Univ of Penn Graduation

Over the break- you might be surprised to know that I graduated.  Well, not technically but I did attend the School of Nursing commencement ceremony and walked across the stage.  Most of my classmates participated in the ceremony which made for a very nice night.

These lovely ladies have become wonderful friends.  We've endured many projects, presentations and they've made it much easier to handle the stresses of the NP program.  Love these girls!

Laura Bush was the keynote speaker.  I thought her speech was inspirational.  She was genuine and her Texas drawl reminded me of my Texas upbringing- a bit of nostalgia.

Even though graduation was not the end of my graduate education, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.  

Back from the break

Ahh-- sitting in class, once again.  The break from school and clinical absolutely flew by.  I was in denial that class began this week.  As I sit here listening to all of the projects and papers, etc. that will be due over the next couple of months I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed and yet still in denial. 

I have two weeks of class followed by eight weeks of clinical and then a final week of class and then the fun ends on August 8th!  Yay! 

My last clinical rotation will be both inpatient and outpatient with a large general surgery practice.  I'll be working with a NP who has been with this group for many years.  I am looking forward to working in an outpatient setting.  The only experience I have with the outpatient world are a few volunteer shifts at a charity clinic in Austin.  It will be a nice break from the hospital. 

I will try to do my best at keeping you updated on the NP student happenings during my last semester.  Also, if you would like to contribute to the blog and share anything as it relates to the NP world- just send me an email:  allthingsnp123@gmail.com.  I would be absolutely thrilled to hear from you. 

Photo above from a trip to Longwood Gardens

Ragnar

I am thoroughly enjoying my break between semesters. I know the time will fly by so I'm trying to take advantage of every second. The kids and I are playing a lot every day, I'm cleaning out every closet in this house (exciting, right?) and I'm running Ragnar Cape Cod this weekend.  I've never run a Ragnar Relay but I'm excited about the adventure- running at all hours of the day and night, sleep deprivation, sharing a van with 6 people, no shower and porta potties for 200 miles, sure- sign me up!

Hope you all have an adventurous weekend!