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Flood or Famine

My life has been a serious case of flood or famine lately.

Since I graduated from nursing school it's been a SERIOUS freaking famine. No job, boring NCLEX, blah, blah. blah. Because of that....I got reallly used to having absolutley spotless house. Because I cleaned multiple times/week.

I started work full time this week. I started having Sports Therapy every day this week. When I Get home, I still want to keep up my "perfect, spotless-ness" - so I find myself cooking, vacuuming, scrubbing floors. And of course - make a trip to the gym!

Last night, I realized that I honestly did not sit down from the hours of 5:30 AM until 9:30PM. Now, I had a 10 minute drive to and from work. But, you get the point.

So it's been a "flood". And I'm loving it.

My job is incredible. People often say, "Ick. A nursing home?!?! Rehabilitation center?! How awful."

But now, I can completely disagree with that statement or stereotype. (although, I'd still like to get some adrenaline in and work on an ICU at some point in my career....)

How many jobs in this world do you get hugs from 30 patients. Many of these people don't have any family left. So they have come to a point where their caregivers are their "family".

I have become an adopted "Granddaughter" to 3 women I take care of. I get to hear their life stories, their wisdom and concerns, and offer a hand to hold when they are feeling lonely or depressed.

I realized not all nursing homes are like this -- and not every facility offers such a "close-knit" environment.

But this experience is definitely making me grow as a nurse and especially as a person.

Already, I feel like I've become a more patient person. And (if you know me at all)...patience is usually not one of my virtures/traits.

So things are going excellent! Yay! I look forward to 6 am every day.

Other exciting news.....

My hip is healing great and I Get to resume training on Tuesday! Wahoo!! I miss running- especially just the aspect of getting to be outdoors!!

Also, I performed the heimlich maneuver today. It was frightening. I may have been more frightened than the patient. (Not really...choking is horrific.)

Well, I am looking forward to enjoying one last evening with the husband before he heads out for a manly hunting trip this weekend with his Dad! I am praying he comes back with a deer! I would love me some venison. (Any vegetarians out there are probably on their knees right now praying....)

Comments

Marlys said…
Great post, Abby! I am proud of you!
Unknown said…
So fun to hear about your new job! I am so happy for you! Take care of yourself, though. You are burning the candle at both ends!!!
Amber said…
Eeei scary that you performed the heimlech! I learned how to do this during my lifeguard training but have never had to do it before. I would be scared I'd mess up!

Yay for a busy life and double-yay for running again on Tuesday!
Wow, those are some long days... That reminds me of my time at Target... It wasn't sustainable for me, though but I didn't love what I was doing for the bulk of the day so I am sure that makes a change. Just make sure you are getting plenty of sleep as that is so important when you are training for a marathon!

I am glad that you are really liking your job, though!!! That is awesome! It reminds me of how popular you were at that assisted living center that grandma and grandpa lived in!!
Jess said…
Sounds like things are going great for you - and after having to wait to find out what was happening with a job, you totally deserve it.

I second Lisa's comment too - relaxing/sleeping is important too!! Here's to finding amazing balance :)
Marlys said…
Agree with the advice to get lots of sleep! You will soon adapt to your new schedule and figure out where you can cut corners - like too much cleaning! I know, you're thinking "Is that you, Mom?" But I had to cut back on it myself as I just don't have the energy I did 30 years ago!
Mama Nastase said…
Abby, I'm so proud of you! It warms my heart to hear you love what you're doing...and that you value the relationships you are building with your patients! They are so fortunate to have you.

Scary about the heimlich, I want to hear all about it!! Obviously it came to a good end, thank God! (And your good training/skills!)

Speaking of sleep, I'm needing a nap right now, so worn out after reading about all you're doing! lol Seriously, follow the advice about getting good rest. It'll help your hip heal!

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