Life on the Other Side

Last night at work, the nurse's station was a little chatty.

And excitedly (*said with great sarcasm*), I got to don the 'Charge Nurse' hat again :) As a matter of fact, I've gotten to wear that hat all week :)

I think I've expressed on here how I feel about that. It's not a role I take on with great enthusiasm. However, I am finding there is much satisfaction in the whole management role when you see your people excel, see how you can contribute to that, and you know how you drive the ship does influence the ride for everyone onboard. There is much satisfaction in closing out the night, knowing you did your best to make the ride as pleasant, as encouraging, and professional as possible.

It was one of those nights of carrying my own patient load and helping the other nurses on my team put out some fires, while managing the various tasks of the floor. By the time my patients' finally all drifted to sleep, I needed to catch up on all the illustrious paperwork that is just part of the ole job.

Since the nurse's station was a little chatty, I rolled my computer down a quiet patient hallway and tried to play catch-up and get it all done.

I found the hallway with the most sleeping patients, where it would be quiet. I parked my computer there with my chair and got to work.

A few minutes, later, the man across the hall from me, Mr. Irving in 303A, took a phone call. It was pretty funny because it showed me rather plainly the patient's perspective, instead of my own Nurse perspective.

One of our Nurse aides, Frankie, had gone into Mr. Irving's room to take his blood pressure. She had some difficulty getting the blood pressure machine to work, so she left Mr. Irving to go find the manual blood pressure cuff to retake his pressure. Before leaving, she said, "Mr. Irving, [who was on his phone], I'll be right back."

This is a classic Nursing world line, "I'll be right back." Because bless us Nurses, there's not a whole lot we can do where we don't get interrupted or where we don't need to leave the room and go gather one more supply or item suddenly needed. Right? Nurses out there, can I get an Amen? Anyways, I probably tell my patients this at least 1 and 50 times a night, "I'll be right back, sir."

And then, you walk down the hallway to get said needed item, and someone's family member intersects you and wants immediate information. Or the phone rings with a doctor who wants to talk with you. Or one of your coworkers has found herself in a situation in which she needs some HELP. NOW. There's always something. When you've got 6 sick people, unfortunately they don't form a huddle and decide to request all of their needs at one time. They sort of ring out all night long, one after the other, causing you as the Nurse to have to stop about a 100 times a night, filter through the needs, re-prioritize, and then tackle who needs what first and when. So, while you thought you might be "right back," it actually turns into about 30 or 45 minutes. And to you as the Nurse, it's all happening so fast, it really does feel like "right back" to you.

But not to the patient.

Last night when Mr. Irving was on the phone and Frankie stepped out to go get that manual blood pressure set-up, I watched another Nurse approach her to say, "Frankie, Ms. Barker in 307 just wet herself all over the bed, the floor, and her gown. Can you go in there and change her before she gets all worked up?" I saw one of the other Nurse aides take the manual blood pressure cuff from Frankie because of a critical patient they needed to recheck. And then I heard the patient, Mr, Irving, in his room, on the phone saying,

"She said she'd be right back. I don't know what happened to her. They always say that around here: 'right back.' I don't think they even know what that means. They all sound like a bunch of liars. They're pretty nice, here, they take care of me, and all, it's just never 'right back.' 'Right back,' my foot!."

Mr. Irving was kind of like Bill Cosby, so you can imagine, I sat there at my computer, listening, and I couldn't help but laugh.

Also, Mr. Irving had a very contagious infection, so he was on isolation precautions. This means no one can enter his room without putting on a yellow gown and gloves.

I guess Mr. Irving's Nurse failed to explain why the precautions were necessary and what they would mean, because a little later into his phone conversation, Mr. Irving said to the other person on the line,

"And another thing. They all walk up in here in these big yellow gowns. drape things. They look like a bunch of aliens. They didn't do that across the street, I don't know why they do it here. A bunch of aliens comin' up in my room all the time. Sayin' 'I'll be right back. I'll be right back.....'"

I've gotta tell you, sitting there at 11:00pm, working on my charting, listening to Mr. Irving made me laugh. I think I'll watch saying 'right back' anymore, and everytime I put on one of those yellow gowns from now on, I'm sure I'll think of Mr. Irving :)

Oh, the world of the hospital- how it rolls!

New Blog: I Need You!

So about that other blog, 'Nurse's Nook' I was telling y'all about...

I am working with the blog designer this week to set the design for the header, template, and design features of the blog. I'm truly excited for the new blog- it will be a place for y'all to come and learn more about health issues facing our country today, get some healthy recipes for you and your family, and to keep learning about adventures in Nursing. The emphasis for the blog is LIFE- in all it's varying forms :)

So, I wanted to ask y'all a few questions today. I'd love it if you'd respond in the comments of this post with your answers!

1. What are some health issues you'd like to learn more about- diseases, current health trends, health issues in the media?

2. In regards to healthy living- what would you like to learn more about?

So- anything's up for grabs. If there is anything on either of those areas (health and wellness) you've always wanted to know- now's the time to speak up- and I'll address it over on Nurse's Nook once we get it up and running.

Thanks, peeps!

Reasons Why I Love Camp Nursing

I got to spend the weekend working a retreat at a camp here I work with part-time. It was oh-so-good for the ole soul and reminded me why I love Camp Nursing so much.

Here's Why:

1. I can wear jeans and flip flops to work.

2. I get my very own, gas powered golf cart to ride around in. This kind of horsepower at camp means I can be anywhere in no time if there is an emergency, but more importantly, it means less time between me and the snack bar. Did I mention I have a weakness for those Coca-Cola Icee things? It takes approximately 2.8 minutes for me to hop my cart and arrive to the cash register to request that Iced Coke goodness. People like nurses, so sometimes I even get them for free!

3. Because everyone here is (mostly) in their right mind, they are continent of their bowel and bladder, and they can help themselves to the bathroom. And, this my peeps, is a beautiful change from my normal nursing activities :)

4. I get to kneel in the middle of the woods, mix up meat tenderizer paste for a bee sting, and apply it to some sweet 7 year old’s finger, while he screams LOUDLY for a hot minute. But then, he wraps his arms around my neck shockingly, and then tells me I’m the most beautiful lady he’s ever met :) Thank you.

5. Did I mention it’s in the low 70’s in Texas today, the sun is shining, beautiful fall foliage is abundant, and they pay me for this? These kind of days in November make me quite glad to live in TX.

6. Because I met a lovely mother who brought her daughter in for a jammed finger, and discover the reason why this mother has no hair is that she is fighting breast cancer. And by meeting her I learn that kindness, peace, and joy can exist in the middle of such a horrible disease. And that even when a horrible disease strikes a beautiful person like her, she shows me by a smile to her daughter, by talking with her about playing tetherball and learning about Jesus- that life—LIFE—it must go on.

7. While everyone else is out being healthy and engaging in camp activities, I actually get to do some writing here during downtime in the health center. Writing and Nursing all at the same time?—this makes my heart glad :)

8. Something about doing camp nursing makes my heart feel very alive.

9. I get to see the counselors from summer camp and remember the beauty of youth and get to be around their wonderful enthusiasm.

10. Jesus is in this place.

11. They pay me. Y’all, they pay me for this.

12. Because it stretches my assessment skills and makes me say, “Jesus? Jesus? Hello, I need you to tell me what you think.” People expect me to often be Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman in this kind of setting, of which I CLEARLY AM NOT. I am trained as a Nurse- to treat the responses to illness- not diagnose it. But this setting often demands diagnosis. Tricky spot to stay within the bounds of my license yet serve the people. So, I rely on Jesus to be my doctor alot. It keeps me humble this way and helps me remember who’s really in charge.

13. Because once upon a time, I was a girl with a small dream in her heart. I wanted to use health-related skills to serve people out in the wilds of the wilderness. I never dreamed when God brought me to Texas He would answer that small call of my heart that has ended up satisfying it LARGELY. And He did not bring me to just any camp to work as a Nurse. He brought me to arguably one of the best in the country in terms of its health center, size, and scope of practice. I have a very dedicated boss who has made our health center EXCELLENT, meaning I have gotten to work and learn in one of the best in the nation. God doesn't just satisfy our hearts, He shows out when He does it :)

So, about 50 bee stings treated later, wounds bandaged, and allergy medicine dispensed, this Nurse is hitting the sack...

The Race

A year ago, I was 2/3 way through training for a half marathon I was pleased to run as an offering.

A year ago this summer, God healed me from a ten year long illness I had called hypoglycemia. When I had hypoglycemia, I didn't run more than about 2 miles due to sugar issues. When I was healed, I realized I could run and run and never had to stop! So, I trained for a half marathon as a thanks offering to God and to raise money for some dear friends working hard for the Lord along the Amazon River in Peru. In the end, the race was finished and over $1500 was raised for my friends, Mike and Susie.

My friend, Mary, asked me today about training for and running the half marathon. It brought to mind a flood of memories from that time I had forgotten. I told her how it turned out that physical marathon was almost like fasting and a tool God used to prepare me for a spiritual marathon this year I had no idea I'd be running.

Two days after the race, I e-mailed Susie in the Amazon and told her about the race. She sent back this reply from that time:

"I cannot help but believe that this sacrifice is somehow more connected to you and your future, though! I think you have fought some kind of battle in all of this that will see you through some challenge in the future. Perhaps you were even at some crossroads that you didn't even perceive and somehow you chose the right road! I know this is a milestone for you in spiritual things that you perhaps have not fathomed as of yet, but you will! WOW!!"

Those words did prove true this year, as it's been a year of running some miles with Jesus. I was so grateful today to be reminded of that season of running- of the glory of the race, of the lessons learned through the training, and the glory of crossing the finish line. As I now taste the grit of challenge in the season of a spiritual race, I remember that physical one, and my soul smiles and knows the finish line is near. It's been a costly race. A heavy one. A year that has required great endurance. And just like those miles were never really easy to run physically- man did the finish line feel good!! I can't describe to you how strong and fortified my body felt after running those 13 miles in Dallas after 4 months of training- showing up to run 5 days a week, week after week. I can't tell you how much sweeter so many things tasted after that run. I can't tell you the spiritual harvest sown I never knew at the time the physical sowing reaped.

We're all running a race, friends. Let's take every mile in stride, waiting on the Lord to renew our strength when we get weary, and rejoicing for the miles He has allowed us to run! Instead of a gold medal placed around our neck, there will soon be crowns in glory- and we will gladly sacrifice them before the Father on that great day when we are finally met with Him- and the race is finally finished.

What glory awaits!

2 Simple Things

It's 77 degrees in Texas. In the fall.

Somedays, I think the time is going by so fast, even the seasons can't keep up!

I had a conversation with my boss yesterday. My boss is a Christian. A very grounded, real Christian. I went to talk with her about some issues in the workplace, and I'm not sure how she did it, but I left the meeting feeling as though my concerns were addressed 100% professionally, but I left there above all feeling ministered to about 200%. The whole time she was carrying out this beautiful mix of professionalism and ministry, I thought to myself- "Take note. This is something rare and smart and precise and wonderful."

One of the things she ministered to me by saying was, "Beth, I've been learning to take it all just one day at a time- One Day. We're all just one phone call away from.... There's a reason God said to only focus on today- because He knew all that it held."

{She's had a few of those phone calls. She knows.}

In my Bible study group this week, we studied about how Jesus said He came simply to do the will of His Father.

Something in the simplicity of this truth struck me.

Sometimes I think the reason many people in the world don't want to accept Jesus is because He's too simple. In a world where there are IPhones with hundreds of apps, media to your endless viewing pleasure, debauchery on every corner, and the greed of more and more--- Jesus is too easy for people. He said 'believe.' He said 'honor your father and mother.' He said 'don't lie.' He said to simply 'seek Him.' We want more than this because our wants our never satisfied. Our wants never will be satisfied if we never drink Him in.

A few weeks ago I moved out of where I've been living the last year. I've been staying with a friend temporarily until I can find a house to buy or God's other plan instead. I love my job in some ways, but I also know for a variety of reasons, it could soon change. Texas- the place where God planted me- suddenly feels a little shaky. I've seen a close relationship break down that has affected me more than I realized and has left my heart so humbled, earnestly seeking the heart and the healing of Jesus daily. I have felt in the last few weeks like someone whose feet aren't firmly planted anywhere, a bit like a vagabond, and like someone who knows the promises of God- and knows they are solid- but one who is existing in some crazy no man's land where I'm not standing on anything solid- because those promises still seem way out there. Wherever "there" is.

But here's what I'm getting to. I have no idea where the tomorrows are going- Texas? New home? New job? It's all enough to leave me feeling very shaky on the inside on many days, if I'm honest. But I do have today. Today I have to go to work. Today I desire to let my coworkers and patients know Jesus's love by my presence. Today, I've gotta shower, spend some time with Jesus, play my guitar, and pray about some big decisions in front of me. Today, I've gotta remember how fall feels and tastes and smells.

And the answer to all the big decisions and the looming uncertainties lies in the answer to one very important, very simple question: "Father, what is your will?"

If I master this, I simply walk in the footsteps behind one very great teacher. It is, perhaps, what I'm meant to learn in this season. It means I might live outside the box. It means the answer to that question for every arena in which I ask it might look a bit different than the systems and the ways of this world. But you know what? I've always found the systems and the ways of this world a bit wrong. I like the life of pilgrimhood Jesus so often calls His people to- it is different. It is outside the box. It is not like you originally planned. And I find a great comfort in that. Resting in the will of the Father is the most secure and happy place to be in the end.

So, today, I'm simply trying my best to focus on just today. And stealing off to quiet places with the questions in my mind to simply ask that question for God to reveal His will.

Where it blows and where it takes me is yet to be seen. Maybe this is what it means to rest in the hollows of His hand :)

And The Winner Is....

The winner of the Pearl Girls book giveaway is:

Allyson (who commented as: McNally)

I think this is my friend, Ally C., so if it is you, Ally, shoot me an e-mail with your current mailing address, and the book is yours!

For the rest of you who commented but didn't win- well, Christmas is on its way, so perhaps this Santa might just have to drop a copy in your stocking. Wait for it, wait for it....

Okay, this was fun. I've never done a giveaway on here before. I'll have to do more. And in case you were wondering, the winner was picked randomly by a little process I like to call "drawing a name out of a hat." I put all your names in a hat, and my roommate, Mary, picked one out.

And Jennifer Campbell- I loved your words on your comment. Girl- they were beautiful- do you write? You should. I wanted to give you the book on the spot for such eloquence. Santa will have to come see you come December, just wait and see!

Ginger- thanks for coming by! That Lisa is good people, isn't she?

Alright, all, Happy Tuesday- thanks for entering! Be on the lookout, I'll be doing some more blog tours with litFUSE and will do my best to do some more giveaways as able!

In the meantime, Happy Reading!

Pearl Girls Book Review- And this involves a Giveaway, so keep reading!

I'm pleased to review Margaret McSweeney's book, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace:



"The premise behind Pearl Girls is the metaphor of the oyster who encountered grit inside its shell. We as women also encounter the unexpected grit in our lives until God's nacre of grace and love covers our pain and transforms it into a pearl."-- http://margaretmcsweeney.com/

Pearl Girls is a collection of essays from such well known women as Robin Jones Gunn, Shaunti Feldhahn, Kathy Ireland, Mary E. DeMuth, and Kendra Smiley. Each woman shares her own personal story of challenge and the resulting redemption.

"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." Revelation 12:11

Recently, my pastor chose to forgo his usual Sunday sermon and instead had different church members take the pulpit and testify to what God had done in their lives. As each person shared, I was overcome. I couldn't help but weep and somehow, with each of their words, a great strength and comfort welled up in my soul. Listening to their story somehow gave me the strength to keep walking my own.

Reading Pearl Girls is like kicking back in your chair at church, grabbing a warm cup of joe, nestling in with your favorite blanket, and hearing testimony after testimony of women who have been through it- whatever "it" life threw their way- and how they came out on the other side of it. Each essay I read was a balm to my soul. As I read, I felt the community and camaraderie of these women in a way that made my spirit take a deep breath, sigh, and say, "It is good. It is very good. All will be well.."

I'm not sure any of us walk through this earth unscathed. None of us have traversed very far without enduring our own brand of suffering. And who of us doesn't need a helping hand along our own roads of challenge?

Pearl Girls offers that hand and leaves the reader encouraged and filled with that "glorious inner strength" The Message speaks about in Ephesians 3:14. The essays are simple yet powerful, making it an easy read for women on the go, who simply need a quick infusion of encouragement as they wade through a busy day, grappling with the struggles of life. You can easily read one essay at a time, at your own pace, and have another to look forward to for later. With each essay, you step into someone else's unique journey and personality, somehow finding the same themes of grace and hope interwoven within each one.

Margaret's book is available for purchase currently, and I'd like to offer a giveaway for you, dear bloggy readers! And, let me say, if I was a rich woman, I'd mail one to all of you for your reading pleasure. It has blessed me that much :)

So, if you'd like to enter to win a copy, simply place a comment on this here blog post. I'll choose a winner Tuesday, November 3rd, so be sure and comment by then!

(And if you don't win, stop by here to purchase your own copy.)

Enjoy the sweet goodness of Pearl Girls!