Graduation 2010

On May 7th, I mastered science.

Ok, not really, I just earned my master of science degree.

It took me four years from the time I started.  I drove over 5,000 miles this year alone to clinical.  I've seen hundreds of patients.  I have 5-6 weeks of clinical left, then I officially will be done with this chapter of student life. For the first time in my life, I won't be in school.  And I am pumped about it.

In fact, today I also accepted my first job as a nurse practitioner.  In July, I will begin work with the Trauma, Critical Care, and General Surgery service, still at the Mayo Clinic.  In particular, I will be working in the general surgery part of that team, managing (i.e. labs, tests, meds, admissions, dismissals, wound care, teaching) patients in the hospital after surgery.  It will also include some outpatient follow-up when folks check back in after they have gone home.  I spent the day with the team last week and was encouraged by what I saw.  I think I'm going to really enjoy it.  Not what I saw myself doing, for sure, but am happy with my choice.

The thing I'm looking forward to the most about the job: having a normal schedule.  Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm, no weekends/holidays/overnights/call.  Incredible after four years of missing evening events, important holidays, Sunday lunch, and the like. And I can still walk to work in 5 minutes.

Second best thing I'm looking forward to: continuing to wear scrubs for work.  No need to buy an expensive business attire wardrobe!  I get to wear scrubs and lab coats supplied and washed by the hospital.  I love professional pjs. 

Thanks to the Blanshans for throwing a celebration reception for me!  Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes and gifts!  I couldn't have done it without you!