Thursday, May 29, 2008

stress setting in

I have not had a lot of school work, so I've been studying for the GRE. In the mean time, I've also been applying to grad school. Everything is in except taking the GRE and passing NCLEX. This is a bit stressful, but it will happen.

I had to talk to advisor today and they are doing everything in their power to present me to a council this Monday. They will go over my application and "stuff" and give me a provisional acceptance that would be pending my GRE score and obtaining my license.

I also applied for a governmental scholarship. I had to get all these documents turned in with signature from everyone, so I really hope I get it. If I do not get funding, I am not sure that I'll be able to go to grad school. I guess we will see.

As for school. I have 2 presentations, a make-up take-home quiz and 2 finals left! Shouldn't be too bad. Then I have to take the GRE and study for boards and pass them!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Oshkosh, WI

It was so good to be back in WI for my grandmother's funeral. All of my mom's siblings were there and most of the cousins. It was great to catch up and exchange emails for staying in contact.

Dan got to meet Pat (bio-dad) and Shawn (my little brother), but not Derek (the other brother). Shawn was just too much for words. He is amazing. If we had grown up together, he would have been one of my best friends. He is the biggest sweet heart! Pat was well. I couldn't believe how much of Grandma Fletcher is in him. He brought me a photo album from the trip to Florida that I went on with mom and grandma.

It was a bit of an emotional weekend, but all good emotions. I missed my family a lot, so it was great to see them all.

Now off to finish up school. 3 more wks!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Grandma Thomae

Grandma Thomae passed away last night in a nursing home in Oshkosh, WI. She was in the end stages of Alzheimer's. Last year, when Uncle Dan had passed away, she had her medications changed and was placed into a home that she didn't want to go into. Aunt Bev had tears in her eyes and told me that she was the happiest that she had ever seen her. I'm so glad that the end of her life was a pleasant one, except the Alzheimer's part.

So, I have to say that Grandma was amazing. Her and Grandpa (who passed away from oral cancer in 1995) used to travel all over the US visiting their 8 kids who resided in the following states: AZ, AL, NC, FL, IL, WA, WI, TX, etc. I loved my grandmother's cooking and my grandpa's sense of humor. We always spent holidays at the Thomae home when I was a kid.

I just have so many good memories of them! I miss them!

I have no grandparents left. It is such a strange feeling! I guess that's the definition of getting older, not having grandparents. Mom told me she'd live till 120, so I don't have to worry for awhile :) She's cute.

So, Dan and I leave for WI on Sunday. I'm so glad he can go with me. I'm looking forward to seeing all my family again! God was amazing in clearing my schedule (and Dan's)!

Candles and FemmCare

Marketing Research is the coolest way to make money! I just got some products and will make quite a bit of money for just testing out products. In the past I've gotten to eat meals, turn in my white clothes that aren't so white (especially socks), talk about dish soap, and test out other things that wouldn't be appropriate to talk about. I get paid $50-$100 for each item tested and it saves me money because I won't have to buy those products.

Right now I'm burning a wonderful smelling candle. After 2 weeks of using it, I'll fill out a questionnaire and get paid $50. Nice!

I'm hoping to do this a lot this summer, because I do not want to work my phlebotomy job very much this summer. I hate getting up at 4am, especially after getting my nursing degree and not practicing that. It's not that much of pride thing. I love working with patients, but the department is run quite poorly. The staff are all stressed and I do not want to be in that environment for the entire summer. Dan and I do need the money though, especially if I go to grad school.

Speak of the master's program. I applied yesterday. Now I have to write a goal statement and do a few odd and ends and hopefully I'll get accepted (pending my GRE scores and acquiring my license).

Maybe I should be concentrating on my current studies though! A few projects and two finals left and I will have my BSN in nursing!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Rain

It has been raining this entire week. Not seeing the sun and being cold and damp has really lowered my mood. I am not motivated to do my work, I'm feeling down, and overall, I just feel blah. I need the sun. Maybe it's just being a senior and ready to graduate, but I cannot shake these down feelings.

I'm quite anxious to move on with life. People at school seem worse than me, but I'm actually getting my work done. I'm sick of their careless attitudes and rude demeanor. I'm ready to move to Spain and never see most of them again. Quite an attitude, eh?

It's almost done! I have to plug away and get my projects done. I only have one more clinical left!

Since I'm feeling whiny, I'll end this.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Racism

I seem to complain a lot about Cincinnati. Racism, bad drivers, no thought are a few, but I really don't want to criticize. I mean, I love the weather, the blooming flowers, the rolling hills...but here are my current struggles.

I am working in hospice home care. My nurse is great. She has a bunch of issues (disabled husband, two teenagers, a mom who lives alone and has dementia, etc.), but she treats one of our patients horribly!

Sure, the man is black, 55, uses crack and drinks a lot, but that is no reason for him not to be treated with dignity and receive good care. My nurse constantly calls him a manipulator, drug addict, player, etc. She has NO HOPE for him.

I talked with my prof about him and she said that I needed to be his advocate. I found a lot of resources in the area and with my nurse's permission, gave them to him. He was amazed and thankful!

After our visit, the nurse talked to the doc and they proceeded to belittle him together. She asked if he should get oxygen for his shortness of breath and he said that was fine. She called the agency to order it and said, "well it's _________, so there's no rush. He'll either not use it or abuse it anyway" I was so appalled.

At the end of our day I brought up that that patient was my favorite and that I have all the hope in the world that he'll be able to enjoy life before it ends. I said that I had made bad decisions in my past and people turned away from me, but I am truly thankful for those who didn't.

We are all sinners. I hope I NEVER turn my back on anyone, especially a patient. May the grace that covers me each day, abound and overflow so that everyone knows that they are loved and cared for. We have a true HOPE! Every breath is proof that we should be on this earth, so we must find our purpose for this day!