I was FINALLY able to relax on the patio of Cajun Cafe on the Bayou (Pinellas Park), and enjoying a couple of beers, after the end of Nursing Level III. Grades were officially posted and I have a little time off, before next semester.
Cajun Cafe is a local legend, and provides the closest to New Orleans, Creole and Cajun cuisine in all of Florida. It is the only place I have found, that makes boiled crawfish like you would find in Louisiana.
The Cafe also features items from local and craft breweries. I have found a new taste for freshly brewed, IPA (India Pale Ales and sours. Why order something brewed in a factory, when you can sample a delicious, handmade beer?
Yesterday I celebrated getting through Nursing III and Psychosocial/Mental Health Nursing. Nursing III, at my ADN program is a combination of Medical Surgical Nursing and Pediatrics. The other component is Psychosocial Nursing, or what I like to call, “MY PEOPLE!” My celebratory drink of choice was a Sangria, with copious amounts of red wine.
Before starting the program I knew I would be most attracted to Psych Nursing. After all, my B.A. and graduate work was in Criminology and Public Administration. So, not only am I already interested in the subject matter, I am fascinated at how our minds work. The complexities of the brain are endless.
I had the honor of being placed in the clinical rotation at our local Veteran’s Administration hospital, a place I am familiar with, as the wife of a Gulf War-Era Veteran. The experience, as a Student Nurse, did not disappoint. In fact, it has been, bar none, my best clinical experience in Nursing School. I live in an area with outstanding teaching hospitals. And, I attend the ADN program with the best local reputation, for preparing students well. Better than the four-year colleges.
The VA was a dream clinical assignment. Everyone, from the Veterans and their families, to the nurses and doctors were welcoming. I was asked repeatedly, “When are you graduating? Are you coming to work here? We need more nurses, here, you know?” All I wanted to say was, “I WANT to work here!!” Because I do. Specifically with mental health and/or PTSD patients.
Next Semester, my final semester, I have the opportunity of going back to the VA. In fact, there is a strong possibility that I can go back to the same unit I worked on this semester. Not only will I already know the charting and MAR systems, I will know the nurses and may likely select a Nurse Preceptor from that group. My other option is to select a different clinical site, to learn another system and expand my professional circle.
For now, however, I am enjoying some much needed time off! My pedicure is scheduled for tomorrow and I am volunteering at the Pinning Ceremony for the Spring 2013 graduates. I will bid them good luck and Godspeed and prepare myself for Level IV.
Reading, Drinking and Dancing with a Chaser of Snark 