One Thing Remains

This song happens to be one of my favorite songs right now. Especially as I head in to my last couple of weeks of school and fell a bit burdened with writing my last paper, the holidays, still trying to get my house in order and the rest of the challenges that life seems to hand to us.

I have one last paper to write.  And a power point to go with it (this part I'm not that concerned about because I actually enjoy putting together power point presentations and talking in front of people).
Yet, trying to fit in the time to write this last paper is proving to be a bit of a challenge.

I want to finish strong and know that I did my best.  And it really didn't help me when a good friend at work said to me yesterday..."Did I ever tell you about my last paper?"  Then she goes on to tell me how she had a 4.0 GPA going in to the end but didn't do so hot on her last assignment....ended up leaving her with a lower GPA.  Really??? Did you have to share that with me??? What kind of friend does that??  I'm sure she was just sharing what happened to her but it gave me a momentary pause to think, what if that happened to me?

So I regroup, and refocus my head and listen to songs such as this.
Especially the part that sings:

"Higher than the mountains
That I face
Stronger than the power
Of the grave
Constant in the trial and the change
One thing remains...

Your love never fails
It never gives up
It never runs out on me"

It helps to remind me of where I stand and where my hope is.  What is really the most important thing here.  It isn't some last paper that I need to write - rather my hope is in Jesus alone and what He thinks of me and has in store for me.

So, off I go to tackle that last paper....
Debbie

Thanksgiving

I was scheduled to work Thanksgiving this year so I informed my children that they would need to find someone else to spend the day with.  They all have significant others and could go to their dads so I wasn't too worried about them.  It's just a day right?

By the Wednesday before Thanksgiving I started to get an upset stomach.  I was feeling a little sad that I wasn't going to be around with my family.  Erika and Tim were baking pumpkin pies Wednesday night and I was in a funk.  Wonder why I ever chose a job where I had to work holidays and miss out on everything that others celebrate...

Then it dawned on me that the last time I worked Thanksgiving (two or three years ago) I had a horrible day.  Yes, the holiday tends to be slower.  Less patients should mean that day is better and that staff have time to socialize.  But I was having flashbacks to that previous day.

I had a really sick mom.  Really sick...she came in presenting with some type of flu or something to that effect.  I wasn't really sure what was wrong with her but I called her doctor and told him that he needed to head in...that something was really wrong.  Long story short - she lost her baby that day and we almost didn't get her off of the operating room table. Whatever she had was killing her too.

I stayed over that day to be sure she was alive and on her way to the ICU...but I will never forget that day.  Will never forget how it felt to think it was supposed to be a good day, a family day, a day for giving thanks and here was this family that I was involved with having their lives turned upside down.

She did survive and went on to have another baby the following year but it still made me afraid to face whatever I might find on this holiday.  It changes your perspective of holidays when you are involved in things that are just yucky.  There just aren't words to describe it.  How do you say "Happy Thanksgiving" when you just watched a baby die??

So, I was a little nervous going in to work today.  I was afraid of what I might find or who I might be assigned to.  "Please God, don't let anything bad happen today", I prayed as I walked in to the hospital.

Once on the unit I received my assignment....very preterm twins that may deliver.  You've got to be kidding me?!? I thought.  But I took my assignment and vowed to put my fears aside and promised to do the best I could for this family.

I took the best care that I could of my patient and her family.  The unit was slow and I was able to spend lots of time just talking with her.  Her family brought her a thanksgiving feast.  They were all so nice.  Cautiously optimistic yet realistic to the realities they were facing.

She did not deliver for me.  Every 12 hours, every day means something to those precious babies of hers.  I was able to play a part in helping her to stay pregnant.

So it ended up being a good day.  Not only did I get to provide what I think is good care but I got to spend the day with good friends and have our own little thanksgiving potluck.  I didn't get to see my family - nor did I get to taste the pies Erika made but we will celebrate as a family this coming Sunday. So I get to eat yummy stuff again.

I have lots to be thankful for.  Family, friends, a job where I can make a difference.  Even if I have to work on a holiday...

Happy Thanksgiving!
Debbie

Penny Dog

Once upon a time there was a little puppy.

She lived with a family that no longer wanted her.

So they sent her to the pound.

She sat in the back of the pen with her tail tucked in.

She didn't dare come to the fence to greet anyone.

Too scared was she.

Then along came a family who thought that she was so pretty.

The family loved her timidness.

They took her to play in the fenced in yard and fell in love.

The new family took her home

Where it became apparent that she might have been abused.

She was so scared of the tiniest noise and all loud noises.

She would cringe when a hand was lifted to pet her.

And she growled at the toddler in the house.

But with gentle love she learned that this new family was pretty darn wonderful

The new family loved her just for her.

The new family snuggled with her and hugged her.

The new family fed her and gave her treats when she behaved.

The new family took her to the park.

The human sister even took her jogging.

She soon became the best dog around

She wags her tail non-stop.

She gives kisses.

She greets you at the door.

She adores being petted.

She follows you around the house

 and gets so excited when her Lily comes around.

She wants to be where ever her human family is.

We love our Penny dog.

How could you not love a dog that stares at you with those sweet little puppy dog eyes of hers?

She is the best little pound find that there ever was.

And we are glad that she is ours.

She keeps us grounded and provides us with never ending love.

And she sure is spoiled now

Even takes over her sister's bed when she isn't around.

Penny dog - we are so glad that your previous owners gave you away.

And that we found you!

Debbie

Two Little Lovebirds

Two little lovebirds

Erika and Tim

He's in love with her.

She can't get enough of him.

Preparing for marriage

Wanting to spend the rest of their lives together

They had their engagement photos taken recently and here is a sneak peak.

I can't wait to see the rest of the pictures

They are such a cute little couple

And it is fun to watch the love that is in the air.

Congratulations you two little lovebirds!

Mom

Friday Night Fun

How do I spend my Friday night?  Writing a paper for school of course.  I know - I'm so fun to be around.  But I think I write a darn good paper - HA!

Only four more weeks to go!!

One more paper to write.
One post to compose and 3 replies to be sent in
One big "change project" to work on and turn in.

Then I am finished.
I'll have my BSN.

No more Friday nights spent writing papers.
No more late nights when I have to get up the next day for work.
No more boring text book reading.

I can hardly wait.
Only four more weeks to go and I may be able to have a Friday night that actually includes a little bit of fun~
Debbie

Light the White House Purple

Join me in lighting the White House Purple.

The March of Dimes is asking for our help to raise awareness of prematurity.

World prematurity day is November 17th.  

The March of Dimes has done so much to raise awareness about the issues surrounding prematurity and researches ways to lower the rates of pre term birth.

Click here to sign the petition

and if you have facebook you can go to their page here

Light the White House Purple to Celebrate 75th Anniversary of March of Dimes and as Symbol of Hope to Preemie Families

The volunteers and supporters of the March of Dimes ask the President to light the White House in purple on January 3, 2013, to honor the 75th anniversary of the founding of the March of Dimes by President Franklin Roosevelt, and as a symbol of hope for families whose children have been born too soon. Just as the March of Dimes galvanized America to defeat polio, today millions of March of Dimes volunteers are working to support research and programs to identify the causes of premature birth. Help to honor babies born prematurely by lighting in purple the birthplace of the March of Dimes: the White House.

Debbie

Nursing Education

Considering going to nursing school?
Confused about the different programs and levels of nurses?

This little guest post may help to answer some of your questions.
It is written by Vera Mosely and you can learn more about Rasmussen College by clicking here.

Enjoy learning how to become a nurse.
And of course you can always email me or post a question in my comment section and I can answer your burning question too ~
Debbie


Take Care of Your Career and Patients
By Vera Mosely, A specialized educational author with a passion for nursing.

One career sector that has resisted the economic downturn and record unemployment is nursing. In fact the need for nurses has actually grown while other skilled service industries have experienced a decline. People will always need nurses and with the baby boomers flooding into their golden years, well you do the math. The promise of success in the nursing field doesn’t have to be out of reach, there are many online nursing degree programs.

Plan the Future

When considering a career in nursing it is important to know all your options as far as degrees and types of training are concerned. After that you can choose a specialty, whether you are interested in pediatrics, oncology, geriatric care and the list goes on.

Choose a Degree Level

Online nursing degree programs come in different levels:

• Certificate which is usually a year or less leading to License Practical Nurse
• Associates Degree in Nursing takes two years and leads to License Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) takes four years resulting in Registered Nurse
• Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) is Advanced Practice Nurse
• Ph. D. in Nursing is Advanced Practice Nurse

Type of Online Nursing Degree Programs

Next you can choose a type of program. Many candidates choose to practice for a while and then return to school to advance their careers. The flexibility of online nursing degree programs make it simple to advance your career when it suites you.

• Community colleges are very popular for nurses earning their Associates degree. These programs are available regionally and offer very affordable, practical curriculums. Decide at a later date you want your BSN and jump right into an Associates-to-BSN degree program available through many nursing programs.
• Four-year programs divide teaching models fairly evenly between classroom theory and hands-on clinical work. BSN degrees offer the widest array of career options when it comes to nursing specialties.
• For nurses that aspire to advanced practice degrees, a university environment is likely where most programs are clustered. Nurses at the PhD level are most likely tracked for educator and research positions.

Specialization

Choosing a specialty from the online nursing degree programs is where you can really focus on the interests you have developed as a prospective care provider. It’s important to consider the types of patients and environments you prefer to work in and feel comfortable. The categories can be very distinct and depend on patients, staff and conditions.

• Hospital
• Ambulatory Clinic
• Mental Health/Psychiatric Facility
• Long Term Care Facility
• Home Health
• Correctional Facility
• Diagnostic Lab
• Research Clinic
• Education/Administration
• Private Practice

Or, you may find the types of patience you are drawn to would promise more satisfaction and job stimulation. Many nurse have a personal connection to a certain type of patient which inspires the choice of online nursing degree programs.

• Neonatal- pregnancy and newborn
• Pediatrics- children under 12
• Adolescents- teens
• Adults- usually 18-60
• Geriatric- 60+

Some may be drawn to more specific types of conditions or disorders. From cancer treatment to women’s’ health or respiratory illness, many nurses choose their field based on specific health issues. Here are some examples:

• Oncology/Cancer
• Orthopedic
• Neuroscience
• Gastrointestinal
• Ob-Gyn
• Labor and Delivery
• Cardiac
• Respiratory
• Pain

Staying On Top

Nursing’s biggest downfall is succumbing to stress and burning out in general. Long hours, emotional work and demanding protocol can all take their toll, even on the most energetic and professional of nurses.

Building, maintaining and initiating morale and providing staffing solutions are the responsibilities of nursing leadership. Any level of nurse may turn to his or her own professional associations for support and guidance. Each specialist area requires that nurses seek to continue their training and participate in continuing education practices.

Champions

There is something about a good race!

We still go and root for Biola even though Erika is no longer running.

We go because it is fun.

It is exhilarating to see the runners putting so much effort in to running a good race.

 Even Penny Dog loves it! (as does Michelle)

And because we love these people..

Biola girls were crowned GSAC cross country champions after winning this weeks race and are now headed for Nationals.

We wish that we were able to travel to Vancouver, Washington with them.
Maybe we will figure out a way to surprise them........
Debbie

to see tons of photos from the race ~ click here

Carter Survives

I'm hooked on another T.V. show.  

Me, the one who hardly ever watches T.V.

I'm watching Survivor every Wednesday night with Erika.

I have never watched Survivor before and hardly understand the show, the rules, or the purpose.  I do know that the winner receives quite a bit of money.

The reason that we are watching this season is because we know one of the contestants so it makes for a fun evening cheering him on... sort of a bonding time for Erika and I :)

                                           

Carter went to Biola with Erika and ran on the cross country and track teams.

I know that he can go far on the show for I have seen him compete.  I've seen him run to win.  Seen him trip over a steeplechase hurdle and get right back up and keep running.  

He is super funny...though on the show he has been really quiet.

This past week ~ he won the first 'personal immunity'.

You should have heard us rooting for him to hang on.

It is kind of weird knowing someone on a T.V. show.  

And no, we do not know how the season ends. Carter has not spoiled the ending so we will continue to watch and cheer him on.

 Keep on surviving Carter!!
Debbie