BSN ~ RN Pinning

I graduated!

It is finally real!

I did it.

I worked hard and accomplished this goal.

I finished my BSN 

(well really I finished in December but we just had graduation and our RN pinning)

I have a bachelorette degree.

It was nice to finally have the pinning ceremony.

The school only does one a year where they honor 3 nursing cohorts (summer semester, fall and spring semester grads all at the same time.) plus a few others who still needed to finish a few classes.

Not all of my classmates attended but for those that did it was a wonderful time of recognition.

Speeches were given.

The president of the university was there.

Most of our professors were in attendance.

We each got acknowledged and received our pins.

And thank goodness we didn't have to wear one of those old nursing hats!

It was a really good day and I for one am glad that I attended.

This is our director of nursing ~ Dr.Mary Wickman

She used to work on our postpartum floor so I have known her for many years.

She went on to get her doctorate and know runs the program ~ yet she is still so down to earth and easy to talk to.

 A few of my good friends ~ Walter, Me, Sandy and Shelley

Mike, Walter and myself

(Walter gave the speech for our cohort...thank goodness...otherwise it would of been me! Though I did lead the Florence Nightingale pledge for the graduating nurses).

Most of my cohort.

L to R - Alex, Akemy, Sylvia, Dana, Shelley, Mike, Sandy, Me, Lyra, Walter and Thuy.

We spent two years of our life together.

We supported each other when we felt like quitting and we made life long friendships.

Every works in different hospitals and has different specialities but that made the learning all the better for we learned from each others experiences and expertise.

 My actual pin - I love it!

We also got this Florence Nightingale lamp.  

It's a nice little memento of our time spent at Vanguard.

If you want to watch my presentation here it is - click on it. :)

Remember to silence the playlist down below.

Such a fun event

Now I need to decide if I want to go back for my MSN or totally switch gears.

For right now I'm just going to relish in being free of homework!

Debbie

Busy or Too Old

I came home from my little mini vacation to a busy, busy work mode.

It is only May but the days that I have been scheduled have been sort of crazy...it makes me nervous for the summer months which tend to be busy in the baby world!
I've worked days where I don't get a break until 3:00 in the afternoon...one day I didn't get a break / lunch until 5pm.  Our unit isn't one where you can just say "Oh, wait - stop delivering while I go eat".

So I've been coming home a bit exhausted.

And not only that but it seems that I have been involved in some really scary deliveries lately...so much so that I find myself wondering if it is time for me to move on.  Time for me to find something else to do.  Time for me to retire (though I really can't do that for I'm too young and need to work for the $$).  Maybe I will get a master's in library science and go work at my local library since I love reading so much!

Today I lounged around.  I must be getting old since it takes me a full day to recover after a couple of hectic days on the unit.  UGH!

But on a better note.  We got our long term benefit / choices for our department.  We can choose things such as no floating (which we rarely do anyways),  working fewer weekend days, etc.  Since I have been at the hospital for 25 years I could also choose to only work one summer holiday...so that is what I'm going to do - and I chose that holiday to be Memorial Day (since I don't do anything different or celebrate that day in any way).  Which means I get Mother's day, Father's day and 4th of July off!  Guess there is some benefit to longevity!!
Debbie

Mall of America

You can't go to Minneapolis without going to see the Mall of America - right?

So as soon as the conference let out for the day I headed there.

I purchased a ticket for the light rail and hopped on.

Now being one that doesn't use public transportation that often, I was slightly nervous.

But my girlfriend had assured me that it was super easy.

And it was.

The train took me right to the entrance of the mall.

I wasn't really going to look for anything in particular.

In fact I went to very few stores.

I just wanted to see it since I have heard so much about the place.

I even stayed one extra night at the hotel just so that I could have the whole afternoon to roam the mall.

It is four stories tall with 100's of stores.

Most of the same stores we have here in California so that wasn't any big deal.

Just the sheer magnitude of it was amazing.

I walked around each floor

There are two big food courts, lots of other larger restaurants, theaters, a huge BestBuy and a Marshalls.

They have a Nordstrom AND a Nordstrom Rack.

A Sears, a Macy's and a large Barnes and Noble bookstore.

There is also a miniature golf course and even a wedding chapel. 

(Really, a wedding chapel, in a mall?)

Of course the mall is known for having an amusement park right in the middle of it.

Now it certainly isn't Disneyland but it was still pretty impressive for being indoors.

It was pretty busy, with many families enjoying themselves.

And no, I did not go on any rides

I only bought a couple of small things (I didn't want to have to 

worry about packing and lugging stuff home).

I bought a pair of earrings at Brighton, a book and a card for my new friend Sheree.

And of course I walked through the American Girl doll store.

I texted Lily a couple of photos.

She texted back the things she wanted.

I promised her that I would take her to the store in L.A. when I get home.

It was a fun adventure and now I can say that I have at least seen the Mall of America.

Too bad I'm really not much of a shopper...I could have gone a little crazy if I were.

Debbie

Missing G.R.A.C.E.Foundation

The Missing G.R.A.C.E Foundation is located in Rogers, Minnesota.

It is a free standing facility that offers support to area families and serves all of the area hospitals.

Stephan and Candy started the foundation after the loss of their daughter.

Originally they provided online support but the center has since grown in to a place that offers a safe haven for families to grieve as well as a place for professionals to learn how to best serve these families.

The founders desired to "support families who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss and to educate, raise awareness and further the research of stillbirth"

Their mission statement describes their organization as a:

 "National nonprofit organization that provides education and bereavement materials for Professional Care Providers as well as resources and support for families that have experienced a pregnancy loss, infertility, or adoption.  The heart of the mission of G.R.A.C.E is helping families Grieve, Restore, Arise, Commemorate and Educate"

We had the opportunity to do a site visit and I have to say that this place is the coolest place I have ever seen for someone who is struggling with the loss of a baby.

The center is absolutely beautiful and you can tell that the people that work there really care about the families that they serve.

I know that my photos will not do it justice but I felt I really wanted to share a little bit about this place.

If you happen to live in the Minneapolis area, this a place that you have to see.

You walk in to the office and are greeted by friendly staff.

The color combination works to soothe and relax the visitor

Here is a view of the reception desk

The waiting area with photos of much loved babies

A room for private counseling

A place to have a snack or hold a meeting

A room for support group meetings.

Or the area can even be used for memorial services or remembrance events. 

They have a well stocked library for personal and professional use.

And in the library area there is this castle that children can play in.

The center provides child-care during support group meetings so that the parents can come and not worry about who is taking care of their other children.

Candy said that the castle is a very popular place ~

They also offer a gift shop where you can purchase things for yourself or for someone that you know who may be grieving.

 Volunteers put together GRACE care baskets and totes in this large assembly room in the basement.

Anyone can order one of these - just go to the Missing G.R.A.C.E. website to order one.

They ship anywhere.

I will admit that I am just a tad bit jealous of this lovely facility.
I would LOVE to have a place like this here in Orange County where families could come and be supported.
Even our perinatal hospice patients could come and get support prior to their delivery.
It could serve all of the hospitals in the area.
It could be a safe haven for families in this area to grieve.

If only...
If only I had the funds
If only we had a place to build.
If only we had the staff to run the organization.
If only...

It may be a pipe dream but this is what I want for my patients.
I walked away with a renewed vision and would hope to someday run a place such as this....
Debbie

PLIDA Conference

I'm attending the PLIDA (Pregnancy Loss Infant Death Alliance) Conference this week in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

It has been a long time since I have been to attend any type of national nursing conference.

I try to attend our state AWHONN conference each year.
But getting to a national conference is a little harder.

I am not presenting this time around.
And I only know one other person that is here.

I'm just going to go, try to learn something new, try to make new friends, network and just see what is out there in the world of perinatal bereavement.

I like attending conferences.  They sort of energize me and I want to stay current in my practice.

I also like to travel and think it is fun to stay in a hotel.

I love exploring new cities.  I enjoy walking about and just seeing what a city has to offer.

And you meet some really interesting people by exploring ~

But the real purpose for me to be in Minneapolis is to attend the classes.

A lot of big name speakers are here....

If you are curious about PLIDA just click on the link.

or check out the PLIDA facebook page

The conference is being held at the Depot Renaissance Hotel

It is a restored, old railway station and is really cool.

The old station smokestack

The only problem is that it has been snowing all day.

So I am stuck inside.

I arrived yesterday and was able to get my bearings, but I am not going anywhere tonight.

Yes, I have a coat and gloves but I am staying in for the evening!

This California girl thinks it is really pretty out...but I'd rather stay in my nice warm room :)

There are all of these funky statues around the hotel.  

It sort of makes it feel like you are in a different era.

There are also displays of old train memorabilia.

Sort of fun looking around the lobby area.

Most of the sessions are being held in the old station room.

It is absolutely beautiful with gold inlay and old brickwork.

I must admit that I keep finding myself staring the the ceilings and decor instead of paying attention to the presenters.

One of best things about the hotel are these little sample products.

I love me some Aveda!

Debbie

Crazy, Crazy, Crazy

The last couple of days have been filled with last minute wedding prep and errands.
I am so glad that I chose to take the week off of work and have been able to help Erika get ready to be Mrs. McKinney.
(Well, I am 'on-call' for a friend from church that is due this week and I have received phone calls from another special patient that has been going through a tough loss but other than that I am not working!)

My house has exploded in wedding stuff...wedding gifts, wedding decor, clothes hanging on every door jam and extra people (plus a dog) at my house.

My sister and her children and here from Oregon and my Aunt and Uncle flew in from Ohio today. We have been running back and forth to my parents house to visit and celebrate. 
Thank you Mom for cooking each night for all of us since this week has been a little on the crazy side!

It has been a bit overwhelming and I have had early mornings and late nights.
I'm actually a little amazed at how much we have accomplished these past few days.
Writing a nightly list has helped me stay on track.  And I love that feeling you get when you get to scratch things off the list and write 'Done' next to it.

I know it will soon be over and I will probably miss the chaos...

Tomorrow is mani / pedi day for the bridal party and family.
Plus the rehearsal dinner.
I want to just enjoy these last couple of days.

I still can't believe that I have a daughter that is getting married.  She has done a great job with all of the planning and with all of the decor.  She has done so much of it by hand.  She put together most of the decorations and even made all of her invitations.  She is ready to be married.......

I love you baby girl and look forward to watching you walk down the aisle.
You are going to be so beautiful that day - just as you are everyday.
And I know that Tim's face will light up as he see you for the first time walking towards him.
You have picked a good man.
I keep telling myself that I am not loosing a daughter - rather I am gaining a son.
I will try not to cry too much on your special day ~
I love you with all of my heart.
Mom
(Debbie)

Easter - He Lives

Being that I had to work Easter Sunday - I am a bit late posting this, yet I wanted to follow up my post and video from last Friday...Good Friday.  Where Mary, the disciples and many of Jesus's friends were mourning the loss of their friend and loved one.

For many it would seem like life wouldn't or couldn't go on.

Yet, it did...you see, on Sunday - there was an empty grave as Jesus rose from the dead.

The cross would not have mattered...if Jesus had only died.
But He didn't just die...
He died to save us from our sins.
He died because he loved us.
He defeated death and awaits us in Heaven - as He builds a place for those of us, who call Him Savior,  will one day live.

John 14:3

³  I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

Because He matters, I choose to live my life as if it matters...

Yes, I had to work a full 12 hour shift today.
I had to miss the family meal and the Easter egg hunt and I wasn't able to go to church.
Yet, none of that really matters.
What really matters is Jesus.


(remember to mute my playlist down below)

Debbie

Holiday Working

Oh the joys of being a nurse...getting to work the whole weekend when everyone else is celebrating the Easter holiday.
It was fairly steady today and I am in charge tomorrow so I'll be there all day.
You know babies are born on holidays too.

I did not boil nor color any eggs.
I did not buy any Easter candy.
I did not get a basket for any one.
Nor did I decorate the house for the holiday (since my home is full of wedding / shower gifts at the moment)

I'll just go to work like any other day.
And hope that some one brings me a good meal :)
Then go visit my family tomorrow night (my sister and her children arrived today!)
I really don't mind that much - it is part of being a nurse.
(I will miss watching the little ones have their Easter egg hunt.....)

Hope you have a good Easter though - and remember that the real reason we have the holiday is because Jesus has risen!
Debbie

Top Nursing Blog

My blog was recently voted one of the Top 50 nursing blogs

I always find it an honor to have my blog recognized...really, someone actually reads this thing??

I started my blog as a way to keep my family updated on my life and the lives of my children and over time it has grown in to more than that.

I have met new people through this blog and have been able to promote nursing and mostly I have been able to tell people about one of my biggest passions...perinatal comfort care.

I believe all women should have access to support when they find out that their pregnancy may not end as they have dreamed.
I am glad that programs are developing and people are recognizing the need for programs.

Therefore, I will keep on blogging.

(and hoping that people read my random postings)

Debbie

Free Time??

So I thought that when I finished school I would suddenly find myself with tons of free time...

Boy was I wrong!!
I seem to be lost in the "pace of life" game ~ just can't seem to get on top of things.
Hence my absence in the blog world.

I'm a big believer in living life before blogging life...and I am purposefully trying to be more 'present' in the things that I am doing versus thinking about the next blog post or checking facebook or texting or reading, etc.  Therefore, I just haven't found the free time to blog.

Life has moved forward.
Forward at a faster pace than what I would like it to.

I have been:
~ working lots
~ watching Lily
~ teaching perinatal comfort care to other nurses
~ attending a March of Dimes conference
~ presenting our comfort care program at the March of Dimes Conference
~ trying to organize things at my house
~ going to pinning planning meetings at the school - (so I'm not totally disconnected from school)
~ presenting our PCC program to local nursing school programs (Asuza Pacific, CSUF, Vanguard)
~ planned a wedding shower for Erika
~ enjoyed Erika's wedding shower
~ meeting my school buddies for dinner once a month
~ walking my dog more
~ checking out MSN programs
~ thinking of taking the new certification exam for perinatal hospice care...

So you see, life has been full.
I actually sort of miss school - as weird as that sounds.  I guess I enjoyed the stimulation of learning and enjoyed being with my classmates and instructors each week.

The one thing that I have enjoyed more (since I no longer have homework to do) is going to the library and reading just for the fun of it.  I can't tell you how many books I've gone through in the past month or so.  I have always enjoyed reading and this has been a nice little treat.

Maybe I will never find that free time that seems so allusive to me.  Yet, life is good and full and I will keep on trying to be present in the moment.
Debbie

Glad That is Over

Taxes...

Ugh...

Getting our taxes done gives me heartburn every single time.

I know it is just one of those things we all have to do every year, but I find myself holding my breath each time we go in to get our taxes done.  I organize all of our write offs, I try to keep meticulous records and try to save every receipt.  But when I sit in that office, I just can't wait to be done and get the heck out of there.

We try to make a little date out of going to our tax appointment. 

We drive up to Burbank then go out to dinner on our way home...we either drown our sorrows or celebrate just a little bit.

Will we owe more than we already had taken out of our paychecks?

Will we get anything back?

What can I do to get a bigger return?

Oh my, I hate this appointment. (though I do like our tax man...it isn't him...it is the thought of having to pay more taxes).

I'm glad to say we survived the torture again this year. 

We came out ok and are getting a little bit back.  Now mind you, Dear Hubby and I both claim "single" so you'd hope we got something back but you never can be too hopeful!

Thankfully we were able to enjoy our dinner date ~

And on another note...look what I picked up earlier today:

Now it seems real.

I actually have a BSN!

Going to get this little piece of paper framed!!

Debbie

Conjunctivial Abrasion

My eye has been bugging me for a few days.
I thought it was just my contacts (which I only wear at work).
But the pain got worse.
I could point right to the area where it hurt.
One of my doctor friends at work said, "you know, eye pain is not normal"
Duh!!

So when I woke with an eye that was red and swollen I decided it was time to get it checked out.

Diagnosis - Conjunctival Abrasion.

I actually scratched the conjunctive of my eye (the white part...right below the iris or colored part).

Not sure how I did it, but I did.

It is pretty cool how they diagnosis it...they put this bright yellow stuff in your eye then look at it with a black light.  It shows any areas of injury.  

All I can say is that stuff stings when you actually have an abrasion or scratch.  But at least I found out that my pain was for a reason.

So I am on antibiotics (those sting the scratched area too).  But they should do the trick.

Luckily I'm on a 5 day stretch off of work so I should be able to rest it a bit.

Hoping it heals fast.  I don't do sick well...

Debbie

5 Years Old

Five years ago this week ~

this sweet little girl graced us with her presence.

We did not know if she was going to be a boy or a girl.

I can remember the moment vividly when my son came out of the delivery room carrying his new baby and telling us she was a little girl.

We loved her from the start!

 I wasn't ready to be called "Grandma" so we settled on a version of the Spanish word for Grandma which is "Abuelita".  Ever since that day Lily has called me, "Lita".

Though I wasn't ready for the grand title...I sure was ready for this cute little baby!

She tugged at my heart, and my love for her has grown deeper each day.

 Lily is sweet and caring.
She adores babies.

She is smart - often too smart for words....

She takes charge and is a natural born leader

 (often telling the group what to do and what is next).

She loves animals (her favorites are dogs and horses).

She loves to go to Disneyland with us.

She can ride a scooter like no other.

She can ride a bike without training wheels.

She loves her gymnastics class.

She has many friends.

She is funny and keeps us laughing.

She is in to makeup.

She loves all things princess.

She loves her dolls.

She is going to be the cutest flower girl in her Auntie's wedding.

We are so glad that she came to be a part of our family!

 Her choice for her birthday dinner: Rainforest Cafe.

So we celebrated Lily and her fifth birthday in style.

She chose her favorite meal...mac n' cheese.

Then of course she had a "VOLCANO!" for dessert.

Yes, She shared it with the rest of us.

When you are five, the best part about a party is of course the gifts:

Lily,

Your Lita loves you more than you will ever know.

I know that you are going to grow up in to a strong young woman.

Never loose your caring attitude and your love for adventure.

Mostly - never stop being funny

Even if picking an apes nose isn't what most little girls do...

 Happy 5th birthday to you!

Love,

Your favorite Lita

Need a Day Off

Whew - this has been a crazy week...I knew going in to it that it was going to be a tough one.  But, I didn't expect the baby factory to be exploding!!

I worked Monday and Tuesday...I don't think that I sat down for more than 5 minutes at a time...there were just so many babies!

Wednesday I attended the Orange Co. Women's and Children's Palliative Care Conference at UCI medical center.  It was a good day of learning and networking with other professionals in the area who want to care for sick and often dying infants.  I found that so many of the things we already do...we even talked about holding our own conference...
For some reason, I come home more tired after sitting all day in an auditorium than I do when running around the unit for 12 hours.  I wonder why that is?

I worked again today ~ Still busy... and I was so frustrated this morning that I wasn't able to assist a baby out vaginally...we tried for something like 3 hours, only to have the mommy end up in the c/section room.  I felt like such a failure and was so frustrated that things just weren't happening despite my best and most creative interventions.  Once I saw the baby though...and realized that she was not presenting in the normal fashion, I felt a bit better.  Babies are supposed to face the mom's back side - not face upwards...and this one just didn't fit.  Thankfully mom and baby were healthy and the parents were just glad to finally be holding their infant.
The rest of the day just continued to fall apart...with lots of patients and frustrating moments...

So, I am home tonight ~ anxious to rest and sleep in tomorrow morning.  I need a break! Next week is looking to be just as busy so I will take the day and catch up.  Sometimes I wonder how I ever fit school and homework in to the midst of this craziness!!
Tired me~
Debbie