Mary Adams Award Essay

Mary Adams Award Essay
Charlie Pugsley
South Dakota State University
11-22-10



I will strive to be a nurse who does what is best for my patients. I will serve those who are sick and suffering by being competent in my profession, continually learning, and showing compassion and dignity to all those in my care.

I had a goal in mind when I came to college four and a half years ago. This goal was to become a RN and now, as I see myself today, this goal is one NCLEX test away. Throughout my nursing education I have been blessed with great peers, educators, and patients. I have learned so much that it is almost unfathomable for me to think I would have been able to accomplish this professional degree four years ago. My classmates have given three of us an honorable nomination to receive the Mary Adams Award. I am humbled by this nomination.

My most rewarding clinical experience took place the first time I was by myself with a patient. I went hesitantly into the room to look for my patient not knowing what to expect. He was not there. This spiked my nerves; the butterflies multiplying in numbers. After finding my teacher we went to look for him and found him in the hallway, looking out the window. As I introduced myself to this man, he was probably thinking “great, another obnoxious person to make my life miserable.” It was without a doubt that he was in a bad mood. He wanted out of the miserable place; his room was horrible, he could not sleep and he just had had enough. As I pushed him back to his room I said, “We’ll try to make this a better day.” This is such a profound moment in my nursing education. This was the first time that I was caring for someone with compassion, kindness, and dignity; my first nursing experience.

I started by encouraging him to order some breakfast and told him that maybe some food would not be such a bad idea to start the day. Surprisingly, he half-heartely agreed and ordered some food to eat. Then I talked to him about how taking a shower would be a nice way to start the day too. This took some extra encouragement, but eventually he agreed. As the day went on my patient started to come around. I was able to interact and talk to him more and we had created that nurse-patient relationship. It was not until the end of our shift he said to me, “You know what? Today has been the best day I have had in this hospital.” This statement hit me hard. I will never forget it. Becoming a nurse is more than giving medications and checking doctors’ orders. It is the relationship formed with each patient to help them through the tough times. Being there that day to listen and talk to the patient as a new nursing student made it rewarding for the both of us.

Another aspect that is close to my heart when it comes to caring for people is the importance of human dignity. Human dignity is the right that is given to all humans of the world in respect to being treated worthily and respectfully of who they are by their governments and the societies in which they live. Human dignity plays a key role in the meaning of life. Without human dignity there is no humanity. I vow every day to give those in my care the dignity that they deserve. I remind myself of this through the morals I have been given, nursing ethics, and most of all my prayer life. My Christian values are a key element to the way I care for the sick, day in and day out. I would like to use an example of how nursing care is an art and a science.

The “Art” of the nursing profession is a picture of many colors. To me the nurse is a vital piece of the picture. Through the collaborative care of the patients, a nurse is the frame that keeps the painting together. The vital signs, head to toe assessments, working collaboratively with others, and patient interaction, the nurse constantly knows what the patient is going through. In the “Science” philosophy of nursing, we take the role of the art museum guides. As a nurse, we observe; look deeper into the patient’s signs and symptoms. We watch for the odd tweaks in the painting. We report to the physicians, physical therapists, and others when something may not look quite right or needs a little more work. When the problem is identified, we have the ability to help fix it by giving the medications needed or by knowing how to explain the issues in a more simplified way for the patient and family when they have questions or concerns. It is the nurse who takes the “Art” on the wall and the “Science” of the unique patient to help them become picture perfect as they once were.

I have always had the desire to become a leader. My vision is to be a dedicated leader, to inspire, and to grow in the nursing profession. My ability to lead has grown throughout the past years and will continue to do so as I embrace the nursing profession. I believe I hold the traits for a great leader because I am very personable, open to ideas, trustful, communicate effectively, and desire excellence in all that I do. One of my classmates wrote a letter to me a few years ago that said she admires my honesty, loyalty, and commitment. A leader leads by drawing trust from others and that is why I have been noticed by my classmates for this award.

The pursuit of excellence is the reason why I believe I am capable of leading. But one important reason I am able to lead is because of my father. He has taught me a multitude of leadership skills because he, himself is a leader. My dad has influenced many people in his life because he is dedicated to being committed, loyal, trustful, passionate, and always enthusiastic. These traits he has passed on to me; even if he does not realize it. One person we have had the pleasure of knowing on our hunting expeditions together was an old World War II veteran. He had a saying that has stuck in our family and will always echo in the back of my mind. “You’ve got to tend to business.” This is what a leader does and this is why I will hopefully be able to lead many men and women in the nursing profession.

When I came to college something inside me clicked. I started to love learning, not that I did not enjoy this before, but it took on a different meaning. I became passionate to gain knowledge. This would not have happened if it were for the great friends who wanted to succeed and had an impact on my choices and decisions as a college student. It was not until Human Anatomy that I really understood what it meant to persevere and learn. This class is one of those big hurdles in life that try to take you down, but you must overcome the struggle and take the jump. I ended up receiving a ‘D’ in the course which I was very disappointed about. I could have let this failure discourage me, but in the end, my desire to learn and to succeed helped me through this personal failure. I took the class again, received an ‘A’. Not only did I receive the ‘A’, but I continued on with the subject by taking part in the anatomy intern program they offer at SDSU. What an experience, one that I will never forget. I then had a crazy idea to become a tutor. I wanted to help other students who either want to grow in their knowledge or seek help and advice to succeed. So, I took the job at the Wintrode Tutoring Center to help tutor in anatomy. Why do I think this relates to the love of learning and inquiry? I believe through this event in my life, I came to know that learning is not easy. I learned that though these challenges it has prepared me for the nursing profession. The love of learning runs deep in our veins. We can either pursue it, or let it be squandered into nothing; bleeding out. I have found my passion for learning and inquiry in the nursing profession through my peers, educators and my personal goals. In this profession it is a daily occurrence that we seek inquiry from our peers, patients, educators, and families. If we lose that drive to learn, we lose what it means to be a nurse. There is a quote from one of my favorite authors, Matthew Kelly. He talks about what it means to be happy. As I go into the nursing profession, I will strive to make a difference everyday through caring for the sick and suffering, leading others to pursue excellence, and to always learn day in and day out. But in the words of Matthew Kelley it goes like this:

“If you just want moments of happiness, pleasure and possessions can satisfy. If you want to be happy for an hour, take a nap. If you want to be happy for a whole day, go shopping. If you want to be happy for a weekend, go fishing. If you want to be happy for a month, take a trip to Australia. If you want to be happy for a whole year, inherit a fortune. But if you want to be happy for a lifetime, find a way to make a difference in other people's lives." --Matthew Kelly

It is a great honor to be nominated for this award.

Her Blue Eyes

Her blue eyes starringAt an empty bedroomAll is gone except a memory of long ago

As a tear falls from her eye her husband's memory lies inside His love was everything she ever knew

From the day they met it was the start of a friendship meant to last untill the.many years gone past

She remembers her first kiss from his lips. The touch of his hand on her hip and the day of their first night together.

They were together for the good times and the bad the smiles and the fightin the kissin and love makin.

As the memories seem like yesterday She hopes to never lose them

Holding them close she lowers her head and cries

As a tear falls from her eyes her husband's memory lies inside his love was everything she ever knew.

Nursing School: The Beginning and Beyond

Four years ago we had a dream
It may have changed along the way, but here we are today;
About to graduate from SDSU; with a BSN in nursing….phew.
It has been a long, long, road traveled. One road you must take one step each day.
Day by Day, week by week, test after test, stress, stress, and a little more stress.
The hurdles we have jumped to gain the knowledge we have sought has brought us here today.
I remember the first day of class, nervous, excited, and ready. The young class of professionals to come;
Entering into the dark abyss of the unknown. The first day of clinical, not knowing what to expect, but surviving none of the less besides those of our classmates who vanished; choosing another life road to travel.
Our personal struggles through the tough schedules, giving us a taste of what life as an RN will be like. As we have grown over the years, we have turned into young, soon to be novice nurses. Young like a new rock star about to walk on stage for the first time; full of butterflies.
We have come a long way to where we are today and the journey is only starting. As we start to go our separate ways we will strive for our goals to come; endless possibilities.

Coffee

As the music melodies play in the background; bounces off my ear drums. The tap taping beat of the Jazz Man playing his saxophone. A cacophony of mumbling voices as conversations are had throughout the building.

I sit here and drink my coffee. The wondrous taste; dark and bitter with a touch of cream to soothe the bite. My tongue slightly numbed by the hot coffee as it touches my taste buds. Sweet procrastination is really taking place, but worth the time. The coffee shop atmosphere alive with laughter and life, a place with it's own personality. The walls alive with what looks like art from a comic book. A portrait that looks like a plastic surgery gone wrong of Batman and the Joker which looks at me with good and evil eyes. A smile from a comic book character that I cannot recognize, convincing me that he is a villain. The coffee shop atmosphere alive with conversation; a student sitting who procrastinates by writing on his blog.

As Seasons Pass

As I looked up into the sky, it was raining leaves. Each leaf collided grudgingly, spiraling downward to its end resting upon the ground below. The moon was waning in the sky, begging for attention like a man on a street corner; no one caring. Trees stare at me, naked with embarrassment. Sorry, but there is nothing I can do to clothe them; they understand. The cool breeze danced about my face and hands soothing the heat given off by the sun at my back; a perfect combination of Nature’s thermostat. Fall is a great time of year, but one of a depressing change. A time where the sun distances itself, allowing us to feel the biting cold and remind us of our human nature once again. If we were to live in a world that never changed or challenged us, we would lose our sense of self, purpose, and happiness. How about our humanness? Life gives the world meaning. Just as seasons give different seasons meeting, for if there was no spring to compare to summer, then summer would be nothing to anticipate; euthanized by a stationary change. Enjoy the change in seasons. Bring on the snow, but only if I can wait in expectation for the sun of summer to come again in a few months’ time.

Death is a Road

This is a song that I wrote for a friend who passed away a few years ago. He was a great individual who always put a smile on people's faces, did crazy things, and loved life. I wrote this song during my lunch break when I heard that Kevin was not doing good. So, here it is. Dedicated to Kevin Morsching.

Death is a road we all go down
Life gets tough and we all slow down
A friend falls back and we all gather round
Must have faith in God that they will come around.

Sometimes we feel like we can conquer death
Get tough and never really think of it.
So many times it hits, least expecting this.

Death is a road that we all go down
Life gets tough and we all slow down
A friend falls back and we all gather round
Must have faith in God that they will come around.

So many lives lost on that dreaded day
Mom's and Dad's all just swept away
A small nit town lost their friend today
A kid from school lost all the hope he had
A man's best friend had to be put down tonight

Death is a road that we all go down
Life gets tough and we all slow down
A friend falls back and we all gather round
Must have faith in God that they will come around.

Must have faith in God that they will come around.

Rest in Peace Kevin

The Nursing Process: A Common Thread Amongst All Nurses

The Nursing Process: A Common Thread Amongst All Nurses

The Greatest Family I Know

It was the month of July when the sun shines like a neverending firework.

From around the distants states a movement came like a rippling wave on the ocean.

As the French Family Reunion drew nearer on the Cheesehead state they all started coming in from afar; Florida, Texas, South Dakota, and California just to name a few.

Grandma and Pa!

Yep, they were the ones who started it, one by one until the total was eleven in all.

The parents, aunts and uncles being merry with their drinks, told stories of new and old.

The cousins on the other hand, a range from youngest to old. remembered the times that were had at the lake house, Chicago and of adventures long ago and of course those to come!

As I stood at our reception on Saturday night, I took it all in, the People in my life. What a wonderful gift we all get to share; all because of a thing called Love.

Dear family,

It was a pleasure too see you all again. Until next time may the days ahead be full of Frenchiness!!

Big Sky High

What a summer it has been, another one gone bye. I am able to say that I truly did enjoy it, even though, it seems that summer after summer they dissipate even faster than before!
This summer I took part in the Diocese of Rapid City ministry known as Duc In Altum, translated "Put out into the Deep." This was compelled of two teams of four-five guys and girls who have been living out their Catholic faith. Some of the men are seminarians, while the rest of us are college students. We went from Parish to Parish each week to teach Catechises to the children. It was a great adventure, one that I will never forget.
I was also able to go to my friend Jen Binger's (now Burton) wedding. Wow, what a beautiful Bride and handsome Groom. This part of one's life is one to be cherished. To be a witness to their love for one another can be purely seen on a day like that. Congrats to you both and may the road ahead be blessed.
To end the summer I was able to go on an adventure to the amazing state of Montana. Montana you took my heart... OK kinda sappy, but I can't express enough of how amazing the Big Sky state can take your breathe away. As I drove down the south part of Glacier National Park on Hwy. 2 and into the flatend prairies on the other end, I could not help but think of what God's beauty is like.... As I looked out of my window that was splattered with a magnificent platter of bug juices, the Mountains peaked with pride. A pride that one can justify, for as they cast their shadow upon the plains below, they stand firm with no sign of losing their majestic country. The Sky is eaten by the saw toothed canvas left in the horizon; peaks jutting randomly with no perfection; Natures skyscrapers. Needing nothing more to impress the human eye. Montana took my heart away. Until then my body remains with a Big Sky High with drawl. What a summer is was, one to never forget.

My Life Principle

What is my life principle? What do I focus on each and everyday to become the best-version-of-myself? As I was sitting in the quite chapel, pondering this question my mind became a mine field of thoughts, ideas, and inspirations. But truly how do I live my life? It can change from time to time, and day to day. This reminded me of the cliche of "waking up on the wrong side of the bed." I am more than a cliche! I am a human being living life; but what is my life principle? How am I living each day? We are all called to have rhythm in our lives, but how can we have a rhythm if we are not in sync with ourselves? If we have no idea who we are, what it is we want, or how we want to impact the lives of those we meet, than our rhythm is offbeat.

What is my life principle?
What do I desire to share with all of those I meet?

As I live life, it is a guarantee to hit road bumps on the journey. But after reflection today my Life Principle is this:

To serve the One true God who gives me life
To know myself; humbly
To dream with NO limitations
To FOCUS on my goals and inspirations
To Pray and Think constantly
To find the BEST in other people
To LISTEN and Communicate and
To NEVER GIVE UP.


Ephesians 4:25-32; 5:1-2

The Adventure Begins

This summer I am embarking on an expedition. I have decided to change up my normal summer ways of sitting at home, working, or absolutely doing nothing fruit full to a more fulfilling experience. This summer I have the great opportunity to bring Christ to the lives of many young children and young adults. Over the past few weeks leading up to this, I could feel the nerves building up, knowing that what I am about to undertake will take every part of my being. This is something that I have never really done before so, it is a leap out of my comfort zone so to speak. I am with five guys, three of them seminarians. We are going to head out to different parishes across Western South Dakota to share our story and Christ's with many youth in the area. Will I be able to survive? With God's grace and the love that Christ constantly out pours for us; YES!! Pray for all of us on our endeavours !!

Charlie Pugsley

Another Year Gone Bye

As I sit here tonight in my room, I can look back on another amazing year. As I walked across the campus I was hit with some nostalgic recollections of the times that I have had in college the past four years. The times walking across campus with below zero windchill which no coat can protect from, the stressful times of studying for exams and last minute papers, and the plethora of memories had with friends. These thoughts scrolled out before me like a graffitied mural on a train slowly passing. As some of my close friends take on another journey in their lives after graduation (the REAL world); I have yet one more semester to enjoy. To those who are graduating (and reading this), I hope the best for you all. Never stop doing what you set out to do, live your life with passion and purpose. Pursue excellence.

As I continued my walk, the hustle and bustle of those living on campus were busy with packing up their belongings; some ready to get home while others, hesitant, knowing that they will be leaving behind new friends and great memories. But, as we all go our separate ways, weather for a few months, or for a few years, we have survived. There are some days we perpend our future hoping that we will make it out alive. But with faith and perseverance with our goals in mind, we can and will get there.....eventually.

Summer's Snare

Sitting in class
nothing is retaining
the vibration of vocal chords projected loudly; eardrums numb, and sound waves resigning.
Two more weeks says the inner voice within,
two more weeks until I'm free again.
The Summers snare makes restless students wait.
Sitting in class
nothing is retaining.
the teacher, bloviating.
Must finish strong, but one may struggle, stumble and stagger.
Keep the end in sight, survive this long fortnight.
Sun's warmth beyond brick walls, warm and bright
I hear the distant song that calls;
that of birds and bugs amongst the trees, singing happily in the hasty breeze.
Sitting in class
nothing is retaining
if only these two weeks were quickly fading.
Summers snare is hard to persist
a temptation;
one can hardly ever resist.

The Great Outdoors

In the great outdoors we can find peace and tranquility. As I stood at the edge of the slopping bank, looking out into the setting sun, I was in the perfect place. This place is Oakwood Lake State Park just north of Volga, South Dakota. It may not be equivalent to the great Black Hills, but for the eastern side of the state this place is a small paradise. The trees bare, but budding with the changing season, the cacophony of geese, ducks, and birds overhead brought me back to that simple peace that the outdoors can never get old.
As the Sun was receding ever so smoothly into the western sky the dark of Night was on us quickly. The fire, starting small in size, grew to warm the faces of four men with each snap, crackle, and pop. The taste of fire roasted hot dogs and marshmallows were on the menu for the night. As Night progressed and the pile of wood became increasingly thin, the Stars became alive in the sky. With no moon to overpower their glow, they gave us a window to the galaxies far away. I stood watching in anticipation for one to fall, but with no avail, no stars would depart this night.
Stories of old and new were told, laughter, smiles, and the smell of a good cigar and the occasional American Spirit filed the air. It was a peaceful night in the great state of South Dakota. In the words my roommate put it, “If one is not content right now, they never will be.”
The great South Dakota poet laureate, Badger Clark comes to mind, and his poem “A Cowboy's Prayer.”

Oh Lord, I've never lived where churches grow. I loved creation better as it
stood That day You finished it so long ago And looked upon Your work and called
it good. I know that others find You in the light That's sifted down through
tinted window panes, And yet I seem to feel You near tonight In this dim, quiet
starlight on the plains.
I thank You, Lord, that I am placed so well, That
You have made my freedom so complete; That I'm no slave of whistle, clock or
bell, Nor weak-eyed prisoner of wall and street, Just let me live my life as
I've begun And give me work that's open to the sky; Make me a pardner of the
wind and sun, And I won't ask a life that's soft or high.
Let me be easy on
the man that's down; Let me be square and generous with all. I'm careless
sometimes, Lord, when I'm in town, But never let 'em say I'm mean or small! Make
me as big and open as the plains, As honest as the hawse between my knees, Clean
as the wind that blows behind the rains, Free as the hawk that circles down the
breeze!
Forgive me, Lord, if sometimes I forget. You know about the reasons
that are hid. You understand the things that gall and fret; You know me better
than my mother did. Just keep an eye on all that's done and said And right me,
sometimes, when I turn aside, And guide me down the long, dim trail ahead That
stretches upward toward the Great Divide.

Book Addict

As a child growing up, I remember the summer days where I found myself saying “I’m bored.” I do not know if you ever had this happen to you, but I am sure at some point in our lives we have been there. Whenever I would say this, I would get the reverberating response from my mother, “Charlie pick up a book and read!”
In my younger years I never really enjoyed reading. I wasn’t always against the idea of it, but I just never really had a love of reading. This part of my life has changed. I can remember the exact summer I began to enjoy diving into a book. I was reading a book over the summer for school titled: Giants in the Earth by Ole Rolvaage. This was the first time I actually started to enjoy reading (great book by the way). Why was this a trigger for my joy of reading? I have yet to understand but maybe it was the feeling of accomplishment to actually finish a book, as well as, submerging myself into a world full of adventure and excitement.
After this summer, reading slowly became a hobby. I found myself buying a multitude of books (faster than I can read them) and soaking in the stories within the pages; to name a few: Treasure Island, Peace Like a River, 1984, Catch 22, and Angels and Demons. Reading has been a new inspiration of mine. I can now say that I really, truly, love to read. My mind is constantly churning for a new good story, whether it is intellectually stimulating or just a simple minded mystery. I should really give thanks to all those English teachers (including my mother) who taught me and motivated me to read. If they were not there in my early years nagging me consistently, I would not be typing this blog tonight.
Read, Read, Read. I am currently reading a book by Matthew Kelly called The Rhythm of Life: Living Everyday with Passion & Purpose. So far I am impressed by every page. One particular chapter he talks about books and how reading books is one way to help feed our intellectual hunger. During this chapter one paragraph caught my attention:
“Books change our lives. Begin your own Great Books collection. Choose books that will help you to achieve your essential purpose and become the-best-version-of-yourself. Make daily reading one of the defining habits of your life.”
I could not have said it better myself. As a senior in college, I have come to know and appreciate reading for fun. I could consume my entire day in a good book, but of course I must stick to my class work too. I just want to say do not be lazy and say you are “bored.” Instead of turning on the tube, pick up a book and stimulate that brain a little more, but don’t take my word for it.

Charlie Pugsley

I get to care for the sick

Through the recent semesters as a nursing student at South Dakota State University, I have had the amazing opportunity to learn in the clinical setting. Each semester, we are assigned a new clinical rotation; one in which we learn new nursing techniques and cares for those in the hospital. This has opened my mind, heart, and soul for the past two years.
I am a person who really does try to take every opportunity to learn (even if it is statistics). But the most important lesson I have learned through this nursing experience, is the capability to care. We as humans have a great gift to care and Love. Even in the imperfection of it at times, we are capable of loving. Through my clinical rotations I have been able to care for the sick. To take these individuals and show them compassion and kindness when they are at their weakest in life, weather that is coming out of surgery, having a baby, or even preparing for death. It is this experience that I have come to know more about the mercy of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I try my best to care for these men, women, and children, but I am nothing without Christ. He is my Rock and the one who has shown me how to love and to care. Yes, I have learned this from my family and friends as well, but where did they learn this? It is from our Father in Heaven, through his Son, Jesus Christ. We can all love, but is it the true love of God? How can we know this? Just simply pray and ask him to fill you with the grace he can bestow. His Love Endures forever, even in the rough times at the hospital.
The point I am getting at is that I have chosen a major at college; Nursing. Now that I look back I had no idea what I was getting myself into. But now, I see what an amazing opportunity I have been given; to care for the sick.
For those of you who have been ill or have lost love ones, know that the mercy of Christ will be with you always. He did not die on the Cross just because, but he died on the Cross out of LOVE.

Charlie Pugsley

God's Blessings and Basketball

This weekend I was able to go on a small retreat in Colman SD. It was a great time of fellowship, prayer and reflexion. One of the talks was on how we need to be thankful of what God has given us in our lives, and to really sit down and thank him for the blessings that he has given to us. We were directed to look at Psalm 136. This passage has 26 verses that end in "God's love endures forever." Can you put a blessing in your life before each 26 verses? (ex. God has given me my family: Gods love endures forever). Take the time to reflect and give thought to the many blessings in our lives. "God's Love Endures Forever!"

This weekend has also been a March Madness to remember! Talk about the upsets! I have Ohio St. winning in one of the three brackets I have filled out this year. Kansas, great game, but better luck next year. I also was able to watch the Saint Thomas More High School Boys State A Championship game on Saturday night in Sioux Falls, SD. What a heart breaker, but a great effort put in by all those young men. There is a time a of Victory and a time of Defeat. Take it, reflect on it and learn from it.

Until Next week,

Charlie Pugsley

This I Gotta See

It was the night of country music. I have always had a love for country music: the ineluctable grasp of the twang and guitar strumming tunes that touches the country boy's soul. It must have to do with the love of beer, women, and the great outdoors.

Jason Aldean and company came to town Friday night. It was a concert that I will never forget. It was an adventure to say the least. As five of my friends ventured into the standing pit, we were excited to be so close to the action (being able to touch the stage). In the mist of the occasional foofaraw from the drunks surrounding us, we were able to enjoy the show.

As I stood amongst the crowd, I took a moment to soak in the atmosphere. The lights revivified the stage in rejuvenating colors of red, white, manganese violet, and other colors of the rainbow, showing off the stage with the hue that fit the song being sung. The crowd behind us on their feet doing that country thing, holding beer in the air, dancing, and singing along. Each heart touched by that one personal favorite.

As the concert came to the end, our ears were anesthetized from the overabundance of sound waves. We left with smiles on our faces; a good time had by all.

This Crazy Idea

The beginning,

Well I have always wondered about starting a blog, not knowing what it would be like. To me it seems intriguing in many ways, yet difficult, for not know what I would ever write about. So, with the contemplations finally splashed around in my head, here I am; writing on this blog. I am a pretty busy person with the endless amount of Nursing school projects and care plans to write, but I am truly going to try and keep up with this "blogging" expedition.
In life everyone keeps saying to read all the time (Which I do enjoy to do), so with all this reading I thought, "Why not start writing too?" I tend to be very unorganized when writing so hopefully this does not sound like a gibbering runoff of thoughts from my brain, but I am sure it is close. I hope to improve my writing skills, by blogging.... I plan to talk about life, politics, religion (I am Catholic), books that I am reading and of course Nursing stuff. If anyone is reading this feel free to leave a comment or additions to my thoughts. I better be going I need to start cooking some dinner.