Thankful Thursday | This is where I'm supposed to be
This week, I'm thankful:
that I'm sure about my educational choice
A lot of things in my life feel rather up in the air right now, but I doooo feel sure that nursing school is where I'm supposed to be.
I love the medical material, and the personal side of it also speaks to my soul.
Here's a quote from one of my textbooks:
One tip for practice is to cultivate the habit of reflecting on your clinical encounters each day. As you walk out of a human encounter, mentally look back at what you are leaving in your “wake.”
Were you one more anonymous person who did something “to” the patient? Were you toxic?
Or were you the one who will be remembered as making or being the critical difference for the patient?
The choice is yours in every encounter. At the end of your shift, ask, “Are my patients better for having had me today?” “Is my team better for my being in it today?”
This might seem a little silly, but I teared up when I read this. I want to be someone who makes my patients' days better; to me, that seems like such important work.
(Quote from Taylor, Lynn, and Bartlett: Fundamentals of Nursing: The Art and Science of Person-Centered Care, Tenth Edition)
that I didn't drop out of school*
There were some times in 2021 when I seriously considered giving up on my dream.
But I'm really glad I didn't! I feel just so, so happy at school. 🙂
I'm busy and it's a lot of work, but I am delighted to be a full-time student.
*Ok, I did kinda drop out of school back in 1997! I always say that I took 24 gap years. Heh. But for the purposes of this post, I'm saying I'm glad I didn't drop out of my second go-round with college.
for a good first exam
During my brief time in nursing school, I have heard a lot, a lot, a lot about how you cannot expect to get A's even if you did in your prereqs, and how nursing tests are completely different than any other kind of test.
We've had exam prep sessions, there are post-exam review sessions, there's a zillion practice quizzes and exams to do, and MAN I was prepared for this first exam to be a nightmare.
I got my first exam grade back yesterday and you guys, I got 100%!
I know this is not gonna be typical throughout all my semesters, and I have made peace with the idea that I will likely lose my 4.0 GPA at some point in nursing school.
But, I do feel happy for this good start; it makes me feel like I'm gonna be fine, and that my usual study habits will serve me as well in nursing school as they did in my prereqs.
for feeling a little more settled
This is the first week of school where I really felt like I had a good handle on life.
Partly this is because I spent quite a bit of time Friday mapping out school life, meal plans, blogging plans, exercise, and so on.
Laura Vanderkam always suggests using Friday afternoons to plan for the upcoming week, and I'm gonna try to make that a habit. Based on how week one went, I feel motivated to continue.
that my foot/ankle are totally back to normal
The itching and swelling from my yellow jacket stings are now all gone. Yay!
I'm especially happy that the itching is over because my goodness, it was so hard not to scratch the skin right off of my ankle.
for the arrival of fall weather
I'm wearing jeans as I type this! My windows are open! It's not humid!
I'm delighted to be living a less-sweaty life these days. 🙂
for beautiful plants, always
Don't these purple flowers look rather magical?
And these little ones on my hostas at home are also lovely.
for clear, sunny mornings
I've been walking pretty early on the mornings when I have early classes, so I'm getting a chance to appreciate the beauty of the freshly-risen sun.
for schedule flexibility
Since nursing school is not at all flexible, I am feeling very appreciative of the fact that the rest of my life IS pretty flexible.
For instance, the other morning I had to be at school at 7:30 am for an exam. So, I skipped my usual first-thing-in-the-morning walk, took my exam, and went out for a walk after my exam.
that Chiquita loves her tunnel
Someone from my Buy Nothing group gave this to me a while back and my goodness, Chiquita has used it so, so much.
Somehow, she never gets bored with it, and I think it might be one of my best Buy Nothing acquisitions of all time.
that PT is already helping my tailbone
I'd been experiencing some tailbone pain, presumably triggered by doing squatting exercises with weights. So, I took myself to PT last week, got some new exercises and instructions, and my tailbone pain has improved a bit already.
Since school requires a lot of sitting, I am very happy that my tailbone is feeling better!
Wow... that excerpt from your textbook is great! I love that they're looking at the human and teamwork aspect of it.
This week I'm thankful:
* for the great people around me in a new role I have taken on this year. I get to work with some pretty awesome, gifted people.
* that my favorite jeans are back in stock! In the spring it looked like the company wouldn't be making them anymore and I was really disappointed. But, they're back this fall! They made a little change (added a touch of distressing, which I could do without) but I love these jeans so much that it doesn't matter. My first pair arrived yesterday and I'm so happy to wear them!
* for my dad. He turned 70 yesterday! It's been a good time of reflecting on how much I appreciate him.
* that I've made peace with early mornings. I remember when I used to grump about getting up before 6. The last couple of years I had to get out of bed at 5:25. These days my cat likes to wake me up at 5 and sometimes my body wakes me up at 4:30. But instead of being bitter about it I'm enjoying the extra quiet time in the morning.
@Ruth T, Now you know, don't you, that we all have to know what kind of jeans these are???
I am not at all surprised to hear that you are crushing nursing school. And it sounds like you are definitely in it for the "right" reasons. I hope you continue to find your career choice to be rewarding and fulfilling even on the difficult days.
Yay for Friday planning and yay Kristin - you are going to be an inspiration to all your fellow students 🙂
Thankful for cooler weather, early nights, and colleagues who understand my frustrations.
I appreciate the sentiment behind the quote, but I'm stuck on the phrase "human encounters". What other kind of interactions could you have?
@mbmom11, *hums Twilight Zone music*
@mbmom11, well, suppose ET walked into the ER....But I know that Kristen will excel at this and every other aspect of nursing. (Even if ET does walk into the ER!)
@Rose,
I was thinking more of Star Trek and a Vulcan, but that works too! 🙂
I've never been a nurse, but I'm pretty sure that first quote up there is way more important than any grade you get on a nursing school exam. That said, I have complete confidence in you when it comes to test-taking. 🙂
Thankfuls:
--That I could stay home on Monday from work, everything I typically do was covered (well, except for the online English tutoring that takes two hours of my work day, but I actually could and did still do that from home), AND I am now at a stage of my life that if I'm sick on a school day, all my kids are at school and I can just worry about myself. After 13 years of . . . not that, it feels like a great luxury indeed to be able to take care of only myself when I need it.
--That it was a fast-moving cold, so I could be at work yesterday and catch up on some things.
--That my husband can be home when I'm at work. Our school is in the process of constructing new buildings, which means my younger two kids are moving classrooms. Their teachers need Monday to set up their new rooms, so those two children will be home with work to do on Monday. This was decided just yesterday. I have to be at work, but my husband can be home with them. Not having to scramble for childcare in situations like this has been an incredible blessing for our entire parenting life. First it was me that had no work commitments, and now it's him who has ordered his work so that he's completely flexible. Well, except for the school bus driving, which isn't at all flexible, but our kids can just ride the bus with us to school and then go home with him. 🙂
--That it has cooled down enough that I don't need to have a fan on to sleep. I dislike sleeping with any noise, even white noise, so I really appreciate the silence of cooler nights with windows closed and fans off.
--That my children have been much more chill about the school play this year. Every year, we have the Missoula Children's Theater come to our tiny school. This is a traveling duo of theater directors that come on Monday, teach the kids the play in four days, and stage the performance on Friday. They bring the set, costumes, and everything, and it's really a remarkable feat. It's also something my boys have typically dreaded and I have dealt with SO MUCH DRAMA (ha) about this every year. However, this year they haven't been notably enthusiastic, but they haven't been pills about it, either. I don't know if they're just older or if they've finally resigned themselves to it, but I very much appreciate the relative calm. My daughter, happily, is delighted to finally be able to participate now that she's in kindergarten.
Thankful for
-jobs that allows me to pay the bills. Financial independence is good for me.
-colleagues that have been so helpful as I get caught up after taking a 13 year break.
-the beauty of changing leaves
-friends. I’d be in a pretty sad place without the people who have walked alongside me.
-the deer I keep seeing in our yard and the neighbor’s yard
Right now I'm just thankful we're getting over our first case of Covid since January 2020. It was nowhere near as bad as it was back then (still unpleasant, and bad for my husband as he's immunocompromised) and a few weeks later we're mostly back to normal.
@Karen A.,
Glad to hear that you--and especially your husband--are recovering from Covid.
@Rebekah in SoCal, Thank you, Rebekah! This has definitely taught me to be even more cautious; we were visiting our young nieces and nephews and I let them get too close to me, forgetting that their dad is a doctor at an urgent care clinic and they get exposed to allll sorts of germs.
I'm going to share that quote with my sister, who has been an oncology RN for over 40 years. She is a nurse for all the right reasons, and often is disheartened by the focus in recent years on profits over patients.
Are you familiar with a product called Afterbite? It's very effective in quelling the itch from mosquito bites, and I've found it helpful for the occasional hive as well. I'm not sure how effective it is for the bites of stinging insects, but it's worth considering (although hopefully you won't have a "next time").
I love, love, love that that quote is in your nursing textbook and that you liked it enough to share it.
Last year, after years of avoiding medical settings as much as possible and having a full-blown panic attack over a procedure, I was diagnosed with PTSD related to a medical event when I was a child. My therapist tells me what happened to me as a child more closely resembles an assault than treatment. Rationally, I know that, but even the smell of a medical facility makes it hard to think rationally. I've had a few really bad experiences since then, and one pushy medical professional can send me into a panic attack.
It makes me happy, and hopeful, that there's an emphasis on not doing things "to" patients. It makes such a difference to me when someone takes the time to carefully explain everything, give me options, and acknowledge that I'm in control of what happens to my body. I'm convinced that one particular nurse saved my life ten years ago. She called to set up a procedure that I was terrified of and spent over an hour on the phone with me talking me through everything. I always jump to worst-case scenario, and she even went over the possible complications and how they might be handled. She promised to be with me the entire time and to make sure that nothing we hadn't discussed went on. She more than kept her promise. She was the first person I saw when I went back and the last person I saw when I left. She even arranged for me to be able to keep some of my clothes on under the hospital gown because that's another huge trigger for me.
Obviously, I've never met you in person, but the way you write about things and the fact that you liked that quote enough to share it makes me think that's the type of nurse you will be. I'm very thankful for the people like that in the medical profession.
@Anonymous, what a valuable story for you to share. I’m sorry you went through something so terrible, and it’s a real gift to share that so others can learn that these kind of things can and do happen, unfortunately. The clothes under the gown is a very helpful tip. I’m sure they can increase your sense of safety and control.
My friend went through something like this. In her case it was the gynaecological procedures she was terrified of. She hadn’t been in a couple of decades and needed to, due to some issues she was having. She kept putting it off. Finally, on the recommendation of a therapist, she asked me to come with her to hold her hand, she brought a huge comforter to use instead of the paper sheet, and thick socks to keep on during the procedure. She talked to the office in advance to make sure they knew how frightened she was and we’re fine with these measures. They were really good and I was so proud of her bravery. It turns out she had extremely advanced endometriosis and needed surgery, so it’s a good thing she finally went. But the delay probably meant the difference between her ever being able to have children or not. The consequences of these harmful experiences are very real. A nurse like I believe Kristen is going to be can make a huge difference, as you experienced with your lovely nurse. I’m so glad she was there when you needed her.
I was terrified during my cataract procedure, without any reason that I can think of. When during a recent check it was discovered that I have something called post operative cataract the doctor hastened to reassure me on what that procedure will be like. Turns out the staff had made a note that "patient was very anxious and that it is advised to provide reassurance".
Aww, I love that they made a note of that so they could do a good job of taking care of your whole self, not just your physical self.
I hope that their reassurance helped to calm you!
Those purple flowers are morning glories. My backyard is covered with them. My mom planted them 30 years ago and they reseed everybyear
@Shelly, I'm enjoying both the morning glories and the elaborate spider webs in Kristen's photos. It looks as though some of Charlotte's descendants (think Charlotte's Web) live near her house.
@Shelly, I once planted some of those beautiful purple and white morning glories. It was about 7 years ago, and ever since, they randomly pop up in various parts of my yard. They are very determined!
@JenRR, They are literally weeds! I have white ones growing in my hedges.
The British call them convolvulus, which comes from Latin convolvere, "to twine around." (Boy, I love Latin.)
@Rose, Fellow Latin lover here!
@Rose,
I do not know Latin but I do recognize the Latin due to speaking some French and my Duoling Spanish course - I have tried Polish lessons too but that is so unfamiliar! 90 percent of English goes back to either French or Latin, I was taught in Uni.
So glad you found what you are meant to do. That is great. People that find their passion makes me happy. Maybe because I'm still searching for mine! This Saturday I will have been working at my company for 32 years. And some of it has been really tough. Thankfully I am glad I have a wonderful manager now that can hopefully steer me thru the last 3 years before retirement.
I am so thankful for a big family. My sister in law did pass this week from Alzheimer's. It was very quick and much faster than my brother in law thought. I am glad that there were sisters at the house helping him thru these past few days. And we will all be together on Monday to celebrate her life. We will check on him frequently to make sure things are OK with him after Monday since we live the closest. They were married for 50-1/2 years and he did everything for the family. We are glad she is at peace, but it has left a huge hole in my brother in law's heart. Luckily there are a community of friends very close by to him too.
@Maureen, the passing of a sibling is so tough. I hope you feel peace as you continue to think about your sister and comfort your brother in law.
@Maureen, I send my sympathy to your BIL, you, and your whole family on your SIL's passing. My DH, too, went much more quickly at the end than I was anticipating. I wish you all, especially your BIL at the end of this hard journey, peace and rest. (He, of course, is now heading into what we call "Stage 8" in the seven-stage progression of Alzheimer's on alzconnected.org. I continue working my own way through Stage 8, but I am finding that it gets easier with time.)
VERY thankful that the "cracked" tooth I reported on Tuesday isn't actually cracked. My dentist says that the "crack" is really a "cervical abfraction" (look that up in your Funk & Wagnalls!), probably caused by my habitual tooth-grinding. (I do now wear a mouth guard at night, but often wake up with my teeth firmly clenched into it.) He also says he can do a fix by "parging" the tooth (much like parging a wall--i.e., slapping a protective coating over it). So the repair should cost only $$$ (and in the low $$$'s at that) rather than $,$$$. Imagine my relief.
Thankful that whatever else my teeth are doing in my old age, they're at least expanding my vocabulary. (Recall the "invaginating" tooth that had to be replaced with an implant.)
Thankful that the pleasant young lady from the local Cat Coalition/Feline Justice League came by yesterday and picked up another SUV load of my stuff for the CC's upcoming garage sale. This event will be held Saturday 9/30 in a local fire hall, and I should of course stop by and see what other folks have donated!
Thankful that a neighbor who was signed up to receive warnings from National Grid emailed me to let me know of a planned power outage earlier this week. I passed the warning on to others via our street's Google Group, and then was able to turn off/unplug everything I needed to turn off/unplug.
Finally, thankful that the tree service under contract to National Grid that's been trimming branches away from power lines this week complied with my polite request to trim my curbside trees so that they wouldn't look ugly and jagged. (Also thankful that I happened to be home when the tree service came around; other folks with curbside trees weren't so lucky. NG has been a nuisance this week, one way and another.)
@A. Marie, okay girl, let's have some old gal fun here. What extremely popular tv show from the '60s had a running gag using the term "Funk and Wagnall's"?
@Anne, I know! I know! Bybtgecwsy, I laughed out loud when I read that
* by the way
@Anne,
I know the show too!
But I'm going to have to look up Cervical Abfraction in my Funk and Wagnall's.
@Anne, that was, of course, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. (And by using or recognizing that line, you, I, SandyH, and JD have all just firmly placed ourselves in Old F**t Territory.)
@A. Marie, ah yes, place me in that territory too - that was a very funny show!
Let me see what I can feel thankful for this week.
*I am confused about the best choices to make in re-renting my cottage, job possibilities, and finishing up home renos. I want to have it all decided and scheduled now now now, and my brain, which usually works pretty well, is feeling fuzzy. BFF was excellent at talking through practicalities with me, so I miss her. I feel stuck. I'm going to try talking it through with another friend, but she has strong opinions about my cottage rental, so I'm already annoyed with that. Ha, and she hasn't even said anything. What to be thankful for here? I guess that I have options.
*My tutor and fellow workshop writers loved my book blurb and came up with some good points to make it better.
*Today is an easy day for dinner.
*The weather is beautiful and my fall crocus are coming up.
*My son is extremely funny. He asked me if he could call a plumber yesterday to change his toilet seat. I told him no, anyone can do that, here's a Youtube video. Then he went out and bought a new seat. Later, he came downstairs, holding the old one, and said, "Good bye, old friend. I shall always treasure our memories of the good times."
@Rose, I'm not sure what your "job possibilities" dilemma is so it's impossible to throw out any suggestions. But if you want to throw it out to the hive mind, one of us may come up with something you haven't thought of.
@Anne, I'm actually more concerned with the cottage rental right now. I'm going to follow up on all the job possibilities I have now and see what happens.
The problem with the cottage is, as is usual with seaside communities, that I can make more renting for the summer than renting year round. Plus, while I initially thought that renting year round would be easier, it's turning out not to be, what with the eviction and my latest tenants, who are OK, but not easy. However, if I charge a market rate year round, I get unbelievable and annoying blowback from the community. If I rent only for the summer, then people mutter about locals being pushed out. I don't care so much about local opinion, except for my local friends. I think what I really want to do is just rent for the summer and make more money than year round. The only problem there is I can't depend on a hefty check the first of every month, and then again I have to spend money re-furnishing the place, although that won't be too $$$$ since I have extra of, well, everything.
There is a local lawyer who wants to rent on the off-season, but again, that seems like a pain although it might be the best of both worlds. I don't want her furniture and stuff there for the summer because I know there will be damages and breakages and etc and then I don't want to fight with her about the value. Nor do I want to move my stuff in and her stuff out on May 15-Oct 15 or so.
Maybe what I could do is take a reduced rent for her for 7 months a year and then rent for the summer. Is it even worth it for $2K (less than half what I'm asking for year round) a month? Maybe? IDK.
@Rose,
I'm shocked to hear how complicated the cottage renting decision is. Good luck weighing the options and making your choice.
I am thrilled to know the world is going to be getting a nurse like you! That quote made me tear up too, but mostly remembering bad experiences where nurses scolded me or were having a bad day and took it out on me. Unfortunately I've have more bad experiences than good with medical personnel especially in the last few years. But there are some good ones out there and when I get one, they make my day.
I realize medical personnel can be terribly stressed but often they don't take into consideration how the patient is feeling. Just because they've treated 10 other people today and giving someone bad test results has become second nature to them, it would be really nice if they could understand they're giving someone terrifying news that is often life changing. More compassion across the profession would be great. I hope everyone in your class takes that quote to heart as you obviously do.
Awww, I'm so sorry you've had some tough experiences.
I don't know how all nursing schools are, but mine so far has put a LOT of emphasis on person-centered care, treating the whole person, and trying to always approach patients with an eye to understand the "why" behind any of their behaviors, hesitations, and concerns.
It is not at all silly to be moved by what you shared from the textbook.
If one becomes a nurse and does NOT feel this way, well, perhaps that person should not be studying. You are clearly following on a path that you are meant to undertake, regardless that it is "24 gap years" Later. Life happens in its own time, in its own way.
As challenging (and worse) as what you are going through with the upending of your marriage, one has to wonder if you would have ended up pursuing the nursing path without such a drastic change to your life.
You have worked hard to get where you are, and done it amidst drastic change in your life. Few others would have been able to accomplish as much let alone be as appreciative as you are for the opportunity to commit yourself to a role as a healer.
From my own years of interaction with the medical community, time and time again, it is a nurse who made the difference, both literally (as in seeing that a doctor has issued an incorrect order and challenging it to safeguard me) and spiritually. A nurse who helped me endure tough tough situations in a hospital, ER or doctor's office. Time and again.
There are really only two types of nurses, as there are in other situations: Committed to helping or not so much. I think of what all the nurses endured for the safety of patients during COVID's worst (and still, now) putting themselves at risk at times over and over again.
I am thankful that there are individuals such as yourself who each year join the ranks of nurses. We can never have enough.
I am thankful that even though so many CS reps are anything but helpful, there are those who are, whether or not the company works for has empowered them to help.
I'm thankful also that the weather has cooled down. We've had some lovely days in the mid-60s to 70s. (PERFECT) After the heat of the summer....just fabulous.
Have a great day and week at school. You are on the path you were meant to follow and thank you for sharing with us.
Glad your foot is better!
I had a completely flat tire Monday morning. Even though that was a very unwelcome surprise, I was very thankful …
- The flat was in my driveway and not on the road somewhere.
- My husband was home that day and drove me to drop off my flat at tire repair place and to the grocery store on the way home. He offered to pick up the kids after school, and to drive me to an afternoon appointment on the way home if my car wasn’t finished yet. I’m thankful to have a supportive partner in my life.
- We had the money and time flexibility to get everything promptly fixed.
I have a lot of anxiety in medical situations... to the point that I have fainted. Having a kind nurse has really, really made a difference at appointments for me. It definitely is important work!
On the other hand, I hope nurses give themselves grace that they will have days when they aren't their best and won't make every single interaction better. Nurses are people too!
So glad that you are enjoying nursing school!
60 out of 60 on your first exam? 100%? Way to go, Kristen! You've got this!!!!! And my, oh my, with an attitude like that, you are going to rock your patients' worlds! God has called you to be a nurse, IMO.
I loved the spider web photos. The big web was beautiful. Not scary at all.
1. I came home 2 days ago and found my yard man and his workers had surprised me, in a good way: they had taken it upon themselves to clean and organize my garage, which has been a jumbled mess for years. It is sparkling clean and all the items are moved to one side and neatly arranged. Now, I can drive my car in there in case of rain or hail.
2. Five days of substitute teaching jobs this week.
3. Hired man said he could fix the bad light fixtures in my den and redo my electrical plugs so I can plug in 3-prong items without having to use one of those converters.
4. Refrigerator and former roommate's bathroom all clean -- that took a while. They were unbelievably filthy.
5. Speaking of....my life is infinitely calmer without the drama of putting up with her toxic personality. She hasn't called or contacted me in 3 weeks and I am so happy.
I had no idea that quote would be in a nursing book, but it's wonderful that it is. I've seen good and bad (one or two really bad!) in the medical profession over the years. The good outweighs the bad, thankfully.
1. We finally are dipping into the upper 60's some nights, and have upper 80's and the occasional 90 in the forecast for the days. I'm delighted to have a spell of pleasant weather. I still have a ton of small branches to get off the lawn, and it's been too hot and sticky to work outside for long.
2. I'm especially thankful for the birthday tomorrow of daughter #2. She's the one who gave me the new iPhone and refuses to let me help pay for her phone plan. Generosity and loyalty is second nature to her. She's a loving daughter, mother, sister and aunt, a real Type-A personality, and fun to be around. She's the only extrovert in our family of introverts, which was a bit of a challenge for all of us as she grew up.
3. I'm also thankful that she was not injured and her car, although definitely damaged, is drivable once they strapped the bumper back on, after a deer jumped in front of her car yesterday. She will be able to get a rental while her car is fixed.
4. I had two routine check ups yesterday - dental and dermatological. Both found no issues, which is always something to be thankful for!
5. Finally, I'm thankful that I followed my instinct about the future under the new owners and left the paper mill six years ago. My heart hurts for those still there, now that it is abruptly closing. Although I'm still wrestling with insurance over the hurricane, at least I have a job!
A. Marie, if that web starts showing up in the mornings with words such as "Some Pig!" woven in it, I am definitely traveling to Kristen's to see it.
@Fru-gal Lisa, Big web = big spider.
@JD, isn't it enough that Shelly the cat is commenting? I suppose Chiquita hasn't learned to type yet.
@JD, well, in tribute to Kristen's personality, her Charlotte descendant will probably start right off with "Radiant"!
And I'm sorry to hear about your D2's too-close encounter with a Bamboid. Our local colony is completely out of hand: Almost all the does had twins this year, and one had triplets. I keep a deer diary for my city, and the guy in the Mayor's office who collects the diaries each month actually asked me why my August count was so high. I answered him in one word: "Reproduction!"
@A. Marie, We noticed (anecdotally) that most of the deer around here had twins too! What gives? Any theories?
@Bobi, I Googled the question, and here's what a site called explorationjunkie.com had to say: "White-tailed deer are the most common species known to have about 70% of all pregnancies resulting in twins since they naturally ovulate two eggs simultaneously." Still, I don't recall ever seeing as many sets of twins as I've seen this year.
@A. Marie, I'm impressed that you count deer, but how the heck do you tell them all apart? There could be three deer in my yard and every time they passed my window I would count them again.
@Anne, I know these deer well enough by now to know when I'm seeing the same group twice--in which case I don't count them a second time. In fact, I recognize them almost as readily (if much less happily) as I do my human neighbors.
I love the reflection questions in the beginning of this post! It’s so nice to be reminded of the mark we leave no matter what our daily life looks like. Great questions we could all ask ourselves each day. Congrats on thriving through nursing school so far! It’s comforting to know loving, compassionate, caring, devoted and well trained nurses will be in the force soon!
One of our favorite things about life is commenting on where one of our cats is sleeping. It puts a smile on our face.
Chiquita put a smile on our face this morning.
I am thankful my colonoscopy is over and I had no polyps this time. If ColoGuard goes well in three years I won't need another one for five years. I am thankful for modern medicine and the fact that colon cancer can be detected early and if found can be treated with just surgery.
I am thankful for a fun trip to visit family in the Midwest. It was a lot of travel but a worthwhile trip. I am thankful for modern aircraft, modern automobiles, and the ability (health and finances) to be able to travel.
I am thankful for the cooler weather. It is comfortable to wear just about anything and be outside almost anytime.
Some people have jobs. Some people have callings. You, Kristen, clearly have a calling and I am thankful you’re having this opportunity to pursue it. Maybe it's more accurate to say "You've created this opportunity for yourself." You’re incredibly bright and empathetic, and possess extraordinary executive/management skills that you’ve honed through all those years of not only raising but educating your children while establishing your business. You’re at the intersection of optimism and opportunity, a very good place to be. I salute you!
Yay on the 100%!!
* a pain in my arm I had for over a year now is gone! Since I'm recovering from surgery and can't work my physical job work-out and not lift anything over 10 pounds, this is doing wonders for my arm
* I'm seeing great progress towards my goal weight so far. 30 gone, 70-85 to go
* getting to spend a lot of time cuddling my little 6 pounds Morkie, who is super affectionate, now that I'm home all day
* Having access to a partly paid recovery period of 5 weeks post-surgery
* Having a common cold that is not Covid
Kristen
I am going to have this quote printed out on a card that I plan to give to any/all medical staffers I meet along the way. It is THAT important. (I will add one line of my own at the bottom: "YOU make a difference...either for a positive or negative/toxic encounter."
To do that, I need to indicate the source.
Can you please provide the name of the book, author(s) and date of publication?
It would be most appreciated.
Thank you
Sure! Here's an Amazon link that should give you all of the info you might need: https://amzn.to/3PQV9S6
My husband was in the hospital for two weeks in July/August, and I will never forget the nurses who helped him. They went above and beyond in difficult circumstances to help him when he was in a critical situation, they listened to our concerns and reassured us, they joked with him and lifted his spirits. Nurses make a huge difference in our lives when we are most vulnerable! So glad to hear you are happy with nursing school and the path you have taken. You're a real inspiration.
September has been overflowing with reasons to be thankful:
A coworker regifted a subscription to NYT Cooking to me. She received the subscription as an anniversary gift from our organization but she is already a subscriber so she passed it along to me! My husband and I love cooking together and we’ve been thinking of signing up for this for a while so this was a lovely treat.
I attended a cousin’s wedding last weekend. I was able to spend time with family members I haven’t seen since the groom’s sister’s wedding two years ago! The wedding was beautiful and it’s always wonderful to see two people so in love.
The night before the wedding I went to a last-minute dinner with a couple of cousins. Dinner reservations ended up getting pushed back which only meant more time to catch up and be together.
All the plant clippings my mom gave me have grown roots! I was able to plant them in soil yesterday which cleaned off the “propagation windowsill” which my husband is thankful for.
Overall I’m just thankful for how good this season feels. Our family is busy with activities that keep us happy and healthy but not over scheduled. We’re enjoying time together. The weather is lovely. Fall colors are starting to show up. School and work are going well. We’re in a good place.
@Kristin my son is 7 years old and I still remember the nurse that took care of me after my C-section. She worked an extra day so that she could be with me until I went home. She was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. She did all the medical stuff that was needed but she also ate chocolate with me, took me for extra walks because I am not a person who lays in bed well...even after a C-section, she oohed and aahed over my baby boy as if he had been her own. I immediately felt like she was my family and I have thanked God for her over and over again. I don't know you in person but have a good sense that you will be THAT kind of nurse and the world just needs more of those kind of people. I am cheering you on!!!
I am grateful for having found a good dentist this week who is taking good care of me.
I have been in a sleep rut and last night I actually slept 8 hours instead of the 3-4 I have been getting over the last 2-3 weeks. Sleep after the age of 40 seems to be very challenging for me. I actually feel human this morning.
An evening walk with my son last night, just the two of us and he grabbed my hand and told me it was the best day of his life. Goodness I love that kid.
Workouts that have been challenging. The challenging ones are fantastic stress relief and gosh I need that.
Fall temperatures. I love all the seasons but fall is just blissful to me. The colors, the crisp skies, breezes, smells of burning leaves, candles, baking, sweatshirts and jeans. It is just magical.
Cheers to the last couple days of the week!
Those flowers and the spiderwebs look like paintings instead of real-life images. Chiquita's antics have me looking forward to her shots every day.
The quote from your textbook spoke of such humanity! And, it was very much how I feel that you speak/write, especially in the divorce circumstances. It takes a strong woman to hold back details because they might hurt his family members. The profession you’ve chosen clearly sits right on you.
I’m thankful that you can make time to continue the blog. It’s such an uplifting place for us to be.
Beyond all else, I’m thankful for my wonderful husband. After the discussion last week, I realized he’s even more special than I always knew he is. And all of his fine qualities grow more evident each year. I won the real life lottery and need to always be mindful of that.
@Erika JS,
I love all your words and agree with all of them. Especially the part about your husband. I feel the same way about mine <3
I've been having a really rough couple of weeks. Without getting into it too much, we had the longest period of believing that our daughter would not be an only child. Now we know that after several attempts that it's not in the cards for us.
I'm thankful for early screening of these things so we have the heartbreak now (well a couple weeks ago) instead of later.
In a weird way of learning this (where I kind of feel guilty saying this) but it's not bad thing to have one child who is no longer a baby. We can do so many things with her now that we couldn't in the past like concerts and amusement parks and travel and board games and video games and trips to the park and stuff. If we had been able to have more children, it sure would've been a lot of work for the three of us.
I'm also thankful that work has been great about letting me take off when I need to. That's been good for the appointments and what not.
Thankful for some upcoming activities with my family.
Not all that thankful about autumn because it means winter is coming.
@Battra92,
♥♥♥ to you and your wife!
@Battra92,
I know that it was hard to hear that news. I'm so sorry!
@JD, Thanks. This is the third direct loss after many years of nothing. So we're sad but I'm kind of at the acceptance phase and just kind of want to move to the next stage of life, if that makes sense.
@Battra92,
I am so very sorry for this sad news.
Re winter: three more months and the days will start getting longer again.
@Battra92, I'm so sorry, but I completely understand about the idea of moving on to the next stage of life. Enjoy your little family.
Autumn always seems like the shortest season to me, and it does lead inevitably to winter, which is why I'm really not that crazy about it either. Still, fall and winter can be magical with small children. So many little family rituals to make the most of, so try to be happy.
@Battra92, I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I'm so sorry for your heartbreak and pain.
@Battra92, hands across the miles to you and yours in your sadness. And although I enjoy autumn, I have the same "winter is just behind it" reservations as you do.
Battra, I'm sending love to you guys along with everyone else.
I am thankful to have made it to the 37th week of pregnancy and that several precautions are being lifted today. (I've been having pre-term contractions and landed on partial bed rest, an exercise restriction and was taking some nasty medication to stop contractions. Today all of that stops. I'm hoping the baby holds off for at least a few more days and is born in fall.)
I am thankful for my morning coffee.
I am thankful that I've been getting pretty decent sleep in the last week.
I am thankful that the ladies in my church threw us a baby shower. It was so moving that all of these women were so excited for our baby.
I am thankful for friends who have helped with house chores that we haven't been able to keep up with.
@Rebekah in SoCal, Yay, baby coming! Happy days!
You know, I always remember the special nurses who made a real difference in my care each time I was hospitalized. They were truly angels! That’s such a great quote to reflect on. Congratulations on your perfect score on your exam! That’s a wonderful start! I know you will be an amazing nurse someday.
This week I am thankful for the friendship and memories I’m left with after a friend passed away Saturday. The gratitude of that is comforting during this tough time.
Thankfulness this week.
1. I am thankful for savings to fix my truck. I am finally in a place financially where I can take a financial blow and (mostly) keep on going. I'm almost 50 and it has taken me a long time to get here. Yay, savings!
2. My Yeti cup. When I get into my truck for any kind of trip (errands, family parties, just out visiting), I almost always bring my Yeti full of ice water with me. It keeps the drink cold and I'm not tempted to buy treat drinks when I have it with me.
3. My current job. It has its stressful moments, but not like my previous positions. Anytime I feel a little overwhelmed, I think about what I used to do and suddenly become fine. Also, I received a raise, so that helps too!
4. Cooler days and nights! I love, love, love fall. Pumpkin spice and sweatshirts - ahhhhhh.
5. Interesting class. I'm working on my Masters degree one class at a time and the class I'm in right now is Critical Issues in Higher Education. Fascinating! I actually have been keeping up with the readings.
I appreciate so much that quote you put in there with your statement about wanting to make a difference in your patients lives. A good Nurse makes ALL the difference -- I recently had a bad one, you could tell he was just miserable being at work by his tone of voice (when he actually spoke), and just seemed annoyed that I would ask a question - he would just roll his cart in and take my vitals or do what he needed without even speaking, let alone a smile or a kind word!
A friend came and sat with me and she is a "Pollyanna" type and talks to everyone, when he rolled in while she was with me she said "Hello , how is your day going" - with a big smile (like she does with most people) -- and his response was to look at her and say "I'm 4 hours into a 12 hour shift"....
I am so happy that your first exam went well. I still remember sitting for my first exam and the absolute roiling hellbroth that was my stomach. And I think that the early acceptance of maybe not maintaining your 4.0 is a really great outlook. My first semester nursing instructor gave me some really great advice that has always stuck with me, "No hospital is ever going to ask what you GPA was in school but learn enough because one day your knowledge base is going to be what saves a patient's life." And I can honestly say that is true.
This is has been a really good week (so far), so I have a lot to be thankful for:
- fights with my husband. The actual fight sucks because we rarely do it, but we generally have a good aftermath because both of us try really hard to make changes.
- my triceps. I have been working out my upper body super hard this summer (mostly bc that was my only option lol), and now I have legit definition when I flex. It is nice to see results.
-fresh flowers. Since I have been home waaaaay more than normal, I have made it a point to get a bouquet of flowers at Trader Joe's every week and they sit on the kitchen table. Since that is in the main area of our house, I get something pretty to look at all week.
- my random art collection. I have been collecting art from everywhere we travel, art fairs, Etsy and anywhere you can think of for years. I am finally getting around to framing and hanging everything and I am loving how cool it all looks.
- white sneakers. I am so happy that white sneakers are trendy (did they ever go out of style though?) bc I am a definitely a sneaker girl for the time being while the ankle fully heals.
@Heather, Love the white sneakers trend too. And to your point, I have a pair of very old but carefully maintained white Reeboks that all of a sudden are not my backup pair ha!
Love love love the spiderweb photos. And yay, you, for starting off your school year strong! Not that I had any doubt about that.
Thankful for kittens. We got our babies Tuesday and we're in the adjustment phase--that being said, I laughed so much this morning watching their antics. Thankful for my family, who also are so excited to have them .... for all the wonderful items to make living with them easier, including that Aldi had a pet sofa cover on sale for under $20 this week .... and on a different note, that I have another person to help me with my young adult ministry AND that we had a successful time with them on Monday. I had taken a break from the ministry over the summer and it was heartening to hear that everyone was excited to start back up. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it, and moments like that are encouraging.
1. I had my first Colonoscopy at age 51 and had a lit of polyps for being so young. The new recommendation is 45 for first screening as they are seeing Colon cancer at much younger ages. Thankful I had the courage to go through it.
2. After 29 years as RN I left my final job in a hospital setting. I am now a home health nurse working when I want to and no one being a micro manager. I feel like I have been set free and have never been happier.
3. My salary has been cut from n half, but I am debt free home and all. I can comfortably live on what I am making 4 days a week.
4. Cooler weather
5. I have a new cancer diagnosis with a big surgery coming up in 2 weeks. I would appreciate good thoughts and prayers.
@Laurie, prayers and positive thoughts coming your way!
@Laurie,
Sending your way.
@Laurie, I will be thinking of you and sending good thoughts to you and your medical team.
This week I am thankful:
-For folks like you who love the medical profession. I just really hate everything about blood and bodies. Ugh. I was so glad to be done having kids in part because it meant fewer doctor's appointments and needles and blood (and I had very healthy pregnancies). And then I got cancer. Speaking with the lab tech yesterday who drew my blood, I noticed that she had a pen made like a syringe complete with fake blood. She told me she got it at Spirit Halloween, and she just loves that kind of thing. I told her thank goodness for people like her who do this kind of work. You all are truly appreciated by those of use who need good care but would themselves pass out if we ever had to give someone a shot.
-That we have met our health insurance deductible. The insurance year just started for us August 1, so it didn't take long. I am glad to see claims starting to come back for single-digit "you pay" amounts instead of triple digit amounts.
-For feeling better today. Chemo is terrible. It's just terrible. And I'm learning you can't really predict what days will be good days and which days will be bad days. And when I physically feel bad, it is hard to rally myself emotionally. Today I woke up feeling a little better physically, which means my outlook on life if a little sunnier. I'm so glad for it.
-For my front porch. I think it might be my favorite room in the whole house. I have been getting up earlier than usual since starting chemo because I am suddenly sleeping restlessly after about 5am. So I have been sitting on the porch and reading and sipping tea while the sun rises. It is a magical experience.
-For the lunch I just ate. I made a breakfast spread with eggs, grits, bacon, toast, and a big pile of all the leftover veggies in the fridge from earlier in the week. I've been on white bread and egg sandwiches since my most recent infusion last week. It was all my stomach could bear. So it tasted amazing to eat real food!
@Amanda in VA, I'm so sorry you're dealing with cancer. I don't know if you know about Chemo Angels, or if it's the kind of thing you'd like, but you may want to check it out if out if you need a little extra encouragement. https://www.chemoangels.com/
@Amanda in VA, I am sending good thoughts your way as you go through treatment.
I got a good little laugh at chiquita folding herself into the puzzle box 😉 Typical cat right there!
This week I am thankful:
-That my husband came back from hunting safely. He didn't get an elk or deer this year, but he did go fishing on his last day out and brought home trout and salmon.
-That I'm nearing the end of 21 days of being a single parent to a 3-year-old. With his work schedule, and then the 13-day hunting trip, I was stressed. Not to mention the kiddo got a 104-fever and I couldn't get it down (kiddo is absolutely fine now and doc suspects a case of COVID).
-That for the first time in a very long time I really enjoy my job, and I'm doing it well. It pays less than what I should be at, but it's flexible, close to home (about five blocks!), and i like my coworkers a bunch.
-After years of weight gain, inflamed joints, chronic migraines, etc., I seemed to have found a way to combat it all! I've changed my diet to something that is higher protein and fat, lower carb and no processed foods. And let me tell you, I even sleep better!
-I struggle with my mental health a lot. but today there's less fog and clearer skies in there. Really happy for it <3
54 years ago I gave birth in a VERY busy maternity ward. I was required to stay flat on my back all that day. I am still grateful for the nurse who stopped by every now and then to feed me a bit more of my supper. I'm sure that would be you today.
Well done on your first nursing test, Kristen!
I am most thankful for the healthy delivery of a little grandson. Also the cooler weather allowing lovely walks and open windows, the county library letting me read lots of books for free, and that my current read, The Book of Charlie is a great perspective builder, and last but not least, this wonderful blog community
@Elaine N, How wonderful! A new little love! Congratulations.
I think your cats are so adorable!
I am impressed by yet again good grades. Such a good start.
I am on my three hour trip home from my company's NL HQ and I feel thankful for such good colleagues and for the opportunity to meet with them. Most people work from home post covid and the trip is too long anyway for a daily commute, but meeting once in a while and conducting some meetings in real life is so valuable!
Kristen I’m So happy to hear that you are excited about nursing school—you’re an inspiration.
I’m grateful for feeling better after a 24 hour flu shot reaction—feeling better is such a good feeling.
Thankful for our boiler maintenance guy giving us a new radiator valve for free!
I was on a beautiful walk in the woods with my best friend when I realized I must have dropped my keys along the trail!!! My friend was adamant on helping until we found them, she said “I’m not leaving you, you wouldn’t leave me if I needed help”. True friendship and yes I’m thankful the keys were found and we doubled/tripled our steps!!
Coffee!!
Karen
Of course you're crushing it! Never underestimate the power of life experiences. I went to nursing school the same time my friend did, after we raised our kids and she found out she loved the science side of it, not so much the patient side. She ended up getting her advanced degree in Nurse Anesthetist and has a thriving practice. I loved trauma ICU , PICU and ED (pediatric, orthopedic, neuroscience, labor and delivery, psychiatric, never boring). Patients will always remember the time you listened, held their hand during diagnosis and gentle advocacy. I still remember sitting there in my dad's icu room, numb to the severity of the diagnosis, thankful he was still alive and so grateful for the kindness of the best nurse I've ever witnessed. She thoughtfully negotiated the complexities of the diagnosis, asked questions of the doctors and held my hand. I want to always be that nurse!
I am thankful for the rains we are getting, lessening the fire dangers. For the cooler weather, the ending of canning and freezing season. For my pup who thinks it is her job to round up the cats...so funny. For my nephew who offered to put the moss out on my roof - priceless.
Congratulations on your perfect score on your first Nursing school exam!
Great start!
There are two experiences with nurses that are burned in my brain:
1. I had bunion surgery and was prescribed pain medicine and the nurse recommended that I take the first one before the anesthesia wore off to stay ahead of the pain. It completely worked and I had a pain free recovery.
2. My much beloved grandmother was home with hospice care and I was deeply involved in her care and all of the logistics. The head hospice nurse came for a meeting and asked how I was, and of course I said, “I’m ok.” Then she said, “no, you’re not and that’s ok” In all of my life I have never felt so seen, and I continually tell myself her advice when I’m in a tough spot.
Neither of these had to do with the practical side of nursing, though that was spot on, but the way someone saw me as a human beyond the medical situation was the key.
I have no doubt you’ll be amazing.
It's going to be a week of reconnecting. My husband's cousin is in town this weekend and another cousin is joining us (and her husband). The first cousin we have not seen for 7 years, the second cousin and husband 50+ (we were in school together).
"Ran into" two floormates from post high school education on facebook this week.
and
today I spent the afternoon with my grandson. He is now in preschool, so it will be afternoons. I will plan local places we can get out together on good days; and on bad days, we will go to the library. Just a few hours together.
I'll check out that Friday planning for the next week. Maybe I'll get more done.
That itch after hornet bite is awful.
Yay to you Kristen for pursuing your dream during such difficult personal times. You are so kind, thoughtful, and empathic and those qualities will make you a wonderful nurse. Your patients will be lucky to have you caring for them.
Thankfuls, the medical edition:
- that our daughter's pregnancy is going well and today she found out she's having a boy.
- that my husband is finally starting to feel better after his gallbladder surgery
- that my husband's chest x-ray was negative for a blood clot. His bloodwork showed evidence of a dissolving clot and his doctor wanted to make sure there wasn't a clot in his lung.
- that my colonoscopy is done, and I don't need to have another for 10 years.
- that we got a refund for over $200 from a doctor that insisted my husband pay in advance for a procedure, even though we'd already met our out-of-pocket maximum for our health insurance
Yay for a new grandbaby!!
Beautiful photos! Here in South Carolina, I am also enjoying the feeling of autumn weather and less humidity.
You are going to do great!
Wow, Kristen! Congratulations on the 100% score! And I really think you WON’T lose your 4.0 GPA. Your hard work and perseverance, along with God’s grace , have brought you this far.
I’m sure you will continue to excel ! Also, I love the quotes from your nursing textbook.
I’m positive that when you leave your patients , each of them will feel so encouraged that you were the one caring for them.
I love the purple morning glories. Once again, I’m inspired to use your photos as reference for painting if you don’t mind.
This week, I’ve been so grateful for autumn weather. I know this weekend we’re expecting rainy, gusty storms but these past days have been delightful.
NASA’s Osiris-Rex capsule is returning to earth this weekend and this is thrilling to my husband who is helping to monitor some details on the critical team. I’m thankful for the delight my husband is taking in his job.
I’m thankful for good health, recent birthday celebrations and upcoming special getaways.
I’m so grateful for family and friends.
Of course! I never mind if you paint based on my photos.
I’m so happy to hear you’re loving nursing school! And it’s wonderful that they’re focusing on the quality of human interaction. We so need that in this day and age. (We always do! But kind of especially now.)
I’m thankful to have reached the level of last year’s teaching income and actually gone a bit beyond. So far the new teaching year is going smoothly.
I’m thankful for the money to be able to replace some expensive items ruined by our cat while we were away. Unfortunately the person looking in on him “forgot” to change his litter the entire time, and he wound up peeing or spraying in other places. I don’t blame him at all, but really hope he doesn’t do it any more after the new items arrive. We’re replacing our mattress and boxspring and the couch. Fortunately we were planning to get a new couch anyway. Also along this line, I’m thankful most of the house has hard floors that are easy to clean.
I’m thankful to be working out an arrangement that will hopefully have me teaching all five of the grandchildren that I teach on Saturdays instead of spread across the whole weekend. I love my grandchildren very much and am happy to be able to give them the gift off piano lessons, but it’s also nice to have a day off on the weekend!
I’m super thankful that the three grandchildren whose mother has severe mental health problems have all started school this year. The oldest is in all-day kindergarten and the two youngest are in preschool from 9-3, four days a week. The other grandparents pick them up and drop them off every day: a heroic commitment. One that I can’t do, due to my teaching and the distance away they live from us. This arrangement gives their mum some time on her own which will hopefully reduce stress, and also ensures the children’s safety while their dad (my son) is not at home during the day. It will be a massive relief for him as well; he was torn in every direction.
I’m thankful for deepened and improved communications with my wife. You need good communication and lots of love to be able to deal with stressors and fraught situations, and we have a few of those! Thankfully it now feels we have a real working partnership happening, and I’m really grateful for that.
Re: the textbook excerpt:
I can tell you from personal experience (a "routine" surgery that turned into anything but) that there is a huge difference between a "good" nurse and a "great" one. After my surgery, I'm sure my doctor told the charge nurse to give me her best, because they were all outstanding. It was amazing. When I went back 7 weeks later for another surgery, and was on the same hall, I had "good" nurses (and, truth be told, maybe some not-so-good ones). Different doctor who was lead, most of his patients probably not usually on that hall, etc. Night and day.
I know you're going to be a great one.
I am so happy to hear school is going so well. Congratulations on your first exam!
-I'm thankful for rain....slow, steady, soaking rain. Living on a gravel road it's hard when it's so hot & dusty....how did those living in the dust bowl survive!?
-I'm thankful for cooler weather, sleeping with the windows open & the rain falling. Heavenly.
-I'm thankful for a totally free schedule. As an empty nest granny, I'm able to step in when someone needs help. This week my son came down with covid so I rescued my grandson at bed time & he spent a few days with me so dad could heal. (my son is divorced). I got to take him to swim lesson, we went out to eat & I helped with school. If I were working like his other grandmother, I would have missed out.
-I'm thankful to live in the country with country views & walks, wildlife & nature. It keeps me sane.
I also love the excerpt from your textbook. Switch up the wording a bit and it is excellent advice for everyone.
So thrilled for you that school is going SO well!!! I remember that thrill of getting really good grades when went back to svhool!!school!!! Truly one of the thrills of my life to do that. Loved it...work and all. And all it gave back to me in making my life work so much better. Thoughts and prayers...you are amazing and sure inspiring so many other women.....Gaye
You have certainly made my day better many times. You help me change my outlook for the good. You bless me.
Thankful that I am back on track and follow you again , I haven't felt well ,but I am happy that you doing well and determand to have a place that you will be excellent in , that's your calling ,you such a smart ,caring and extraordinary Person !