Tag Archives: nurse

Colleges Attended

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I have had an incredible journey attending the Community College of Philadelphia, La Salle University, Drexel University, and Eastern University! I genuinely believed I would continue my education despite the challenges of stress and anxiety. I kicked off my academic adventure by earning my ADN and General Studies degree at CCP. After passing my nursing boards, I became a registered nurse. I worked at a hospital that offered tuition reimbursement. What a win-win!

One of the highlights was taking a religion course at La Salle, taught by an inspiring priest. I absolutely loved the class and the way my instructor made everything come alive! I embarked on my BSN journey at Drexel. Then, life threw a curve ball. I went into renal failure. I bravely tackled peritoneal dialysis. I received a cadaveric kidney from a 5-year-old angel. Yet, that kidney only lasted 3 years. I faced skin disorders. I experienced a gastrointestinal bleed. My hemoglobin levels were low. The support from my wonderful coworkers, friends, and family was invaluable. My friend Moe stepped up and turned out to be a match, which was amazing!

I was open and honest with my instructor and everyone about my medical struggles. I made it clear that I didn’t want any special treatment. Our story became a meaningful chapter for many of my colleagues who witnessed our journey. There were tough moments. A ureter detached, leading to a hemorrhage. I lost the kidney, but I fought through and didn’t give up!

Dialysis became a big part of my life, with treatments every other day for ten years. But guess what? I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and earned a certification in obstetrics! My dreams didn’t stop there—I was determined to pursue my Master’s Degree in Nursing Education. After 10 years of home hemodialysis, I was ready for a new challenge. I had one wish: to be officially listed at another hospital after I graduated in June 2018. My instincts told me the new hospital was the right fit!

On February 21, 2019, I received my third kidney transplant—what a miraculous day! I thought I had reached the finish line with my education. Still, I returned for a school nurse certification because it was required. Life is absolutely wonderful now. I’m genuinely grateful to God for all my blessings. I am also grateful for the perseverance I found along the way!

Daily writing prompt
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An eventful Friday

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I saw a woman get hit by a car, and I pulled over with another bystander to call EMS. I went straight into triage (nurse) mode, reassuring the injured woman that help was coming. The driver was a girl in her 20s; she was not speeding and was trying to go around a truck. She got out of the car, apologized to the woman, and said, “I’m going to get in so much trouble.” I said to her, “Sis, you did the right thing; you didn’t leave the scene, and it was a mistake.” She asked if I could stay with her, and I did, with another gentleman. The look on her face was pure terror, and I told her it would be okay. The police took the report, and the ambulance arrived shortly after. I hugged her and told her not to beat herself up and to pray.

A risk that I do not regret.

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No regrets

After 31 years of service, the hospital I worked at closed down. Despite my qualifications, the transition to a new hospital proved challenging, as it became evident that they were not keen on hiring older employees. Throughout three separate interviews, I did not feel valued or welcomed. During the final interview, I was even asked about my current salary, a question that caught me off guard despite its standard nature. Moreover, the interviewer expressed consideration for offering a wage $10 lower than my current earnings and inquired about my union membership.

In response, I graciously declined the offer and made it clear that I would share my experience with others. Subsequently, I discovered that the hospital had chosen to hire younger nurses. Despite the initial disappointment, I can confidently say that I have no regrets. It was undoubtedly the best decision of my life. This experience has taught me the importance of being prepared to assertively decline opportunities that do not align with my worth and values.

Finding Strength in Tragedy

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In times of tragedy, I found solace in helping others and taking each day as it comes. The journey may be arduous, but I persevered, holding onto hope that tomorrow would bring a brighter day.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C20tYS0uoBh/?igsh=Z3RpcjNpb3M0MXN1

5th Anniversary of my 3rd Kidney Transplant

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L. Myers MSN, RNC, CSN

Today marks the 5th Anniversary of my 3rd Kidney Transplant, reflecting the significance of dates in my life. My journey began with my 1st Kidney transplant on 02/05/2005, graciously donated by a 5-year-old. The 2nd transplant followed on 03/19/2009, a gift from living donor and friend Lisa Moe. Lastly, my 3rd transplant on 02/21/2019, a precious gift from a 24-year-old teacher named Vanessa.

I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support and blessings from God. A year ago, I started this Blog as a source of encouragement for those enduring challenging times, to inspire them to hold onto their faith in God and never lose hope.

Follow me: Blog shehad3@wordpress.com, Social media she.had3@instagram.com, shehad3k@X.com

Active Listening

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Sometimes, events unfold with a purpose. Today, as I assisted a parent with registering her daughter for elementary school and discussing medical information, a meaningful interaction occurred. When the topic of over-the-counter medication arose, I invited her into my office and noticed the warmth of her smile. During our conversation, she shared that her daughter experiences severe menstrual cramping and irregular cycles. Realizing the significance of this issue, I suggested that her daughter consult a gynecologist.

She found herself feeling at ease and began confiding in me about her life. I listened closely as she shared her journey to America and recounted how she had lost her sense of self while enduring verbal abuse from her spouse. Our conversation in my office lasted from 12:30 to 1:45, making it clear that my original plans would need to be set aside as she took precedence.

If you’re facing difficult times, it can be incredibly beneficial to open up to someone, even if they’re a total stranger. I felt incredibly fortunate that she chose me to confide in. ☀︎

Self Care

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Remember that self care is not selfish. L Myers MSN RNC CSN

“ʙʏ ᴛᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴄᴀʀᴇ ᴏғ ᴍʏsᴇʟғ ɪ ʜᴀᴠᴇ sᴏ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴏғғᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ᴛʜᴀɴ ɪ ᴅᴏ ᴡʜᴇɴ ɪ ᴀᴍ ʀᴜɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏɴ ᴇᴍᴘᴛʏ.” Anonymous

A School Nurse’s Well-Deserved Day Off

Friday marked the end of the school year for elementary students, bringing a sense of relief to the school nurses who often grapples with a multitude of responsibilities. Eager to embrace the much-needed break, I devoted the day to rejuvenating my spirit. My self-care routine included indulging in a hydrafacial, tidying up my brows, visiting a plant store, and exploring a new boutique for accessories. The day concluded on a delightful note, as my husband and I savored the enchanting Christmas lights display at Dilworth Park. All in all, it was a truly gratifying first day off.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8x1Qgkn/

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Lessons

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I saw this post on social media and I had to share. It feels great to leave people where they are.

When people act shady, allow them. When people betray your trust, allow them. But never, ever sink to their level. Their choices are a direct reflection of who they are, not who you are. No matter how angry, hurt, or disappointed you may be – do not allow them to make you bitter. Be better. React with love. Sometimes that means retaliating with understanding and compassion; other times it means retaliating with acceptance and sheer silence. Whatever it is, make sure it benefits you as a human being instead of lowering you into a position which you would rather not be in. Normal people dont go around destroying other human beings. Only those who are hurt, lost, and confused cause pain. Don’t be one of them. Just take the lessons and move on gracefully.

#selfawareness #shehad3 #she.had3 #blogger #nurse #love #grace #lessons #maturity #life #movedifferently #purpose #followme #thatsthepost #dothework #therapy