Over the past year I have found that I find great enjoyment in tasks that a lot of people would find tremendously tedious (say that five times fast). Today, I was reminded of some past experiences that I've had that I'd like to share with you.
*Flashback to last summer*
It was while I was at Mayo Clinic. I was asked in January if I would stand up in a friend's wedding. Now it was mid-June and I was in semi-rural Minnesota, stranded without a car, and desperately wanting to go home. What were my options? 1. Have my parents come get me- not a great option for them. 2. Fly- pretty darn expensive. 3. Borrow a car- not likely since I had only known these people for about 3 weeks.
4. Figure out a better way.
So figure out a better way I did (that is terrible grammar, but adds dramatic effect). I scoured the internet for train routes, bus routes, taxi routes, underground tunnel routes, and personal helicopter routes. I am known for my frugalness, so price was a big factor as well as my time. I ended up finding a bus route that only had one transfer and got me to Chicago in about 8 hours. Sounds simple enough, but it was very difficult and tedious to find the best option. Later in the summer, I also figured out the best way to get to Cedar Rapids for another wedding. That time, the most efficient and cost-effective option was renting a car. It was pretty fun.
*Flash-forward to December 2013*
It was while I was on Christmas break. I was going on a road trip with four of my best friend to Washington D.C. It was basically up to me to plan the entire trip. I had to think about hotels, the car we were to use, the attractions and their prices, meals, maps, and money. I loved it. I had so much fun planning, and although not everything turned out as I had planned, it was a great learning experience.
*Flash-forward again to today*
Today I drove to Northwestern for my orientation. Let's just say that it was a little bit stressful. Could I handle it? Yeah! Could I do it again? Yeah! Could I get used to it? Maybe! However, it wasn't the most fun. So, I began researching. I had done some research before, but I felt like the options weren't that great. However, this time, I was successful! I believe I've found a route that is equally comparable to time I would spend in the car, a little cheaper, and reduces a lot of stress. Yay me!
My point to all this is that I enjoy working out those details. I find joy in finding the best bargain. This is a trait that I have received from my parents. Both of them are wonderful at finding the best deal, the best route, and the best ideas.
That's all. I'm pretty proud of myself. I'll let you know how I'm feeling after my first two back to back shifts next week!
Amor,
Carolina
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Start of Something New
Hey y'all!
It's been awhile. Like, a long while. Since I last blogged, I have completed 3/4 of my senior year at Trinity. Overall, it has been a good year. The reason I am writing again is because next week I will start my Capstone experience. The purpose of capstone is to provide a role for nursing students to transition from student to nurse. In all honesty, it's very similar to what I experienced at Mayo, just with more actual responsibility. I have to work 180 hours in the next 7 weeks. I follow a preceptor (similar to my coaches at Mayo) and gradually take on a full patient load. I'll still have supervision, but I will be the nurse.
My capstone placement is at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago. I had to interview for this position back in December. Funny story: while I was waiting to hear the results of the interview, they told us the wrong date that we would hear. I was home on Christmas break, and I was basically glued to my computer, updating it every five minutes or less, waiting for the email. Unfortunately, it didn't come until a week later :( However, i got the position, and I am very excited! I will be on an oncology/hematology unit. I have expressed interest in oncology before, so I am grateful for the opportunity to try it out before I start applying for jobs. I'm working 12 hour day shifts which was my preferred shift. Unfortunately, that means I'll be driving to downtown Chicago during rush hours. Bleh.
In my dream world, I would have this internship, get offered a job, graduate from college, pass the stinkin NCLEX, get an apartment, and start working all within the next four months. I'll update this lovely blog periodically to let you know if I'm surviving and tell you what I'm learning. We recently had a class about social networking related to nursing. Basically, I can't say anything about anything or I could lose my (nonexistent) license. I have to be so careful. I do believe however, that I can share how I am growing and learning throughout this process without sharing information about patients. So that's what I'm going to do.
Life is good, God is great, and nursing rocks. Wish me luck :)
Love to all,
Caroline
It's been awhile. Like, a long while. Since I last blogged, I have completed 3/4 of my senior year at Trinity. Overall, it has been a good year. The reason I am writing again is because next week I will start my Capstone experience. The purpose of capstone is to provide a role for nursing students to transition from student to nurse. In all honesty, it's very similar to what I experienced at Mayo, just with more actual responsibility. I have to work 180 hours in the next 7 weeks. I follow a preceptor (similar to my coaches at Mayo) and gradually take on a full patient load. I'll still have supervision, but I will be the nurse.
My capstone placement is at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago. I had to interview for this position back in December. Funny story: while I was waiting to hear the results of the interview, they told us the wrong date that we would hear. I was home on Christmas break, and I was basically glued to my computer, updating it every five minutes or less, waiting for the email. Unfortunately, it didn't come until a week later :( However, i got the position, and I am very excited! I will be on an oncology/hematology unit. I have expressed interest in oncology before, so I am grateful for the opportunity to try it out before I start applying for jobs. I'm working 12 hour day shifts which was my preferred shift. Unfortunately, that means I'll be driving to downtown Chicago during rush hours. Bleh.
In my dream world, I would have this internship, get offered a job, graduate from college, pass the stinkin NCLEX, get an apartment, and start working all within the next four months. I'll update this lovely blog periodically to let you know if I'm surviving and tell you what I'm learning. We recently had a class about social networking related to nursing. Basically, I can't say anything about anything or I could lose my (nonexistent) license. I have to be so careful. I do believe however, that I can share how I am growing and learning throughout this process without sharing information about patients. So that's what I'm going to do.
Life is good, God is great, and nursing rocks. Wish me luck :)
Love to all,
Caroline
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