Gaining Momentum

4 weeks into level 3 and I'm done paediatrics. Unreal. Unfair and unreal.  I soaked up every single minute on that little ward in RCH! My clinical group is amazing and as usual, routines are setting in.... a little slower this term for some reason, but I will get there. A couple of weeks ago I got to spend some time in the NICU....

I didn’t expect it to be so bright. I didn’t expect it to be so loud. I didn’t expect it to be so busy.  I didn’t expect nursery music, and a calm soothing environment or anything., but I guess I didn’t know what to expect. It dawned on me that this is a busy ICU...for tiny people. I felt for a moment what those tiny babies must feel as they are introduced to the world…. A little bit of shock, uncertainty, and completely over stimulated. I settled in quickly though, as I eagerly walked around the different pods, looking at each tiny, complete, person. Overcome by a feeling of belonging, I began to feel hope. I had hope and love for every little baby in there. They all had 10 fingers, 10 toes, and beating hearts. They all had someone who loved them, someone who wanted more than anything, for them to grow, to get through another day. I knew as well, that if even one of them didn’t have that “someone”, I could give freely, my time, my love, my care, to help them through that day. I was born to do this, and I don't think I will ever be bored in this specialty. 

 In January, I got spend 5 days in Halifax with Student Nurses from all over Canada. First of all the East Coast is awesome! and I plan to return as soon I am able, and second of all, the conference was amazing! I attended workshops on suicide prevention, New Grad transition into the workplace, Leadership, and a thing called "open spaces"...a new way to talk about what matters. I am inspired and excited to move forward with my education, as well as my career.....Immunology is less inspiring...maybe it's just me, but I am not making the connection between the lectures and Nursing, so I tend to zone out......which is not cool when I have a big assignment due on Friday. Oh, also due this Friday is my family assignment and more pharm posts....plus I am having my OB orientation this week.

There is soooo much happening in my world right now. I'm bringing home my new baby (puppy) on Friday! ....yes I know, I'm nuts....but I can't wait any longer. I am initiating  and advocating for CNSA membership for BCIT BSN students, I am taking my first ever discover scuba lesson this week, and am still working 2 shifts a week. I have also decided that I want to conduct a  research study related to MS and am starting to consider my options for resources....this one might have to wait a bit, but I will continue to plug away at it.

My little monkey is doing so well with our busy schedule. She is doing great in school, and will be presenting a science experiment for her class next week. It's like PBL for 7 year olds! She loves making her own money....even if she has to work for it! and to my utter amazement,  she has actually started eating salad! Her art skills continue to impress me, along with her creative writing....a chip off the ol' block I'd say.
Of course she is thrilled to be getting her first puppy, and I know she will love the heck out of our little Zoey. 

I am looking forward to the next 12 weeks and have started to collect donations for my volunteer trip to Honduras.

Tomorrow I start OB! so I'd better get some shut eye!

xoxo
Alana- Student Nurse