WE'RE MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
By far, the best decision ever. We had so much fun and it was perfect.
Ryan and I stayed at a bed and breakfast/vineyard/winery last year in Indiana and fell in love with the place, the quaint small town, and the people. We decided to elope there and have to ceremony at the vineyard, just the two of us (and whoever from the winery/vineyard/BB wanted to show up).
The days before the wedding, we stayed at the B&B, going to all 6 of the local wineries for tasting and eating delicious food from the local joints. I was very excited to have purchased 5 and a half cases of wine to bring home as well as 2 bottles of hard cider for Ryan. Last time, I only brought 17 bottles of wine home and lets just say it didn't last very long. HAHA We'll see how 66 bottles of wine lasts me (so far 1 and 3/4 bottles down).
The day of the wedding, we relaxed at the B&B, watching TV, and just being chill. Two o'clock rolls around, I go get my hair and makeup done. The salon downtown was awesome, very friendly, and excited to be doing "elopement style" wedding (which wasn't much different than traditional weddings, but ok). After that, the ball was rolling- I quickly went back to the B&B, met the "minister" and photographer, and slipped into my gown. Ryan waited downstairs with the minister and I was upstairs taking pictures with the photographer (who made the whole experience even more perfect.)
The ceremony was at 4:30 at the vineyard's stage between the two areas of the property. I walked down the long lane of the property (in heels!) to meet my handsome groom in the middle and we walked up the stage together. The ceremony was pretty perfect, especially our vows we wrote to each other. The only downfall of the ceremony was the "minister" was VERY unprepared with little details not addressed as well as saying our last name wrong (even though we coached him several times prior to; I really don't think its that difficult). However, it wasn't enough to ruin it because no one else was there that really cares. The B&B/vineyard/winery owners watched the ceremony as well as the photographer, and "minister's" wife. After it was over, my husband (!!) and I signed the marriage license, went back to the B&B and opened a bottle of champagne and toasted with all who was there.
The rest of the evening was spent with the photographer doing pictures at the ceremony location as well as beautiful areas downtown. The locals were very gracious, including the teenagers roaming downtown, with many congratulations and well wishes. Our evening ended with a local hamburger joint (similar to White Castle, tastes less-gross, however, later learned similar after effects) with grease in a bag and a milkshake called "wedding cake".
The next morning, we packed up the car to head home. On our drive, we thought to call the lawyer to see if any documents have been sent from FF. Low and behold-- the lawyer has the papers! FF has signed the legal document to give up his parental rights to Jordan. I don't care why his reasons are, though we have speculations, I am excited to end the battles of the ex and legally give Jordan the father he deserves. Best. Wedding. Present. Ever. :)
I am so happy to be married to Ryan. Life has pretty much resumed to normal and I am enjoying my 3 weeks off until my big girl nursing job starts in mid-July. And I'm enjoying the wine too :)
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
The NCLEX experience: the B-Rob edition
Everyone's experience is different, but this is my recollection and thoughts are based on how I felt.
Nothing prepares you for taking the NCLEX. I know nursing school is supposed to do that... but still...
My school "spouse", Stache, and I scheduled to take our Ohio boards in Lexington, KY because at the time we registered, the soonest available within a 100ish mile radius was there. We got there the night before, staying a hotel, and prepared to get up at the butt crack of dawn for the biggest and most important test of our career. And by prepare I mean, give up studying, eat chinese food, and take a couple hits of whiskey.
I could not sleep at all, kicking myself for not drinking more and/or bringing some sort of sleep aid. Finally at 4am, I gave up and attempted to beat Candy Crush level 125 in order to pass the time.
In the morning, we were revved up. Nerves, nerves, nerves. We got there, waited for them to call us up individually, trying to stay as positive as possible. Then, into the room we go. It feels like a jail cell with cameras monitoring your every move and using a palm vein hand scan to get in and out of the testing room.
Headphones and earplugs on. All I could hear is my heartbeat through my ears as the tutorial played. Then the first question comes up.. lub dub lub dub goes my heart. So loud that I worry other people can hear it. I finally take the earplugs out because its too loud to think. With each question, I take a deep breath and carry on, hoping for the right answer. Several questions threw me off, and I did the click and pray method.
For those who don't know how NCLEX works, the minimum number of questions is 75 and the max is 265. The number of questions past 75 varies on the tester's ability and will shut off accordingly. At 75, you either beasted it or failed; any question after that falls into the gray area of "not enough to fail, not enough to pass"; until you've reached one of those destinations, the test keeps coming. At 75 questions, I did not feel confident in my answers so far, and hoped to the high heavens to see question 76 because it would mean I still have a shot. 76 came up and a wave of relief came over me (never in my life was I glad to see more test questions!) After 76, I'd get a question, confidently answer; get another, and be completely lost. At 86 (I think), I got a math question-- answered it, and BANG! It's shuts off. I literally threw up my hands like "holy sweet for jesus-- what happened!" If I could get a copy of what the camera saw me do right when it shut off, it would be on YouTube.
I quickly did my 9 questions or so survey at the end, ran out to the car and thought of many ways to hide my drinking straight the Jack Daniels bottle. Stache was still examing it, and all I wanted to do was find a bar. I called/texted whoever I could to freak out while I waited. And waited. And waited. Finally Stache came out, and we found the nearest restaurant that served alcohol.
My only saving grace was I was 100% sure I got the last question right. My pharmacy math is pretty on par (thanks to 8 years in various pharmacy settings). After 48 hours, you can pay the testing company $7.95 online and get your unoffical results; unless your license number becomes available before then. I paid the $7.95-- it said pass; but until I saw the license number I wasn't 100% cleared.
No words can describe the relief that is felt when you see that license number. All the work over the past 4 years is seen right before your eyes in the form of a six digit number. I can actually say--- I'M A NURSE! And to all the people who thought I couldn't do it, look me up on the Ohio Board of Nursing for proof. :)
Some thoughts for many who have still yet to face their board exam:
1) Most of the specific content I studied was not on the exam, however, every question counts! Even if you absorb one bit of info that you don't think is going to be on there, its better to feel as prepared as anyone can be for the biggest test of your life.
2) I did do "the trick"; and no, I was not able to re-register for the exam with the automated excuse of "its been awfully early since you've taken that exam, eh?"... or something of the like. I didn't take much merit into it, because if someone fails, you can't retake it for another 45-90 days.
3) TAKE YOUR TIME. I've never been that slow on taking an exam, but I literally breathed deeply before every new question.
4) For those of you who understand what this means: Juxedpose and negate (or however Klimek spells it) DID help a bajillion. Take the first two answers, pick which is best based of knowledge, logic, and common sense; then keep comparing each answer to the winner til you find the most logical/best rationale.
5) YOU CAN DO IT! :) If you have any questions or freakoutery--- I don't mind to hear from you. :)
With the NCLEX passed, my nursing student career is now officially over! I can't believe it, but I am so excited to see where my career will take me. :)
Nothing prepares you for taking the NCLEX. I know nursing school is supposed to do that... but still...
My school "spouse", Stache, and I scheduled to take our Ohio boards in Lexington, KY because at the time we registered, the soonest available within a 100ish mile radius was there. We got there the night before, staying a hotel, and prepared to get up at the butt crack of dawn for the biggest and most important test of our career. And by prepare I mean, give up studying, eat chinese food, and take a couple hits of whiskey.
I could not sleep at all, kicking myself for not drinking more and/or bringing some sort of sleep aid. Finally at 4am, I gave up and attempted to beat Candy Crush level 125 in order to pass the time.
In the morning, we were revved up. Nerves, nerves, nerves. We got there, waited for them to call us up individually, trying to stay as positive as possible. Then, into the room we go. It feels like a jail cell with cameras monitoring your every move and using a palm vein hand scan to get in and out of the testing room.
Headphones and earplugs on. All I could hear is my heartbeat through my ears as the tutorial played. Then the first question comes up.. lub dub lub dub goes my heart. So loud that I worry other people can hear it. I finally take the earplugs out because its too loud to think. With each question, I take a deep breath and carry on, hoping for the right answer. Several questions threw me off, and I did the click and pray method.
For those who don't know how NCLEX works, the minimum number of questions is 75 and the max is 265. The number of questions past 75 varies on the tester's ability and will shut off accordingly. At 75, you either beasted it or failed; any question after that falls into the gray area of "not enough to fail, not enough to pass"; until you've reached one of those destinations, the test keeps coming. At 75 questions, I did not feel confident in my answers so far, and hoped to the high heavens to see question 76 because it would mean I still have a shot. 76 came up and a wave of relief came over me (never in my life was I glad to see more test questions!) After 76, I'd get a question, confidently answer; get another, and be completely lost. At 86 (I think), I got a math question-- answered it, and BANG! It's shuts off. I literally threw up my hands like "holy sweet for jesus-- what happened!" If I could get a copy of what the camera saw me do right when it shut off, it would be on YouTube.
I quickly did my 9 questions or so survey at the end, ran out to the car and thought of many ways to hide my drinking straight the Jack Daniels bottle. Stache was still examing it, and all I wanted to do was find a bar. I called/texted whoever I could to freak out while I waited. And waited. And waited. Finally Stache came out, and we found the nearest restaurant that served alcohol.
My only saving grace was I was 100% sure I got the last question right. My pharmacy math is pretty on par (thanks to 8 years in various pharmacy settings). After 48 hours, you can pay the testing company $7.95 online and get your unoffical results; unless your license number becomes available before then. I paid the $7.95-- it said pass; but until I saw the license number I wasn't 100% cleared.
No words can describe the relief that is felt when you see that license number. All the work over the past 4 years is seen right before your eyes in the form of a six digit number. I can actually say--- I'M A NURSE! And to all the people who thought I couldn't do it, look me up on the Ohio Board of Nursing for proof. :)
Some thoughts for many who have still yet to face their board exam:
1) Most of the specific content I studied was not on the exam, however, every question counts! Even if you absorb one bit of info that you don't think is going to be on there, its better to feel as prepared as anyone can be for the biggest test of your life.
2) I did do "the trick"; and no, I was not able to re-register for the exam with the automated excuse of "its been awfully early since you've taken that exam, eh?"... or something of the like. I didn't take much merit into it, because if someone fails, you can't retake it for another 45-90 days.
3) TAKE YOUR TIME. I've never been that slow on taking an exam, but I literally breathed deeply before every new question.
4) For those of you who understand what this means: Juxedpose and negate (or however Klimek spells it) DID help a bajillion. Take the first two answers, pick which is best based of knowledge, logic, and common sense; then keep comparing each answer to the winner til you find the most logical/best rationale.
5) YOU CAN DO IT! :) If you have any questions or freakoutery--- I don't mind to hear from you. :)
With the NCLEX passed, my nursing student career is now officially over! I can't believe it, but I am so excited to see where my career will take me. :)
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Turning 27 on the 27th.
Yesterday was my "golden" birthday; the birthday in which you turn the age of your birth date day. I was very fortunate to spend the day with my most favorite man, my son. Ryan had to work, so J and I took the opportunity to play at the waterpark at Ryan's place of employment. Unlike last year, this year Jordan was scared to go on any of the slides. Finally after some encouragement, he got on them and wouldn't relent afterwards. We sat outside drinking an icee and telling "knock knock" jokes and watching the rollercoasters next to the resort. Ryan came home with a bouquet of pink roses and cards from himself and J. Afterwards, my family came over for pizza and we enjoyed watching the kids and furkids play. Everyone left, I propped my feet up and enjoyed some wine as the "icing on the cake". It was a fun and exhausting day; I wouldn't have it any other way.
Also, for my birthday. I would like to pass my NCLEX. It will be a late birthday present, but I will take it. I'm taking it this week--- It's one thing to talk about taking it, it's quite another to actually take it. I have had lots of encouragement that I will prevail however it's nerve wracking! I've got a lot counting on this, not to mention I don't want to pay 200 more dollars to do it again.
Other updates in case anyone cares:
FF never called me back last week. Haven't heard from him or his family since the phone call. Who knows what that means, but Ryan is confident that he's going to sign the papers and not do something stupid (like try to take me to court for custody or more visitation).
I leave for Mississippi on Friday to see my bestie and (hopefully) aide as labor coach/consultant. I will be there for almost 2 weeks-- the longest I've been away from my family in almost 4 years.
After I get back from MS--- we're getting married!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
After we get married, life will slow down a bit and I'm very much looking forward to it. :)
Last but not certainly least, I was honored to have my birthday on Memorial Day this year. Do not forget the past and present men and women who fight to keep our country safe including active duty, reserves, national guard, police, and firefighters. Freedom isn't free--- it is earned by the sacrifice of others. Thank you to those who serve.
Also, for my birthday. I would like to pass my NCLEX. It will be a late birthday present, but I will take it. I'm taking it this week--- It's one thing to talk about taking it, it's quite another to actually take it. I have had lots of encouragement that I will prevail however it's nerve wracking! I've got a lot counting on this, not to mention I don't want to pay 200 more dollars to do it again.
Other updates in case anyone cares:
FF never called me back last week. Haven't heard from him or his family since the phone call. Who knows what that means, but Ryan is confident that he's going to sign the papers and not do something stupid (like try to take me to court for custody or more visitation).
I leave for Mississippi on Friday to see my bestie and (hopefully) aide as labor coach/consultant. I will be there for almost 2 weeks-- the longest I've been away from my family in almost 4 years.
After I get back from MS--- we're getting married!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
After we get married, life will slow down a bit and I'm very much looking forward to it. :)
Last but not certainly least, I was honored to have my birthday on Memorial Day this year. Do not forget the past and present men and women who fight to keep our country safe including active duty, reserves, national guard, police, and firefighters. Freedom isn't free--- it is earned by the sacrifice of others. Thank you to those who serve.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Becoming a family part two: The Unknown
Today, we had an appointment with our lawyer. We drafted the form for FF for him to sign to his rights away to J and discussed the next steps. There are a lot of things we didn't realize; and now that we are actually trying to get the adoption going, there is the potential for more hiccups we didn't expect.
The jist of it is, even if FF signs his legal rights away on a piece of paper, he can change his mind several times in the process. The farther into the process it is, the harder it is, but still. We were under the impression that FF signing the "rights" papers regardless of where in the legal steps we were, it was absolute. We were wrong.
Also, we cannot do a contested adoption even if we wanted to. According to the lawyer in our county, we have to prove ZERO communication for at least one year or zero child support without good reason for one year. None of which applies to us as of yet.
So basically, we have to hope and pray that FF signs the paper and doesn't look back. And we won't be out of the woods for a long time. It sucks.
What we took from this, is half ass parenting is better than nothing. Great.
To top it off, FF is currently in our state visiting his parents. Didn't figure this out until last weekend and since we didn't hear from him about seeing J, we figured he didn't care/want to due to the legal proceedings.
Until today, a text message out of the blue. "Hey, I'm in town, can I see my son." (he also changed his number, I find that to be quite ironic). I put on my big girl panties and called him. All I have to say is, I have never used so much therapeutic communication/psych nursing skills in my life. Everything I say is some sort of confabulation of whatever he wants it to be. Big surprise but still.
As of yet, its up in the air now if he will sign the papers or not. But they're being sent to him next Tuesday or he can sign them here. Let's hope my conversation with him was enough for FF to get out of his delusional mind that parenting is full time or no time.
The sending message from this is, be careful who you procreate with. I know unfortunately, my story is not the only story of parents whose give a damn is in the wrong place. And the people who always lose is the kids.
The jist of it is, even if FF signs his legal rights away on a piece of paper, he can change his mind several times in the process. The farther into the process it is, the harder it is, but still. We were under the impression that FF signing the "rights" papers regardless of where in the legal steps we were, it was absolute. We were wrong.
Also, we cannot do a contested adoption even if we wanted to. According to the lawyer in our county, we have to prove ZERO communication for at least one year or zero child support without good reason for one year. None of which applies to us as of yet.
So basically, we have to hope and pray that FF signs the paper and doesn't look back. And we won't be out of the woods for a long time. It sucks.
What we took from this, is half ass parenting is better than nothing. Great.
To top it off, FF is currently in our state visiting his parents. Didn't figure this out until last weekend and since we didn't hear from him about seeing J, we figured he didn't care/want to due to the legal proceedings.
Until today, a text message out of the blue. "Hey, I'm in town, can I see my son." (he also changed his number, I find that to be quite ironic). I put on my big girl panties and called him. All I have to say is, I have never used so much therapeutic communication/psych nursing skills in my life. Everything I say is some sort of confabulation of whatever he wants it to be. Big surprise but still.
As of yet, its up in the air now if he will sign the papers or not. But they're being sent to him next Tuesday or he can sign them here. Let's hope my conversation with him was enough for FF to get out of his delusional mind that parenting is full time or no time.
The sending message from this is, be careful who you procreate with. I know unfortunately, my story is not the only story of parents whose give a damn is in the wrong place. And the people who always lose is the kids.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Becoming a family part 1
I've been waiting to openly share this for the past 2-3 months.
As most of you know, my ex husband, referred to as FF, is a half ass father to Jordan. He lives in a different state across the country and is married to the person he cheated on me with, Beaver. (he's also cheated on her too, she knows it, but they are still together) Beaver has admitted she wants nothing to do with kids. FF is sporadic on his calling, averages to be about once a month if that. He's got every excuse under the sun, none of which are his fault. In short, he doesn't care. We knew it but it wasn't until the events of the past couple months did his true colors shine bright.
In February, we found out that Jordan's insurance coverage through FF is a state specific only program. Meaning that the coverage he is basically only good in a state in which Jordan does not reside. FF, of course, had no idea. He can't change his plan until the first of the year. I wanted to compromise on the cost of possible medical expenses, in case they were to arise. His response could be summarized as "not my problem, I am doing my part, you voted for Obama, I pay you X amount of dollars in child support, eff you."
This was a drawing line for me. I've dealt with in the past four years his lack of care for his child. I was tired of him talking to me like trash when I've tried hard to be the bigger person. I visited the first round of lawyer. There wasn't alot lawyer could do about the lack of insurance that would be fixed in a reasonable amount of time. He suggested I call the plan personally and see if I could get more insight on the coverage. Luckily I got the information I needed and Jordan is basically covered in our state as well. That's beside the point.
The lawyer asked me why FF won't give up his rights and Ryan adopt him after we're married. No way would FF ever give up rights. I've asked him once, he declined. The lawyer discussed the pros and cons of a contested adoption. In either fashion, we'd have to be married to do an adoption, and, we later learned from a lawyer in our county, that it would be a 6 month waiting period after our nuptials.
After long and hard discussions, Ryan and I made plans to get married legally sooner rather than later. We expected to go the contested adoption route, with a basis of limited contact. We debated on asking FF to give up his rights, fully expecting that he would tell us to go to hell.
He texted me a series of hateful messages about an upcoming visit to Jordan. I told him I wasn't sure the timing was right (which is true, I was possibly considering taking him to another state to visit a friend for several weeks). FF cussed me out via text; I told Ryan that it was time to ask.
FF said he'd think about it. The next day, FF texted me and said he'd give up his rights as long as Jordan could still see his parents. Our jaws hit the floor. We later learned that this was about money; he does not want to pay child support. Giving up his rights is a financial gain.
So there you have it. Ryan and I are "eloping" to a neighboring state vineyard in which we've visited before and getting married on the 18th of June. No more January wedding. As soon as we're married, we are filing the paperwork for FF to sign his rights away. Once he signs it, there is no going back. As long as everything legally goes smoothly and timely, Ryan will have legal custody of Jordan; his last name will be his. In every sense of the word, the three of us will be a family.
As most of you know, my ex husband, referred to as FF, is a half ass father to Jordan. He lives in a different state across the country and is married to the person he cheated on me with, Beaver. (he's also cheated on her too, she knows it, but they are still together) Beaver has admitted she wants nothing to do with kids. FF is sporadic on his calling, averages to be about once a month if that. He's got every excuse under the sun, none of which are his fault. In short, he doesn't care. We knew it but it wasn't until the events of the past couple months did his true colors shine bright.
In February, we found out that Jordan's insurance coverage through FF is a state specific only program. Meaning that the coverage he is basically only good in a state in which Jordan does not reside. FF, of course, had no idea. He can't change his plan until the first of the year. I wanted to compromise on the cost of possible medical expenses, in case they were to arise. His response could be summarized as "not my problem, I am doing my part, you voted for Obama, I pay you X amount of dollars in child support, eff you."
This was a drawing line for me. I've dealt with in the past four years his lack of care for his child. I was tired of him talking to me like trash when I've tried hard to be the bigger person. I visited the first round of lawyer. There wasn't alot lawyer could do about the lack of insurance that would be fixed in a reasonable amount of time. He suggested I call the plan personally and see if I could get more insight on the coverage. Luckily I got the information I needed and Jordan is basically covered in our state as well. That's beside the point.
The lawyer asked me why FF won't give up his rights and Ryan adopt him after we're married. No way would FF ever give up rights. I've asked him once, he declined. The lawyer discussed the pros and cons of a contested adoption. In either fashion, we'd have to be married to do an adoption, and, we later learned from a lawyer in our county, that it would be a 6 month waiting period after our nuptials.
After long and hard discussions, Ryan and I made plans to get married legally sooner rather than later. We expected to go the contested adoption route, with a basis of limited contact. We debated on asking FF to give up his rights, fully expecting that he would tell us to go to hell.
He texted me a series of hateful messages about an upcoming visit to Jordan. I told him I wasn't sure the timing was right (which is true, I was possibly considering taking him to another state to visit a friend for several weeks). FF cussed me out via text; I told Ryan that it was time to ask.
FF said he'd think about it. The next day, FF texted me and said he'd give up his rights as long as Jordan could still see his parents. Our jaws hit the floor. We later learned that this was about money; he does not want to pay child support. Giving up his rights is a financial gain.
So there you have it. Ryan and I are "eloping" to a neighboring state vineyard in which we've visited before and getting married on the 18th of June. No more January wedding. As soon as we're married, we are filing the paperwork for FF to sign his rights away. Once he signs it, there is no going back. As long as everything legally goes smoothly and timely, Ryan will have legal custody of Jordan; his last name will be his. In every sense of the word, the three of us will be a family.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
A dream turns reality.
HAPPY NURSE'S WEEK!
I always wanted to be in health care. I knew it from a small child reading fictional stories about those facing illness and subsquently checking out medical texts in order to gain knowledge. Ten years ago, in high school, I said I would never be a nurse. I don't want to wipe butts all day and deal with the gross. However, as I got older and I gained defining moments in my life, my outlook changed. I aspired to be a nurse from my own labor and delivery experience. I truly saw what nurses do, patient advocacy. And when it was my turn to be advocated for, it impacted far beyond my imagination.
After my divorce, I was going to accomplish my goal to be a registered nurse. I enrolled at the local 4 year university, working full time, going to school full time, and being a parent. I worked hard to get into the nursing program and getting the acceptance letter in the mail was confirmation of all the hard work. While enrolled nursing school, I busted butt to get good grades and getting a summer externship opportunity at the downtown hospital where I was able to experience the labor and delivery unit first hand. I finished out the rest of my schooling, working as a patient care tech (aka nurse aide) on the L&D floor, in hopes to continue my employment there after graduation.
Fast forward to the current. I graduated nursing school with my bachelor's degree in April, magna cum laude. I have applied and interviewed for 4 jobs, three of which I was not selected. The last job I was waiting to hear from was the internship program at the downtown hospital. I desperately wanted the labor and delivery internship; a 20 week mentored program with a 2 year contract afterwards. I nailed the interview; by far the the best I've ever had. Boss lady said 3 weeks, but I was getting anxious. What if I was being over confident? Can you laugh too much in an interview? Maybe I should start applying for something else...
Until today. I was offered and accepted the labor & delivery internship at the downtown hospital. Everything I have worked for has paid off; big time. I about fell off my bed when the call came. The HR lady probably thought I was nutso. I am now sitting here, laughing and crying and shaking like a hormonal crazy woman because I still can't believe it.
My sending message from this, YOU can do whatever you set your mind to. It may not be your biggest dream, but YOU can make your life what you want. Go for your goals. It may be hard work; it may be a big change, but every experience will help you grow as a person. And looking back on where the past 4 years have brought me, I can honestly say I love my life, I love where I am going, and can't wait for more.
I always wanted to be in health care. I knew it from a small child reading fictional stories about those facing illness and subsquently checking out medical texts in order to gain knowledge. Ten years ago, in high school, I said I would never be a nurse. I don't want to wipe butts all day and deal with the gross. However, as I got older and I gained defining moments in my life, my outlook changed. I aspired to be a nurse from my own labor and delivery experience. I truly saw what nurses do, patient advocacy. And when it was my turn to be advocated for, it impacted far beyond my imagination.
After my divorce, I was going to accomplish my goal to be a registered nurse. I enrolled at the local 4 year university, working full time, going to school full time, and being a parent. I worked hard to get into the nursing program and getting the acceptance letter in the mail was confirmation of all the hard work. While enrolled nursing school, I busted butt to get good grades and getting a summer externship opportunity at the downtown hospital where I was able to experience the labor and delivery unit first hand. I finished out the rest of my schooling, working as a patient care tech (aka nurse aide) on the L&D floor, in hopes to continue my employment there after graduation.
Fast forward to the current. I graduated nursing school with my bachelor's degree in April, magna cum laude. I have applied and interviewed for 4 jobs, three of which I was not selected. The last job I was waiting to hear from was the internship program at the downtown hospital. I desperately wanted the labor and delivery internship; a 20 week mentored program with a 2 year contract afterwards. I nailed the interview; by far the the best I've ever had. Boss lady said 3 weeks, but I was getting anxious. What if I was being over confident? Can you laugh too much in an interview? Maybe I should start applying for something else...
Until today. I was offered and accepted the labor & delivery internship at the downtown hospital. Everything I have worked for has paid off; big time. I about fell off my bed when the call came. The HR lady probably thought I was nutso. I am now sitting here, laughing and crying and shaking like a hormonal crazy woman because I still can't believe it.
My sending message from this, YOU can do whatever you set your mind to. It may not be your biggest dream, but YOU can make your life what you want. Go for your goals. It may be hard work; it may be a big change, but every experience will help you grow as a person. And looking back on where the past 4 years have brought me, I can honestly say I love my life, I love where I am going, and can't wait for more.
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