Waiting game...

- _______ Hospital, how may I help you?
- May I please speak to the director of critical care?
- Just one moment
------
ring.... ring.... ring.... ring....
- Hello, you've reached the director of critical care. I'm not able to answer the phone right now, but if you will leave your name, phone # and reason for calling, I will return your call at my earliest convenience. If this call is an emergency, you can page me at ###-###-####. Thank you.

grumble grumble grumble....

This is what I've listened to for the past 3 days trying to get my job back in the ICU... sigh. I think my director is on vacation. Waiting sucks.... Studying while you wait is even worse. Studying for a test that will determine if your baby ever gets into a decent pre-school while waiting for a job? Hell. Having a supportive wife through it all to keep you from going insane? Grace.

Mission Accomplished: Graduated

Before getting to the main story, my arm is still attached and functioning (see prior post). I was kind of worried for a few days there. I was experiencing nerve pain, parts of the arm were bluish-black, and the surrounding areas were yellow. All that remains now is a small yellow patch on the ventral side of my middle forearm. Creepy!

I graduated from USD's Master's Entry Program for Nursing this Friday, the 25th. It was a very nice ceremony and I made out with a lot of money from the relatives! ;) But seriously, I enjoyed having my family with me as I celebrated with friends on finally finishing this program (I took an extra year to complete it compared with the rest of my colleagues). Some of the speakers offered some very encouraging and inspiring words. I'm actually starting to believe that nurses really are special and a very great asset to the community both locally and abroad. The ceremony made me feel honored... very odd for me to feel that. (Photo: Shannon, me, Mom, Dad)

Now all I have left is to take the NCLEX and I can just work for the rest of the summer... and take care of our new baby!!!! Not here yet, but check back for pictures in a couple weeks. I'll be working at Alvarado in the ICU as my permanent job. I'm very excited and can't wait to learn more.