Well, I came back here with the same story about my orientation in ER which was apparently extended because I was assessed that I needed more exposure to adult ER by my primary preceptor.
I already told you about my current experiences with my primary preceptor and lately it's been going downhill not that really to a point that she is killing me but to a point that she broke me into tears. I thought she mellowed down already but it even became worse last Saturday.
I was been following her during that not-so-busy Saturday night when she bombarded me with a lot of questions which I thought I answered well and she started to get irritated and impatient again asking me a lot of what ifs and whys. I felt I had answered all her questions well but she was not satisfied with it.
She kept pressuring me to tell her some more and I couldn't thought of anything else making her voice louder for everyone to hear. I got so frustrated and upset with her and I didn't hold on to my tears. I cried in front of her telling her that I tried my best to answer all her questions and she's not satisfied with it and she's till giving me a hard time.
When she saw me started welling my tears down my cheeks she pulled me aside and we went inside the night managers office which I think she was planning to do to ask help from her which I know was one of her cohorts but apparently when I started explaining with the manager she started to blame me that I wasn't listening at her, trying to tell her that it's my mistake after all.
I just let her talk and then when she's done I calmly explained still in tears to the night manager my side of the story. I just can't help crying inside there because I felt so crushed and frustrated already. I felt like a balloon which just bursted because of too much pressures.
I think the pent up emotions I kept from the previous days of orientation was been full already that's why I gave way. It was a relief though and I felt good after that.
The manager was been listening to my explanations intently and she asked me any recomendations on what to do to maximize my learning process during the orientation. I was thankful she was listening to me and was not one sided at all.
I told her that I cannot learn well if somebody is shouting at me and very condescending in their approach because I couldn't focus well if somebody is very hypercritical of what I am doing. It' s just like putting a racist person in front of me and saying that all my actions were wrong and that I don't have a right to be in ER.
I told her also that I got nervous if somebody is yelling at me and hurrying me up to do things thereby losing my focus on what to do, assess, chart, gather data, and document things I gathered. It was not a win-win battle between her and me and I burst out all my emotions there.
After that the manager had also laid out her recommendations and findings and we all agreed to do it and start all over again from there. Finally my prayers were all been answered and I can sigh a relief now that it was been taken cared of.
Now my responsibility is to focus on my orientation, learn as much as I can and focus on the details I need to improve. I didn't see that discussion will happen that night but I know God works it out for me so that my voice will be heard, too. I love you Lord.
After the discussion my primary preceptor was very mellow now and that she let me do things on my own and just correct me if I missed something. We planned some objectives and goals to be done for next week and we agreed and confirmed to do it.
It seems that everything had all worked out. Had I not cried and burst out that night I thought my orientation in ER will be a hell of a ride and will end up non-productive and full of dread, fear, hatred, and bad criticisms and assumptions. I was so thankful that everything was been patched up and that everything ahead was been planned out and will be okay.
Hopefully my dilemma had just ended from there and I will start a new day on Wednesday and Thursday when I come back. I am crossing my fingers very very intently and I hope everything will be all right that day.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Twist of Fate
Wow..... I can't believe it. The previous days I was been blogging about my frustrations with my orientation at my new job which made me so depressed and troubled. Now I felt all relieved and a little bit off the hook. Yay!
What had happened last night was a total miracle. I went to work yesterday driving so troubled because of the treatment to me by my primary preceptor the previous days of my orientation which is so below the waste and condescending.
I felt I was a worthless shit in front of her but I still held on and did not retaliate at her because I don't want to look unprofessional to her and to the staff around and display an attitude of dissension.
Instead I displayed a personality of calmness and humility and prayed to God that I can hold on all through out the course of my orientation. I looked like a puppy being abused and yelled at to do her bag of tricks while other people are watching and listening. It was very belittling, embarrassing, disgraceful, and degrading.
One of the core staff I was very close with had seen and heard her last night shouting at me in a condescending way so this friend of mine had spoke to her in a nice and calm manner to just be easy in orienting and dealing with me and I don't know what had happened next.
My friend had consoled and advised me to be strong and not to give up that easily. I was about to burst into tears in front of her but I held it and just gestured at her that it really hurts deep in me and that I'm exploding deep inside. She then hugged me tightly and whispered to me that she'll be there to take care of me as long as I won't give up the fight.
I told her that this is what I've like to do and I won't ever give up from where I started and she was happy and reassured to know and hear that. She then told me that she knew my flight and struggles and she will be willing to help me all the time. I thanked her sincerely after that and I was so thankful and relieved that I still had somebody to lean on in times of troubled moments.
I really believed that God had answered my fervent prayers because aside from that another incident had happened last night which I think had influenced to mellowed down my primary preceptor's attitude and approach in dealing and teaching me.
Amidst the busy night and the crazy hustle and bustle in the emergency room I didn't know that God is always working on my side. I was doing my assessment on this OB case and by the time I was putting all my necessary data and assessments on the computer my preceptor had questioned some of my charted informations.
I told her that that was the information given to me by my patient but she refused to believe me and told me in a loud voice letting all of the staff around to hear that I am not doing my assessment well as if I am very irresponsible in getting my data and that I am a dumb nurse who doesn't know what I'm doing. She was very furious at me.
I just kept quiet, stayed calm, just listened at her talking crap at me, and let her yapping and yacking until she's finished and then I just went back calmly to the room and asked the patient the same information again to clarify.
I didn't know that the patient overheard the commotion outside and she was very mad and upset at the situation. She told me that this has to stop and end. I didn't know that she was listening at how my preceptor had been treating me and she knows that I was just so mum and professional about it.
She told me that all the information I've gotten from her were the right ones. She then stand up out of the gurney and walked slowly limping outside to the station to talk to my preceptor and then all I have heard was she's already arguing with my preceptor which I don't have any idea at all what they were talking about. I was left stunned and shocked in the room.
When the patient came back to the room she told me that she works in the medical field and she had noticed that my preceptor was not treating me right so she made the move to go to the station and told her about it which I think had mellowed her out after that all through out the night.
I then thanked the patient for doing it for me and we became close at that moment. She even let me do all the procedures that was needed to be done to her including catheterizing her for a urine specimen.
And the rest of the night was been very peaceful and there were no shouting and yelling anymore. My preceptor had been talking to me in a calm way, was been smiling at me instead of being grouchy, was been patting my back at times, and was also been laughing and joking with me at times.
It was a total twist of fate and I myself was been amazed and shocked at what had happened. I don't know what I did to that OB patient and she took the initiative to help me. I didn't know what my close friend had told my preceptor which changed her approach it teaching me.
But all of these had happened in just one night which made my primary preceptor's change of heart still a big puzzle to me. It was extremely mesmerizing and I couldn't believe what I've seen, heard, and felt that time. I was so relieved and was candidly bursting with joy inside me the moment I closed my shift.
My contemplations of giving up my orientation was then been set aside and now I know everything will be all right. Although I still be on a very challenging orientation for another month at least my feeling of dread, troubled anticipation, and marked depression will be that less evident anymore because of my preceptor's change of approach in teaching me as well as her unbelievable change of heart.
It takes a good personality to provoke people to help me and I've seen it working miraculously last night. I know GOD really works in mysterious places and time and I know HE always answered all my fervent prayers last night. I know HE won't leave me there with a crushed and downtrodden heart and I know HE's always good to me all the time despite of my sins.
Thank you Lord for always being there all the time. You've brought me a lot of Hope, Light, and Encouragement in continuing my journey to work in the Emergency Room to touch other people's lives and to heal other people's infirmities. I love you with all my heart!
What had happened last night was a total miracle. I went to work yesterday driving so troubled because of the treatment to me by my primary preceptor the previous days of my orientation which is so below the waste and condescending.
I felt I was a worthless shit in front of her but I still held on and did not retaliate at her because I don't want to look unprofessional to her and to the staff around and display an attitude of dissension.
Instead I displayed a personality of calmness and humility and prayed to God that I can hold on all through out the course of my orientation. I looked like a puppy being abused and yelled at to do her bag of tricks while other people are watching and listening. It was very belittling, embarrassing, disgraceful, and degrading.
One of the core staff I was very close with had seen and heard her last night shouting at me in a condescending way so this friend of mine had spoke to her in a nice and calm manner to just be easy in orienting and dealing with me and I don't know what had happened next.
My friend had consoled and advised me to be strong and not to give up that easily. I was about to burst into tears in front of her but I held it and just gestured at her that it really hurts deep in me and that I'm exploding deep inside. She then hugged me tightly and whispered to me that she'll be there to take care of me as long as I won't give up the fight.
I told her that this is what I've like to do and I won't ever give up from where I started and she was happy and reassured to know and hear that. She then told me that she knew my flight and struggles and she will be willing to help me all the time. I thanked her sincerely after that and I was so thankful and relieved that I still had somebody to lean on in times of troubled moments.
I really believed that God had answered my fervent prayers because aside from that another incident had happened last night which I think had influenced to mellowed down my primary preceptor's attitude and approach in dealing and teaching me.
Amidst the busy night and the crazy hustle and bustle in the emergency room I didn't know that God is always working on my side. I was doing my assessment on this OB case and by the time I was putting all my necessary data and assessments on the computer my preceptor had questioned some of my charted informations.
I told her that that was the information given to me by my patient but she refused to believe me and told me in a loud voice letting all of the staff around to hear that I am not doing my assessment well as if I am very irresponsible in getting my data and that I am a dumb nurse who doesn't know what I'm doing. She was very furious at me.
I just kept quiet, stayed calm, just listened at her talking crap at me, and let her yapping and yacking until she's finished and then I just went back calmly to the room and asked the patient the same information again to clarify.
I didn't know that the patient overheard the commotion outside and she was very mad and upset at the situation. She told me that this has to stop and end. I didn't know that she was listening at how my preceptor had been treating me and she knows that I was just so mum and professional about it.
She told me that all the information I've gotten from her were the right ones. She then stand up out of the gurney and walked slowly limping outside to the station to talk to my preceptor and then all I have heard was she's already arguing with my preceptor which I don't have any idea at all what they were talking about. I was left stunned and shocked in the room.
When the patient came back to the room she told me that she works in the medical field and she had noticed that my preceptor was not treating me right so she made the move to go to the station and told her about it which I think had mellowed her out after that all through out the night.
I then thanked the patient for doing it for me and we became close at that moment. She even let me do all the procedures that was needed to be done to her including catheterizing her for a urine specimen.
And the rest of the night was been very peaceful and there were no shouting and yelling anymore. My preceptor had been talking to me in a calm way, was been smiling at me instead of being grouchy, was been patting my back at times, and was also been laughing and joking with me at times.
It was a total twist of fate and I myself was been amazed and shocked at what had happened. I don't know what I did to that OB patient and she took the initiative to help me. I didn't know what my close friend had told my preceptor which changed her approach it teaching me.
But all of these had happened in just one night which made my primary preceptor's change of heart still a big puzzle to me. It was extremely mesmerizing and I couldn't believe what I've seen, heard, and felt that time. I was so relieved and was candidly bursting with joy inside me the moment I closed my shift.
My contemplations of giving up my orientation was then been set aside and now I know everything will be all right. Although I still be on a very challenging orientation for another month at least my feeling of dread, troubled anticipation, and marked depression will be that less evident anymore because of my preceptor's change of approach in teaching me as well as her unbelievable change of heart.
It takes a good personality to provoke people to help me and I've seen it working miraculously last night. I know GOD really works in mysterious places and time and I know HE always answered all my fervent prayers last night. I know HE won't leave me there with a crushed and downtrodden heart and I know HE's always good to me all the time despite of my sins.
Thank you Lord for always being there all the time. You've brought me a lot of Hope, Light, and Encouragement in continuing my journey to work in the Emergency Room to touch other people's lives and to heal other people's infirmities. I love you with all my heart!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tough Love
Well, my orientation in ER was a very mind boggling initiation. Yet, it was a very challenging one and I learned a lot from it.
I was been with a lot of preceptors and I was kinda confused already. Some are very encouraging and some are not interested in teaching me leaving me to scrape my resources in order to survive the whole shift.
But the most challenging part was to be left out and have nothing to lean on except that I have to squeeze out all my wits and apply my own judgement in doing my own assessments. It seems that I am not welcome in this place but I have to be optimistic that I can do it.
I am always a positive person and I don't want to think that people are too passive to help me out. Probably I was wrong with my assumptions and I can't get rid of suspecting this kind of situations. I may be paranoid about it but I know I can hurdle such situations.
I am a person who is very introverted and I just keep it to myself even though I am hurt already. I always consider it as a challenge and it gives me a room to learn from my mistakes and a room to challenge myself harder and prove to those people that I can survive it even though they gave me tough love.
I got this two preceptors with the same encouraging personality but were so opposite in their teachings and from them I learned a lot because they were so hands on to me and they keep pushing my self to the limits.
One preceptor was a very encouraging one. She was very thorough in her explanations and I was never been intimidated by her. She was very accommodating and approachable and I always got some positive and encouraging feedbacks from her despite I made some minor mistakes. She is not condescending and was very patient in teaching me.
My other preceptor was supposed to be my primary preceptor but due to some health issues she was absent for many days and I missed out some days with her that's why I was bumped with several people to orient with thereby making me confused because of too much ideas and information that were suddenly infused to me and some are not even interested in teaching me the rigors of ER routines.
Now this other preceptor of mine was a very effective one. She is very smart and she knows what she's doing, although in some situations where we were so busy then she tend to get upset, lose her temper and patience with me.
I mean no negative feelings with her because I know I have learned a lot from her and I was so extremely challenged with her way of teaching me ER routines. What I don't like is that she yelled at me sometimes condescendingly in front of the staff which to my upbringing means a very embarassing situation.
In my whole life I never gotten yelled at by my parents and I was kind of hurt by it inside me yet I showed her some humility and gratefulness for taking time in effectively teaching me although I am still new to the unit.
What really hurts me is that she always pointed out that I am an experienced nurse for fifteen years and I still don't know what I'm doing. Although she used to say and slapped that to my face, I never retaliated at her and still was all smiles with her but inside me, I was already scarred and hurt. I never experienced this kind of tough love and abrassive comments in my entire life.
It was very degrading and defamatory where I was about to pop like a balloon and burst into tears but good thing I never showed it to her and I still held on to myself and not crying in front of her.
It was a very intimidating and embarrassing situation to be at. I know some staff over heard it but I still held the cutest smile and a thick face in front of them showing them that I was not affected but deep inside I was already bleeding and crying of shame.
My family friend who worked there advised me to be strong and be alert all the time of my decisions and actions because every body seems to be very unwelcoming to new staff like me. Although I sensed it initially when I started there but because of my will to learn some of the ER routines and actions I succumbed myself to all these tough love.
Tough love...... because I received a passive welcome and less acceptance. It seems that I only existed there as a props and of no value at all. But hey don't buy out props..... because sometimes they can be of good use.
Aaah..... I always bear in mind that I could not please people all the time. And I always feel that I tend to be judged and mistaken as a timid guy all the time and also frequently misunderstood in some cases. I don't know why....... but I think the aura I always emanated to them was not that very tantalizing to subdue or mesmerize other living and nonliving things.
But hey..... I am just a simple human being prone to be hurt, disgraced, and misunderstood, and that when you know me, will give you a lot of funny jokes and comical stories you won't forget in your entire life.
I know most of my first encounters will see me as timid and passive person but I always tell them I am like that because I'm still prepping myself to my acquaintances so that I get to know them well.
Every individual is unique and they shouldn't be misunderstood and be given tough love. It takes time to know someone and I hope people will give some time to know someone. It's just like having a baby and getting to know them well as they grow up.
For me as a newbie in ER I never expected to be treated with such tough love. I mean I can be as thick as a bark of the tree to fend off those negative comments but still I am also a human being prone to be hurt and embarrassed. Disgraced as I am but still has the guts to stand against the snares of shame and embarrassment.
Writing this blog made my tears continuously flow and my pent up feelings and emotions were released slowly. This is my avenue to express myself and my injured dignity. I thanked God for not letting me lose my temper and not answer back with my perpetrators although I was about to do it but He guided me to be strong in the midst of humiliation.
Time will come I will get over this and I will rise from the ashes of embarrassment and disgrace. I hope my patience will not stretch out and I will held on tight from the darkest moments of these challenges.
Thank you God for watching over me. Thanks also for the tough love you've given me.
I was been with a lot of preceptors and I was kinda confused already. Some are very encouraging and some are not interested in teaching me leaving me to scrape my resources in order to survive the whole shift.
But the most challenging part was to be left out and have nothing to lean on except that I have to squeeze out all my wits and apply my own judgement in doing my own assessments. It seems that I am not welcome in this place but I have to be optimistic that I can do it.
I am always a positive person and I don't want to think that people are too passive to help me out. Probably I was wrong with my assumptions and I can't get rid of suspecting this kind of situations. I may be paranoid about it but I know I can hurdle such situations.
I am a person who is very introverted and I just keep it to myself even though I am hurt already. I always consider it as a challenge and it gives me a room to learn from my mistakes and a room to challenge myself harder and prove to those people that I can survive it even though they gave me tough love.
I got this two preceptors with the same encouraging personality but were so opposite in their teachings and from them I learned a lot because they were so hands on to me and they keep pushing my self to the limits.
One preceptor was a very encouraging one. She was very thorough in her explanations and I was never been intimidated by her. She was very accommodating and approachable and I always got some positive and encouraging feedbacks from her despite I made some minor mistakes. She is not condescending and was very patient in teaching me.
My other preceptor was supposed to be my primary preceptor but due to some health issues she was absent for many days and I missed out some days with her that's why I was bumped with several people to orient with thereby making me confused because of too much ideas and information that were suddenly infused to me and some are not even interested in teaching me the rigors of ER routines.
Now this other preceptor of mine was a very effective one. She is very smart and she knows what she's doing, although in some situations where we were so busy then she tend to get upset, lose her temper and patience with me.
I mean no negative feelings with her because I know I have learned a lot from her and I was so extremely challenged with her way of teaching me ER routines. What I don't like is that she yelled at me sometimes condescendingly in front of the staff which to my upbringing means a very embarassing situation.
In my whole life I never gotten yelled at by my parents and I was kind of hurt by it inside me yet I showed her some humility and gratefulness for taking time in effectively teaching me although I am still new to the unit.
What really hurts me is that she always pointed out that I am an experienced nurse for fifteen years and I still don't know what I'm doing. Although she used to say and slapped that to my face, I never retaliated at her and still was all smiles with her but inside me, I was already scarred and hurt. I never experienced this kind of tough love and abrassive comments in my entire life.
It was very degrading and defamatory where I was about to pop like a balloon and burst into tears but good thing I never showed it to her and I still held on to myself and not crying in front of her.
It was a very intimidating and embarrassing situation to be at. I know some staff over heard it but I still held the cutest smile and a thick face in front of them showing them that I was not affected but deep inside I was already bleeding and crying of shame.
My family friend who worked there advised me to be strong and be alert all the time of my decisions and actions because every body seems to be very unwelcoming to new staff like me. Although I sensed it initially when I started there but because of my will to learn some of the ER routines and actions I succumbed myself to all these tough love.
Tough love...... because I received a passive welcome and less acceptance. It seems that I only existed there as a props and of no value at all. But hey don't buy out props..... because sometimes they can be of good use.
Aaah..... I always bear in mind that I could not please people all the time. And I always feel that I tend to be judged and mistaken as a timid guy all the time and also frequently misunderstood in some cases. I don't know why....... but I think the aura I always emanated to them was not that very tantalizing to subdue or mesmerize other living and nonliving things.
But hey..... I am just a simple human being prone to be hurt, disgraced, and misunderstood, and that when you know me, will give you a lot of funny jokes and comical stories you won't forget in your entire life.
I know most of my first encounters will see me as timid and passive person but I always tell them I am like that because I'm still prepping myself to my acquaintances so that I get to know them well.
Every individual is unique and they shouldn't be misunderstood and be given tough love. It takes time to know someone and I hope people will give some time to know someone. It's just like having a baby and getting to know them well as they grow up.
For me as a newbie in ER I never expected to be treated with such tough love. I mean I can be as thick as a bark of the tree to fend off those negative comments but still I am also a human being prone to be hurt and embarrassed. Disgraced as I am but still has the guts to stand against the snares of shame and embarrassment.
Writing this blog made my tears continuously flow and my pent up feelings and emotions were released slowly. This is my avenue to express myself and my injured dignity. I thanked God for not letting me lose my temper and not answer back with my perpetrators although I was about to do it but He guided me to be strong in the midst of humiliation.
Time will come I will get over this and I will rise from the ashes of embarrassment and disgrace. I hope my patience will not stretch out and I will held on tight from the darkest moments of these challenges.
Thank you God for watching over me. Thanks also for the tough love you've given me.
Friday, September 17, 2010
The Joys of Teaching (100th Blog 2010)
Hello guys! It took me sometime to come back here and decide what to blog for my 100th blog for this year and the 216th blog since the inception of this blog site. I know you were thinking that this blog should be special because it is the 100th one.
Actually, I haven't yet decided what to blog. And I was contemplating on sharing with you my experiences all through out the years for teaching nursing students in the clinicals preparing for their journey to become professional nurses in the future.
My knack in teaching was actually influenced by my beloved mom who was a very respected elementary teacher in my hometown and also by my college clinical instructors who really instill to me how to be diligent and hardworking in my studies. From there I internalized the techniques and the character of being an effective mentor, teacher, and faculty.
I tried out for an interview as a clinical instructor in 2005 at Preferred College of Nursing after acquiring my necessary certifications in teaching students in theory and clinical settings. After that I loved it, was been drawn to it, and still continue to teach until now.
I left PCN because of management reasons and I moved to Homestead Schools, Inc. following one of my mentor from PCN and until now I was been with the same school teaching nursing students in the clinical setting.
I am usually assigned to follow-up students in the clinical setting who are in their Term 4 in the Pediatric, Obstetrics, and Emergency Unit. My specialty is Pediatrics so it was very easy for me to guide them in learning to the best of their capability when they are under my wing.
Clinicals is always fulfilling for me because I get to assist the students on what they want to learn in the unit they are assigned to. And I get to assessed the students ability to do procedures not just satisfactorily but outstandingly and also help them devise and formulate a very effective nursing care plans for their respective clients.
Teaching had gave me a lot of perks most of the time. It made me more confident in answering students questions and made me more knowledgeable of some of the disorders pertinent to the unit we are assigned at.
I am learning at the same time when I am teaching. Learning not just the disorders but also on how to interact with students professionally and guiding them on the right track during their journey to become a professional and effective nurses of the future.
Teaching had gave me a new avenue apart from my hospital job and it fatten my heart to see students coming back and telling me their appreciations and gratitudes to their teachers when they passed their state board exams and land a very promising and fulfilling job. My heart always skips a beat when seeing these thankful and grateful students.
Teaching had also gave me the mindset to be more positive in my outlook as a professional nurse and mentor not just to my students but also for my patients and co-workers as well.
I always tend to make myself worthy of emulation because I know that my behavior and character will embody the school ideals and the past institutions I've been tied up with like my college Alma Mater and my previous employers.
I love teaching and I will continue to impart my knowledge to hungry nursing students who wanted to serve the community with the ideals of a very caring and compassionate nurse. I will always do my best to keep the candle burning and pass on the promises of the pioneers of this noble profession.
I hope this blog had inspired all of you despite I ran out of something to write here. This will made me realized that my 100th blog was so special because I had shared the love of my job and the joys of teaching eager nursing students to be counted in this very respected profession.
Keep coming to my blog site because you all inspired me to put this blog site after all. I hope my mission was clear cut to you and I hope all my contemplations were an inspiration to all of you although some of it was just average and under par.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for supporting me on my journey in enjoying the joys of teaching nursing students. See you all again on my next blog.
Happy 100th blog for "Inner Contemplations" and keep blogging to inspire more people who read it. Till we see again!
Actually, I haven't yet decided what to blog. And I was contemplating on sharing with you my experiences all through out the years for teaching nursing students in the clinicals preparing for their journey to become professional nurses in the future.
My knack in teaching was actually influenced by my beloved mom who was a very respected elementary teacher in my hometown and also by my college clinical instructors who really instill to me how to be diligent and hardworking in my studies. From there I internalized the techniques and the character of being an effective mentor, teacher, and faculty.
I tried out for an interview as a clinical instructor in 2005 at Preferred College of Nursing after acquiring my necessary certifications in teaching students in theory and clinical settings. After that I loved it, was been drawn to it, and still continue to teach until now.
I left PCN because of management reasons and I moved to Homestead Schools, Inc. following one of my mentor from PCN and until now I was been with the same school teaching nursing students in the clinical setting.
I am usually assigned to follow-up students in the clinical setting who are in their Term 4 in the Pediatric, Obstetrics, and Emergency Unit. My specialty is Pediatrics so it was very easy for me to guide them in learning to the best of their capability when they are under my wing.
Clinicals is always fulfilling for me because I get to assist the students on what they want to learn in the unit they are assigned to. And I get to assessed the students ability to do procedures not just satisfactorily but outstandingly and also help them devise and formulate a very effective nursing care plans for their respective clients.
Teaching had gave me a lot of perks most of the time. It made me more confident in answering students questions and made me more knowledgeable of some of the disorders pertinent to the unit we are assigned at.
I am learning at the same time when I am teaching. Learning not just the disorders but also on how to interact with students professionally and guiding them on the right track during their journey to become a professional and effective nurses of the future.
Teaching had gave me a new avenue apart from my hospital job and it fatten my heart to see students coming back and telling me their appreciations and gratitudes to their teachers when they passed their state board exams and land a very promising and fulfilling job. My heart always skips a beat when seeing these thankful and grateful students.
Teaching had also gave me the mindset to be more positive in my outlook as a professional nurse and mentor not just to my students but also for my patients and co-workers as well.
I always tend to make myself worthy of emulation because I know that my behavior and character will embody the school ideals and the past institutions I've been tied up with like my college Alma Mater and my previous employers.
I love teaching and I will continue to impart my knowledge to hungry nursing students who wanted to serve the community with the ideals of a very caring and compassionate nurse. I will always do my best to keep the candle burning and pass on the promises of the pioneers of this noble profession.
I hope this blog had inspired all of you despite I ran out of something to write here. This will made me realized that my 100th blog was so special because I had shared the love of my job and the joys of teaching eager nursing students to be counted in this very respected profession.
Keep coming to my blog site because you all inspired me to put this blog site after all. I hope my mission was clear cut to you and I hope all my contemplations were an inspiration to all of you although some of it was just average and under par.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for supporting me on my journey in enjoying the joys of teaching nursing students. See you all again on my next blog.
Happy 100th blog for "Inner Contemplations" and keep blogging to inspire more people who read it. Till we see again!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
A Bend in the Road
They say that life has a lot of crooked roads. There might be a straight ones but usually we always took notice of the crooked ones.
The straight ones are not that very important to us although it makes our life more easier. It brings us to our destination in a jiffy but the crooked ones will give us a lot of dilemma and challenges as we continue aiming for our individual goals.
They say that a bend in the road is the end of the road. The reason...... is I don't know. But to me this is a wrong notion. What I really believed is...... that a bend in the road is not the end of the road.... because it will only end if we forgot to turn.
A bend in the road is another chapter of our life that tells us that we need to regroup ourself and anticipate what lies ahead. It is another way to lead us to our destination and tells us to slow down and make wise decisions along the way.
Sometimes we tend to rush at the curves of our lives thereby putting us in an awkward position. Sometimes we swerved sideways trying to regain our balance.
With just one mistake we can be out of the road and stop there for a while thereby delaying our arrival at our destination and also delay the achievement of our individual goals. So we have to go back to the road again until we can pick up the necessary speed, start all over again, and continue with our journey.
What we should do when we make a turn at the bend of the road in ourselves is to may be just slow down and maintain our confidence and composure as we regain our speed at a normal pace. By doing so we can reach to our intended destination and attain our goals at the right time and the right moment thereby enjoying what our life has to offer.
Life is full of surprises. There is no easy way to it. We have to go through the eye of the needle in order to have a satisfying life. All these tests along the way will make us more confident in dealing with the difficulties and challenges that life has brought us.
There is no silver lining in living life. Even God has to suffer in order to save us from the sins of our first parents. Even the royalties has their own dilemmas and problems.
Everybody has their own atrocities in life. You're never alone with the struggles in surviving life. No matter what degree it is.... everybody had sufferred some problems in life be it minor or major. There is no perfect life, I believe.
These bends in the road will even make us more stronger in dealing with life and we can champion whatever is being thrown to us if we know how to manage, deal, and decipher the solutions to all these challenges.
There's always a bend in the road in our lives. We never know when they happen. And whenever it will show up we should be ready in tackling them and know how to turn at the right moment and at the right time, maintaining our momentum, and regaining our speed ultimately because if we fail to turn ahead for sure that will be the end of the road for us.
We should always be on the alert when to turn because we never know when to encounter another bend in the road. Always be ready and anticipate what will happen because life is not always made of straight roads but of the most crookedest roads, too.
The straight ones are not that very important to us although it makes our life more easier. It brings us to our destination in a jiffy but the crooked ones will give us a lot of dilemma and challenges as we continue aiming for our individual goals.
They say that a bend in the road is the end of the road. The reason...... is I don't know. But to me this is a wrong notion. What I really believed is...... that a bend in the road is not the end of the road.... because it will only end if we forgot to turn.
A bend in the road is another chapter of our life that tells us that we need to regroup ourself and anticipate what lies ahead. It is another way to lead us to our destination and tells us to slow down and make wise decisions along the way.
Sometimes we tend to rush at the curves of our lives thereby putting us in an awkward position. Sometimes we swerved sideways trying to regain our balance.
With just one mistake we can be out of the road and stop there for a while thereby delaying our arrival at our destination and also delay the achievement of our individual goals. So we have to go back to the road again until we can pick up the necessary speed, start all over again, and continue with our journey.
What we should do when we make a turn at the bend of the road in ourselves is to may be just slow down and maintain our confidence and composure as we regain our speed at a normal pace. By doing so we can reach to our intended destination and attain our goals at the right time and the right moment thereby enjoying what our life has to offer.
Life is full of surprises. There is no easy way to it. We have to go through the eye of the needle in order to have a satisfying life. All these tests along the way will make us more confident in dealing with the difficulties and challenges that life has brought us.
There is no silver lining in living life. Even God has to suffer in order to save us from the sins of our first parents. Even the royalties has their own dilemmas and problems.
Everybody has their own atrocities in life. You're never alone with the struggles in surviving life. No matter what degree it is.... everybody had sufferred some problems in life be it minor or major. There is no perfect life, I believe.
These bends in the road will even make us more stronger in dealing with life and we can champion whatever is being thrown to us if we know how to manage, deal, and decipher the solutions to all these challenges.
There's always a bend in the road in our lives. We never know when they happen. And whenever it will show up we should be ready in tackling them and know how to turn at the right moment and at the right time, maintaining our momentum, and regaining our speed ultimately because if we fail to turn ahead for sure that will be the end of the road for us.
We should always be on the alert when to turn because we never know when to encounter another bend in the road. Always be ready and anticipate what will happen because life is not always made of straight roads but of the most crookedest roads, too.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Memory Lapse
My day was been a day with a lot of memory lapses and embarrassment. I hope I am not heading to a demented stage. I think I am not ready for that yet.
It was funny because my day was started with a wrong move and a wrong decision. I woke up very refreshed and energized because I slept for more than ten hours after working three days straight the previous days. And I know today will be a more promising day.
I was very groggy when I woke up. Upon realizing that I have my clinicals today I dragged myself unwillingly to the bathroom to take a warm shower in order for me to wake up fully and continue preparing for my activity for the day.
My mind was already set to go to Windsor Manor in Orange County to met Batch 12-B for their clinicals. I didn't know I was looking at the old schedule send to me by my DON and I haven't realized that the schedule was been changed and modified.
I was only gone for eleven days for my vacation from Santo Domingo in Dominican Republic and I totally forgot that the schedule was been changed before I left the country. Unmindful of it, I went directly to Orange County and waited for some students to show up at Windsor Manor.
At 7 am there were no students there so I started to panicked and realized that the schedule was been changed and I forgot to change the one on my desktop with the revised one.
I phoned one of my students and told him the whole scenario and then I left Windsor Manor and headed to Long Beach Care Center where the students were waiting for me patiently.
When I came after forty-five minutes at the facility, they were teasing me that I was already having an Alzheimer's disease after having a two-weeks vacation. I told them that it was just a small mistake and I took responsibility for that little booboo.
I also joked to them that may be I still needed more days for my vacation because I felt at that moment that I am still rubbing my sunblock and feeling the cool crystal blue waters of the Carribean sea. That was just a small escape but it was helpful. We all laughed at the little comic comment.
I couldn't even start to talk seriously and was feeling so out of nowhere when I spoke to them during the pre-conference. I was just not very updated of what had happened from the school lately when I'm gone.
I was totally embarrassed about what had happened and I took the chance to apologize to the students about the little fiasco. I should have double checked my schedule last night before going to bed, that's my big mistake anyway.
At least the day had passed by smoothly, although I made a booboo again today. The students had carried their activities well, medicated some patients, did their individual ADLs, and discussed some common disorders. It was a very interactive day despite of that slight mistake I made first thing in the morning.
It was really unusual to start a day with a mistake but oh well life has to go on. We sometimes fell from our journey but we have to graciously stand up and determined to continue the journey. From there we can learn something from it and swear not to repeat the same mistakes again.
I admit that I am not a perfect person and we all commit mistakes. Mistakes does not happen to embarrass or degrade us. It happens because it can give us a much needed awakening and lessons to spice up our lives. Be it a minor or a major mistake, it's purpose is to educate us on how to approach life in a positive direction not to make us dawdle on it and do nothing in the end.
It was funny though because I tend to make some funny thoughts about the booboo I made today rationalizing to myself that it was may be the first indication that I am getting old. Hahaha.
Although, I might consider that fact but it seems that I am too young for that. May be it is true but I strongly digress the fact because I am still on my denial mode. Who knows I am already having those signs of early senility. Hehehe.
If ever I am, I might probably be more rebellious and retaliatory about it. Why? Because I still have a lot to enjoy.
But they say life has to go on. Whether it is late adulthood or seeing the entrance to senility may be there is some light for it to happen because I know we all go to that stage anyway.
I could not deny the fact that I am getting old. When ever that happens I hope I fulfilled all my goals and my dreams. Ahhh.... life is indeed a continuous process. Nobody can stop the wheel of life from turning but the Maker Himself.
Whenever that happens I hope I'll be ready ro face it. And I hope I would not suffer that much embarrassment as what I have experienced today. I felt like a melting ice cream on the hands of a child or a balloon pricked with the tip of the pin then suddenly popped, disappeared, and scattered everywhere. I just can't pick up my pieces right there and think logically and clearly.
It is pathetically degrading to experience a memory lapse and I know the feeling because I just experienced it majorly today. And until now I have no idea what had happened this morning.
All I know is that I was put into a shameful situation where I have to pick up myself and start anew. It was that same situation that I felt I am an object of mockery and fun and it was a totally embarrassing and forgettable experience. Waaah! And I swear I don't want it to happen again.
It was funny because my day was started with a wrong move and a wrong decision. I woke up very refreshed and energized because I slept for more than ten hours after working three days straight the previous days. And I know today will be a more promising day.
I was very groggy when I woke up. Upon realizing that I have my clinicals today I dragged myself unwillingly to the bathroom to take a warm shower in order for me to wake up fully and continue preparing for my activity for the day.
My mind was already set to go to Windsor Manor in Orange County to met Batch 12-B for their clinicals. I didn't know I was looking at the old schedule send to me by my DON and I haven't realized that the schedule was been changed and modified.
I was only gone for eleven days for my vacation from Santo Domingo in Dominican Republic and I totally forgot that the schedule was been changed before I left the country. Unmindful of it, I went directly to Orange County and waited for some students to show up at Windsor Manor.
At 7 am there were no students there so I started to panicked and realized that the schedule was been changed and I forgot to change the one on my desktop with the revised one.
I phoned one of my students and told him the whole scenario and then I left Windsor Manor and headed to Long Beach Care Center where the students were waiting for me patiently.
When I came after forty-five minutes at the facility, they were teasing me that I was already having an Alzheimer's disease after having a two-weeks vacation. I told them that it was just a small mistake and I took responsibility for that little booboo.
I also joked to them that may be I still needed more days for my vacation because I felt at that moment that I am still rubbing my sunblock and feeling the cool crystal blue waters of the Carribean sea. That was just a small escape but it was helpful. We all laughed at the little comic comment.
I couldn't even start to talk seriously and was feeling so out of nowhere when I spoke to them during the pre-conference. I was just not very updated of what had happened from the school lately when I'm gone.
I was totally embarrassed about what had happened and I took the chance to apologize to the students about the little fiasco. I should have double checked my schedule last night before going to bed, that's my big mistake anyway.
At least the day had passed by smoothly, although I made a booboo again today. The students had carried their activities well, medicated some patients, did their individual ADLs, and discussed some common disorders. It was a very interactive day despite of that slight mistake I made first thing in the morning.
It was really unusual to start a day with a mistake but oh well life has to go on. We sometimes fell from our journey but we have to graciously stand up and determined to continue the journey. From there we can learn something from it and swear not to repeat the same mistakes again.
I admit that I am not a perfect person and we all commit mistakes. Mistakes does not happen to embarrass or degrade us. It happens because it can give us a much needed awakening and lessons to spice up our lives. Be it a minor or a major mistake, it's purpose is to educate us on how to approach life in a positive direction not to make us dawdle on it and do nothing in the end.
It was funny though because I tend to make some funny thoughts about the booboo I made today rationalizing to myself that it was may be the first indication that I am getting old. Hahaha.
Although, I might consider that fact but it seems that I am too young for that. May be it is true but I strongly digress the fact because I am still on my denial mode. Who knows I am already having those signs of early senility. Hehehe.
If ever I am, I might probably be more rebellious and retaliatory about it. Why? Because I still have a lot to enjoy.
But they say life has to go on. Whether it is late adulthood or seeing the entrance to senility may be there is some light for it to happen because I know we all go to that stage anyway.
I could not deny the fact that I am getting old. When ever that happens I hope I fulfilled all my goals and my dreams. Ahhh.... life is indeed a continuous process. Nobody can stop the wheel of life from turning but the Maker Himself.
Whenever that happens I hope I'll be ready ro face it. And I hope I would not suffer that much embarrassment as what I have experienced today. I felt like a melting ice cream on the hands of a child or a balloon pricked with the tip of the pin then suddenly popped, disappeared, and scattered everywhere. I just can't pick up my pieces right there and think logically and clearly.
It is pathetically degrading to experience a memory lapse and I know the feeling because I just experienced it majorly today. And until now I have no idea what had happened this morning.
All I know is that I was put into a shameful situation where I have to pick up myself and start anew. It was that same situation that I felt I am an object of mockery and fun and it was a totally embarrassing and forgettable experience. Waaah! And I swear I don't want it to happen again.
Adjusting to Personalities
Well, working in ER is still a struggle. It's been two months now that I am orientating there and the unit is still strange to me. I know it will gonna be difficult from the start but eventually I can get the hang of it.
They say every journey starts with a single step and my journey in ER is really green. I always get shocked when I am in adult ER. Everything for me there is foreign. I felt that I am working in another planet. People in the main ER are always not approachable. But anyways, I don't give a damn.
On the other hand, Pediatric ER is the most awesome job I know. Although I still have to encounter some challenges there but at least I am comfortable working there despite struggling to please some of the people that worked there. It was a big challenge to me yet it's rewarding because I get to learn a lot of things.
As long as I do my own thing, I will be okay. As long as I don't harm people and I don't keep any ill feelings for them, I will be fine. I know God is always with me and I know I will be safe at His presence all the time. My only friend is God and He will not leave me always in any adversities. That's why I always pray all the time when I am at work.
Well, this journey of me in ER really starts from square. Adult ER for me is very challenging especially for me who got use with my niche in Pediatrics for many many years. Since I wanted challenge in my life then I think this is it.
What I really don't like here is working with people who are really so all over their head. What I mean is that those who really feel so hung up with themselves and who always wants to prove to other people that they are the best when in fact not.
But as for me, I just wanted to be low key here since I am new to the place. I know I can meet a lot of strange personalities along the way and I know they will find means to step on me. Oh well, if that's what makes them happy just let them be. Later on the other side of the plate will turn around and will show them what karma is.
I was working with this white preceptor of mine but it seems that she was kind of distant from me. I've been to a lot of preceptor before who are really hands on with their orientee but this one seems like she doesn't want to mentor and teach new orientees.
Like she was bitter to the newbies and make them suffer all throughout the shift. I don't know if I'm just generalizing about white people as very arrogant and overly proud of themselves but my experiences so far proves me right, and I hope not all of the white people are like that.
I wish I am wrong with my assumptions but this one really had etched in my mind and I know I couldn't shake it off my subconscious. For me this was a big challenge and I've learned from it.
I'd tried my best to be nice but it seems that my being nice was been misinterpreted as not nice. I don't know but I have a feeling that I am not welcome there. In as much as I wanted to be accepted there it seems that people are not really open to the newbies.
But this one hurdle couldn't even topple me. This only proves to me to be stronger, resilient, tenacious, and hold on to my principles because I know time will come I will be victorious in winning their approval and friendship.
Ideally, people should be open to newbies and welcome them with good intentions to the new strange place they are into. I really expect that the mentors should guide their orientees whether they are experienced or not but it seems this is not the case.
I mean the place is already overwhelming to the new ones plus the new environment, the new routines they should master, plus the policies they should adapt, and many more things they will encounter on the way during their journey in facing the realities of the new job.
My preceptors were not like this. They always turn their back at me, leaving me alone to figure out what to do, and I ended up struggling with all my might.
I know I'm a smart person but still I know my limitations. And being smart is not perfect at all. I have my own weaknesses and I know I have to bow out. May be there's something there that got me in the situation to be misunderstood sometimes. I know I am always misunderstood and I don't know what to do to fix that.
I tried myself to talk to my preceptors but I felt brushed off all the time as if I don't exist in their midst. I can pinpoint few preceptors who do good in their job and I am extremely comfortable to interact and learn new ideas from them.
It's really hard to please people especially working in a stressful place like the ER and I understand that. But eventhough how stressful the situation is, as a professional you still have to manage to throw a smile and be nice to new people. Right?
Well, this is still an enormous puzzle to me and I don't know what the answer is. Ahhhh.... personalities are always strange and a wonder to me. It really gave me the bumps and the dread on how to handle such situation.
I know I always have somebody to lean on in facing such challenging and difficult situations involving people who are extremely cold in interacting newbies like me. And I know God is always there to give me company and strength to get through all of these.
And whatever I started I have to finish it because quitting and giving up is a coward's way of facing the realities of life. It's just like running a marathon without even getting to the finish line.
They say every journey starts with a single step and my journey in ER is really green. I always get shocked when I am in adult ER. Everything for me there is foreign. I felt that I am working in another planet. People in the main ER are always not approachable. But anyways, I don't give a damn.
On the other hand, Pediatric ER is the most awesome job I know. Although I still have to encounter some challenges there but at least I am comfortable working there despite struggling to please some of the people that worked there. It was a big challenge to me yet it's rewarding because I get to learn a lot of things.
As long as I do my own thing, I will be okay. As long as I don't harm people and I don't keep any ill feelings for them, I will be fine. I know God is always with me and I know I will be safe at His presence all the time. My only friend is God and He will not leave me always in any adversities. That's why I always pray all the time when I am at work.
Well, this journey of me in ER really starts from square. Adult ER for me is very challenging especially for me who got use with my niche in Pediatrics for many many years. Since I wanted challenge in my life then I think this is it.
What I really don't like here is working with people who are really so all over their head. What I mean is that those who really feel so hung up with themselves and who always wants to prove to other people that they are the best when in fact not.
But as for me, I just wanted to be low key here since I am new to the place. I know I can meet a lot of strange personalities along the way and I know they will find means to step on me. Oh well, if that's what makes them happy just let them be. Later on the other side of the plate will turn around and will show them what karma is.
I was working with this white preceptor of mine but it seems that she was kind of distant from me. I've been to a lot of preceptor before who are really hands on with their orientee but this one seems like she doesn't want to mentor and teach new orientees.
Like she was bitter to the newbies and make them suffer all throughout the shift. I don't know if I'm just generalizing about white people as very arrogant and overly proud of themselves but my experiences so far proves me right, and I hope not all of the white people are like that.
I wish I am wrong with my assumptions but this one really had etched in my mind and I know I couldn't shake it off my subconscious. For me this was a big challenge and I've learned from it.
I'd tried my best to be nice but it seems that my being nice was been misinterpreted as not nice. I don't know but I have a feeling that I am not welcome there. In as much as I wanted to be accepted there it seems that people are not really open to the newbies.
But this one hurdle couldn't even topple me. This only proves to me to be stronger, resilient, tenacious, and hold on to my principles because I know time will come I will be victorious in winning their approval and friendship.
Ideally, people should be open to newbies and welcome them with good intentions to the new strange place they are into. I really expect that the mentors should guide their orientees whether they are experienced or not but it seems this is not the case.
I mean the place is already overwhelming to the new ones plus the new environment, the new routines they should master, plus the policies they should adapt, and many more things they will encounter on the way during their journey in facing the realities of the new job.
My preceptors were not like this. They always turn their back at me, leaving me alone to figure out what to do, and I ended up struggling with all my might.
I know I'm a smart person but still I know my limitations. And being smart is not perfect at all. I have my own weaknesses and I know I have to bow out. May be there's something there that got me in the situation to be misunderstood sometimes. I know I am always misunderstood and I don't know what to do to fix that.
I tried myself to talk to my preceptors but I felt brushed off all the time as if I don't exist in their midst. I can pinpoint few preceptors who do good in their job and I am extremely comfortable to interact and learn new ideas from them.
It's really hard to please people especially working in a stressful place like the ER and I understand that. But eventhough how stressful the situation is, as a professional you still have to manage to throw a smile and be nice to new people. Right?
Well, this is still an enormous puzzle to me and I don't know what the answer is. Ahhhh.... personalities are always strange and a wonder to me. It really gave me the bumps and the dread on how to handle such situation.
I know I always have somebody to lean on in facing such challenging and difficult situations involving people who are extremely cold in interacting newbies like me. And I know God is always there to give me company and strength to get through all of these.
And whatever I started I have to finish it because quitting and giving up is a coward's way of facing the realities of life. It's just like running a marathon without even getting to the finish line.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Fire Eyes
Things really are inevitable these days. If things gonna happen it will happen instantly. You'll never know, they'll just pop right away. You will be surprised at what will happen because things always shows up in an inopportune time.
Today, I woke up with a slight pain on my right eye. This is unusual but I had a feeling it's not good. I just brushed it off for a while but by the time I was washing my face off after getting up from a tiring sleep I noticed that my eyes appears red.
My.... I forgot to take off my contact lenses before I went to sleep earlier. I must have been very tired probably from my graveyard shift work last night that when I got home after I determindedly fought a two hour drive against the congested traffic of Freeway 110 from Long Beach to my house in West Hollywood I must have fell asleep on my bed instantly.
I checked both my eyes and I saw the right one was already a little red. But there was no itching or drainage or such the like. I was scheduled to work tonight and I was contemplating of calling-in-sick.
I was been battling whether to report to work or just stay at home but I decided the former and just decided to keep an eye with it. Worse comes to worse I will have to go home in the middle of the shift and treat myself if the redness aggravated.
I can't afford to call-in-sick because of the fact that I am just a few months new from this ER job and I don't have PTO hours to cover for this absence.
And also, I am afraid that I will lose my sign-on bonus opportunity if I will lack the regular maximum hours being put in for each pay period which is 72 hrs. And lastly, I don't want to use up my call-in-sick bank which is a max of five frequencies annually and a bunch of rationalizations.
I decided to take a shower and tried to clean both eyes well. It still appears not detectable yet so I'm still safe. I then changed and left the house and start to beat the nagging and congested traffic of Los Angeles going to Long Beach. It's ridiculously irritating to really drive to work everytime I'm scheduled because it took me a maximum of two hours to get to work on time.
I have to wake up three hours early to give allowances for the preparation and the traffic. I mean I am already on my second month on this job and I kind of getting used to this routine now.
I just want to avoid getting late because I also don't want to get reprimanded or suspended. Anyways, I'm allowed for ten tardiness for the whole year and so far I have none.
Hopefully when everything will be settled at the job I can find a place more nearer at the hospital in that I can't battle all these stresses everyday which is very ridiculous especially the stressful traffic. I almost didn't make it today hadn't I decided to take the side streets off Freeway 405.
When I got at the hospital the first thing I checked were my eyes. It was still not noticeable which is good. But I am trying to not making eye contact with some of my co-workers because I don't want them to notice my pink eye and I hate doing it because I don't feel really comfortable to stay away from people. I feel like an alien being looked at and a paranoid freak.
I got my assignment and got repport from the off going nurse yet my behavior was still odd. I followed my preceptor and presented to her my goals and plans and she coincided with it.
I did my assessments and transferred a patient to the floor and the night went smooth and very engaging. I did couple of procedures and interacted with my patients well. But when the time I went to the restroom to pee and check my eyes now it was so obvious that the right eye was so red and burning and itchy and blurry, etc, etc.
I immediately told my preceptor about the situation and pulled over the teamleader to the side and told her that I want to going home because I don't feel comfortable with my eyes and also don't want to spread the bacteria around the unit even though I am very meticulous with my handwashing and disinfection control. I told her that I decided to leave at 11 pm when the next round of staff comes in.
Now I felt embarrassed and can't see people around as well as focus on what I am doing. I am so paranoid and very much suspicious that people are looking at me and talking about me because of my fiery eyes. Yes, I got a pink eye and I am so conceitedly paranoid about it when in fact people are not talking about it. I don't know why I'm like that. Aaaah.
I got to admit one more patient, interviewed and assessed her, placed everything in the computer and gave report to my preceptor before clocking out then I went to eat first because I'm starving and when I came back I spoke to the night's teamleader about my decision and she agreed upon seeing that my eyes appeared very sore.
She sent me to fast track upon my request to get a presciption for the medicine and then I left the hospital.
Well, I think that was the prudent decision I made rather than staying there and start spreading the infection. I didn't risk losing my call-in-sick days and I didn't make an absence today but I got this booboo which I needed to treat because I will be coming back again tonight endangering my opportunities again.
Aaah..... why do all things always shows up unannounced? Why should they always pester someones life and make them so miserable? The answer to that question........ I don't know. Maybe there were some alternative solutions and whatever it is that's for me to find out.
Today, I woke up with a slight pain on my right eye. This is unusual but I had a feeling it's not good. I just brushed it off for a while but by the time I was washing my face off after getting up from a tiring sleep I noticed that my eyes appears red.
My.... I forgot to take off my contact lenses before I went to sleep earlier. I must have been very tired probably from my graveyard shift work last night that when I got home after I determindedly fought a two hour drive against the congested traffic of Freeway 110 from Long Beach to my house in West Hollywood I must have fell asleep on my bed instantly.
I checked both my eyes and I saw the right one was already a little red. But there was no itching or drainage or such the like. I was scheduled to work tonight and I was contemplating of calling-in-sick.
I was been battling whether to report to work or just stay at home but I decided the former and just decided to keep an eye with it. Worse comes to worse I will have to go home in the middle of the shift and treat myself if the redness aggravated.
I can't afford to call-in-sick because of the fact that I am just a few months new from this ER job and I don't have PTO hours to cover for this absence.
And also, I am afraid that I will lose my sign-on bonus opportunity if I will lack the regular maximum hours being put in for each pay period which is 72 hrs. And lastly, I don't want to use up my call-in-sick bank which is a max of five frequencies annually and a bunch of rationalizations.
I decided to take a shower and tried to clean both eyes well. It still appears not detectable yet so I'm still safe. I then changed and left the house and start to beat the nagging and congested traffic of Los Angeles going to Long Beach. It's ridiculously irritating to really drive to work everytime I'm scheduled because it took me a maximum of two hours to get to work on time.
I have to wake up three hours early to give allowances for the preparation and the traffic. I mean I am already on my second month on this job and I kind of getting used to this routine now.
I just want to avoid getting late because I also don't want to get reprimanded or suspended. Anyways, I'm allowed for ten tardiness for the whole year and so far I have none.
Hopefully when everything will be settled at the job I can find a place more nearer at the hospital in that I can't battle all these stresses everyday which is very ridiculous especially the stressful traffic. I almost didn't make it today hadn't I decided to take the side streets off Freeway 405.
When I got at the hospital the first thing I checked were my eyes. It was still not noticeable which is good. But I am trying to not making eye contact with some of my co-workers because I don't want them to notice my pink eye and I hate doing it because I don't feel really comfortable to stay away from people. I feel like an alien being looked at and a paranoid freak.
I got my assignment and got repport from the off going nurse yet my behavior was still odd. I followed my preceptor and presented to her my goals and plans and she coincided with it.
I did my assessments and transferred a patient to the floor and the night went smooth and very engaging. I did couple of procedures and interacted with my patients well. But when the time I went to the restroom to pee and check my eyes now it was so obvious that the right eye was so red and burning and itchy and blurry, etc, etc.
I immediately told my preceptor about the situation and pulled over the teamleader to the side and told her that I want to going home because I don't feel comfortable with my eyes and also don't want to spread the bacteria around the unit even though I am very meticulous with my handwashing and disinfection control. I told her that I decided to leave at 11 pm when the next round of staff comes in.
Now I felt embarrassed and can't see people around as well as focus on what I am doing. I am so paranoid and very much suspicious that people are looking at me and talking about me because of my fiery eyes. Yes, I got a pink eye and I am so conceitedly paranoid about it when in fact people are not talking about it. I don't know why I'm like that. Aaaah.
I got to admit one more patient, interviewed and assessed her, placed everything in the computer and gave report to my preceptor before clocking out then I went to eat first because I'm starving and when I came back I spoke to the night's teamleader about my decision and she agreed upon seeing that my eyes appeared very sore.
She sent me to fast track upon my request to get a presciption for the medicine and then I left the hospital.
Well, I think that was the prudent decision I made rather than staying there and start spreading the infection. I didn't risk losing my call-in-sick days and I didn't make an absence today but I got this booboo which I needed to treat because I will be coming back again tonight endangering my opportunities again.
Aaah..... why do all things always shows up unannounced? Why should they always pester someones life and make them so miserable? The answer to that question........ I don't know. Maybe there were some alternative solutions and whatever it is that's for me to find out.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Trip To Santo Domingo (Part 2)
September 4, 2010 (Saturday): I woke up that day at around 9 am. I think it's not gonna be hot that day. So I decided to take a warm shower and changed.
I decided to tour outside of the vicinity near the hotel so I hire a taxicab for me to roam around Santo Domingo outside the downtown area. I met this very amiable taxicab driver named Senor Dario. Although he speaks broken English at least we understod each other.
I asked Dario to bring me to the famous "Faro de Colon" aka "The Famous Columbus Lighthouse". It was a national monument considering that some of Columbus' bones were burried there.
Dominican Republic was one of the islands in the Americas that were discovered by Columbus that's why the noted discoverer was very famous in this country.
The lighthouse was so enormous. I was told it was shaped like a cross and when lighted on special occasions it looks like a cross up in the skies. With the big lantern in the middle that served as the lighthouse.
The building was also a seat of a lot of expedition artifacts made by the Spanish and other cultures that set afoot in this beautiful island. The building was rich with historical artifacts and the guide had supplemented me with all these informations I needed to know. It was really interesting to know.
The second place that Dario had brought me was the "Los Tres Ojos" aka "The Three Eyes" which derived it's meaning from the three lakes that's being found in this famous cave although I was told there's four lakes but the smallest one wasn't counted as such.
The cave was very preserved and captivating. The structures that was carved by nature was well preserved and the lakes were prohibited to be exploited by the inhabitants.
It was a very captivating and tranquil place. The cave was very serene and pristine and the wilderness inside was very awe inspiring. I can't contain my excitement upon seeing the beauty that Santo Domingo had been protecting. It was a big treasure for them to have kept it. It was really a rare find and I thank Dario for driving me here.
The third place that my taxi driver had brought me was the "Nacional Acuarium" or the National Aquarium" where some of the common sea flora and fauna being seen in Dominican Republic were found.
I took a lot of pictures of all the three places I've went that day and couldn't wait to post it on my Facebook albums.
After roaming at the aquarium for quite a time Dario also drove me at the nearby "Yellow and Black Striped lighthouse" which is one of my weaknesses. The lighthouse was just about half mile from the aquarium and near the coastal road of the city surrounded by coconut groves.
I also took pictures of the lighthouse and was very happy to have seen one. Then after that Dario had brought me back near the hotel area. I paid the taxi driver his fees and I thank him greatly for showing me around the beautiful Santo Domingo.
I went back to the hotel because the heat of the sun was already scorchingly hot on this very intense summer day. I took a little rest and came out of the hotel again around 4 pm when the sun was down.
I tried to roam around the El Conde Park and the one kilometer bargain street where you can see some of the bargain stalls that depicts what Santo Domingo is.
On the street you can see some of the paintings depicting the Dominican cultures and the handicrafts also depicting the richness of their culture and the famous jewelries they're all proud made of topaz and larimar (their national stone).
After shopping I went to the end of the bargain street on the north side and went to the three president's tombs. I stayed there and met Carlos, one of the fine arts student of the University Autonomia de Santo Domingo who was willing to show me more about their culture and their language.
Carlos has this beautiful green eyes and molato skin and was very charming and gorgeous. He taught me Spanish well and I learned a lot from him. After the meeting I thanked Carlos for the help and I went back at the hotel.
September 5, 2010 (Sunday): Today I have to wake up early because we have another getaway with another set of group to the beautiful Islands of Catalanas.
We gathered in front of the hotel and took the bus. This trip was arranged by my friend Renato and there were fifteen of us scheduled to enjoy this very memorable trip to the islands.
The group was very loud and very participating. There were snacks and games during the trip and we had a lot of fun.
We passed three towns which I couldn't remember anymore but the one I couldn't forget was the place called "Altos de Chavon" which is only open during winter times where all the winter retirees goes here to retire from the coldfront.
The community was a very plush countryside and all the buildings were made of pure corrals which looks like pink buildings from afar. It was a very wealthy community with plush restaurants and chapels. It was like living at the backlots of Universal studios where the movies were being shoot.
There was a big amphitheater which we were told by Renato where Frank Sinatra had performed when he was alive. There was also this very big fountain that had captivated my eyes. I took a lot of pictures of this place which I wante dto post on my Facebook account, too.
The one that also captivated my sight was the river that snaked near this high place. The riverside were so plushed with green trees and looked so awe inspiring.
After visiting this beautiful place we continued our trip in going to Catalanas Islands. The visit to "Altos de Chavon" was just an icing to the cake but the trip to Catalanas Islands was the big treat.
We boarded a boat ride in Santa Romana and took a half hour trip towards the islands. On the boat the group went wild and the boat crew started to kick off the fun by dancing the merengue and salsa.
When we arrived at the islands I felt compelled to gasp a big wow because the place had captivated me a lot. It was very pristine and uninhabited. The deep blue green waters were so captivating and inviting.
I enjoyed perusing the islands and soaked in the blue waters. The fun from the bus had continued and we had a lot of games and treats. We all enjoyed the escapades.
The meal were excellent and the snorkelling sessions were enjoyable. The snorkelling intructor was so hot and gorgeous with his smooth coffee colored skin and taut sculpted body was a good example of an eye candy. I can't get off my eyes on him all the time and I cannot held myself and asked to get his solo picture in my camera for me to remind of him. Hahaha.
We left the islands at 3:30 pm and took the boat ride back to Santa Romana and the two an da half hour ride to Santo Domingo. The whole day ride and fun was very memorable and enjoyable. It was a very crazy and fun trip.
I went back to my hotel too tired and rested for one hour when Carlos showed up to continue our Spanish lessons. I invited my instructor for a very tasty dinner at Hotel Sofitel and we enjoyed the salmon and beer.
After the dinner we parted ways hoping to see each other again the next day for my last session of Spanish lessons. It was a very promising and fulfilling day indeed!
September 6, 2010 (Monday): This day I had a hang-over from the previous day's fun. I woke up at 11 am, took a warm shower and changed.
I decided to shop in the afternoon so for the meantime I called Dario, the taxicab driver to show me around the other part of the town.
Dario showed me the Nacional Government House and the various museums around the town as well as the coastal roads and the city itself apart from the plush downtown district.
In the city I saw the other face of Santo Domingo were poor people were lived making and getting things together to make ends meet. It wasn't not pleasing to the eyes but that's the harsh reality you can find in Santo Domingo.
But this progressive city had shared the promise of the 21st cetury were people communicate with smart phones and IT gadgets.
Dario had also brought me to the "Nacional Jardin Botanica", which is a 200 hectare land which nests a wide array of plant species. It was a huge botanical garden I've ever saw and was well maintain.
The lush virgin forest was very captivating and the wide array of plants coming from different parts of the world was a mystery to me to have it grown in this tropical place of the world. It was still a big wonder to me!
After the long hour trip I told Dario to drop me off at the Universidad Autonomia de Santo Domingo for me to meet Carlos there and continue my last session of Spanish lessons.
The university was so huge and there were hundreds of students scattered everywhere. I met Carlos at the "Biblioteca de la Universidad" and he showed me around the whole place.
I took pictures of the place for my Facebook documenation and then we proceeded for our lessons again.
After the lessons we left the library and the university and Carlos showed me the Metro and the subway. That was a very nice trip indeed.
I went back to the La Colonia place via the coastal road and I went to the one kilometer bargain place to go shopping for the last time for the mementos I needed to bring back home.
I finished shopping at 5 pm then I went to see one of my friend Alex Molina for an early afternoon dinner. After the dinner I went back to the hotel and met Laurence who told me that Renato told him to take care of me because he went to Punta Cana.
I told Laurence that I already hired a taxi for the next day flight. Seeing that I took care of myself well, Laurence was very pleased. He invited me to go clubbing that night for a drink. So we made a pact to see each other at 10 pm at Bar Friendly.
The party was fun and I drank my heart away and met good friends. My friend Alex was also there so we had a lot of fun together. It was a night of laughters and poking fun at each other. It was hilarious!
We ended the night at midnight and we bade good bye at everyone for this will be my last night in Santo Domingo. My trip was fun, memorable, and promising although it was just a short time.
I thank all the people that I met who made my trip very fulfilling and unforgettable.
September 7, 2010 (Tuesday): I woke up at 6 am to pack all my things and I did it in just half an hour.
I went back to sleep and woke up at 8 am took a warm shower and took my last breakfast near the El Conde Park restaurant. When I came back Dario was already at the hotel ready to pick me up.
I paid my hotel stay and turned over the room keys then went off to the airport via Dario's taxi.
I arrived at the airport one hour early so I checked in my luggage and fall in line at the inspection entrance. When I went in the airport I saw Laurence and another friend also leaving with the same flight as mine.
The plane was full and the flight was so far uneventful. We arrived in Newark airport at 4:50 pm and I got segregated for more immigration checking where they interogated me and checked my luggages for any contrabands which apparently they haven't found.
The sad thing was I dropped the painting I bought from Santo Domingo which I ought to give to Ate Loida. Damn!
Since my second leg of flight will be at 6:50 am the next day I decided to look for a hotel to check in for the night to have a comfortable rest. I was still numb from leaving Santo Domingo especially the new friends I've met their.
It's really hard to say goodbye and it's the bittersweet kind of good bye for me because I develop too much closeness for them in such a short time.
I booked myself at Ramada Plaza Hotel to stay for the night and slept my heartaches away. I called back my friends and told them that I arrived safely on the US soil despite the little interrogation and the lost of my painting but everything were okay.
September 8, 2010 (Wednesday): Was the last leg of my flught back to Los Angeles. I woke up early at 4 am after a good night sleep, took a warm shower, boarded a shuttle from the hotel going to the airport, checked in my luggages, passed through the meticulous inspection of the airport entrance, then boarded my plane going back to Los Angeles.
The flight was a six hour flight and it was uneventful. I arrived safely at Los Angeles and took the shuttle back to the house. When I got home I was greeted with one of my car's tire flat.
My heart sank down and was in limbo upon seeing my poor car. I called AAA to changed the flat tire with the donut so that I can drive it to the dealer and have the flat tire fixed.
Despite of the fun and memorable experiences I had in Santo Domingo there's always an exchange for it. And that I never expected to arrive seeing one of my car's tire flat.
But all these hassles couldn't rip off the good experiences I incurred in the beautiful tropical place called Santo Domingo in the country of Domincan Republic.
All these experiences was been etche din my mind and couldn't be stolen by anybody because I myself could only retrieved it form my subconscious mind.
I haven't regret in deciding to go on this beautiful country with all the gorgeous people rich with culture and enthusiasm to extend their hospitality to a tourist like me.
Thank you Santo Domingo..... thank you for the wonderful experiences you've given me. I wish I could be back there someday again.
I decided to tour outside of the vicinity near the hotel so I hire a taxicab for me to roam around Santo Domingo outside the downtown area. I met this very amiable taxicab driver named Senor Dario. Although he speaks broken English at least we understod each other.
I asked Dario to bring me to the famous "Faro de Colon" aka "The Famous Columbus Lighthouse". It was a national monument considering that some of Columbus' bones were burried there.
Dominican Republic was one of the islands in the Americas that were discovered by Columbus that's why the noted discoverer was very famous in this country.
The lighthouse was so enormous. I was told it was shaped like a cross and when lighted on special occasions it looks like a cross up in the skies. With the big lantern in the middle that served as the lighthouse.
The building was also a seat of a lot of expedition artifacts made by the Spanish and other cultures that set afoot in this beautiful island. The building was rich with historical artifacts and the guide had supplemented me with all these informations I needed to know. It was really interesting to know.
The second place that Dario had brought me was the "Los Tres Ojos" aka "The Three Eyes" which derived it's meaning from the three lakes that's being found in this famous cave although I was told there's four lakes but the smallest one wasn't counted as such.
The cave was very preserved and captivating. The structures that was carved by nature was well preserved and the lakes were prohibited to be exploited by the inhabitants.
It was a very captivating and tranquil place. The cave was very serene and pristine and the wilderness inside was very awe inspiring. I can't contain my excitement upon seeing the beauty that Santo Domingo had been protecting. It was a big treasure for them to have kept it. It was really a rare find and I thank Dario for driving me here.
The third place that my taxi driver had brought me was the "Nacional Acuarium" or the National Aquarium" where some of the common sea flora and fauna being seen in Dominican Republic were found.
I took a lot of pictures of all the three places I've went that day and couldn't wait to post it on my Facebook albums.
After roaming at the aquarium for quite a time Dario also drove me at the nearby "Yellow and Black Striped lighthouse" which is one of my weaknesses. The lighthouse was just about half mile from the aquarium and near the coastal road of the city surrounded by coconut groves.
I also took pictures of the lighthouse and was very happy to have seen one. Then after that Dario had brought me back near the hotel area. I paid the taxi driver his fees and I thank him greatly for showing me around the beautiful Santo Domingo.
I went back to the hotel because the heat of the sun was already scorchingly hot on this very intense summer day. I took a little rest and came out of the hotel again around 4 pm when the sun was down.
I tried to roam around the El Conde Park and the one kilometer bargain street where you can see some of the bargain stalls that depicts what Santo Domingo is.
On the street you can see some of the paintings depicting the Dominican cultures and the handicrafts also depicting the richness of their culture and the famous jewelries they're all proud made of topaz and larimar (their national stone).
After shopping I went to the end of the bargain street on the north side and went to the three president's tombs. I stayed there and met Carlos, one of the fine arts student of the University Autonomia de Santo Domingo who was willing to show me more about their culture and their language.
Carlos has this beautiful green eyes and molato skin and was very charming and gorgeous. He taught me Spanish well and I learned a lot from him. After the meeting I thanked Carlos for the help and I went back at the hotel.
September 5, 2010 (Sunday): Today I have to wake up early because we have another getaway with another set of group to the beautiful Islands of Catalanas.
We gathered in front of the hotel and took the bus. This trip was arranged by my friend Renato and there were fifteen of us scheduled to enjoy this very memorable trip to the islands.
The group was very loud and very participating. There were snacks and games during the trip and we had a lot of fun.
We passed three towns which I couldn't remember anymore but the one I couldn't forget was the place called "Altos de Chavon" which is only open during winter times where all the winter retirees goes here to retire from the coldfront.
The community was a very plush countryside and all the buildings were made of pure corrals which looks like pink buildings from afar. It was a very wealthy community with plush restaurants and chapels. It was like living at the backlots of Universal studios where the movies were being shoot.
There was a big amphitheater which we were told by Renato where Frank Sinatra had performed when he was alive. There was also this very big fountain that had captivated my eyes. I took a lot of pictures of this place which I wante dto post on my Facebook account, too.
The one that also captivated my sight was the river that snaked near this high place. The riverside were so plushed with green trees and looked so awe inspiring.
After visiting this beautiful place we continued our trip in going to Catalanas Islands. The visit to "Altos de Chavon" was just an icing to the cake but the trip to Catalanas Islands was the big treat.
We boarded a boat ride in Santa Romana and took a half hour trip towards the islands. On the boat the group went wild and the boat crew started to kick off the fun by dancing the merengue and salsa.
When we arrived at the islands I felt compelled to gasp a big wow because the place had captivated me a lot. It was very pristine and uninhabited. The deep blue green waters were so captivating and inviting.
I enjoyed perusing the islands and soaked in the blue waters. The fun from the bus had continued and we had a lot of games and treats. We all enjoyed the escapades.
The meal were excellent and the snorkelling sessions were enjoyable. The snorkelling intructor was so hot and gorgeous with his smooth coffee colored skin and taut sculpted body was a good example of an eye candy. I can't get off my eyes on him all the time and I cannot held myself and asked to get his solo picture in my camera for me to remind of him. Hahaha.
We left the islands at 3:30 pm and took the boat ride back to Santa Romana and the two an da half hour ride to Santo Domingo. The whole day ride and fun was very memorable and enjoyable. It was a very crazy and fun trip.
I went back to my hotel too tired and rested for one hour when Carlos showed up to continue our Spanish lessons. I invited my instructor for a very tasty dinner at Hotel Sofitel and we enjoyed the salmon and beer.
After the dinner we parted ways hoping to see each other again the next day for my last session of Spanish lessons. It was a very promising and fulfilling day indeed!
September 6, 2010 (Monday): This day I had a hang-over from the previous day's fun. I woke up at 11 am, took a warm shower and changed.
I decided to shop in the afternoon so for the meantime I called Dario, the taxicab driver to show me around the other part of the town.
Dario showed me the Nacional Government House and the various museums around the town as well as the coastal roads and the city itself apart from the plush downtown district.
In the city I saw the other face of Santo Domingo were poor people were lived making and getting things together to make ends meet. It wasn't not pleasing to the eyes but that's the harsh reality you can find in Santo Domingo.
But this progressive city had shared the promise of the 21st cetury were people communicate with smart phones and IT gadgets.
Dario had also brought me to the "Nacional Jardin Botanica", which is a 200 hectare land which nests a wide array of plant species. It was a huge botanical garden I've ever saw and was well maintain.
The lush virgin forest was very captivating and the wide array of plants coming from different parts of the world was a mystery to me to have it grown in this tropical place of the world. It was still a big wonder to me!
After the long hour trip I told Dario to drop me off at the Universidad Autonomia de Santo Domingo for me to meet Carlos there and continue my last session of Spanish lessons.
The university was so huge and there were hundreds of students scattered everywhere. I met Carlos at the "Biblioteca de la Universidad" and he showed me around the whole place.
I took pictures of the place for my Facebook documenation and then we proceeded for our lessons again.
After the lessons we left the library and the university and Carlos showed me the Metro and the subway. That was a very nice trip indeed.
I went back to the La Colonia place via the coastal road and I went to the one kilometer bargain place to go shopping for the last time for the mementos I needed to bring back home.
I finished shopping at 5 pm then I went to see one of my friend Alex Molina for an early afternoon dinner. After the dinner I went back to the hotel and met Laurence who told me that Renato told him to take care of me because he went to Punta Cana.
I told Laurence that I already hired a taxi for the next day flight. Seeing that I took care of myself well, Laurence was very pleased. He invited me to go clubbing that night for a drink. So we made a pact to see each other at 10 pm at Bar Friendly.
The party was fun and I drank my heart away and met good friends. My friend Alex was also there so we had a lot of fun together. It was a night of laughters and poking fun at each other. It was hilarious!
We ended the night at midnight and we bade good bye at everyone for this will be my last night in Santo Domingo. My trip was fun, memorable, and promising although it was just a short time.
I thank all the people that I met who made my trip very fulfilling and unforgettable.
September 7, 2010 (Tuesday): I woke up at 6 am to pack all my things and I did it in just half an hour.
I went back to sleep and woke up at 8 am took a warm shower and took my last breakfast near the El Conde Park restaurant. When I came back Dario was already at the hotel ready to pick me up.
I paid my hotel stay and turned over the room keys then went off to the airport via Dario's taxi.
I arrived at the airport one hour early so I checked in my luggage and fall in line at the inspection entrance. When I went in the airport I saw Laurence and another friend also leaving with the same flight as mine.
The plane was full and the flight was so far uneventful. We arrived in Newark airport at 4:50 pm and I got segregated for more immigration checking where they interogated me and checked my luggages for any contrabands which apparently they haven't found.
The sad thing was I dropped the painting I bought from Santo Domingo which I ought to give to Ate Loida. Damn!
Since my second leg of flight will be at 6:50 am the next day I decided to look for a hotel to check in for the night to have a comfortable rest. I was still numb from leaving Santo Domingo especially the new friends I've met their.
It's really hard to say goodbye and it's the bittersweet kind of good bye for me because I develop too much closeness for them in such a short time.
I booked myself at Ramada Plaza Hotel to stay for the night and slept my heartaches away. I called back my friends and told them that I arrived safely on the US soil despite the little interrogation and the lost of my painting but everything were okay.
September 8, 2010 (Wednesday): Was the last leg of my flught back to Los Angeles. I woke up early at 4 am after a good night sleep, took a warm shower, boarded a shuttle from the hotel going to the airport, checked in my luggages, passed through the meticulous inspection of the airport entrance, then boarded my plane going back to Los Angeles.
The flight was a six hour flight and it was uneventful. I arrived safely at Los Angeles and took the shuttle back to the house. When I got home I was greeted with one of my car's tire flat.
My heart sank down and was in limbo upon seeing my poor car. I called AAA to changed the flat tire with the donut so that I can drive it to the dealer and have the flat tire fixed.
Despite of the fun and memorable experiences I had in Santo Domingo there's always an exchange for it. And that I never expected to arrive seeing one of my car's tire flat.
But all these hassles couldn't rip off the good experiences I incurred in the beautiful tropical place called Santo Domingo in the country of Domincan Republic.
All these experiences was been etche din my mind and couldn't be stolen by anybody because I myself could only retrieved it form my subconscious mind.
I haven't regret in deciding to go on this beautiful country with all the gorgeous people rich with culture and enthusiasm to extend their hospitality to a tourist like me.
Thank you Santo Domingo..... thank you for the wonderful experiences you've given me. I wish I could be back there someday again.
Trip To Santo Domingo (Part 1)
September 1, 2010 (Wednesday): It was a Thursday, the sun was out brightly as I came out from work and hurriedly drove home from my ER work at Long Beach to West Hollywood where I lived.
That day I just finished my third night and I was so tired already but even though it will be compensated well because I will be leaving that day for a one week vacation to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
It was a sweet promise for me after working so hard. A sweet compensation for my dedication and diligence in my job. I am so excited to start the first leg of my trip.
I busted my butt to earn this so I fought myself that day against the fierce traffic of Freeway 405 in order to go home and start packing my luggage. I haven't slept yet but still I have to finish packing my stuff. I just decided to just sleep at the plane.
After finished packing I took a warm bath and changed then I waited for the shuttle to pick me up and drop me off at the airport.
Exactly 11:30 am the shuttle came to pick me up. The feeling inside me was been boiling and roiling not really knowing what to expect for this trip but to visit an orphanage and help elementary students in Santo Domingo to learn a little bit of English while I am learning their native tongue which is Spanish as well as their culture.
After checking in my luggages I went through the stict and meticulous inspection of the line at the airport entrance. The plane left Los Angeles at 3:30 pm and it arrive at Newark Airport after eight hours.
I got stranded there for another eight hours because the second leg of my trip the next morning at 7:30 am. The airport was so eerily quiet and closed temporarily all throughout the night.
I stayed at the airport and tried to sleep for four hours because I haven't slept still since the previous night because I was working. I managed to sleep for a couple of hours at the plane but still it's still not enough to energize me.
When I got at Newark Airport I was so tired and all I need to do is to close my eyes for a while. Despite of the cold and hard vinyl chairs at the airport I still have to steal some much needed sleep because I still have another leg of flight to face the next day.
September 2, 2010 (Thursday): At exactly 7:30 am my second flight started at Gate C112 at Newark Airport. It was only a five hour flight but it seems that it was a long flight.
The flight was turbulent at times but at least non-eventful. We arrived at Santo Domingo International Airport at 11:50 am. The airport was just a small one but it was very clean and welcoming.
The people at the airport were all smiles in greeting the passengers and it was heartwarming to feel. My friend Renato will pick me up but I probably missed him when he was looking for me.
It took an hour for us to recognized with each other. He was there already at the airport waiting for me but for some reasons Renato forgot the banner that contained my name at his car. When he decided to go back at his car and waved the placard then I was certain that it was him.
I approached him and we introduced with each other. I also knew Rafa one of the guy who went with Renato to pick me up.
We immediately hauled my luggages at Renato's car and we headed to the hotel at downtown Santo Domingo. After checking in at the hotel we went to find a restaurant and ate lunch, then we separated each other because Renato will have to pick up some more visitors at the airport.
I went back at the hotel and started to get some rest. I woke up at 7 pm. I then took a warm shower and changed then went down and went to look around the place.
I went to see the famous prison of Santo Domingo during the Spanish period with the help of my guide, Senor Francisco. Francisco also showed me around the whole city showing me some of the strategic places of Santo Domingo and also the famous houses and buildings around the town.
After the tour I paid him well for the good tour and I thanked him for showing me around. It was an inspiring tour. I was so glad I did it during my first day.
I went back at the hotel tired but with a wide smile because I did come to know some of the famous places in Santo Domingo.
September 3, 2010 (Friday): I woke up at 10 am and started to take a warm shower. I then changed and went down the hotel and trekked back the places I went last night for me to get pictures during the daytime.
I did took some good pictures last night but some of them were kind of dark so I decided to regroup myself again and went back to get some picture while it's still bright.
I took some pictures of the famous buildings, tombs, houses, square, hotels, ruins, old churches, prisons, streets, and statues. It was very awe inspiring.
Santo Domingo is a Spanish colony and the primary language is Spanish, of course. The people here were mostly blacks and some were mixed from the Spanish immigrants.
The blending of blood and culture had made the people their distinct color and beauty. It was very inspiring and lovely to know.
Their currency is the Dominican peso and the inflation was too high. Most of the products were extremely expensive to the natives but for a tourist like me it's kinda affordable.
I went back at the hotel at 12 noon because it was so hot already. The tropical and humid weather had gave a toll on me. I was sweating a lot and need to change my shirt.
I called Renato and he told me that he will pick me up at 12:15 pm because we need to go to the orphanage and the school to deliver the school supplies that I've collected over five months and distributed it to the poor students.
We went to pick up Laurence Pinkney one of Renato's friend from Pennsylvania who also went to Santo Domingo to visit the orphanage. I also met Laurence and came to know this very awesome person.
We talked a lot about our causes and we both determined the same mission and goals. We became good friends right there and then.
We passed by the store and bought a sack of rice, beans, and cooking oil that were needed at the orphanage. When we met the amiable lady who headed the orphanage we spoked to her about our sincere intentions and our help.
She showed us around the orphanage and there we meet some of the cute and shy little angels that were housed there. I felt so happy holding them and talking to them. It was a very surreal experience.
We talked to the head and promised her that we will make our best to seek help from our friends in the United States upon hearing that they operate without any help from the Dominican Government and other sectors. It blew our mind how she managed to pay all the people working there. It was really a pity to have known their problems.
After the tour we went to the nearest public school and handed our bags of school supplies to deserving indigent students. We also took pictures from the orphanage and the public school. It was a relief to have done this good act. Laurence, me, and Renato were very happy to have it realized.
After the visitation form the orphanage and the public school we went back to the downtown and hanged out at the Laurence hotel. The day was very fulfilling and I was happy to have participated in these act of goodness.
Thanks Renato and Laurence for all your kindness and goodness. It was great to have known these two most helpful and lovable people on earth with a good heart.
So friends, I have to cut off my blog here. I'll continue part 2 later. I am so tired now and will have to get rest. Once I've get energized I will finish off the rest of my experiences at Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Sorry for making you so excited about the happenings I did there and prolonging your agony and eagerness to hear them. Just hang on and keep your fingers crossing.
Take care and thanks for connecting with me all the way. Love you all people!
That day I just finished my third night and I was so tired already but even though it will be compensated well because I will be leaving that day for a one week vacation to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
It was a sweet promise for me after working so hard. A sweet compensation for my dedication and diligence in my job. I am so excited to start the first leg of my trip.
I busted my butt to earn this so I fought myself that day against the fierce traffic of Freeway 405 in order to go home and start packing my luggage. I haven't slept yet but still I have to finish packing my stuff. I just decided to just sleep at the plane.
After finished packing I took a warm bath and changed then I waited for the shuttle to pick me up and drop me off at the airport.
Exactly 11:30 am the shuttle came to pick me up. The feeling inside me was been boiling and roiling not really knowing what to expect for this trip but to visit an orphanage and help elementary students in Santo Domingo to learn a little bit of English while I am learning their native tongue which is Spanish as well as their culture.
After checking in my luggages I went through the stict and meticulous inspection of the line at the airport entrance. The plane left Los Angeles at 3:30 pm and it arrive at Newark Airport after eight hours.
I got stranded there for another eight hours because the second leg of my trip the next morning at 7:30 am. The airport was so eerily quiet and closed temporarily all throughout the night.
I stayed at the airport and tried to sleep for four hours because I haven't slept still since the previous night because I was working. I managed to sleep for a couple of hours at the plane but still it's still not enough to energize me.
When I got at Newark Airport I was so tired and all I need to do is to close my eyes for a while. Despite of the cold and hard vinyl chairs at the airport I still have to steal some much needed sleep because I still have another leg of flight to face the next day.
September 2, 2010 (Thursday): At exactly 7:30 am my second flight started at Gate C112 at Newark Airport. It was only a five hour flight but it seems that it was a long flight.
The flight was turbulent at times but at least non-eventful. We arrived at Santo Domingo International Airport at 11:50 am. The airport was just a small one but it was very clean and welcoming.
The people at the airport were all smiles in greeting the passengers and it was heartwarming to feel. My friend Renato will pick me up but I probably missed him when he was looking for me.
It took an hour for us to recognized with each other. He was there already at the airport waiting for me but for some reasons Renato forgot the banner that contained my name at his car. When he decided to go back at his car and waved the placard then I was certain that it was him.
I approached him and we introduced with each other. I also knew Rafa one of the guy who went with Renato to pick me up.
We immediately hauled my luggages at Renato's car and we headed to the hotel at downtown Santo Domingo. After checking in at the hotel we went to find a restaurant and ate lunch, then we separated each other because Renato will have to pick up some more visitors at the airport.
I went back at the hotel and started to get some rest. I woke up at 7 pm. I then took a warm shower and changed then went down and went to look around the place.
I went to see the famous prison of Santo Domingo during the Spanish period with the help of my guide, Senor Francisco. Francisco also showed me around the whole city showing me some of the strategic places of Santo Domingo and also the famous houses and buildings around the town.
After the tour I paid him well for the good tour and I thanked him for showing me around. It was an inspiring tour. I was so glad I did it during my first day.
I went back at the hotel tired but with a wide smile because I did come to know some of the famous places in Santo Domingo.
September 3, 2010 (Friday): I woke up at 10 am and started to take a warm shower. I then changed and went down the hotel and trekked back the places I went last night for me to get pictures during the daytime.
I did took some good pictures last night but some of them were kind of dark so I decided to regroup myself again and went back to get some picture while it's still bright.
I took some pictures of the famous buildings, tombs, houses, square, hotels, ruins, old churches, prisons, streets, and statues. It was very awe inspiring.
Santo Domingo is a Spanish colony and the primary language is Spanish, of course. The people here were mostly blacks and some were mixed from the Spanish immigrants.
The blending of blood and culture had made the people their distinct color and beauty. It was very inspiring and lovely to know.
Their currency is the Dominican peso and the inflation was too high. Most of the products were extremely expensive to the natives but for a tourist like me it's kinda affordable.
I went back at the hotel at 12 noon because it was so hot already. The tropical and humid weather had gave a toll on me. I was sweating a lot and need to change my shirt.
I called Renato and he told me that he will pick me up at 12:15 pm because we need to go to the orphanage and the school to deliver the school supplies that I've collected over five months and distributed it to the poor students.
We went to pick up Laurence Pinkney one of Renato's friend from Pennsylvania who also went to Santo Domingo to visit the orphanage. I also met Laurence and came to know this very awesome person.
We talked a lot about our causes and we both determined the same mission and goals. We became good friends right there and then.
We passed by the store and bought a sack of rice, beans, and cooking oil that were needed at the orphanage. When we met the amiable lady who headed the orphanage we spoked to her about our sincere intentions and our help.
She showed us around the orphanage and there we meet some of the cute and shy little angels that were housed there. I felt so happy holding them and talking to them. It was a very surreal experience.
We talked to the head and promised her that we will make our best to seek help from our friends in the United States upon hearing that they operate without any help from the Dominican Government and other sectors. It blew our mind how she managed to pay all the people working there. It was really a pity to have known their problems.
After the tour we went to the nearest public school and handed our bags of school supplies to deserving indigent students. We also took pictures from the orphanage and the public school. It was a relief to have done this good act. Laurence, me, and Renato were very happy to have it realized.
After the visitation form the orphanage and the public school we went back to the downtown and hanged out at the Laurence hotel. The day was very fulfilling and I was happy to have participated in these act of goodness.
Thanks Renato and Laurence for all your kindness and goodness. It was great to have known these two most helpful and lovable people on earth with a good heart.
So friends, I have to cut off my blog here. I'll continue part 2 later. I am so tired now and will have to get rest. Once I've get energized I will finish off the rest of my experiences at Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Sorry for making you so excited about the happenings I did there and prolonging your agony and eagerness to hear them. Just hang on and keep your fingers crossing.
Take care and thanks for connecting with me all the way. Love you all people!
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