Christmas season is done. It's already 2007! Whew! I've never thought about my new year's resolution yet, haha. Does everyone really have one? I mean for me I just have to get along with the flow. But I understand that the resolution seems like an outline or an idea, much more like a goal, for us to lead this new year into a fruitful one. As for me, I desire to be more hardworking and dedicated in my job, to gain more friends and to love those who are around me, that I will learn how to run my own career, save my money and be practical actually with regards to my expenditures. yeah right huh? lol. Well let's see.
I spent my new year by the way in Chicago, with my ever-so gentleman friends Max and Alex. I never thought I'd be going there for the winter. But then I got 3 days off straight last Dec 30, 31 and Jan 1, so when Max told me to come, why not? My family is not here so better spend it with friends, and it was indeed fun! Actually it's pretty tight, coz I have work Dec 29 7PM to 7AM of Dec. 30. So I went straight ahead to the airport off from work. I wasn't even able to sleep on the plane because there were a lot of children, a lot of babies, traveling that were near my seat; they're loud! I arrived Chicago at 3PM. But even though I just spent 3 days there, the days and night seemed long. It's good to be away from work for a while and spent time with your close friends. New year was fun. We did eat and eat, lol. Then before new year's eve, we watched the Pursuit of Happiness as well as the Blood Diamond, marathon! Sweet! And I'm so glad that I gotta treat my friends with my salary. They were the first people whom I treated since I received my paycheck, and it felt good to share with them what you've earned. I went home Jan 2 AM because I have work at 7PM. So again, I went directly from the airport to my hospital. So imagine I was so sleepy during the shift, lol. I just got to sleep on the plane for 2 hours that day and that's it, ready to work again. And thanks really to Bryan who gave me a ride to and from the airport. Chicago's weather was nice. It's not snowing though. But it's amazing to feel the cold once in a while. Lovin' it for sure.
With regards to work, I'm gonna start working alone (without preceptor) on February. Good luck to me! I wish I can manage it. Well I have no choice. But so far, I'm doing good. I am able to learn a lot. Taking care of cardio patients is really interesting. There are so much to learn with the heart. My patients mostly are those with complaints of Chest pain, COPD, CHF, so you get to understand more of what's going on with the heart, medically speaking, lol (because when love life kicks in, it's a different story, hahaha). And in my unit, the cases vary. I have some Psych patients, ortho patients, those with DM, renal failure, decubitus ulcers, GI concerns... All cases, because it's the only VIP floor. So whatever cases they may have, if they want a VIP room, as long as it doesn't require ICU care, they go to our unit.
Anyways, I already got use with the routine, and it's good that I'm doing the 7PM-7AM shifts now permanently. At least I can give a total care for my patients. Proud to say too that I already knew how to insert an IV!!! YEY! hehe. Getting used to operating the machines too, and I'm more confident now in handling my patients. I just got to practice myself more with regards to calling the doctors to clarify some orders or to report significant concerns. I also got to appreciate how important it is to look at the lab results of my patients and relate them to their diagnosis as well as the medications they're receiving. Nursing is so interesting!
And with regards to my family there in my workplace, I have nothing to ask for. They're so supportive and it's fun working. When 12 AM strikes, we eat together, just like a family, and we have a lot of food. Seriously. There are times that we seem to have a party always. I hope I will maintain my weight with all the food that we're eating, lol. Since 90% in my unit are Filipinos, our food are Filipino foods too. We have hopia, siopao and other Fil viands during our midnight dinner. Then sometimes, after our shift, my friends/colleagues (those who are in my age), we eat breakfast in South beach. Yep, in Ocean drive. It's so relaxing actually. We drive there over the beach to destress and just talk and laugh, feel the breeze, watch those people who are going to surf. I'm enjoying it and I cannot be thankful enough to have a second family whom I am comfortable working with. Because yeah, if you're not happy with your work, then surely you wouldn't succeed. My colleagues too are always planning some hang outs and parties, so looking forward to those.
Finally, my family (the biological ones, hehe), they're going to arrive here on the 9th! Can't wait!!! I miss them so much. Especially their cooking, lol. I miss my youngest sister so much...
Arighty, I'm glad I got this precious night to update my blog. I'm off today and tomorrow that's why. Take care and I wish all of you a prosperous new year! :)
