One of the greatest articles I have read in a long time discussing the importance of football to Southerners. From the moment I was born, I knew what color I would bleed and the team I would be rooting for every Saturday in the fall. I have been waiting for tomorrow to get here for 8 months so that I could scream the words "Roll Tide Roll" at each kickoff. There is no better feeling for me as a true Southerner than opening day at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
And one more thing, any true SEC fan never gets married during football season. If you do, expect 1/2 to 3/4 of your guests to be absent.
Enjoy the article:
SEC FOOTBALL
Friday, August 31, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Credit Check
I finished the whole "corporate orientation" requirements today, which ultimately means I am allowed to start my actual "job" tomorrow. At 6:15 AM tomorrow morning, I will officially assume the role I was hired for.
As for today, one of the speakers at orientation made a huge error in my personal opinion in characterizing nurses. First of all, if you do not have the letters R.N. behind your name, you are NOT a nurse. No exceptions. I am an RN. I am also a Nurse Practitioner, once I take my boards. I earned those two letters behind my name through completing an intense program at Vandy and passing the RN boards. At orientation, the speaker called a nurse's aide a "Nurse."
People throw around the word "nurse" and many people self-proclaim themselves a "nurse." I know I may be stepping on people's toes, but I am proud of what I have accomplished and I have earned the right to call myself a nurse. There are some nurse's aides working in clinics and hospitals who do not even hold a college degree and they are calling themselves "nurses." No. You are a nurse's aide and you should introduce yourself to the patient by that title. End of discussion. In many states across the country, it is a felony to represent or call yourself a certain professional if you do not hold the appropriate credentials and certifications.
It's the same across the board in any profession. For example, 4th year medical students. I admire any medical student due to the rigorous and emotionally challenging program they put themselves through for at least 8 years of their lives. My brother just started medical school and I couldn't be prouder. The amount of stress that he and his fellow classmates are put under is sometimes unbearable. Also, one of my best friends is an upcoming 4th year med student, who is about as brilliant as they come. But, a 4th year medical student is not a doctor until they pass boards and graduate. So, they should not call themselves a doctor until they have met all of the requirements to receive that title. If I am the patient and an individual walks in and introduces himself/herself as Dr. Awesome, I expect to see the letters M.D. behind "Awesome." Period.
Another example: Ministers. Two of my best friends, Dalton and Stacey Rushing, are in their final year of seminary at Emory University. What can I say? I have some unbelievably smart, brilliant friends. Anyways, once they graduate and begin their jobs as ministers, youth ministers, or whatever they feel God is calling them to do, they have earned every bit of their right to their title. I'm sure they would feel offended or perturbed if an individual began self-proclaiming himself/herself as a minister, which people may believe, and they did not complete the appropriate requirements to earn that title.
So, just because a person dresses up like a nurse (RN) and may carry out some of the duties a nurse may do (i.e. blood pressure checks, Vital Signs, etc.), they cannot complete all of the duties a Registered Nurse (RN) can. Don't get me wrong, hospitals and clinics need as much as help now than ever and Nurse's Aides, LPN's, and the like are a major reason why many hospital floors are staying afloat. Just be honest...with yourself, your patients, and your co-workers.
I'm sure I've ranted on long enough and I'm sure I've probably lost a few friends by now, but this is just one of those things that gets under my skin. I respect everyone for what they have done with their lives, but do not take credit if credit is not due.
Knowledge is Power. And once you have knowledge, no one can take that away from you.
As for today, one of the speakers at orientation made a huge error in my personal opinion in characterizing nurses. First of all, if you do not have the letters R.N. behind your name, you are NOT a nurse. No exceptions. I am an RN. I am also a Nurse Practitioner, once I take my boards. I earned those two letters behind my name through completing an intense program at Vandy and passing the RN boards. At orientation, the speaker called a nurse's aide a "Nurse."
People throw around the word "nurse" and many people self-proclaim themselves a "nurse." I know I may be stepping on people's toes, but I am proud of what I have accomplished and I have earned the right to call myself a nurse. There are some nurse's aides working in clinics and hospitals who do not even hold a college degree and they are calling themselves "nurses." No. You are a nurse's aide and you should introduce yourself to the patient by that title. End of discussion. In many states across the country, it is a felony to represent or call yourself a certain professional if you do not hold the appropriate credentials and certifications.
It's the same across the board in any profession. For example, 4th year medical students. I admire any medical student due to the rigorous and emotionally challenging program they put themselves through for at least 8 years of their lives. My brother just started medical school and I couldn't be prouder. The amount of stress that he and his fellow classmates are put under is sometimes unbearable. Also, one of my best friends is an upcoming 4th year med student, who is about as brilliant as they come. But, a 4th year medical student is not a doctor until they pass boards and graduate. So, they should not call themselves a doctor until they have met all of the requirements to receive that title. If I am the patient and an individual walks in and introduces himself/herself as Dr. Awesome, I expect to see the letters M.D. behind "Awesome." Period.
Another example: Ministers. Two of my best friends, Dalton and Stacey Rushing, are in their final year of seminary at Emory University. What can I say? I have some unbelievably smart, brilliant friends. Anyways, once they graduate and begin their jobs as ministers, youth ministers, or whatever they feel God is calling them to do, they have earned every bit of their right to their title. I'm sure they would feel offended or perturbed if an individual began self-proclaiming himself/herself as a minister, which people may believe, and they did not complete the appropriate requirements to earn that title.
So, just because a person dresses up like a nurse (RN) and may carry out some of the duties a nurse may do (i.e. blood pressure checks, Vital Signs, etc.), they cannot complete all of the duties a Registered Nurse (RN) can. Don't get me wrong, hospitals and clinics need as much as help now than ever and Nurse's Aides, LPN's, and the like are a major reason why many hospital floors are staying afloat. Just be honest...with yourself, your patients, and your co-workers.
I'm sure I've ranted on long enough and I'm sure I've probably lost a few friends by now, but this is just one of those things that gets under my skin. I respect everyone for what they have done with their lives, but do not take credit if credit is not due.
Knowledge is Power. And once you have knowledge, no one can take that away from you.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Picture (Life) Update
Through all the moving, I have been unable to unload some of the pictures that have been living in my camera for the past 2-3 weeks. Of course, my very own Vanderbilt graduation occurred and some memorable nights in Nashville were captured on this good 'ole camera of mine. Take a look:
These girls are some of my fellow classmates in the Acute Care Program and without having them around to vent, study, and drink copious amounts of alcohol, I'm not real sure I would have made it out of Vanderbilt with my sanity.
Of course, the family pic is a staple during graduation times. And finally:
Along with graduation, one of my best friends from college got married in sweet home Alabama and the infamous girls of John Carroll were reunited once again. This group of girls are some of the most spectacular, beautiful, and incredible individuals I have ever been around and associated with. We spent four years together at John Carroll becoming best friends and we all found a way to stay close through college, grad school, and now, marriage. Here is the evidence from the evening:
Hope you enjoyed these as much as me. Hopefully, it wasn't too much visual stimulation. Now, back to studying for boards. Peace out.
These girls are some of my fellow classmates in the Acute Care Program and without having them around to vent, study, and drink copious amounts of alcohol, I'm not real sure I would have made it out of Vanderbilt with my sanity.
Of course, the family pic is a staple during graduation times. And finally:
Along with graduation, one of my best friends from college got married in sweet home Alabama and the infamous girls of John Carroll were reunited once again. This group of girls are some of the most spectacular, beautiful, and incredible individuals I have ever been around and associated with. We spent four years together at John Carroll becoming best friends and we all found a way to stay close through college, grad school, and now, marriage. Here is the evidence from the evening:
Hope you enjoyed these as much as me. Hopefully, it wasn't too much visual stimulation. Now, back to studying for boards. Peace out.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Newbie
With one week of employment under my belt, I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed. I'm sure that is what happens with any person starting a brand new job and attempting to learn all of the unique rules and regulations pertinent to your particular facility. Working for an enormous hospital and a world-renowned trauma service, I've got my work cut out for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm stoked. I'm ready to learn, help, save some lives, and get a nice paycheck.
This whole week was full of orientation bologna that seemed to be endless. The phrases of "you are important to the company's success" and "you will help us reach our goal and mission" kept resounding all around me from 8-5 all day. The highlight of my week was meeting my colleagues and co-workers and getting accustomed to the trauma services unit, which is where I will be working. I believe that any experience is what you make of it. Taking that a step further, this job is what I make of it. If I gripe and complain every day about how horrible some of my patients are or how long some of my days can be, then, of course, I'm not going to be happy or enjoy the experience. But, if I check my attitude in the parking garage before I step foot onto that trauma floor, then the amount of information and skills I can learn is not quantifiable.
All in all, it was a great week getting accustomed to the hospital system, the people, and the city of Houston. Thankfully, it's the weekend. Happy Friday folks.
This whole week was full of orientation bologna that seemed to be endless. The phrases of "you are important to the company's success" and "you will help us reach our goal and mission" kept resounding all around me from 8-5 all day. The highlight of my week was meeting my colleagues and co-workers and getting accustomed to the trauma services unit, which is where I will be working. I believe that any experience is what you make of it. Taking that a step further, this job is what I make of it. If I gripe and complain every day about how horrible some of my patients are or how long some of my days can be, then, of course, I'm not going to be happy or enjoy the experience. But, if I check my attitude in the parking garage before I step foot onto that trauma floor, then the amount of information and skills I can learn is not quantifiable.
All in all, it was a great week getting accustomed to the hospital system, the people, and the city of Houston. Thankfully, it's the weekend. Happy Friday folks.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Home Cookin'
So, it's been a while. This whole week, I've been moving my entire life from Nashville to Houston and attempting to keep my sanity in the process. With quite possibly the worst moving company established in the world, keeping my belongings and sanity was a much harder task than I had originally planned. Through all the packing, disconnection of services, and new places of residence down in Houston, I finally made it. And, of course, I was greeted by a tropical storm and a Category 4/5 hurricane that is slated to smack Houston next week. I knew that when I arrived it would be quite an entrance, but I could have done without Mother Nature letting me know that she was in charge.
Moving on.....most of my belongings have found their way out of the boxes and into their respective places within my new, but small (and temporary), apartment. Granted, there are still a number of boxes still lounging around my apartment with my prized possessions packed within them; but, I have managed to unpack the things that make this apartment "livable."
I flew in on a Tuesday night and had to report to the hospital the following morning to start the whole process of becoming a tax-paying employee. If you ask me, paperwork is overrated...just as long as I get my check every two weeks. Thank goodness, I was cleared by occupational health in "excellent health condition" and I was allowed to officially become a member of the Trauma Team. As for this weekend, I'm attending probably the greatest potluck dinner ever put together by a group of individuals. One of the greatest individuals I've ever met is opening up her new home and hosting this amazing event.
As for the weekend, it has been absolutely gorgeous here with a slight breeze and mid-90 degree temperatures, which apparently is here temporarily due to the upcoming onslaught of Hurricane Dean.
Just like a native Alabamian, I have already prepared for POTENTIAL natural disaster headed my way. Batteries, candles, flashlights, and bread are all in hand and charged.
Bring on the rain.
Stay classy Houston.
Moving on.....most of my belongings have found their way out of the boxes and into their respective places within my new, but small (and temporary), apartment. Granted, there are still a number of boxes still lounging around my apartment with my prized possessions packed within them; but, I have managed to unpack the things that make this apartment "livable."
I flew in on a Tuesday night and had to report to the hospital the following morning to start the whole process of becoming a tax-paying employee. If you ask me, paperwork is overrated...just as long as I get my check every two weeks. Thank goodness, I was cleared by occupational health in "excellent health condition" and I was allowed to officially become a member of the Trauma Team. As for this weekend, I'm attending probably the greatest potluck dinner ever put together by a group of individuals. One of the greatest individuals I've ever met is opening up her new home and hosting this amazing event.
As for the weekend, it has been absolutely gorgeous here with a slight breeze and mid-90 degree temperatures, which apparently is here temporarily due to the upcoming onslaught of Hurricane Dean.
Just like a native Alabamian, I have already prepared for POTENTIAL natural disaster headed my way. Batteries, candles, flashlights, and bread are all in hand and charged.
Bring on the rain.
Stay classy Houston.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Empty
The day after receiving my Masters Degree from Vanderbilt, I am sitting in my empty townhouse. All of my belongings in boxes, bags, and bubble wrap and I'm sitting on a bare mattress awaiting the movers to officially move me out of Nashville. I'm not real sure what to say at this point. This city and these people have been so good to me. The feeling I get every time I cross the Nashville city limits is a feeling that cannot be recreated. The people here have made this city so amazing; the friendships, relationships, and memories that lie within these city limits will remain with me forever.
I'm not sure what makes a person attached to a city/house/state, but it's pretty noticeable. I guess the reason me and Nashville got along so well may be due to the amount of stress I was under over the past two years. Nashville always had some way to help me relieve that stress whether it be copious amounts of alcohol or a spot on a familiar couch next to one of my best friends.
I keep trying to fight back the tears that keep wanting to escape from my eyes, but I'm not sure how much longer I can hold them back. The hardest thing is leaving my friends; leaving those individuals who were with me step by step through nursing school. I have found that it is the people that are with you in traumatic experiences that will remain with you for life. Well, finishing my Masters Degree in two years, when it should have been four years, was definitely traumatic.
But, moving is not all that bad. I am moving to an amazing city that has provided me with an amazing job and happens to hold the love of my life and a group of people that compare to none. My second home sweet home is a two hour plane ride away when I need to see my best friends or get my McDougal's or Sub Stop fix. As for that great state of Alabama, which holds my family, it's even harder to move further away from them. My family is irreplaceable. I'm not sure where I would be without them standing behind me and right beside me throughout my entire life.
These feelings keep surging through my body and I'm not real sure how to deal with them, but it's so refreshing to know that every memory of Nashville is filled with happiness, joy, and never ending smiles.
To my friends, I love you all. You have made life fun, exciting, and do-able. Of course, I'll have free places to stay when I make multiple visits back to Nashville and amazing face-to-face conversations waiting for me the minute I step off the plane onto Nashville grounds. I will miss you very much, but we are only a phone call and a plane trip away.
Change. It's scary as hell, but it's a way we grow into the people we will be become and the people we strive to be. Thank you for all the memories and the good times, Nashville. But, the South will not be without Boo for too long. I will be back soon. Very soon.
I'm not sure what makes a person attached to a city/house/state, but it's pretty noticeable. I guess the reason me and Nashville got along so well may be due to the amount of stress I was under over the past two years. Nashville always had some way to help me relieve that stress whether it be copious amounts of alcohol or a spot on a familiar couch next to one of my best friends.
I keep trying to fight back the tears that keep wanting to escape from my eyes, but I'm not sure how much longer I can hold them back. The hardest thing is leaving my friends; leaving those individuals who were with me step by step through nursing school. I have found that it is the people that are with you in traumatic experiences that will remain with you for life. Well, finishing my Masters Degree in two years, when it should have been four years, was definitely traumatic.
But, moving is not all that bad. I am moving to an amazing city that has provided me with an amazing job and happens to hold the love of my life and a group of people that compare to none. My second home sweet home is a two hour plane ride away when I need to see my best friends or get my McDougal's or Sub Stop fix. As for that great state of Alabama, which holds my family, it's even harder to move further away from them. My family is irreplaceable. I'm not sure where I would be without them standing behind me and right beside me throughout my entire life.
These feelings keep surging through my body and I'm not real sure how to deal with them, but it's so refreshing to know that every memory of Nashville is filled with happiness, joy, and never ending smiles.
To my friends, I love you all. You have made life fun, exciting, and do-able. Of course, I'll have free places to stay when I make multiple visits back to Nashville and amazing face-to-face conversations waiting for me the minute I step off the plane onto Nashville grounds. I will miss you very much, but we are only a phone call and a plane trip away.
Change. It's scary as hell, but it's a way we grow into the people we will be become and the people we strive to be. Thank you for all the memories and the good times, Nashville. But, the South will not be without Boo for too long. I will be back soon. Very soon.
Friday, August 3, 2007
X-Games Madness
Last night, I witnessed one of the most horrific accidents in my life. The X-Games were televised on ESPN with the Skateboard Big Air competition airing last night. Each time I see this video, I am shocked that he is not dead. Take a look:
I hope he's thanking God today.
I hope he's thanking God today.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Loveless
Marking off another venue off my Nashville to-do list, I visited Loveless Cafe this morning with four of my amazing friends. Bar-none, one of the best meals I have had to date. If you are ever in Nashville, make it a point to drive an extra 20 minutes to the secluded restaurant and taste the most heavenly southern food on the planet.
With less than a week left in Nashville, I have a ton of packing left to do, a lot of alcohol to drink, and a lot of memories to make.
I sure do hope Texas is ready for me.
With less than a week left in Nashville, I have a ton of packing left to do, a lot of alcohol to drink, and a lot of memories to make.
I sure do hope Texas is ready for me.
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