My First Day of Clinicals

Today was my first day of real clinicals for NP school. I had the wonderful fortune of being placed in a women's health clinic where there are lots. and lots. of vaginas. This isn't a bad thing, because women's health is extremely important. People (eg: my husband) don't realize the delicate balance the female body needs in order to maintain its health.

First, Trevor scraped all of the ice and snow off of my car, but I couldn't get the door open. I finally got the rear passenger door open and climbed over the back seat in my nice new professional clothes. The whole time Jersey was trying to climb in the car with me, snowy, wet feet and all!

When I got to the clinic, I observed the very first exam. Then, my preceptor applied the nursing axiom, "See one, do one, teach one," and it was my turn. I did the majority of the exams from that point on. I still have a lot to learn though! Interestingly, I learned that every woman's cervix is not right there when you open a speculum. This experience is a big change from taking care of post-op heart patients. It was nice to have the patients walk in to the clinic- and most of them were generally healthy! No one needed help going to the bathroom, getting up, or feeding themselves. They were women who take care of themselves (for the most part). It's definitely a change of pace for me.
I survived the day (and actually enjoyed most of it)... only about 75 more hours left!

Friends are the Best

Last Tuesday, a bunch of friends from work drove down to Payson to visit Summer after she had her baby girl, Sayla. Lindy and Russ were so nice to drive us all down there. We all loaded up and made the one-hour trek south. Russ and Andy sat in the back and watched a movie, Katherine and I sat with baby Cody, and Jill kept Lindy company up front. When the caravan pulled up to Summer's house, she looked a little suprised (but mostly happy) to see so many people. We talked, had great cheesecake (thanks Katherine), and took turns holding the beautiful new baby girl.

Jill and Summer

Cody and Andy. Andy did not want his picture taken, but I snapped this one before he realized what I was doing. It turned out so cute. Andy kept making Cody laugh- it was adorable!

Russ and Cody hanging out with the girls

Allison, Sayla, McKenna, Lindy, Cody, and Katherine

I have to say, I don't always love my job, but I have made some great friends. I had a really fun day. I just wished we all lived a little closer (Summer, Lindy & Russ)! I love you all! Thanks for such a fun day!

Christmas

This was the first year I got to celebrate Christmas. Last year I worked on both Christmas Eve and Christmas day - both day shifts. We went over to Trevor's parents house on Christmas morning to open presents with his family. His mom made us delicious Swedish pancakes. We left after a few hours because we both had to work that night so we needed a nap. It was a fun morning.

Jersey got some presents too.

Daddy and his Jersey watching "A Christmas Story"

Decorating our own tree was fun too. I love buying holiday decorations for the house and ornaments for the tree! Next year I think we will need a bigger tree since I have so many ornaments. I don't think they will all fit on our small tree that I bought to fit in our apartment last year.
Here is our first and only present that was under our tree this year. Our vacation was our gift to each other.