My 3rd assignment is at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, part of the Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA. Let me just say, it got off to a great start! I live just 10 minutes from the hospital, way different than LA and started my hospital orientation with a great group of travel nurses, again way different than starting alone in LA. And an added bonus, two of my old Duke co-workers are also in the area! God has truly blessed me with a social life here. I know that might sound silly, but it's important to me. I've written before about how lonely LA was and I do believe that God is answering prayers here in Palo Alto. Sometimes I have too many people to hang out with and I feel bad for wanting "me" time! My orientation girls have been great at keeping me entertained, encouraged, and well fed as we try local restaurants! My Duke girls, Jess & Jenn have provided me with that piece of Southern comfort I've missed and need!
Just wanted to write a quick update on life here. Stay tuned for more posts about Napa and a possible strike at my new hospital.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
If I click my heels 3 times...
...I think I'd end up in Raleigh. A few weeks ago between my California assignments I flew "home" to visit some friends and do inventory on my belongings. I had written this huge long post detailing what I did each day and who I saw but it got deleted (I know Amy, you told me about a better editor!). I still want to post about my visit, but in a much more abbreviated form!
In an attempt to sum it up, I had a FUN-tabulous visit with so many friends and was reminded multiple times how truly blessed I am. Not everyone can boast having multiple people vying to have you crash on their couch while you're in town, or who will drive you around, or store your belongings in a safe place, or who will listen to the Lindsey Kraft story hour as I relay highs and lows of LA, who will take you out to eat at your favorite places, or who will make time for you and allow your friendship to pick up exactly where you left off.
I started the trip off completely sleep deprived but my energy was restored the moment I landed and had a Chic-Fil-A sweet tea in hand (compliments of Mel)! That sugar was exactly what I needed to keep me awake for dinner. It was just a small, intimate affair...just over 20 people taking over a local Mexican joint! And the good times just kept rolling from there! I'm so glad I was able to visit Providence (my old church) twice while I was in town. Walking the halls on Sunday was a bit of a shriekfest as I kept running into old friends! The words spoke from the pulpits those services were so true and a blessing to my heart as it's been hard to find a solid church in LA. Providence truly is a rare find!
As mentioned earlier I hit my local fave places with my fave locals! To mention a few: Chic-Fil-A with Mel, Raleigh Times with Lori & Matt & Gerald, Pei Wei with Val, Edwards Mill Bar & Grill with Whitney, Lilly's Pizza with Lis, Lynnwood Grill with the Ganjavi's, Bob Evans with Mark (no laughing, their breakfast rocks!) and of course I can't forget coffee & playtime at the William's house!
God knew what a great time I was having (since He orchestrated it all) and gave me an extra day in town, my plane got cancelled due to the snow in Chicago. I was able to watch The Office with my friends just like the old days and it was so fun! I'm so thankful for their fellowship, friendship, support through the miles, acceptance, and the list goes on!
One more highlight I wanted to mention is my visit to Duke. I didn't leave my staff position on bad terms but I was a little nervous about what it would be like to go back and visit after being gone for 8 months. Well...it was great! I saw alot of people that I wanted to and who meant a lot to my nursing career. Of course I did miss some other important ppl as I didn't visit during the night shift hours, or on the wkd as that's a different crew too! It felt good to walk the familiar halls, to still remember where supplies are kept (that's a huge struggle as you go to new hospitals), and to know everyone by name. I miss it there. I started there, but I'm not meant to end there and travel nursing has helped me see that. I left Duke because I didn't feel valued/appreciated in who I was as a nurse and for how deeply I cared for my patients and their families. I was told I didn't have leadership skills, that I lacked confidence and authority. I truly believe that travel nursing has helped me gain these skills and still allow me to retain the level of care I give to my patients. I HAVE to be confident in each assignment. I have minimal exposure to each unit before I'm thrown out on my own, being forced to know where things are, what the policy is, how to care for my patient when I don't know who anyone is (or how smart the residents this rotation are)! I'm glad I left, yet Raleigh is still what I will call home as that's where I chose after college to make my home. I still struggle with why I'm not ready to return...but one day I'll get an answer.
I didn't take a lot of pics while I was in town, but this is one of me with my favorite guy in Raleigh. He's giving me a cootie-free kiss!
In an attempt to sum it up, I had a FUN-tabulous visit with so many friends and was reminded multiple times how truly blessed I am. Not everyone can boast having multiple people vying to have you crash on their couch while you're in town, or who will drive you around, or store your belongings in a safe place, or who will listen to the Lindsey Kraft story hour as I relay highs and lows of LA, who will take you out to eat at your favorite places, or who will make time for you and allow your friendship to pick up exactly where you left off.
I started the trip off completely sleep deprived but my energy was restored the moment I landed and had a Chic-Fil-A sweet tea in hand (compliments of Mel)! That sugar was exactly what I needed to keep me awake for dinner. It was just a small, intimate affair...just over 20 people taking over a local Mexican joint! And the good times just kept rolling from there! I'm so glad I was able to visit Providence (my old church) twice while I was in town. Walking the halls on Sunday was a bit of a shriekfest as I kept running into old friends! The words spoke from the pulpits those services were so true and a blessing to my heart as it's been hard to find a solid church in LA. Providence truly is a rare find!
As mentioned earlier I hit my local fave places with my fave locals! To mention a few: Chic-Fil-A with Mel, Raleigh Times with Lori & Matt & Gerald, Pei Wei with Val, Edwards Mill Bar & Grill with Whitney, Lilly's Pizza with Lis, Lynnwood Grill with the Ganjavi's, Bob Evans with Mark (no laughing, their breakfast rocks!) and of course I can't forget coffee & playtime at the William's house!
God knew what a great time I was having (since He orchestrated it all) and gave me an extra day in town, my plane got cancelled due to the snow in Chicago. I was able to watch The Office with my friends just like the old days and it was so fun! I'm so thankful for their fellowship, friendship, support through the miles, acceptance, and the list goes on!
One more highlight I wanted to mention is my visit to Duke. I didn't leave my staff position on bad terms but I was a little nervous about what it would be like to go back and visit after being gone for 8 months. Well...it was great! I saw alot of people that I wanted to and who meant a lot to my nursing career. Of course I did miss some other important ppl as I didn't visit during the night shift hours, or on the wkd as that's a different crew too! It felt good to walk the familiar halls, to still remember where supplies are kept (that's a huge struggle as you go to new hospitals), and to know everyone by name. I miss it there. I started there, but I'm not meant to end there and travel nursing has helped me see that. I left Duke because I didn't feel valued/appreciated in who I was as a nurse and for how deeply I cared for my patients and their families. I was told I didn't have leadership skills, that I lacked confidence and authority. I truly believe that travel nursing has helped me gain these skills and still allow me to retain the level of care I give to my patients. I HAVE to be confident in each assignment. I have minimal exposure to each unit before I'm thrown out on my own, being forced to know where things are, what the policy is, how to care for my patient when I don't know who anyone is (or how smart the residents this rotation are)! I'm glad I left, yet Raleigh is still what I will call home as that's where I chose after college to make my home. I still struggle with why I'm not ready to return...but one day I'll get an answer.
I didn't take a lot of pics while I was in town, but this is one of me with my favorite guy in Raleigh. He's giving me a cootie-free kiss!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Last musings on LA
It's still hard for me to comprehend that I, little Lindsey Kraft who hales originally from a small farm town in PA, then moved to a small mountain town in MD, and all the while was encompassed in my Christian bubble has just spent the past 4 months of my life living in LA! WOW. It also blows my mind when I think that I can now adequately navigate my way through Cumberland, MD, Raleigh, NC, Washington, DC, and now Los Angeles, CA.
Living in LA was good and bad, but I'm glad it went out with a bang! For my last wkd in town my friend Jess came into town and we made a busy day out of it! First on the agenda was a stop at the Getty Center which is an architectural marvel as well as free museum. Upon our arrival we walked into what must have been a field trip and some very interesting dance/singing exhibits put on by middle schoolers was going on. After a few laughs we hopped on the tram and began our tour. Time completely got away from us as we walked amongst Rembrandts and Monets, and of course the twisty garden path leading to an almost labrynth like design in the small pond below us. And if this wasn't enough we were offered the most wonderful of views including ALL of LA and a snow capped mountain in the distance. I forgot to tell you that it was the perfect temperature and there was no smog, just a little haze.
Our next stop was to C&O Trattoria to have the most amazing garlic balls...and our meal was pretty good too. With full bellies we set off for the sights of Venice Beach. I'd heard that there were canals modeled after the ones in Italy, and just in case I don't get to make it to Europe I decided this was a good chance to see some canals for myself. By pure happenchance we took a turn and ended up in the exact neighborhood with a perfect parking spot right infront of the canals. Adorable. Chic. Cozy. I LOVED walking the canal pathways, peering into people's houses and finely manicured patios. I could live there but I can't afford it. I'm actually not sure what I can afford in CA. I can barely even bring myself to pay $5.19 for off brand syrup. That really makes me question my love of pancakes. But continuing on, as we strolled the canalways while musing what "a perfect date" this would make we eventually wound up on the beach where the freezing cold waters greeted us just as the sun was beginning to set and surfers still polka-dotted the waters waiting for the perfect wave to ride in. Venice beach is quite a colorful place and I argue to say that the pedestrians themselves count as art that rivals the views and murals along the boardwalk. Venice beach is most known for it's muscle gyms and outdoor facilities. Since we went so late in the day all the body builders had gone home (which is OK by me! Men with big muscles like that which could potentially kill me in just a simple hug scare me!) but we found lots of other visual stimulation at the skate park and in the free skate roller rink. I loved the skate park just because back in the day...middle school...i had a big obsession with guys who could skate. After 3 attempts I finally got this awesome shot of some teenage boy, who was totally showing off for me, grinding the rail...saweet! Because he was probably illegal and I didn't want him to take my photo obsession the wrong way we moved on to the free skate section where grown men in possibly women's belly shirts appeared to be practicing their ice skating routines. I really hope that painted a good word picture for you. Then, as all good boardwalks have, there are the illegal street performers who dance and jump over random members of the crowd for tips...the word LIABILITY kept repeating through my head. I'm trying to live life on the edge a bit more than I used to but you still won't catch me let strangers jump through the air over my head!
All too quickly time snuck up on us and we had to book it all the way across town (no fast or easy feat in LA) for the main event! Roller Derby!!! A few months ago I watched the movie "Whip It" with Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page and really enjoyed it, wishing that I was brave enough to do something that outrageous! For those who don't know me well, I tend to be the "safe kid", I don't want to jeopardize breaking a limb then being out of work...I'm just too responsible. Plus, I can't even do a cross over on roller skates or blades, I still just LEAN to whatever side I want to turn to! Randomly that week I googled roller derby and there it was, LA Derby Dolls. It was one of the best venues to people watch. Just take a moment and think about who you would think would be there, what they would dress like, etc. Initially I was worried it'd be a lesbian fest (and I was leery given I've been hit on by more women than men this past year) but it was the most diverse crowd ever! You had the pin up girls, a disco section, the regulars (like us), the supportive boyfriends/husbands dressed in tutus and wrestler costumes as their mascots, and just a whole other alternative crew...and it was fabulous! We stood next to a bachelor party and the groom was a total sweetheart, no wonder he's getting married ;) It didn't matter to us who was winning, it was all just so contagious! And I know it's cliche, but I definitely yelled "Whip It" a few times. I'm already looking forward to introducing new friends to this new sport I've discovered. You should check it out too!
It's so hard to end a great day, and since you don't want it to end you always have to find one more thing to do to prolong the greatness! Jess and I headed down Wilshire towards LACMA to grab a few last photos amidst 202 restored LA street lamps. I love old lights and seeing the revolution of style through the years. Please feel free to copy our itinerary if you're ever in the LA area. It's proven to be fun!
A few things that weren't so fun:
-the cost and lack of parking in LA (validation for 2 hours is NOT enough)
-the stress of the commute
-the commute of up to 1hr and 45mins
-some antiquated ideology on CA-BSI prevention
-acquiring random scratches on my car w/o explaination
-the strange way you can be in a city populated by millions yet feel so lonely
-and I'm sure there's more...but I'm still thankful for my time there!
Living in LA was good and bad, but I'm glad it went out with a bang! For my last wkd in town my friend Jess came into town and we made a busy day out of it! First on the agenda was a stop at the Getty Center which is an architectural marvel as well as free museum. Upon our arrival we walked into what must have been a field trip and some very interesting dance/singing exhibits put on by middle schoolers was going on. After a few laughs we hopped on the tram and began our tour. Time completely got away from us as we walked amongst Rembrandts and Monets, and of course the twisty garden path leading to an almost labrynth like design in the small pond below us. And if this wasn't enough we were offered the most wonderful of views including ALL of LA and a snow capped mountain in the distance. I forgot to tell you that it was the perfect temperature and there was no smog, just a little haze.
Our next stop was to C&O Trattoria to have the most amazing garlic balls...and our meal was pretty good too. With full bellies we set off for the sights of Venice Beach. I'd heard that there were canals modeled after the ones in Italy, and just in case I don't get to make it to Europe I decided this was a good chance to see some canals for myself. By pure happenchance we took a turn and ended up in the exact neighborhood with a perfect parking spot right infront of the canals. Adorable. Chic. Cozy. I LOVED walking the canal pathways, peering into people's houses and finely manicured patios. I could live there but I can't afford it. I'm actually not sure what I can afford in CA. I can barely even bring myself to pay $5.19 for off brand syrup. That really makes me question my love of pancakes. But continuing on, as we strolled the canalways while musing what "a perfect date" this would make we eventually wound up on the beach where the freezing cold waters greeted us just as the sun was beginning to set and surfers still polka-dotted the waters waiting for the perfect wave to ride in. Venice beach is quite a colorful place and I argue to say that the pedestrians themselves count as art that rivals the views and murals along the boardwalk. Venice beach is most known for it's muscle gyms and outdoor facilities. Since we went so late in the day all the body builders had gone home (which is OK by me! Men with big muscles like that which could potentially kill me in just a simple hug scare me!) but we found lots of other visual stimulation at the skate park and in the free skate roller rink. I loved the skate park just because back in the day...middle school...i had a big obsession with guys who could skate. After 3 attempts I finally got this awesome shot of some teenage boy, who was totally showing off for me, grinding the rail...saweet! Because he was probably illegal and I didn't want him to take my photo obsession the wrong way we moved on to the free skate section where grown men in possibly women's belly shirts appeared to be practicing their ice skating routines. I really hope that painted a good word picture for you. Then, as all good boardwalks have, there are the illegal street performers who dance and jump over random members of the crowd for tips...the word LIABILITY kept repeating through my head. I'm trying to live life on the edge a bit more than I used to but you still won't catch me let strangers jump through the air over my head!
All too quickly time snuck up on us and we had to book it all the way across town (no fast or easy feat in LA) for the main event! Roller Derby!!! A few months ago I watched the movie "Whip It" with Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page and really enjoyed it, wishing that I was brave enough to do something that outrageous! For those who don't know me well, I tend to be the "safe kid", I don't want to jeopardize breaking a limb then being out of work...I'm just too responsible. Plus, I can't even do a cross over on roller skates or blades, I still just LEAN to whatever side I want to turn to! Randomly that week I googled roller derby and there it was, LA Derby Dolls. It was one of the best venues to people watch. Just take a moment and think about who you would think would be there, what they would dress like, etc. Initially I was worried it'd be a lesbian fest (and I was leery given I've been hit on by more women than men this past year) but it was the most diverse crowd ever! You had the pin up girls, a disco section, the regulars (like us), the supportive boyfriends/husbands dressed in tutus and wrestler costumes as their mascots, and just a whole other alternative crew...and it was fabulous! We stood next to a bachelor party and the groom was a total sweetheart, no wonder he's getting married ;) It didn't matter to us who was winning, it was all just so contagious! And I know it's cliche, but I definitely yelled "Whip It" a few times. I'm already looking forward to introducing new friends to this new sport I've discovered. You should check it out too!
It's so hard to end a great day, and since you don't want it to end you always have to find one more thing to do to prolong the greatness! Jess and I headed down Wilshire towards LACMA to grab a few last photos amidst 202 restored LA street lamps. I love old lights and seeing the revolution of style through the years. Please feel free to copy our itinerary if you're ever in the LA area. It's proven to be fun!
A few things that weren't so fun:
-the cost and lack of parking in LA (validation for 2 hours is NOT enough)
-the stress of the commute
-the commute of up to 1hr and 45mins
-some antiquated ideology on CA-BSI prevention
-acquiring random scratches on my car w/o explaination
-the strange way you can be in a city populated by millions yet feel so lonely
-and I'm sure there's more...but I'm still thankful for my time there!
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