It's been awhile! And why am I writing now? Pure boredom and a strange surge of motivation while waiting around for 4am to hit, at which time I can go to bed knowing I will sleep through most of the afternoon and be perky for my upcoming 12 hour night shifts. I'm halfway through my preceptorship in Labor and Delivery at Lucile Packard! I had major doubts about getting through it during my first two shifts, mainly because my body let me know via extreme nausea that I was not supposed to be up at those times, let alone learning how to help mothers and their babies come into the world. I also struggled with what I was supposed to eat for lunch (or dinner???) at 1:30 am, as well as the much needed snacks between 4-7am. I've found the only things that consistently taste adequate are barbacoa Chipotle burritos, grapes, peaches, granola bars, and bell peppers. Through this knowledge and perseverance I have become a true night owl, capable of learning and providing care throughout the night :D My classes from 8-5 today though? Definitely struggled through them (even after going home to take a nap halfway through, whoops :) )
I'm happy to say that in less than a month I'm graduating from nursing school with a BSN! It's been a hectic but good learning experience, and I'm grateful for all the wonderful people in my life because of it, and everybody who has supported me before and throughout all of it. At this point I'm feeling a little anxious about finding a job afterwards, especially since I know it's likely to take quite some time as a new grad. Most hospitals in the Bay Area are focused on hiring nurses with experience (you're pretty much golden though even with just one year of experience), and there are a lot of nursing schools and new grads being churned out here all the time. I have a strong hunch I'll need to move away from the area for employment if I want it within a decent amount of time after graduation, but I feel excited and open about the prospect of new experiences, as well as a possibility of being closer to my family for awhile. Right now I'm thinking Vegas could be an option—I'm not exactly sure about the conditions or hiring environment there right now, but the hospitals at least have listings for entry level/new grad positions, which is a more positive sign than what we see and hear about all the time here. I guess time will tell everything! :D
Goals for the next few weeks: NCLEX studying (ugh). Work on resume/cover letters. Finish my preceptorship on an awesome note (with homemade cookies for staff!). Successfully present research poster at conference. More workouts. Graduate. Pass NCLEX. Travel! (open to suggestions...)
A few recent pics and fun memories:
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| On a hike in the mountains near Lake Tahoe |
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| Colby and Becca visit x 2! |
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| Visit from my Russian comrade Shelley, and her hubby Denny :D |
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| Impromptu after school dinner :) |
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| Boo |
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| Fog rolling into Aquatic Park |
