Blessed

I think I was out of my patient’s room more than I was in my patient’s room today, which was quite the change of pace for me.  I fulfilled my normal "student nursing roles" while my patient just watched movies and rested.  He was very calm and seemed sad.  I could tell deep down he wanted to talk about his life, but it brought up emotions that he didn’t want to deal with.  His lip quivered.  I think he appreciated my presence, but wasn’t sure how much he wanted to say.  He eventually opened up a little bit as I just waited.  He talked about how his life used to be before he was homeless.  Over the course of our discussion, it broke my heart to hear about the changes that have occurred over the past few years.  Coming from a strong, loving, supportive family, it was hard for me to imagine what this guy has gone through.  Because of those situations, I am constantly reminded of how great my family is and how thankful I am for them.  As I told my patient goodbye, he told me goodbye in return and expressed how nice it was to talk to me that day.  I left his room with a heavy heart.  It is those type of patients that make me wish there was something that I could do, wishing I had a big house to give them a place to stay, “extra” money to put them through rehab, or just more time to sit and talk to them.  I left today feeling very blessed. 

Here we go again

Over the last couple weeks, several people have asked me why I haven't started a blog or why I don't update my blog (for those who knew that I started one last year).  In response to many of you, I have decided that I would start posting again.  Here's to the beginning of the crazy ramblings from my life down at Point Loma.  I will also include a few journals from my first couple days at the hospital for those who have been asking :)

Almost one month later.

September 18th

I just got home from the hospital where I spent a few hours in the NICU jab shadowing a nurse, aka soaking up all that I could for the time that I was there. It was incredible to say the very least. 

I could walk around the NICU as freely as I wanted. I met some of the other nurses, saw a bunch of different procedures, from the "normal baby" stuff like diaper changes (although the diapers were about the size of half of a post-it note) to administering a shot into a baby's leg the thickness of a pencil, was thankfed repeatedly from a friendly gentleman, and truly experienced what it is like to be a nurse in the NICU.

Jaundice lights, many many beeping machines, teeny tiny versions of nursing equipment that I've been learning about/using over the last four weeks in clinical....All part of life in the NICU. I am so motivated and energized. I could've stayed for K's entire shift. When studying gets tough or I'm cooped up in a classroom on a warm, sunny, perfect San Diego day, all I need to do is remember those little babies.

I've found my place. This is what it's all about.

Thank you all for the constant support, prayer, and encouraging words. Even though I am busy, I love it when I get to talk to you guys even if just for a few minutes. I'm not going to lie, nursing school is no cake walk, but I am SO incredibly thankful for all of you in my life. I don't think, or should I say, I know that I could not do this without you.

Love from SD,
T

P.S. First nursing exam went very well. One down, four to go. Today marked the end of week 4. 25% finished already with this semester. Time flies when you're having fun, right? :)