Hi Friend & Happy Monday~

Feeling that brisk fall breeze sweep across my face this morning as I sip on steeped tea and embrace the reflection of this past week…

Academics & Adventures: 

*Week 3 is in the books! This past week felt like so much more than just 7 days….I had a five hour skills day, 3 12-hr shifts in the hospital, post conferences, and counseling, quality improvement meetings with labor and delivery management, Code Blue Simulation and NCLEX study sessions. The fullness of my week was a lot to hold…my body was tired, my brain depleted, my heart full, my compassion fatigued, my passion restored.

This week’s patients challenged me in many ways…I saw how nursing crosses language barriers when in one day’s assignment, all three of my patients spoke different languages and the touch of compassion and the kindness of a smile were the only things we could understand between the two of us…I watched as the pre-term mama delivered via emergency c-section because a drunk driver plowed into the side of her and left her bruised and battered…I watched as the young mom with the genetic disease watched over her baby boy with such fear in her eyes, wondering if he too would have this disease that could potentially stop his beautiful heart from beating. From the tasks of nursing, to the work of compassion, to the science of medicine, this week I was challenged by each aspect and was reminded of this beautiful practice that is nursing.

Must-Haves: 

*The Healing of America by T. R. Reid: A fascinating look at healthcare around the world and suggestions for how we can use such fascinations to better the healthcare in America. This one was recommended by my nursing preceptor as an important read to anyone going into healthcare.

 Goals for the Week:

*Just be…in the midst of the busyness of this week, I haven’t been able to feel the breeze or sip on tea or embrace a good book…I’ve been busy. And it’s all been good, but I feel that I’ve lost a bit of myself this week as I’ve worked so hard to meet the needs of everyone around me but failed to take time to enjoy the cozy sweaters, the crisp air, the apple picking, the hot cocoa, the crunchy leaves….all things fall. So that’s my goal this week– to embrace what fills my soul, to surround myself with a lot of Jesus and watch Him reignite my wonder in the world around me as I simply sit and BE in His presence….

Praying that you can take time to do the same today, friend!

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Love to you friends & Blessings on your week!

Blessings,
Lindsey