http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/blog.php/446-North-Cacalacky-s-Journal This is a resource created by and for both the student and established Nurse Anesthetists. en Fri, 24 May 2013 19:18:16 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/images/styles/BlueDemon/misc/rss.jpg http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/blog.php/446-North-Cacalacky-s-Journal http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/entry.php/73-Not-easy-but-i-m-hangin-in Wed, 07 Mar 2007 03:51:28 GMT It's March now, only 26 months left! ha, just getting my feet wet at this point. I've had 2-3 exams a week nearly every week. The intensity is what I expected only you don't know the reality of it until your in the classes and taking those exams. Out of six classes, I have 5 A's and one very strong B at this point. I feel like I've learned so much since January, it's crazy. Definitely don't feel ready to put someone to sleep though. I'm going to be moving from the sleepy comfort of Jonesboro AR, to Memphis TN in 2.5 short weeks and then my clinicals begin middle of April. There is so much going on academically and classwise, yet I've been able to find a balance with my social life. One night a week on Saturday, I don't do any work and I sleep in on Sunday. Gives me a chance to be with my girlfriend. The people in the program are awesome, I was nervous moving from NC to AR. Thinking about being out here alone really worried me when it came time to move, but you make fast friends when your in a curriculum like this. I've even met an awesome girl that I'm dating seriously..who knows...? I feel so lucky to be in the position I am in, this is truly the busiest yet most exciting and rewarding period in my 27 years! A few years ago, I would never have guessed I would be in Anesthesia school and have this wonderful future in front of me. I'm happy right now, even among all this chaos and work. ]]> jeaneous http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/entry.php/73-Not-easy-but-i-m-hangin-in http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/entry.php/43-Long-Road-Reflection Tue, 19 Dec 2006 19:19:56 GMT The long road is finally coming to an end. I begin classes in just two short weeks from now. I received my acceptance letter to Arkansas State in... The long road is finally coming to an end. I begin classes in just two short weeks from now. I received my acceptance letter to Arkansas State in November of 2005. Couldn't wait for the time to fly by so I could begin the program. Now it's sooo close it actually feels real. Nervousness, excitement and a whole host of emotions fill my head. I still remember getting that letter in the mail. I had worked late and went to get takeout food. I ate my food in front of the TV and realized I hadn't checked the mail yet. It had been less than 3 weeks since my interview, at which time I was told I would hear something in 4-6 weeks. I stepped onto the porch and opened my mailbox. Saw a letter with that familiar address and felt my throat tighten. "This is it, but in less than 3 weeks?", i thought. Either I presented myself poorly or I just hit the lottery baby! I opened the letter, scanning for important words. Congratulations caught my eye and I focused in on the surrounding sentences. Yes!, they want me, I'm in, I did it! I literally jumped up and down in my kitchen and yelled and jumped up and down and yelled some more and laughed. I felt freedom. I felt strong joy, happiness, pride, a feeling of accomplishment, acceptance, importance, and so many other positives. I felt so fortunate, all I could do was keep laughing and try to keep from crying. Even though it was just an acceptance letter and not a degree it felt so damn good, felt like I was on the verge, like I had come so far, like my hard work and singlemindedness actually meant something. It was one of those defining moments in life I suppose.
Guess the honeymoon is over now and the real work begins. Now I can look forward to that ultimate feeling I'll get in May 2009. Till then, I can pull out that letter and get part of that feeling again... ]]> jeaneous http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/entry.php/43-Long-Road-Reflection http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/entry.php/36-FEELS-GOOD! Thu, 07 Dec 2006 17:10:53 GMT If I could have some background music when I was leaving work on my last night, it would have been the training montage from the Rocky movies. May... If I could have some background music when I was leaving work on my last night, it would have been the training montage from the Rocky movies. May seem lame, but can't wait to see the new one. I am finished with work and have adjusted back to day shift from working nights. I read about 50 pages in Basics of Anesthesia this A.M., worked out and went to the mall to lighten my wallet a little. Feels good to accomplish something and still have some down time. It is sunny and in the low 50's today here in Catawba NC. A really nice day! Secured a place to live in Arkansas yesterday. It is in a graduate apartment and my roommate is a fellow member of this site whom I met through here and will also start when I do. How cool is that..networking at its best. Think I'm gonna meet my mom for an early dinner and then go meet a few friends for a beer or two. ]]> jeaneous http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/entry.php/36-FEELS-GOOD! http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/entry.php/35-Getting-started Tue, 05 Dec 2006 06:13:58 GMT I'm at work for my next to last night! Can't wait until Tuesday night (December 5th, 2006) is over and I can focus on the things to come. I start school January 2nd. I'm moving from the foothills of NC to Jonesboro Arkansas which is some 670 miles away for me. I don't know anyone there and I've only been to the area twice. Once for my interview and once to look for a place to live. I think I have most everything squared away in preperation for my move but I'm getting really anxious and excited all at the same time. It is going to be a huge but much welcomed and anticipated change for me. Becoming a CRNA has been a goal on mine since I found out about the profession while completing my undergrad.

Within the next few days I plan to put in an entry on my application, acceptance and other issues. ]]> jeaneous http://www.nurse-anesthesia.org/entry.php/35-Getting-started