Attitude Adjustment

Well.  It seems like a lot has happened since my last post.  I finished up Mental Health with a good grade.  I finished my 26-page paper one hour before it was due at 0700.  I took my final a day early because  

my Papa Virgil went to heaven.  

We said goodbye to his body, and gave thanks that his soul could finally rest, with a little memorial service with family and friends.  I spent some time at home with my family, praying for rain, enjoying the animals, losing all my pennies to the senior citizens at bingo, and savoring every delicious bite of my momma's cooking.  Now I am back in D-town, preparing for my last semester of nursing school - yipee!  My diploma application has been submitted, my financial aid is verified, I am enrolled in classes and ready for the challenge.

This week I finally got my clinical placement information for my Senior Integrated Practicum.  I was so hopeful that I would get placed at one of my top three choices, because they all have Bone Marrow Transplant programs.  Well, I did not.  At least I got placed on an oncology unit, but my 144 clinical hours will all be achieved on the night shift.  That's right, my old friend the night shift.  

Sheepishly I will admit that I was incredibly disappointed when I received my placement information.  It's not because the hospital isn't wonderful; in fact, I have heard great things about it.  I just wanted to be at my first choice so much, and felt that I would have a much better chance of getting hired there later if I could complete this rotation there now.  And, of course, I am not a huge fan of night shift as you might remember from my pediatric rotation.

When I was little (and naughty), my mom used to tell me that I was in need of an attitude adjustment.  Well, she's right.  I know that I should be grateful to be placed on my unit of choice in a great hospital with a preceptor who is clearly organized and experienced.  I know that I will get out of this experience what I put into it, so it's up to me how much I will learn from it to become a better nurse for my patients.   

Thanks Mom, 

I think an attitude adjustment is exactly what I needed.