Another One Done

Aww - relaxation.
I finished another class last night. It feels so good to be done!

This class was a nursing informatics class - or nursing and technology.
We had to learn word, powerpoint and excel. I've taken classes at work so not all of the information was new to me but I did learn a thing or two.
We had to make a brochure - for never having made one I thought mine turned out pretty good...
Then we had to create a website.
It took me a little bit but I got it done.
It is about prematurity.
I have things that I want to change on it - but for this week I am taking a break from school work!
Here's the link if you want to go check out my work...
It is alright..but not quite perfected yet.
I just hope I get a good grade on it. You know me and my anal desire to get in an A in every class I take. I really do need to learn not to be quite such a perfectionist!

Oh another note~

this cute little video was posted by one of our patients at work.
They gave the hospital permission to use it and share on the hospital website.
It reminds me of why I love my job and why I keep going back. That new life is amazing everytime!
Be sure to pause my music so you don't get overwhelmed with two songs going on at the same time.





a little slice of heaven - part 2 - the birth from ElmanAdam on Vimeo.

Hope you enjoyed that proud St Joseph moment :)

Debbie

Welcome Baby Natalie

One of the girls that I work with announced a few months back that she was pregnant...

"Right..." we all said.
"No really - I am" was her response. She even made the doctor repeat the test because she said it must have been someone else's test. So the test was repeated..sure enough - positive

You see - she had been told that she wasn't able to have a baby. She went about her life enjoying the boy that she did deliver years ago and the little boy she adopted two years ago. Never thinking she'd ever have another. Life was full. Life was busy. And she was happy.


Of course, we, her friends at work were super excited for her. Even more so, when we found out that she was going to have a little girl. A little girl to disrupt the family balance. Lots of pink and purple and dolls and girlie stuff. We watched her tummy grow - often commenting how amazing it was that she was actually having another baby - and a girl at that!!

She asked if I'd take care of her when she went in to labor. It is always so humbling to me when another labor and delivery nurse asks me to care for them. We have so many excellent nurses on our unit and I often wonder why someone would specifically ask for me. I feel somewhat inadequate. It is a little nerve racking too....what if something goes wrong? What if I can't get her IV in? What if I'm in a bad mood that day? What if, what if, what if?... but in reality it is an honor and of course I said yes. We talked, we planned, we hoped it would all work out so that I could be there for her and her husband.

She decided to get induced this coming Friday. And of course that was one day out of the month that I was not going to be available to do the delivery. I was feeling so guilty. Torn between a mother's duty to her own daughter and my nurses duty to my friend. I started praying she'd go in to labor on her own.

Yesterday, while I was working, I got a text from her. "We are coming in"
Yeah - "I'm here" I thought.
Boo - I am in charge and the placed was slammed.
I got another nurse to take over the charge duties for me (thanks Caroline!)
And I quickly got a room cleaned for my friend.

Sparing all of the details - she arrived...but did not deliver before the end of my shift. I was so bummed. I still am a bit sad that I wasn't able to actually be there for the delivery. But, I knew I could trust her to the next nurse. We texted back and forth after I finally went home. I couldn't sleep well...I kept wondering how things were going and wondering if she'd hold out for me to go back in the am. I texted her a bit before 2 in the morning since I was awake and thinking about her.

Funny - she was just delivering!!


Little baby Natalie was born at 1:35 this am. She weighs 7 pounds 9 oz and is 20 inches long. I got to hold her for a while today. She is soooo sweet and her parents are ever so happy and thankful for a healthy little girl.
Welcome to our world little Natalie!
May you grow in to the beautiful girl that God has made you to be. I can't wait to watch you grow up. I love you bunches(and your mommy too)!
Debbie

Seconds

Erika ran the 800 this weekend at the Long Beach State University meet. She ran strong and came in second in her heat of runners. She even passed up many runners on the last 300m of the race.It was a warm 90' out. She said she loves running in that heat. I, on the other hand like it a bit cooler. Though I did sit in the shade and watch the pole vaulters for a long time. I don't know why ~ but I love watching them.
She looked strong and ran well. I am proud of her!But, alas, she missed qualifying for nationals by about 4 or 5 long seconds....She runs again in Fresno at the GSAC meet - the equivalent of the state meet for her particular league. She said she wants to qualify in the 800 instead of trying to qualify in the steeplechase.
I know that she can do it!!

Debbie

Back at It and Having Fun

Erika has been competing again and having fun while running!!I finally got to watch her run a race last weekend and plan on going again tomorrow. Last week she ran the steeple chase. She says it feels good to be back out there. Her times aren't what they used to be, (she hasn't quite been the same since her illness last summer),but she doesn't seem to care. She says it is just fun to be back out there. And like every good college student ~ she studies in between races :) Can't wait to see her again tomorrow. I think she is running the 800. She would so love to qualify for nationals. I would like that for her too. It would be a great way to end an awesome college running career. Whatever happens ~ I am just glad that she is having fun!

Debbie

Homework, homework, homework

Working on another major project for school - so I have little time to post. Homework is taking over my life. I often wonder what the heck I am doing!! Yet, I know I am learing new things. And bettering my future. So for now I will do homework, homework and more homework. But I will be back to blog soon! Debbie

What I Needed

I was able to do two lovely deliveries today ~

Often I get the 'high risk' patient, or I am on the desk, or I am taking care of one of my comfort care patients.

So, today when I was assigned two patients that were in regular ole labor I was pretty darn excited. Both already had children so I knew they would probably labor well and deliver on my shift.

The first baby was born around noon. I finished up her recovery and got her transferred by 2:30. Sweet new baby boy.

Had a late lunch.

Then got to go right back and do my other patients delivery. Great family and the older two boys got to see their new baby sister come in to the world. That is going to be one spoiled little girl. I know those boys will take good care of her!

It was exhilarating.

It was fun.

It was refreshing.

It renewed my hope in labor and delivery.

It was meaningful.

It was exhausting.

It was the best day I've had all week.

It was exactly what I needed.

Debbie