stories. This blog will serve not only as a special memory of what I have been through, but also hopefully as a way for you to navigate your own experience as a past, current or future Regis College student.

Wherever you go, whatever you do may all the blessings of the world follow you.

The Bella Show

So since my next post will be my best (and last!) blog post, I figured I owed it to my own personal clown, comedian, model and pal to devote a special page to THE Bella. So... hopefully this will help you get through your finals.










Friday, April 19, 2013

THANK GOD

I'll make this short and sweet
From Watertown, MA I write you
We are calm
We are free
We are safe
Thank you to the unbelievable diligence, professionalism and bravery of the Watertown Police Department, Boston Police Department, SWAT, FBI, ATF and all the other departments involved in returning our lives to normalcy.
After being holed up in our apartments all day
Listening to gun shots
Listening to helicopters
WE ARE SAFE.
May the precious, precious souls of sweet Martin, Krystle, Lingzi and Sean be forever in peace and never in vein.

Monday, April 15, 2013

A Reflection with No Agenda.



It is a nightmare. It must be. I am tossing and turning but I can’t wake up. There’s smoke, and screaming, and chaos. I rub my eyes, rub my eyes…but it doesn’t go away.

Today began like any other. I woke up on this Marathon Monday to the sounds of my alarm clock squawking at me to get up. A couple of snoozes, an English muffin and some much needed coffee later, the day was off and running.

Somewhere in the distance, an 8 year old woke up and his Marathon Monday began like any other… at least I can guess. Because that 8 year old boy is just like me. Every year, that magical day approached when everyone was off from work…a great excuse to eat junk food and hand strangers water and oranges. Lawn chairs, coolers and sunscreen in tow, I’d walk down the Marathon streets with my dad, my best friend and her father. The four of us so content, so safe in the joy of the day… the energy that fills the air, the excitement of seeing mere mortals do seemingly heroic things with their bodies. The rhythmic motion of muscles and sneakers, moving in tandem with arms flapping, teeth shining, skin glistening. The smells of grilled meats, popcorn and spilled beer. The sounds of young kids asking why, why do we do this every year. The sounds of drunk college kids screaming at their friends for walking too fast. The sounds of parents trying to keep tabs on their 8 year old, who would do anything to get just one better look at the head of the pack.

And then there’s today. The visions of yesterday, those smells and visions and feelings of having it all… they’re gone. All gone. And I’m left with a pit in my stomach, an empty pit yet so full of anger, confusion, fear, nostalgia, nausea, and terror.

This isn’t supposed to happen anywhere. This especially isn’t suppose to happen here. I am biased I admit, but anyone who has visited here or lived here or walked these streets will agree… Boston is a special place.

We are small enough to know each other, but big enough to mind our business.

We love our sports teams, and we hate the Yankees.

Dunkin Donuts iced coffee is our state food.

We drive lake maniacs and expect you to do the same.

And we go to the Boston Marathon every Patriot’s Day. And we love it. And we go home after filled with exhaustion from over-stimulation, a stomach-ache from too much food and a heart full of Boston pride.

It just isn’t suppose to happen here… on a day like this…in a place like this. Where people bust their butts to pay for their rent. Where people come from all over the world to a city that prides itself on acceptance of all people. Where we don’t worry about things like this happening, but we just trust in ourselves and each other.

So I toss and I turn. And I shut my eyes tight. And Lord, do I pray that when morning arrives, and how lucky it will be to arrive, this will all be that nightmare I thought all along.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

1 down, 3 to go!

1 down 3 to go. Of what you ask? Of clinicals!! It is hard to believe but on Monday I bid farewell to one of my four clinical placements! I was surprised by how mixed my emotions were. On the one hand, I was happy to be finally finishing up these crazy clinical days. On the other hand, I said goodbye to an amazing group of people who have been such a great source of support and cheerleading for my nurse practitioner life! It is crazy how people in these clinical settings get to know you so quickly on such an intimate level, and become some of your biggest fans!

Next week, I bid adieu to the remainder of my clinical placements and that is going to be heavy! On Tuesday, I say goodbye to my preceptor that I have for geriatrics. On Wednesday and Friday respectively, I say bye to the two preceptorships I have had the longest (since September!) at Regis College Health Services and my preceptor in Everett. I honestly can't believe how fast time has flown and how much I have learned! As of today, I have 582 hours done.... who would have thought it was possible! 

Tonight I have lecture and we are learning about the musculoskeletal system (not my favorite). It should be interesting and helpful since at least one patient every day is there for a musculoskeletal issue, and let's face it, they affect us all! Before class tonight, my trip-mates and I are speaking to our class about our amazing trip to Grenada last month, so that should be really fun to share what we experienced with the rest of the gang! 

It's funny how as time winds down, I have less and less to say yet I am dealing with more and more. One day soon you will get the super sappy, emotional farewell post and that will make up for my lack of interesting stories these past few weeks. And yes, I know I have slacked on the Bella photos as well...shame on me, tisk tisk. Maybe a totally Bella post will come your way before our time is through, who knows! :)


Wednesday, April 3, 2013

April showers shivers bring May flowers

April 3 and we are one month away ladies and gentleman from...wait for it... GRADUATION! I know I know, I about this over and over. The passage of time, how fast it went, how much I've learned, how I will in some sick and twisted way be sad it ended. Oh wait, I didn't let that one out of the bag yet? Oops. My secret's out.

Let me clarify. There are things I will NOT miss about being and grad school and there are things that I will miss. You know you are alllmooost a nurse practitioner when you need to make organized lists and tables of your data. Here is my brain in a nice, organized list (they like that in grad school):

What I WON'T miss
-The constant deadlines
-The fear of failure (I guess that won't go away)
-The feeling of impending doom
-No sleep
-No exercise
-No personal grooming
-No free time with friends and family
-No time to have hobbies
-The paper writing
-The pressure of that final exam worth 1/3 your grade
-The fearing not finding a job

What I WILL miss
-Those many friends and acquaintances from school who I know time will drift away from me just because life works that way with some relationships
-Seeing these familiar faces
-Feeling of community
-Not having to worry about havings someone's life in my hands (without direct preceptor supervision)
-Having a set path in place that I don't have to devert from

So there, proof that the ol' Rachster does have a heart. And that new beginnings and their simultaneous endings come with both perks and downfalls. As I sit and reflect on how things will change alot next month, I also reflect on how I had a job interview today with what would be the perfect place for me to start. Let's hope the next few weeks bring the joy of a job. Who knows.

Until next time, folks, stay warm!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

46 days

So, unlike many of my classmates, friends and counterparts who did this, oh say, 2 years ago I finally counted how many days I have until I officially graduate from nursing school: 46 DAYS! I can't believe it! Time is flying by so fast! I remember thinking to myself as winter break drew to a close, "Well, Rach, you are done but you aren't. You have tests and case studies, a trip to Grenada..." Well, the case studies, the exams, the papers and Grenada have come and gone and the Spring is upon us! My heart leaps at the sight of those tiny, newborn buds in the dirt.

Although it is still chilly out, and supposedly more snow is on the horizon (sigh) that smell of spring is in the air. The memories of clinicals past whirl round and round in my head, reflecting on the challenges I have overcome in my 3 years here at Regis. And here I am, sitting at the desk in Health Services as I do each and every Wednesday, and I remember the short 6 months ago when I couldn't tell you anything.

September:
Cindy: "How did his throat look, Rachel?"
Rachel: "Uhh.. I mean, it was... it wasn't pink but it wasn't red. But you know, it had some bumps but I don't know if those are normal. And yeah... but I don't know."

March:
Cindy: "How did his throat look, Rachel?"
Rachel: "Mildly erythemic, no exudates. Tonsils were 2+ bilaterally. Based on his associated symptoms and his throat, I am going to rapid strep him but I expect it to be negative."

Yeah, yeah Dr. House, eat your heart out!

The most amazing thing about nursing is that (sorry folks) YOU NEVER STOP LEARNING! Every single day, every single patient teaches you something new about assessment, diagnosis, management...every single moment is a learning opportunity. And I have found that if I approach each and every day and opportunity and patient in this manner, I get the most out of my experiences. I guess that is the case with life: if you approach it as an open book, you get one well written novel.

As of today I have completed 529 clinical hours!! 536 by the end of today, and that will leave a mere 64 between me and my Master's! A couple of case studies, one paper here one paper there and a final exam and it's time to run off in to the sunset.

Well, until I do, I have patients to see and new things to learn. Have a wonderful Easter, Passover or whatever else the weeks ahead have to offer!

Until next week!

Rachel

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Life post Grenada


Well, after a crazy/busy/enlightening/fulfilling/chaotic/hot/bug-bitten 10 days on the lovely island of Grenada, I return to Regis College and pick up right where I left off except for one big difference....

I graduate in 7 weeks!

Today I am on campus for 2 classes, and then am done for the week, though I normally have clinical on Fridays I don't this week. Things are pretty status quo on the school front: case studies to write, clinical hours to do. But as each day goes by, I can't help but feel an immense sense of pride in all that I have accomplished here! As my time at Regis starts winding down, it really starts to hit you how much you have learned, how much you have changed, and how much you have grown! As undergraduate nursing majors walk into Health Services while I'm precepting, and they tell me of the trials and tribulations of 6am clinicals and crazy exams, I reflect on my own early mornings, walking in the snow to the bus stop to catch the bus to Mt. Auburn to be there by 7 to review my patients to start vitals.......... and so on!

Or the nights I was so tired I'd find myself waking up to a page stuck to my face, ink imprinted on my cheek.
Or the days I had no time to eat so I'd make myself a gourmet mishmash of pop tart ala cheeto. I highly recommend it :)
When I speak at information sessions, I see the excitement and fire in Regis's future nurse practitioner students, who ask me what advice I have for their success. "Should I work? How do you pay for it? What is a week in the life like?" It seems like just yesterday I was the one posing such questions!

Grenada only emphasized for me how much I have learned, and more, how much I truly take for granted. From seeing a hospital there, I will never again take for granted a shiny clean hospital floor, a disposible speculum or a pair of gloves that fit. Along our journeys in Grenada, we repeatedly were told how much our work and help meant to the people there. Yet the funny thing was, I felt as though I did not much at all! Here in the US, if we find a breast mass, we refer the patient for a mammogram. In Grenada, if we found a breast lump, we could only refer the woman to her doctor, who would then determine what to do next. No screening mammograms. A huge lack of many major medications. A huge amount of people without jobs, accessible health care, or even a roof over their head. Yet they are so grateful! It really is those moments when you remember what nursing is about: making the most of nothing. Giving from the heart, not always the wallet.

Well folks, it's off to class I go! Tonight we are learning about strokes, anticoagulation therapy and atrial fibrillation. :)      

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

As promised!

Well ladies and gents, as you prepare for ANOTHER snow storm, I write you from sunny, breezy Grenada where the local time is 7:57pm. We have been having an amazing time here. For those of you who aren't sure what I am talking about, myself and 5 other NP students, along with one faculty member, are in Grenada, an island in the West Indies located near a few hundred miles from the coast of Venezuela. We arrived Friday evening and have been BUSY BUSY ever since!

On Saturday morning, we went to Mt. Gay Psychiatric Hospital and performed breast exams on some of the female patients residing there. The women and staff were so thankful for our services and loved hearing about our lives and what it is like to live in Massachusetts! In addition, we distributed bras that you wonderful people helped to donate to the women, and they were so incredibly appreciative!

After that, we headed back to St. George's University, our home base for the duration of our experience. The school is home to a very reputable medical, veterinary and nursing school. There are students from all over the world here!

In addition to performing breast exams, we have spent 2 days precepting with Grenadian doctors. Each of us have had different experiences. I spent yesterday precepting with an amazing pediatric and adult primary care physican named Dr. Kecia Lowe. We have formed such a special friendship and I hope to see her again on her next visit to the states or my next visit to wonderful Grenada! Today, I spent a day at the Planned Parenthood League, which was a really amazing experience! Months ago, I had trouble being able to independently perform a Pap smear or do breast exams. I feel that this experience has not only opened my eyes to an amazing new culture, but also has improved my clinical skills so I can be better provider when I return home to finish my final semester!

Otherwise, we have spent a lot of time learning about Grenadian culture, including a visit to a show that demonstrated local culture and history. We also have participated in various on campus activities with both the nursing and medical school. For the rest of the week, we will have a bit of free time. However, we will be busy rest assured! We will be visiting both a nursing home and a home for the disabled, along with participating in a health fair up in the mountains on Sunday.

I am absolutely blown away by the kindness, friendliness and patience of the people here. The rule of thumb is: you must say hi to everyone you pass on the street. I guess I could get use to that!

Well, the wind is blowing and my eyelids are closing... work work work!

Until next time, stay safe in the snow and I will send some heat and sun your way!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

GREETINGS FROM GRENADA!! (blog post to come)

Hi ladies and gents and happy spring break (ahhhh) to you all!

I just wanted to apologize for my recent drop off the blog world. Between a stomach bug, midterms and flying to Grenada (where I write from now) things have been a bit chaotic!!

I will post later in the week about our adventures here in the hot Caribbean! We are learning so much and I can't wait to tell you all about it. Until then.....

Sunday, February 17, 2013

The dream becomes reality

So it is mid-February and time travels on. A short 2 or 3 months ago, I imagined what would be going on at this time. I figured I would be starting to prepare and get excited for my trip to Grenada (a week from Friday!). That is true. I figured I would be feeling stressed, tired and overwhelmed from the normal grind of graduate school life. That is true. I also figured I would be searching, searching, searching despirately for NP job opportunities, thinking it would be far too early to even hope for possible opportunities. Well, the searching and searching part is true, but I am happy to report that the second half of my prediction is way way wrong!

It all began last week. During the fall, I had sent my resume and cover letter to a local pain management practice inquiring about an RN position. Figuring I would hear nothing of it, life went on. Then, I received a phone call last week from the physician at this practice. But she wasn't calling me to discuss a potential RN opportunity. She was calling to discuss a nurse practitioner job opening. My heart fell into my stomach, my throat clenched with nervousness... Me?! Interested in me?

And so a week from this Tuesday I will be meeting with this doctor to learn more about the practice and their needs! Just when I thought things couldn't get more exciting, I heard from another potential employer interested in interviewing me! And while beaming with pride, I walked into the computer lab to read my email to find a health center interested in interviewing me. I do not tell you this to brag, I tell you this for a couple of reasons:

1- Dreams DO come true! If you work hard and put effort/dedication into something, you will get out what you put in
2- Don't ever think that taking the initiative and sending out your resume is a bad thing, or, that it is too early to do so. Worst case scenario, the employer will just say no, or, we don't have a need at this time.


So, while I continue to pinch myself amidst this craziness and hope for the best, I am starting to organize myself for my service trip to Grenada! This past week, my group and I raised over $1000 as part of our raffle! I am so touched by the generosity and kindness of our family and friends, along with the Regis community. I can't wait to meet the people there and feel the hot sun!

Well, I have to go start working on my case study due this week on thyroid disorders. Until next time folks, keep on keeping on and I will keep you updated on the job hunt!

Rachel & Bella
Is something wrong with this picture??

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Let it snow, let it snow, let it...WOAH!


So don't worry, I am not going to be one of those cranky New Englanders who whines about the snow (sorry if you are one of them). I mean, come on people, it is Massachusetts! This is part of the fun! Truth be told, I really like it! I can't imagine living in one of those dreaded states that have nice weather all year long, warm air, ocean, palm trees... I mean, there is something to be said about earning your summer! Boston born and Boston bred- sorry folks, that's my spiel!

Anyway, like all of you, I have been staying in due to the crazy storm! Luckilly we have not lost power. I decided to get snowed in with my parents so they wouldn't have to shovel and snowblow alone- they aren't spring chickens, you know :)

So this morning we triple-attacked the driveway and boy was it exhausting! I think I snowblowed for 2 hours, and the snow was up to my thighs! The best part of the day was taking Bella out in the snow. She LOVES it! She must have been an eskimo in her past life.

In nursing land, things are status quo! I know I say it probably every post, but it is crazy to me how fast time is flying! I already have my midterm exam in 2 weeks...possibly THE last midterm exam of my LIFE! As each semester winds on and winds down, I always think how it flies but start to mentally prepare in a way for the next one. It is so strange to realize that this time around, there is no 'next one'.

I look back on my posts of insecurity, confusion and utter panic at the beginning of this year. I remember walking into patients' rooms and feeling completely clueless: clueless where to start, what to do, how to do it. It is really looking back at those times that you realize how far you have come and how much you have learned in such a short period of time! Now, I find myself going into patient's rooms alone with confident, having the ability to really listen: not only to what the patient is telling you, but what they aren't telling you. This is something they don't teach you always in school: look at the body language, the clothing, smell the air in the room. Every sense tells you something, gives you a piece of the patient puzzle.

Then, I find myself beginning to diagnose patients and do what I feel is the hardest part of all: deciding on appropriate treatment and management. You finish taking pharmacology and you think: ha! I've got this! I know all the meds, the side effects, all of it! But really, that is the easy part. Every patient is different with different goals, symptoms, histories. So even though you'd like to think that one drug fits all situations, it simply doesn't. That is where the importance of experience comes into play. And thankfully, I can honestly say that I love every single one of my placements and feel that each of my preceptors have instilled in me a sense of confidence, competence, autonomy and most importantly,value for the well being of my patients.

Well, as the wind howls and my belly growls, I bid thee adieu so I can go to sleep before I eat more (funny how snow storms stimulate the sweet tooth- hello ginger snaps, congo bars, chocolate). Until next time, be safe and stay warm! Oh, and if you are one of my fellow Regis College students, enjoy your long weekend.

Rachel
Doesn't she look like a turkey?!

Sunday, February 3, 2013

The beat goes on

It's absolutely crazy that it is already February! Three months to go and I will be released into the wild, free from the grasp of Regis College, from the papers, the deadlines...but at the same time, WOW, is that petrifying. At clinical, I am seeing patients on my own: assessing, educating, deciding on appropriate treatments. But there is one thing that keeps my head afloat and my heart from beating out of my chest: I get to check in with my preceptor and get their okay and input. The thought of having that step suddenly disinegrate and me magically become an independent provider in the near future is no incredibly scary and exciting to me! I guess it makes it that much more important to not only find A job, but find the RIGHT job that provides me with guidance, support and leadership.

Clincial is going great so far, amidst my exhaustion. I am in clinical 4 days a week:

Mondays- Brockton 730a-230p
Tuesdays- Milford 100p-600p
Wednesdays- Regis Health Services 830a-400p
Fridays- Everett 900a-400p

This is not including my 3 classes, online clinical group, per diem nursing job, 20-30 page papers due each week, campus involvement, and personal life (what's that?)! People ask me how I do it. Honestly, I just DO. When you love something, you do whatever it takes to make it happen and that's just it. If you want something and you have a goal, you just do what you have got to do: no excuses!

I am continuing to learn incredible things in clinical. Every day that goes by, I imagine myself stuffing a new paper into my brain's file cabinet. I have a feeling the folders will be forever endless! Little tidbits about medication interactions, side effects...about diagnostic procedures..screenings...recommendations. Every day is a new adventure and a new lesson.

Already in the blink of an eye, it will be time for midterms and moving on towards the finish line. Until then, I'll keep on trucking!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

AGGHHHH!

AGGGHH!!

That about sums it up... see you next week!

Just kidding, no but really it does. Where do I start? My schedule this semester is CRAZYY! Okay, here is a week in the life:

Monday: Clinical 730-230, Class 5-8
Tuesday: Clinical 1-6, Online class 745-9p
Wednesday: Clinical 830-400
Thursday: Class 2-4 once a month, 530-900 every week
Friday: Clinical 9-4

Throw in a BAD cold (achoo!), a boyfriend, family, friends, a dog, needing to eat and sleep at some point and you've got a recipe for stress!

Don't get me wrong, I do feel the need to remind you that I SO love it! And it is really getting especially great because I feel like I am finally starting to GET it. Like now, when I go into patient rooms, I don't feel super overwhelmed, lost, confused and clueless. I am starting to be able to create care plans, perform better diagnosing, and improve on my assessment skills. For me, this seems to be the most challenging part. There are days when I simply can't see the ear drum or can't feel the prostate. That though, so I have heard, takes lots of time and practice. Any volunteers? :)

It is crazy to think that in 3.5 short months, this will all be a distant memory and then my dream job will miraculously fall into my lap :) First there is a certification exam of course and lots of different costs to incur. But I am so ready. I am ready for the 'normal' schedule, the regularity of the work week. Most of all, I am ready for the paycheck!

Otherwise things are status quo: 40 page papers due each week (just finished one on menopause) and we also have a couple additional classes this semester. One class, called Roles and Issues, addresses just that: the roles and issues associated with being in the nurse practitioner role. It discusses health care, moral reasoning, etc. Another course we are taking is management concepts, focusing on the legal responsibilities and implciations of being an advanced practice nurse. It makes sense that we are taking these courses in our final semester: we have enough experience under our belts to put our own clinical experiences into perspective.

Well folks, the nose is running, the stomach is grumbling and the neighbors upstairs are singing opera (yes, they are opera singers). It is time to press the 'publish' button and be on my merry way. Until next week, stay well, stay WARM and see you around!

Rachel

I missed you!

Monday, January 14, 2013

Guess who's back? Back again? 

Rachel's back, tell a friend. I really hope I'm not too old for you to know what song those lyrics are from. If so, please don't tell me. :)

Well, as the lyrics suggest I am BACK and BETTER than ever at Regis! I sit here in the computer lab on the 2nd floor of college hall. Everything looks the same, feels the same except for the oddly deceiving smell of spring outside the window: it is January 14 and 62 degrees! What a trick. My mind keeps telling myself I am almost to graduation based on how it feels out, but nooooo, hold your horses, you have another semester of papers, clinicals and exams to go! 

Winter break was good, I know you are dying to know. FAR too fast, however. By the time I caught my breath it was Christmas. Then, boom, New Years! Then before you know it, it's back to the grind. I thought the best and most efficient way for me to share about my winter break would be to list my most recent experiences, thoughts and realizations in a succinct, to the point list. I tend to drag on and on as you may well know by now:

Top Winter Break Thoughts and Realizations
-Cooking is actually fun? 
-The song 'Thrift Shop' by Macklemore is contagious, amazing and soon to be my morning alarm clock
-I apparently like running?
-I miss Homeland... even hearing the theme song at the Golden Globes gave me goosebumps. And Claire Danes is becoming more like Carrie in real life than one could ever hope, is she not? (Sorry to those non-viewers)
-I am super proud of my family, friends and boyfriend. I really surround myself with some kick-booty people!
-Watertown ROCKS...especially the middle eastern super markets.
-On that same avenue, I recently discovered an AMAZING condiment called Pomegranate Molasses. It is VERY healthy, full of flavor and tastes great on vegetables. Here is a recipe I started making over break that is killer:

Dice up any veggies you want: I did carrots, cucumbers and green peppers. Chop up parsley and some mint, mix with veggies. Add the molasses and voila! You can also add vinegar if you want a little tang. You can eat it as a side with dinner, as a snack, or, in a sandwich.

Top Winter Break Experiences
-I FINALLY GOT AN RN JOB. AND it's per diem! AND it pays great! I guess patience is a virtue!
-Lots of silly TV (Spongebob Squarepants, Impractical Jokers)
-LATE sleeping: slept until 2pm one day!
-Returned to clinicals for winter break intercession: yes, in a way I really did miss my preceptors, coworkers and patients ( I guess that's a good sign)!
-Got a new stethoscope (a big girl one) and a much needed haircut: hello bangs!

Well, I promise next week to get back to nursing land where this blog is suppose to reside. I guess I am just half back to school, half of me back in December. Thank you for rejoining me on this crazy, awesome ride. And for the last time, here's to the first day of the semester!

Rachel  (Bella will be back next week. She's still on vacation, too)