Sunday, 20 March 2022

Almost a Wrap!

I can't even believe I only have 6 shifts left in Kelowna!!!! The time has gone pretty fast, for the most part. I think having company part way through really helped with that, but it still feels like it's been a super quick 8 weeks. 

I've REALLY enjoyed my time here. The unit was great, mostly familiar, so no huge learning curve, and the staff were always welcoming, and appreciative. It has been super therapeutic to be surrounded by nature as well. From facing a snowstorm and -15 on my first walk home, to basking in +12 by the beach today, I've also seen Kelowna go through some changes. Softening, getting warmer, livelier. And at the same time, I've felt those little adjustments in myself also. 

What was once a huge unknown, a blind step in the direction of my desires, has easily become a knowing.....an understanding....a soft acceptance if you will, that THIS IS the right path for me. I love so much about travel nursing, and I feel so blessed to have had such a perfect detour on my way to the states. 
It's not all been easy by any means. Getting around with no car sucks here, and trying to get a rental was often impossible. I've put in ALOT of steps, including walking to and from the grocery store every week. When my mom and son weren't here, it was really just me and my dog, so as much as I love being on my own, I did feel a pang of loneliness here and there, more so in the beginning. I've worked so many more night shifts than I would prefer, but that's where the need was, and as beautiful as it is here, I still find myself craving the next town. 



There have been a few developments on my USA stuff in the past several weeks, including FINALLY getting my NY license!! Washington came through as well, and a potential permanent position opened up in Hawaii which is pretty rare, so I have a few things on the go right now. 

I have plans to be in Portland with my son at the end of April, so have been trying to line something up for WA, since I'll be in the neighborhood, but up until the last couple days, I've still been way too early to start looking for that time frame. Which is kind of good, because jobs have just become super scarce. I've attempted to submit a couple of times through Trusted, but the jobs close before they even get around to submitting me. I did interview for a WA position but I believe my start date was too far out, so I'm still looking. In the mean time I'm also being submitted to the job in Hawaii, because as much as I want to be traveling, my end goal was always Hawaii, so if the opportunity presents itself, I have to at least get more information so I can weigh my options, right? 

Just yesterday I saw the first posting for an early may start in WA, so it's going to be time to start submitting soon!!. I think about the fact that I may be heading to the states to get started on my next contract in a month, and I think of ALL the stuff I have going on between now and then.........I get tired just thinking of it. The day after I get home, I have a couple of day shifts at the Alex, then my in person EPIC training, another shift, then off to Mexico to work on my tan for a week. By the time I'm back I'm hoping to have a position lined up, and potentially heading to WA, TX, or NY to get set up before my weekend in Portland with my kiddo at the end of April

It's alot. Lol. Right now I'm just relishing in the free time of this final stretch of 5 off before going into 3 nights 2 off 3 nights, fly home.... I had thought I had reserved a car for this week, but apparently I didn't complete the reservation, so I'm just taking it easy, close to home, reflecting on the past couple months, and enjoying the quiet while I have it. 


Things I wish I brought: 
🗨Cleaning supplies in small doses, dishwasher and laundry pods, some all purpose spray cleaner, a few magic erasers, extra kitchen garbage bags

Things I brought that I never used: 
🗨Leg warmers
🗨so many gym clothes
🗨hair curling wand 
🗨going out boots (chose my nikes every time) 

What I learned: 
🗨I value solitude and peace more than anything lately 
🗨Nature really is medicine 
🗨Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn't mean it's right 
🗨All units struggle, no matter how small 
🗨Nicu nurses really are the greatest humans 
🗨Kindness goes a long way 
🗨I still hate relying on public transit 

XOXO 
Alana











































Another New Start

  I 've been back in California for 2 weeks now and I can already feel my energy shifting. There is something about this state that real...