By the Numbers...

In the past week...


- 128 urgent care patients seen
- 68 upper respiratory infections diagnosed and treated
- 25 otitis media diagnosed and treated
- 15 sprains, strains, and broken bones diagnosed and treated
- 3 lacerations repaired
- 3 twelve-hour shifts at urgent care
- 1 standardized patient exam passed*
- 1 oral exam passed*
- 1 clinical site visit by professor completed*
- 1 project proposal accepted
- 2 graduate papers completed
- 1 cap, gown, and hood ordered
- 25 graduation announcements ordered
- 2 allergy shots
- 1 new pair of glasses (for T Rex)
- 15 readings of "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie"
- 200+ readings of Star Trek Opposites book
- 10 random dinosaur attacks (see side photo)
- 3 little kid tantrums
- 6 time-out sessions
- 2 visits to the park
- 1 completed dress for Lil Sister
- 1 time change

* - indicates high stress and essential for graduation

It was a busy past 7 days but we've survived. Of course, we lost a precious hour of time and that is not appreciated when I really need many hours to catch up. However, everyone is happy, healthy, and most relieved to have that week behind us.


I am very proud of the kids for being so great and so thankful for a husband that has been so supportive when I call in a panic because I think I may vomit all over the panel of questioners during my oral exam. It went fine. My toughest question was "Tell me the difference between training and education." I knew there was no right answer but they were wanted an educated, scholarly response so I delivered one. Others included discuss you role as a nurse practitioner compared with other nurses, advanced practice nurses, physicians, and physicians' assistants or what theoretical applications do you apply to your patients and give an example. No pressure resting on my answers -  just the ability to graduate. I "passed with eloquence" and was SO happy to have that over. 


T Rex's new glasses also came in this week. He has very specialized lenses so it takes a few weeks to have everything lined up when he needs a new pair. He has a new prescription and this time he has transition lenses for outdoors since he'll be starting soccer next month. We picked up a new pair of sunglasses for our daughter, too. She wants to be just like her brother. So sweet.

Aside from this, not much else is happening. Just two twelves at the urgent care clinic this week and then a nice long weekend with the family. I need to catch up on school work - professional portfolio to pull together as well as a project to complete for which that proposal was approved. We did visit the fabric store this past weekend and I purchased a selection of fabrics to make Lil Sis a spring/summer wardrobe. I'll be posting photos soon of some recently completed projects.

Just know, we survived the toughest week of my education and training and there are still a few more bumpy places but nothing like what we just experienced.