NEW YEARS

Zach and I had a quiet New Year's Eve this year. I was on call New Year's Day, so we stayed in. I don't think anyone could pay me to get out in the crowds now. Wow, I thought I would never say that. Happy New Year's to everyone!!!

Saving Lives!!!

• And so is the world put back by the death of every one who has to sacrifice the development of his or her peculiar gifts (which were meant, not for selfish gratification, but for the improvement of that world) to conventionality. [1852] ~Florence Nightingale

Well, today I actually can say I saved someone's life on my own. There are so many times that nurses save lives at work, etc. We work together to save lives, and help others heal and feel better!! I have seen patients die, or come in D.O.A (dead on arrival). That horrible and just so, so sad. I have to say though, that I have never seen someone go from 90 to NOTHING in seriously ONE second. I had a patient today (I'm not saying any names, so I'm not violating HIPAA laws) that had neck surgery. The patient was doing great!! Recovering just wonderfully! Awake, alert and oriented x3. No history of respiratory problems, etc. She wanted something to drink, so I looked at her orders. On her orders, I saw that she could have clear liquids. So, I provided her with a sip of Sprite. No big deal right??? WRONG!!! Usually not a big deal! Usually a norm. in the PACU. She was loving the sprite until I look over after a sip, and she is gagging. Yep, she was talking to me, saying it just went down the wrong windpipe. All the sudden, she did the universal sign of choking (seriously, this is real, and it happens! It's not just on the silly videos) and turns blue. In one, I repeat one second, the patient was apneic and flopped back on the bed. I immediately jerk the side rail down, yell for everyone to come help, and give abdominal thrusts. I give 4 strong abdominal thrusts (only give abdominal thrust to unresponsive victims; just a side note), and she starts breathing again. Her color came back, and she is once again responsive. It felt so good to see her eyes open and look at me!!! Thank the LORD!! It all seems like a blur, but I'm so thankful that my patient is alive and well right now!! It just shows how fast things can happen, even to a healthy patient with no history. The way I felt today after this happened made me realize again why I became a nurse. I have so much passion for helping others, and making them better. I became so close to the patient, just talking to her for a hour. Even though I called 10 people to the bedside when the emergency happened, it felt like it was just my patient and me for about 10 secs. It seemed like eternity. The cool thing is that I just had a refresher CPR class yesterday. Even though I would know what to do, I know God was preparing me for what happened today. God was refreshing my mind to help my patient and make me stronger. Thank you Lord for preparing me for the unknown. God is good; ALL THE TIME!!

P.S. Zach has an interview in Bham tomorrow with Coca-Cola. Please pray for him to do well, and that God's will be done. We are ready to be closer to home...

A SIMPLE LOVE

This video has always been one of my favorites. It reminds me of our old home videos, my parent's love for each other, and their love for me. Mom and Dad have "always given and never asked back". Mom and Dad have saved for my wedding, and mom plans and works on it like it is her own. They are the most selfless people I have ever met. The older I get the more I understand, and appreciate their simple love for each other and myself. Thank you mom and dad for your "simple love". Thank you for yall's great example. I love you!!
(turn off my blog page music to hear the video)

Christmas in Bham/Auburn

Well, it's Zach's and my last Christmas before we are husband and wife! Weird, huh?!! It sounds so grown up. Wait!!?? I am grown up. Whoa, when did that happen! I guess I just thought I would never find someone so great, and I did. God has blessed me, and I'm so thankful!! I'm just hoping our next Christmas will be in our home in Bham. Zach has an interview in Bham Friday, so please pray, pray, pray for him!! I'm ready to come home!

Mom and Dad got me some great Christmas gifts as always. Above all though, just being with my family, and celebrating Jesus's birth (b/c after all that's what Christmas is all about) was wonderful! Mom and Dad bought Zach and me our wedding book for all my parties, showers, wedding, etc. I'm really pumped about it!! Mom made me a cookbook with her recipes and my grandmother's recipes. I asked her to give me some recipes, but she actually made me a book of them. She really put a lot of time into this book. So sweet! Thanks mom!! Also, she bought me a apron with my name monogrammed on it. So, I guess this means I definitely will be cooking up a storm pretty soon. woo hoo!! I'm sure I'll learn to love it, right!!??? Well, I hope you all had a great Christmas. I sure did miss "Chrima" at "Chiren's" Hospital with my buddies. It sure wasn't the same!! Love you all and Happy New Year!!








GOOFY JARRETT!

Christmas in Guntersville with the Iffland's

Zach was Santa again at his family Christmas party this yr. It was hilarious as usual. I just love the look on the children's faces in the last picture. Such innocence and sweetness. After Guntersville we headed up to Bham, and then back to Auburn. We sure did have a great time!