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!