Sooooo.... tomorrow's the big day! I have my first orientation day tomorrow at the hospital. I'm very excited to get going and to have something to keep me busy. I know this first week might not be all that exciting, but I'm eager to get through the basics and the hospital orientation so I can get into the NICU and do my thing! :) I'm so excited to see what God has planned for me during this orientation period and how I will be growing into the nurse He wants me to be!
A couple prayer requests:
1. I'm sick. I had a low grade fever today (in the 99.0-99.8 range) and my cold/cough symptoms are just brutal. I've been sneezing like I never have before, so please just pray for no fever tomorrow and for the sneezing and coughing to ease up.
2. I want to ask for a calm spirit. I'm so eager and excited, but I don't want to get caught up in that excitement. I want to learn the most I can and just soak up these first few days of hospital orientation.
Thanks for all the prayers and support thus far! I'm so excited for this day to finally be here!!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
RN
First, I need to say sorry for not posting in FOR-E-VER. Clearly, I'm bad at this. Oh well.
Second, I took my nursing boards last week Tuesday and found out Friday morning that I PASSED!! I'm so excited to finally be finished studying and am on to the next step of my life! I'm a REAL nurse now!!! I contacted my managers and they told me I'll for sure be starting at Long Beach Memorial's NICU on October 26th. I'm extremely excited and just can't wait for what God has in store for me in the next months and years!
Thank you all so much for your prayers. I know God was with me while I took the boards and will continue to be with me as I begin my career! :)
Second, I took my nursing boards last week Tuesday and found out Friday morning that I PASSED!! I'm so excited to finally be finished studying and am on to the next step of my life! I'm a REAL nurse now!!! I contacted my managers and they told me I'll for sure be starting at Long Beach Memorial's NICU on October 26th. I'm extremely excited and just can't wait for what God has in store for me in the next months and years!
Thank you all so much for your prayers. I know God was with me while I took the boards and will continue to be with me as I begin my career! :)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Dancing with Jesus
Grandma Minnie went to be with Jesus last night. Even though we know she's in a better place, we tend to be selfish and wish she could be around longer just for us. My mom and I leave tomorrow morning for Pella, IA for the funeral and my dad will follow us in the early afternoon. The viewing is Friday night and the funeral will be Saturday at 1:30pm.
Please remember our family in your prayers-- safe travels, precious memories, and comfort for all of us. Those who will be there, but also those who aren't able to make it.
Grandma-- you will be remembered with honor and will forever be dearly missed. Love you!
Please remember our family in your prayers-- safe travels, precious memories, and comfort for all of us. Those who will be there, but also those who aren't able to make it.
Grandma-- you will be remembered with honor and will forever be dearly missed. Love you!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Grandma Minnie De Jong
My family got a call last Tuesday that Grandma wasn't doing well. Her heart rate and blood pressure were EXTREMELY low and she was also somewhat dehydrated. My mom flew out to Pella, IA the next morning to be able to say her goodbyes in case anything happened.
The doctors were able to raise her heart rate and blood pressure, as well as work on an infection she had. They got her hydrated through and IV, but could not get rid of the nausea she was having. After a couple days in the hospital and not being able to get much down, the doctors asked if she wanted to have a feeding tube placed. She decided that just was not a way to live, and instead of agreeing, she decided to avoid any "heroic measures."
Today, she is very tired and is still in the hospital, but under hospice care. She will most likely be transferred to a comfort house tomorrow as long as there is an opening. My mom is still there and probably will be through the middle of this week. She told me that Grandma still has her good old sense of humor, which is great to hear, but that she continues to get more fatigued as the days go by. The doctors and nurses aren't sure if that is her body shutting down, or just because of the many visitors and the busyness of the last week.
Please pray for our family as we go through this hard waiting period, but also pray for Grandma-- that she will be comfortable through all of this and that she will be able to meet Jesus peacefully in His time.
Grandma Minnie and Me at Leslie's Wedding last summer
Auntie Carol, Mom, Auntie Judy, Grandma, Uncle Bob, and Auntie Lois
*** Not pictured: Auntie Linda & Grandpa***
Thank you for your prayers and support,
Emily
The doctors were able to raise her heart rate and blood pressure, as well as work on an infection she had. They got her hydrated through and IV, but could not get rid of the nausea she was having. After a couple days in the hospital and not being able to get much down, the doctors asked if she wanted to have a feeding tube placed. She decided that just was not a way to live, and instead of agreeing, she decided to avoid any "heroic measures."
Today, she is very tired and is still in the hospital, but under hospice care. She will most likely be transferred to a comfort house tomorrow as long as there is an opening. My mom is still there and probably will be through the middle of this week. She told me that Grandma still has her good old sense of humor, which is great to hear, but that she continues to get more fatigued as the days go by. The doctors and nurses aren't sure if that is her body shutting down, or just because of the many visitors and the busyness of the last week.
Please pray for our family as we go through this hard waiting period, but also pray for Grandma-- that she will be comfortable through all of this and that she will be able to meet Jesus peacefully in His time.
Grandma Minnie and Me at Leslie's Wedding last summer
Auntie Carol, Mom, Auntie Judy, Grandma, Uncle Bob, and Auntie Lois*** Not pictured: Auntie Linda & Grandpa***
Thank you for your prayers and support,
Emily
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The New Hugen Addition...
TREY ANDREW HUGEN
8 lbs. 3 oz., 20 1/2 inches
Look at those feet! He's a Hugen!My sister-in-law, Jessica, gave birth to her and Andy's son, Trey Andrew Hugen today (June 11, 2009) at 10:16am. Jessica and Trey are both doing wonderfully and Andy has been of great support to Jess-- he's jumped right in as Trey's daddy. I can't believe I'm really Auntie Em! Looking forward to seeing this little man again tomorrow!
Auntie Em with Trey
Nana was just BEAMING holding Trey
Proud Papa!
Proud Papa!
Papa Hugen & I just can't get enough!!Monday, June 1, 2009
Home Safe and Sound....
My best friend, Beth, and I got home safely on Saturday morning. We were able to get our rental care back on time and now it's time to unpack and start studying like MAD for my nursing boards. I am scheduled for jury duty this week, but didn't have to go in today. I'll be calling the rest of the week to see if I have to report. We'll see. Otherwise, I'll be studying all day, every day. I'll post again soon with more details about the trip and possibly some pictures. :)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
DONE WITH FINALS!!!!!!
I have completed all my finals and am officially DONE with Calvin College! I finished my last exam this past Friday afternoon and it has been so nice to have nothing hanging over my head this weekend. I'll be packing up my things, selling my furniture, and getting ready to walk across Calvin's commencement stage this coming Saturday. Beth Punt, my best friend, is flying out on Wednesday morning and my parents are heading out here on Wednesday evening. It'll be good to have them all here for such a special weekend!
I'm blessed to have a second family out here in MI, and I'm so glad I get to share the events of this week (Nursing Pinning and Graduation) with them. Some of my brother-in-law's family are able to make it to pinning, some close family friends, an aunt and uncle, and of course my parents, Kate and Ry, and Beth. Can't wait for the festivities!! :)
Packin' up and gettin' ready to head home to CA!!!
I'm blessed to have a second family out here in MI, and I'm so glad I get to share the events of this week (Nursing Pinning and Graduation) with them. Some of my brother-in-law's family are able to make it to pinning, some close family friends, an aunt and uncle, and of course my parents, Kate and Ry, and Beth. Can't wait for the festivities!! :)
Packin' up and gettin' ready to head home to CA!!!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Stress
The stress is definitely building up now. I am feeling overwhelmed with the workload I have before me and especially with a couple computerized tests I have that are supposed to be predictors of how I will do on my nursing boards this summer. I'm just praying I get everything done in a timely manner and that God will give me the peace I need to complete those tests to the best of my ability. Please pray!!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The past couple weeks...
The past couple weeks have been pretty good out here in MI. The weather has been getting warmer, more sunny (with the exception of some rain and T-storms), and spring is finally developing! :) Now THAT is my kind of weather!
School continues to be busy with projects here and there. My clinical is going well; however, I'm getting ready to be done with the community work we're doing and get back into the hospital. Last weekend, my community nursing class worked at a clean up day at the community center. (Pictures below) Most of us worked on bringing mulch to all of the planters and into the garden with wheel barrels and then spreading it all out. It was a beautiful day! Unfortunately, while taking the last trip up the stairs, lifting wheel barrel, my back was tweaked somehow. I've been having back spasms ever since, and within the last few days I've been having some numbness/tingling in my legs. It gets better with movement, but as soon as I calm down again, it tightens up again and seems to be pinching a nerve. Since it's only been getting worse and the ibuprofen doesn't seem to do much anymore, I'm heading to health services in the afternoon tomorrow (hopefully) so I can get a prescription for an anti-spasmotic or a referral of some sorts. Please pray that the pain is relieved soon so I can sleep better and continue to be active outside. I hate having to avoid activity... especially when it's so nice out!
(L-R: Me, Laura, Professor Beth Gordon, Christi, Sara, & Valerie)
Last Sunday, I got to hang out with Kate and Ryan for the day. We went to church, out to lunch, and then vegged all day. It was nice to have some quality time with them for a day. :)
One of my housemates, Jessica, had a wedding shower today. It was so fun to be with all the girls and to celebrate all together. Her mom and a couple of her sisters came out from Saginaw, MI, so it was nice to see them as well.
This week, I have academic advising on Tuesday and Wednesday, so it will be a nice break from clinical in the middle of the week. I have a couple presentations tomorrow, but the rest of the week should be a breeze! :)
Graduation was 4 weeks away as of yesterday... we're all getting so excited, but we're also getting very sentimental and wanting to spend good quality time with each other. It'll be nice to be done with school, but strange to start something new all over again!
For now,
Emily
School continues to be busy with projects here and there. My clinical is going well; however, I'm getting ready to be done with the community work we're doing and get back into the hospital. Last weekend, my community nursing class worked at a clean up day at the community center. (Pictures below) Most of us worked on bringing mulch to all of the planters and into the garden with wheel barrels and then spreading it all out. It was a beautiful day! Unfortunately, while taking the last trip up the stairs, lifting wheel barrel, my back was tweaked somehow. I've been having back spasms ever since, and within the last few days I've been having some numbness/tingling in my legs. It gets better with movement, but as soon as I calm down again, it tightens up again and seems to be pinching a nerve. Since it's only been getting worse and the ibuprofen doesn't seem to do much anymore, I'm heading to health services in the afternoon tomorrow (hopefully) so I can get a prescription for an anti-spasmotic or a referral of some sorts. Please pray that the pain is relieved soon so I can sleep better and continue to be active outside. I hate having to avoid activity... especially when it's so nice out!
(L-R: Me, Laura, Professor Beth Gordon, Christi, Sara, & Valerie)
One of my housemates, Jessica, had a wedding shower today. It was so fun to be with all the girls and to celebrate all together. Her mom and a couple of her sisters came out from Saginaw, MI, so it was nice to see them as well.
This week, I have academic advising on Tuesday and Wednesday, so it will be a nice break from clinical in the middle of the week. I have a couple presentations tomorrow, but the rest of the week should be a breeze! :)
Graduation was 4 weeks away as of yesterday... we're all getting so excited, but we're also getting very sentimental and wanting to spend good quality time with each other. It'll be nice to be done with school, but strange to start something new all over again!
For now,
Emily
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Update on Alaina
I got an e-mail from Steph today saying...
"Just an update- Alaina has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia which is the most common type of leukemia in kids, so that's good because it's treatable and lots of studies have been done on it! She's starting chemo today so a few specific prayer requests:
- that her body will respond well and that all those bad cells will die quickly
- that Alaina will have peace- she's pretty scared and it's hard for her to understand whats happening.
-for her family"
Please keep praying!!
"Just an update- Alaina has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia which is the most common type of leukemia in kids, so that's good because it's treatable and lots of studies have been done on it! She's starting chemo today so a few specific prayer requests:
- that her body will respond well and that all those bad cells will die quickly
- that Alaina will have peace- she's pretty scared and it's hard for her to understand whats happening.
-for her family"
Please keep praying!!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Alaina
I got news today from my friend, Stephanie, that her best friend's niece possibly has Leukemia. Her friend is very upset and it's hitting close to home for Steph too, but they are asking for prayers from anyone and everyone. The little girl's name is Alaina-- she is 3 years old. Please pray for her family and anyone else who is struggling with the news. The doctors think she'll be a fighter because she seems to be a feisty little girl, but pray that the Lord's will be done in Alaina's life.
One of my favorite songs that we sing at my church out here in Michigan is called, "Mighty to Save." Here are the lyrics:
"MIGHTY TO SAVE"
Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Savior;
The Hope of nations.
Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.
My Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)
My Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
My Savior, you can move the mountains,
You are mighty to save,
You are mighty to save.
Forever, Author of Salvation,
You rose and conquered the grave,
Yes you conquered the grave
The words are so powerful. The family is very fearful of what might be in the future, but I want to ask for prayer that they will feel God's presence during this difficult time. I'll try to keep you all posted as I get more news.
Thanks for your prayers!
One of my favorite songs that we sing at my church out here in Michigan is called, "Mighty to Save." Here are the lyrics:
"MIGHTY TO SAVE"
Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Savior;
The Hope of nations.
Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.
My Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)
My Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
My Savior, you can move the mountains,
You are mighty to save,
You are mighty to save.
Forever, Author of Salvation,
You rose and conquered the grave,
Yes you conquered the grave
The words are so powerful. The family is very fearful of what might be in the future, but I want to ask for prayer that they will feel God's presence during this difficult time. I'll try to keep you all posted as I get more news.
Thanks for your prayers!
Remembering Tyler
Today at Bethany, my church in CA, there is a blood drive hosted in honor of this little man, Tyler Verkaik. He passed away Sept. 6, 2007 due to an infection after receiving a bone marrow transplant the previous June. Please remember his family (both his biological and his family in Christ) as they remember his life today- he would have been 4 years old!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
HURRY!!
I just read one of the blogs I've been following for over a year now. The author is the wife of the lead singer in the singing group, Selah. Her name is Angie. She is an amazing writer and their family's story is amazing. They lost their daughter a year ago this coming Tuesday. As she's been going through her grieving, she has been updating all of her blog readers about her experience. She just posted an update and included a new song that will be coming out by Selah this August. It is AMAZING!!! Please go and visit as soon as possible-- it will only be up for 3 days!! Don't miss out on the preview! :) You can either click on the blog button on the right side of this page (Bring the Rain) or click this link: Angie Smith's Blog
ENJOY!
ENJOY!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Busy week.
This week has been pretty busy with new classes beginning, research critiques due, and a test to study for that will be tomorrow morning. I'm also the primary nurse in my simulation lab tomorrow, which is just another thing to add on to the "to do" list. Through it all, I've been able to spend some good quality time with both my housemates and some of my good friends in the evenings. Overall, it's been a wonderful first week back.
I've also been able to fit in a couple trips to the new gym at Calvin with one of my roommates, Michelle. It's been fun spending that time with her and laughing our way through squats, lunges, and pull-ups. She pushes me, which makes it hard, but very worthwhile. All I have to say is... I'm very sore today, but in a good way. :)
I just finished my cleaning job and have realized how much I love going over there, even though it's to clean. The couple's house that I go to is just the sweetest couple and they feed me lunch! (A plus in a college student's mind!) It's nice to spend a couple hours with them on Thursdays since I don't have class.
I have plans to go with my friend, Stephanie, to her sister's house and we get to take care of her 2 nephews and 1 foster nephew. I can't wait to spend time with her on our trip and also with those kiddos. Hopefully I'll be able to figure out posting some pictures after I get back.
Now... I'm off to spend some time preparing for my lab tomorrow and studying for my test.
I've also been able to fit in a couple trips to the new gym at Calvin with one of my roommates, Michelle. It's been fun spending that time with her and laughing our way through squats, lunges, and pull-ups. She pushes me, which makes it hard, but very worthwhile. All I have to say is... I'm very sore today, but in a good way. :)
I just finished my cleaning job and have realized how much I love going over there, even though it's to clean. The couple's house that I go to is just the sweetest couple and they feed me lunch! (A plus in a college student's mind!) It's nice to spend a couple hours with them on Thursdays since I don't have class.
I have plans to go with my friend, Stephanie, to her sister's house and we get to take care of her 2 nephews and 1 foster nephew. I can't wait to spend time with her on our trip and also with those kiddos. Hopefully I'll be able to figure out posting some pictures after I get back.
Now... I'm off to spend some time preparing for my lab tomorrow and studying for my test.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Back to Camelot
Why hello, there.
I'm back safely to Grand Rapids and loving being back in the house with my girlfriends. For some reason, I missed the girls a TON during my week at home, and it was so good to see all their faces again and talk for long hours when we all should be getting things done. That's what college is like... right?
Today was a long, but good day. I had classes in the morning and worked at the Admissions Office in the afternoon. The ladies I work with are hoots! I'm going to miss that office when I graduate-- for goodness sake, it's been 3 1/2 years!!
After work, one of my housemates (Krista) picked me up and we went to Meijer for some groceries. I saved a total of... (drum roll please) $25.28! I love saving money by shopping the sales and using coupons! I also love it when the cashier takes my expired coupons!! BONUS!
I'm pooped from getting up early 2 days in a row, plus I think I'm a big jet lagged, so I think I'll try to get to bed early tonight. All I know is I don't remember a THING after I went to bed, but I woke up with my sweatshirt off and across the room and my socks right outside of my bed. I must've gotten too hot in the middle of the night somehow even though my room was an ICE BOX when I went to bed.
Well, I should get some homework done.
Adios!
I'm back safely to Grand Rapids and loving being back in the house with my girlfriends. For some reason, I missed the girls a TON during my week at home, and it was so good to see all their faces again and talk for long hours when we all should be getting things done. That's what college is like... right?
Today was a long, but good day. I had classes in the morning and worked at the Admissions Office in the afternoon. The ladies I work with are hoots! I'm going to miss that office when I graduate-- for goodness sake, it's been 3 1/2 years!!
After work, one of my housemates (Krista) picked me up and we went to Meijer for some groceries. I saved a total of... (drum roll please) $25.28! I love saving money by shopping the sales and using coupons! I also love it when the cashier takes my expired coupons!! BONUS!
I'm pooped from getting up early 2 days in a row, plus I think I'm a big jet lagged, so I think I'll try to get to bed early tonight. All I know is I don't remember a THING after I went to bed, but I woke up with my sweatshirt off and across the room and my socks right outside of my bed. I must've gotten too hot in the middle of the night somehow even though my room was an ICE BOX when I went to bed.
Well, I should get some homework done.
Adios!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
And it begins...
I had a hard time deciding if I can actually do this whole blogging thing, and realized even if I can't follow through-- I'm going to try my darnedest! I'm home right now for spring break and am having a very nice, relaxing time. I haven't scheduled much at all during this trip so that it is truely a time of rest before finishing up the last half of my final semester at Calvin. Although the last four years have been wonderful, I'm so ready to be through with school and starting my career.
For those of you who haven't heard, I got a job as a NICU nurse at Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach, CA. The latest I've heard is that I'll start July 20th, and I'll need to pass my nursing boards before I begin. I just bought my review book for the test and will be studying on a regular basis from here on out! I'm praying I pass the first time I take the test so I can start this job that I've been dreaming of for so long!!
I'm excited to see where God brings me in the next few months and am thrilled to be finishing my schooling. Although I will miss my friends from Calvin DEARLY, I know that this is where God is calling me for the next stage of my life.
For now,
Emily
For those of you who haven't heard, I got a job as a NICU nurse at Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach, CA. The latest I've heard is that I'll start July 20th, and I'll need to pass my nursing boards before I begin. I just bought my review book for the test and will be studying on a regular basis from here on out! I'm praying I pass the first time I take the test so I can start this job that I've been dreaming of for so long!!
I'm excited to see where God brings me in the next few months and am thrilled to be finishing my schooling. Although I will miss my friends from Calvin DEARLY, I know that this is where God is calling me for the next stage of my life.
For now,
Emily
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