And now I wait...

Its official. I have written the LAST exam ever of my nursing career! (Unless I decide to do my masters that is...)

I'm not going to lie, I walked out of that test feeling like I rocked it. And let's hope I did. Only 6 weeks until I find out. Until then, I've increased the tally of jobs that I've applied for up to about 120. I'm still hopeful though...after talking to alot of my classmates, they are still getting jobs. So I'll just keep on applying and hope for the best!

I applied for a bunch today...some rural, some pediatric psychiatry, a bunch of surgery, and labor and delivery...could be fun?

And hey, if all else fails, I hear that Saskatoon offers a pretty good signing bonus, and would pay me full time hours to take the critical care course. Bonnie so kindly pointed out to me that this could potentially mean doing the course distance learning while playing in Waterton this summer. Tempting...

I won't lie, its weird not being in school. I have never not been in school. I'm not sure how I feel about it. As terrible of a student I am, I like learning, challenging myself, and actually using my brain. But at the same time, its kind of a nice break. Time to start checking things off that EXTENSIVE list of things I've always wanted to do, but never had time:

1. READ

I bought this book yesterday and love it already. Maybe I will actually become a reader. It really makes me want to go do something cool in Pakistan or India or somewhere though. I've already discussed doing travel nursing in India with my mom and she's game. Time to start researching...

2. Make these adorable earrings:

3. Make a dress with some fabric that looks a little like this:

4. Runrunrunrunrun.

As part of my 101 goals, I said I was going to workout 5 days a week for 6 months. First of all, what was I THINKING?! 6 months is a loooong time to keep that up. But here I am, week 3, day 3. The gym is my next stop once I get off this computer.

5. hydrate.

Another one of my 101 was to drink 8 glasses of water every day for a month. And February happens to be that month. Good thing I swiped Jessica's old waterbottle last time I was home. It is now attached to my hip.

Quick side note...can I just say that I really like her lately? And am really excited about this.

Another side note: 9 days until this:

Life is good.

Know What This Means?

THIS:


...means that I am 125 clinical hours from being DONE school. FOREVER! That's a mere 10 shifts, just so you know.

I just spent like, 3 hours applying for jobs. I'm pretty sure that I've applied for 90% of the jobs in the Edmonton area in fact. All I want is ONE! Wish me luck...?

Where I Spend My Time

The past month has been just a tad bit crazy, to say the least. I am now done school in Edmonton and am 2 months from graduation! Its so crazy, but super exciting. I've been all over the place the past month, from being somewhat homeless in Edmonton, moving to Calgary, going home for Conference/Pre-Thanksgiving dinner weekend, and now, spending a little bit of time here:



Okay, to be honest...I've spent more time here than anything, but still...
Canmore is BEAUTIFUL! I am doing my final placement at the Canmore Hospital, and so far I love it! I have worked 2 days in the Emergency Department and have learned a ton. And realized how much I don't know...

Not to mention, I am 3 for 3 with my IV starts!

But seriously, this place is amazing. And I lucked out bigtime by having a condo to stay in for free whenever I want. I'm glad all that extra work is paying off. This was a great decision.

And life is great, I can't complain.

I know how this little guy feels...

"The best way out is always through"

- Robert Frost

I hope he's right.

Donezo.

Its official. I'm now 2 semesters from graduation. That's right, 8 months from now I will be done nursing school. Forever. And its going to feel sooo good.

I found this on ffffound.com and got a kick out of it. I think all healthcare professionals have a bit of a twisted sense of humor...

Busy busy busy!

That is what my life is these days. Here's a taste of what I've been up to lately:
Okay, I wish. My roomate and I took a rock climbing course a couple weeks ago and we've since learned just how addicting it is. We go almost every day...which is kind of ridiculous, but I love it. I've always been a top-rope kind of girl (and by always I mean the few times back in the day when my dad would take me) but I'm becoming more prone to bouldering these days. I've managed to master routes 1-6...7 and 8 are my goal for this week, so we'll see how that goes! Maybe one day I'll be hardcore enough to scale up mountains...haha. I love the pictures I get off google. I'm in my last clinical of my 3rd year of nursing in general medicine. I wasn't looking forward to it at all because I figured it would be like long term care, which is fairly accurate, but I'm actually really enjoying it, and learning SO MUCH! Only 9 months and I'm DONE! Gah!

This past weekend I went down to Southern Alberta for my good friend Shayla's wedding. I even got to be her photographer...my first wedding on my own! It was so much fun. Shayla looked beautiful (well, she always does...but she looked ESPECIALLY gorgeous). Both her and KJ are great, and I love them together! It was a fantastic day.

I've also been trying to keep up with everything else in life...training for my half-marathon in May (only 6 weeks left...!), attempting to fulfill my calling, and everything else in between.

Life is good.

I've done it...

So I have officially signed my life away for summer 2009. In just 13 short months, I will be totally legit. A full fledged nurse...none of this "student" business. What a glorious day that will be! I just couldn't make up my mind because I wanted to enjoy my last summer before I start working, but I still get 3 weeks off between courses, so I might as well right? Plus, I'm more likely to get the placement that I want for my preceptorship, and I'm dying to do Pediatric Emergency, which is pretty competitive, so I'm just crossing my fingers that I'll actually get to do it. Wish me luck!