Archive for college

The Randomosity of my Life

{ May 8, 2009 @ 6:46 pm } · { Books, Camp, classes, college, Gay Rights, Graduation, health care, illness, Random, senior year, Uncategorized }
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First off I’d like to say that being sick sucks and “health services” at my school does nothing. Even my nursing profs think so. (Clearly something is wrong with this picture.)

(And the nurses at Health Services obviously DID NOT go to Luther for their nursing education.)

(Ok maybe it’s more the doctors that need improvement…hmm.)

I went in purely because I had not slept well in four (yes, FOUR) days. They gave me a single dose of a codeine cough syrup and made an appointment for the next day.

When I went in for my appointment, you’d think the doctor would be in, assess, maybe draw blood to see if I’ve got a bug, and get me out of there. Instead, we spend most of the visit talking about my major and the effect the poor economy is having on jobs for everyone (including nurses – he, by the way, was surprised that it was hard to find a nursing job).

(What I really wanted to say: “HELLO! I’m sick, I don’t care what you think about nursing and the economy or your surprise that there are no nursing jobs. I want to feel better!”)

I also want to point out that I will indeed make a good nurse. I did not kill the manikin in my interactive lab exam last night. (Hurray!) In fact, we did not have a eulogy to read in lab when we did debriefing today. There were no fake families that were sobbing in the hallway because they lost “Mr. Billy Rubin” the maninkin, a father, husband, son, etc.

This “interactive lab” exam did however, make me realize that I still have a lot to learn about a lot of things. (Even though I’m graduating in 16 days.)

(Yikes!)

A small shout out to Maine: “Way to follow the trend and get on board with Gay Marriage!”  Maine is now the 5th state to allow Gay Marriage. Really, if they can’t get married, why should I?

Camp is just around the corner and I am excited. (Arn’t you?) Sharing my faith, learning from others, being a part of God’s Plan, it’s all fantastic! (And exciting – clearly.)

As a side note (sort of) if you’re looking for a good book to read I recommend The Men I Didn’t Marry by Janice Kaplan and Lynn Schnurnberger. I got it from a friend who got it from a friend. It didn’t take me long to read it. (But then I read fast…)

The Wheels of Change are Turning

{ April 16, 2009 @ 10:19 pm } · { college, friends, Graduation, Growing up, Job Hunt, nurses, nursing, Random, senior year, Uncategorized }
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Ok, first of all, so sorry for going MIA the last weekish or so. I had computer issues (again).

(I can hear you all grumbling about how I should get a new computer…one that has less problems.)

(And now I’m having internet issues, so pardon the absence if it happens again…I need to use my internet time wisely and hope it lasts long enough to get everything done.)

Anyway, one of my roommates and I were talking this afternoon about…you guessed it…graduation. (Really we don’t talk about much else, well other than things that probably shouldn’t be mentioned on a blog.)

Anyway, we both came to the realization that MAJOR changes our coming. We’re not just talking about graduating. We’re talking about finding jobs, moving (across the country or just the state), living on our own and not having that college bubble/view of the world, getting married (her not me), and eventually having kids (notice the eventually).

We’re at a time in our lives when everything is changing.

(Including our lives at home – at least mine anyway. While I was at home for Easter my mom was talking about what she was going to turn my brother’s room into and then commented that mine would probably be a guest bedroom.)

I am excited for this change (even if I don’t sound like it). It’s a lot to take in, but at the same time I am ready to take on that responsibility.

(I had a taste of it last year and I want it back gosh darn it!!)

But I’m also nervous about starting life on my own. I don’t have a permanent job yet, and the job market sucks. (Even for nurses – which people really don’t seem to get…)

I do have a summer job (yay for some income!) working at camp as Health Coordinator. But after that, I’ve got no clue what to expect or where I’ll be going. And that’s a little frightening to me.

As a my very smart Gay friend once said, it’ll all come together in the end because you’re FABULOUS! (Clearly he knows what he is talking about, even if I don’t.)

No Time to be Sick

{ April 1, 2009 @ 6:59 pm } · { classes, college, friends, Graduation, illness, Random, senior year, Uncategorized }
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I would like to extend my thanks to my parents (whom I love dearly) for getting me sick. Thank you Mom and Dad, there is no better feeling than the one you get from knowing your family will share all that they have with you.

(Note the sarcasm.)

Really, I love going home and spending time with my parents, but I’d much rather they keep their illnesses to themselves.

I don’t know what’s worse, feeling like crap while sitting on the couch on my butt all day or feeling like crap and going to class. Ok, I lied, going to class is much worse. But missing class would be down right aweful. My classes are hard and missing them would be worse than going and only being half checked in to what is going on.

All I really want to do is sleep, but I’m a college student and any of you who are in college or were in college know that sleep is just not a possibility with all the papers, projects, tests, and other random assignments you need to get done. So I guess I’ll just have to settle for the couch some blankets and my homework to keep me company.

As a side note, I’ve gotten to talk to my best gay guy friend a lot this week and it has been absolutely fabulous. He has the power to make me smile no matter how I’m feeling which I am entirely greatful for. Now if only I could see him more often than I do life would be complete. I will get to see him in a few weeks and again at graduation since he’s walking with us (he graduated in Decemer).

And…speaking of graduation…I’m 54 days away. Cap and Gown – check. Graduation tickets – check. All I need are the last 7 weeks to fly on by. (Hopefully in a more healthy state than they are right now.)

Randomness

{ March 25, 2009 @ 5:12 pm } · { Babies, Camp, college, Ethics, Job Hunt, News, nursing, Random, senior year, Uncategorized, Winter }
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Random Updates from the Past Week(ish)

  • Spring is finally here, at least in the time of year sense. We’ve had some warm beautiful days, and some cold crummy days, but hopefully more of those warm days will be coming again soon. It seems like it’s been raining since I got home on spring break, even though it’s really only been the past two days. It finally seems like its going to be nice out today (at least in sunshine, I’m not so sure about temperature).
  • On my way home from school on Saturday I stopped at the camp I’ll be working at for the summer to get a lay of the land and check out the procedures/protocols. I’m getting so excited for this summer. I am eager to share my faith through nursing with the staff and campers! I’ve also come to realize that I have a lot of stuff to get together before camp starts and not a whole lot of time to do it. I’ll be graduating on a Sunday and the following Tuesday I’m off to camp!
  • The job search (post summer camp) is not going well. I have yet to hear back from anywhere I’ve applied to. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!
  • Graduation is just around the corner! (SEVEN WEEKS to be exact.) Talk about coming up fast. Before spring break we had a meeting with the nursing department to discuss our pinning ceremony and preparing and taking the NCLEX exam (nursing boards). Once I’m done with school you’ll probably hear me grip about the NCLEX for awhile.

Random Stories from the News

  • More flooding? In Fargo, ND the river is rising and schools are closing in order for the students to help sandbagging efforts.
  • OCTUMOM: still in the news, go figure. What needs to happen to make sure these kids are safe? The most important thing is making sure the kids are getting the love and support they need – she now has 14 kids, how is she going to take care of 14 kids? Ethically we need to make sure these kids are going to be ok.
  • In Local news: the seven-year-old girl from my hometown who was pulled from Lake Winnebago after being submerged in ice water for 30 minutes was released from the hospital five weeks after the incident. It is reported that she has some problems with her short term memory and her finger dexterity, but she is doing well. Please keep her in your prayers.

Weekly Wrap Up

{ March 2, 2009 @ 6:40 am } · { college, Growing up, health care, Job Hunt, nursing, Politics, Random, senior year, Uncategorized }
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Random things that happened in my life (or life at large) this past week…

  • Job: I’ve applied and interviewed this week (different places but that’s ok) Now I just have to wait and find out what will come from that application and the interview… I should be hearing back from the interview within the next week. Finding a job (even as a nurse) is not an easy task. People tell me I should have no problem finding a job in nursing – it’s one of the more stable careers. Sure it’s stable, if you already have a job, but hospitals are affected by the economy just as much as any other business. However, instead of laying people off they take pay cuts, which means they don’t have the funds to hire new people.
  • Obama’s plan: It seems like he’s got a lot planned for the next year and the next decade. He discussed three major priorities of the US budget: energy, health care, and education. Now the question is how are these things going to be carried out? Budget cuts? Higher taxes?
  • Homework: The big question? Do I really procrastinate that much? I feel like I have a ton to do…and then I realize most of it isn’t due for at least a week, of course, my goal is to get it done early anyway. I only have 12 credits, how can I not work ahead? It has been one of those weeks where things seem to pile up, not just the homework, but the ever increasing amount of stress to find a job once I graduate.
  • US Public Schools: What are our public schools coming too? Students are being asked to bring toilet paper to school, teachers are selling advertising space on their exams in order to pay the printing. The US needs to take a better look at where it’s money is going and direct it toward the things that are really important. (Of course, who decides what is important?)

What’s going on in your life? Anything news worthy? What’s been happening in your neck of the woods that you find important?

Options

{ February 26, 2009 @ 4:54 pm } · { college, Growing up, health care, Job Hunt, nurses, nursing, Random, senior year, Uncategorized }
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I am starting to feel the pressure to find alternate options as the semester wears on. The economy is not in the greatest shape. (Clearly.)

Jobs in all areas are scarce. (Nursing included despite what some people may think.)

Hospitals and the staff that work there are affected by twists and turns in the economy just like everyone else. Some of my nursing friends told me about hospital wide pay cuts so they wouldn’t need to lay anyone off. Which is good for the people who currently work there, however, this means that they’re not going to be hiring any new nurses…go figure.

My conclusion? I picked a crummy time to graduate from college.

There are a few other options out there. Some are better than others, but hey a job is a job right?

-working at camp for the summer (as a camp nurse) then worrying about a real job closer to when that time comes.

-working for AmeriCorps

-working for LVC

-applying for 800 jobs and hoping I get one

Honestly, If I get offered a job, I’m going to take it. I don’t care where it is or what I’m doing (well for the most part anyway). In my mind, a job is a job and a job brings income.

The Quest for a Job Continues

{ February 23, 2009 @ 8:09 pm } · { college, Growing up, Job Hunt, nursing, Random, senior year, Uncategorized }
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Being a college student is a lot of work. (Ask any current student and they’ll tell you the same.)

There is of course all the typical business that you’d expect in college: classes, studying, writing papers, projects, ect. and the fun stuff: clubs, friends, etc. but what about the stuff people forget about? (Especially your senior year.) You know what I’m talking about, searching for a job, writing your resume and cover letters, obtaining references, applying to jobs (or grad schools), interviewing (phone or in person).

What they don’t tell you is that it’s a lot of work and it takes a lot of time.

I went home this past weekend to get my computer fixed and it happened to be “Chili Cook-off weekend” at church.  I felt like I was a broken record having the same conversation over and over again.

Other Person: How have you been?

Me: I’ve been doing well, how have you been?

Other Person: Oh, I’m good. I didn’t know you were going to be here this weekend.

Me: Me either, my computer died so I brought it home for my dad to fix.

Other Person: You’re a senior this year, right?

Me: Yep, I graduate in May.

And then comes the dreaded question…

Other Person: “WHAT ARE YOU DOING AFTER GRADUATION?“

Me: Well, I applied for a camp nurse position for the summer and am hoping to get a job in the aream, but I’m not really sure where I’ll end up.

Other Person: Oh, I’m sure you’ll get a job, especially as a nurse. There is always a need for nurses.

People always want to know. (And yes, it’s nice that they’re interested in what you’re doing, but come on! Enough already!) I have no idea what I’m doing, graduation is still three and a half months away, I’m still applying to various places in hopes that they will pick up my resume and say “hmm, she might make a good candidate.” (Heck I’m still trying to figure out which places to apply to.) And they always think they know what the job market is, but really budgets are tight, the economy effects everyone – even hospitals (and in return the staff).

Wicked

{ February 9, 2009 @ 1:21 am } · { classes, college, Random, senior year, Uncategorized }
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This weekend was great. One of my friends and I went to my home town to see the muscial “Wicked” on Saturday night. Both of us had seen it before and loved it.

We got into town on Friday evening and ended up going to the comedy club, this was the first time I had gone (her’s too since she doesn’t live near me). We had a blast, the comedian was great.

This weekend however, was only a temporary fix to my “lack of a life” problem. My friend and I had a blast, but now we’re back at school with no lives other than homework and classes. We did take pictures though (this way it at least LOOKS like we have lives, even though we really don’t).

Slowly I’m filling all my extra time with stuff to do. (Mostly homework.) I do, however, have plans to do something with my single/no boyfriend around girls next weekend for Valentines Day. (Even though I think the entire concept is a bit silly – but that’s a topic that needs it’s own blog post.) And in March I’m planning on going to see Mamma Mia with the same friend I went to the show with this weekend.

Slowly (very slowly) I’m starting to get the feeling that I might actually have a life outside of school!!!! (Be happy it’s a big accomplishment.)

Still not sure what I’ll end up filling the rest of my time with, but hey I’ve still got a little time to figure that out… Right?

The Last First Day

{ February 4, 2009 @ 7:36 pm } · { classes, college, nursing, Random, senior year, Uncategorized }
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Once again I went missing for awhile. J-term ended and J-break began and from there time just flew by. Before I knew it I was saying good-bye to everyone back home and heading back to school. (Not that I’m making excuses or anything.)

Today was my last first day of undergrad. (I know, I know, it’s pretty huge step… you can all shed tears later.)

It was weird being back at school again. I was only gone for a week, but it felt like months had passed. (You can decide whether that’s good or bad.)

The only down side to my schedule this semester is the part where I have to be in class at 0800 every morning. Of course, I’m taking easy classes (2 of which are 100 level courses) so it’s really not that bad. (Bonus – I’m done by 1200 everyday except Thursday where I spend 8 hours in clinical.)

(Clearly I have a horribly difficult schedule and will never survive.)

Scary… I think I may actually need to get a life. (I haven’t had one for 4 years.) My nursing class will take up a lot of time (as always) but not all of my time (weird). And it’s my last one (until grad school).

What do I do with this massive amount of time that I’m left with?

(No really, I don’t remember ever having time to spare; what do I do with it?)

One More Done

{ January 28, 2009 @ 2:12 am } · { classes, college, Growing up, health care, Job Hunt, nurses, nursing, Random, senior year, Uncategorized }
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Tomorrow is my last day of J-term. You think I’d be jumping up and down for joy. (And in a way I am.) But the end of J-term means a big overarching concept that I haven’t fully stomached yet…

THE LAST SEMESTER

As I finish up J-term I am faced with the reality that I only have one semester left of undergrad before I graduate and become a nurse out in the real world. That’s only 4 months of classes until I am no longer an undergrad student.

See full size image

(On the bright side that means only 4 months until I have a life again.)

(I will not miss nights like these.)

What is yet to come will hopefully be exciting. I’ll have a new job. (Hopefully on a floor that I want.) I’ll be out in the real world. (Scary but exciting.) And I’ll be doing what I love. (Best part of completing the past four years.)

When it’s all said and done, I’ll look at where I am and look back at these four years and realize that all the hardwork (and long hours of studying) were worth it. But right now, I’m just glad that I’m almost done.

(Except that I don’t have a job lined up yet – but that’s a work in progress.)

The preparation for graduation day starts, well, now. I’ll be writting cover letters and revising my resume. I’ll have meetings about gradutaion and my pinning ceremony. I’ll be interviewing for possible jobs. And I’ll be studying like crazy for my NCLEX Exam.

But it will ALL be worth it in the end!

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