Operation Healthy Balance

I hope that this post doesn't come across as bragging but I have some exciting work related news. I'm usually very modest when it comes to my nursing career and to be honest, my family and friends really don't even know what I do at work; they know I am there from 830 to 430 and then I come home.     On Wednesday, my manager announced to our team and then to the rest of the health unit that little old me would be the new team leader for the "Infectious Diseases Program".  I am honoured to have been promoted to this position and I am excited about my new roles and responsibilities (and the small increase in wage).   It's unreal to think that less than two years ago I was just beginning my nursing career.  I never dreamed that I would come so far in such a short period of time.   It wasn't that long ago I was a novice nurse trying to find my way and now I hold a valued leadership role in my organization. It is a very satisfying feeling when peopl...

I've decided to take the time and write another quick summary of what's happening in my world.  Last time it was 22 days in between blog postings and it's now only been 14 days so I'm way ahead! I was successful with my job interview and now have a permanent full time position at the health unit.  I am now a public health nurse on the communicable disease/infection control team in the department of clinical services.  Had my first day today and it went awesome.  I have a great feeling about this position because it combines both my science and nursing degrees. We went on an amazing "family vacay" (Arlen's words) to the Toronto Zoo, Blue Mountains Resort, Thursthill Farms and then Peterborough to visit more friends.  We had an awesome time and both Larrin and I felt totally relaxed.  Pictures to follow soon. Ducklings and chicks are growing strong; we haven't lost any to mysterious attacks.  While away, my awesome father caught the creature that was...

It's been a while since I've checked in and lots of exciting things have been happening.  We have had some amazingly hot weather so lots of time has been spent swimming in "Grandma's" pool or at on of the local beaches.  The boys are pretty self sufficient swimmers so it makes for some pretty relaxing times. I took a quick trip to see my best friends who had just brought home their twins.  That's their life and business so I won't write too much about that.  Just wanted to say it was great seeing them become parents and their babies are adorable. Our extracurricular activities are somewhat winding down; one more baseball game, three more soccer games and four mornings of swimming left.  Chase has started riding lessons once a week which he loves. The little backyard hobby farm has expanded with 20 new chicks.  I had assumed one hen had been a victim of a raccoon but was very excited when she suddenly showed up one morning with eleven babies.  Ano...

Please entertain my venting..... I have a "friend" that has applied for a new position at her work.  She heard through the grapevine that she was the only person that applied but the powers that be think she is unqualified for the position.  She also heard through the grapevine that she was granted an interview to "eliminate her" from the competition and then the job can be reposted for other applicants.  Also note that there is a union in place so the 'powers' would have to deem her unfit in order to be able to give the position to someone else.  Unbelievable? No.  Going to prove everyone wrong?  Absolutely.   And yes.  This is another "ALRIGHT" or "IT'S ON" moment.  

As follow up to yesterday's blog post. 1) Umbrah the cow is better.  She is up and her left abomasum is no longer displaced thanks to two vet calls.  We had her recuperating outside for a bit but moved her back into the barn where the temperature is more tolerable for her.  She is eating and drinking so those are great signs. 2) Two day health promotion training is complete.  During mingling at lunch I learned that there is a permanent full-time position in Communicable Disease coming up.  A permanent job where I can accrue pension....wow.  Cross your fingers on that one;)  Turns out the job with the school team is not available just yet but that's okay. 3) Antibiotics were retrieved from pharmacy at 8pm last night.  Starting to feel better. 4) Boys baseball game was awesome.  All players hit the ball and we even had outs at first and second base.  Chase pitched and the team got 3 outs in 4 batters.  Karson learned to not sw...

It's definitely going to be "one of those days" where I am pulled in all different directions and many story lines are developing.  Here's a snapshot of what I have to look forward to for my Thursday. #1 Home-"Down Cow" Umbrah (Very Good 85 by the way) has hypocalcemia and a left displaced abomasum (Larrin and I's diagnosis).  Intravenous calcium and dextrose was given this morning at 530 am but she has yet to get up.  Her front leg muscles are twitching which makes me think she needs more calcium.  Intradermal calcium was given for slower absorption and hopefully she will get up but a message was left for our herd veterinarian because even if she does get up we will need him to fix the 'twisted stomach'.  This will be done at some point today. (note to self, call home and check on cow and Larrin) #2 Work-Skills for Health Promotion Workshop This 2-day workshop starts today at work and it would be very valuable to my public health career.  ...