Love Letters To A Nurses Soul: Letting Go

Hello Everybody and Happy Resurrection/ Easter weekend.!!!! I read something FB that says something to the effect that the most powerful experience this world has had; happened in a span of three days. Think about it...Jesus was arrested, prosecuted, persecuted, murdered, placed in a tomb, and then resurrected for you and me. I wish you and your family a blessed Easter weekend and time to reflect on where your life is going.  At the end of the day there are people, places, and opportunities much more important than the trivial things we get hung up on. ~ Kimberly

Now Onto the Letter:

Dear Nurse,

      There are people, places, things, and situations we need to let go of. We may think we have but reality is we have not.  For instance I ran into a former friend and while I have forgiven this person it still gave me a bit of anxiety seeing them. Would I say something crazy..unfiltered..untactful? Would I want to run and hide? I'm not sure how I was going to react but anyways when I saw them I hugged them and kept the conversation to what they were comfortable with. And even though we aren't friends I was happy to see them doing well but understood why we could never be the type of friends we were before. You see I have changed and grown a lot over the last time I spoke to them and if I can't be my beautiful broken self in front of you we can't be friends or family for that matter.So I'm letting go. Letting go of preconceived notions, pretending to say and do things I'm not, living up to others expectations, and trying to prove I'm worthy. The sheer fact I am alive and breathing is proof I belong among the human race. The fact God gets me up every morning is validation enough I am worthy. What do you need to let go of? Write it down and tear it up today!




Love,


~ Kimberly

Love Letters To A Nurses Soul: It's Just a JOB!

Dear Nurse,

 Today I sat here and repeated to myself it's just a job. Why? Because someone made me mad. They were very unprofessional despite my best efforts. But in truth I allowed them to make me mad as I control my destiny and reactions, and then  God remind me no matter how nice or unprofessional mean spirited or graceful the people we come in contact with in our profession we must remember it is just a job. People  come, go, get changed, and rearranged but my family my family is forever and that is more important to me then a JOB. 

The life growing inside of me is more important than telling someone off or putting them in their place. At the end of the day I  go home to a loving supportive family. Maybe they don't.I don't know but I hope they do. So today I remind you to do your job and do it well as you always have but at the end of the day remember you gave it your best and that's it. After all when we get to the pearly gates God's not going to ask how well you interacted with your coworker but He will want to know if you accepted his son in your heart.

Love,

 ~Kimberly 

(originally written 3/13/14)

Love Letters To A Nurses Soul: Called vs. Capable

Dear Nurse,

Last year I attended parts of the Women Living Well Conference online. In one of the videos your calling vs capabilities was discussed. Karen Ehman explained that we can be capable of many things in life but our time is better spent to doing what we are called to do. 

Regardless of your beliefs this is a universal principle. We as human beings are so fascinating; able to do amazing feats especially under pressure.Yet when we live our lives doing everything we end up doing nothing. I have struggled with this before and sometimes fall off the wagon. For instance, I love serving in church but in what capacity? I am truly a free spirit and like to step in when and where help is needed at a moments notice, not necessarily doing the same task on a regular bases.My husband is the opposite of me.You can see him week in and week out protecting the children that come to church on Sunday. Me on the other hand you might find praying for someone one Sunday right when they ask, recording the church's history through written words, holding a baby, or encouraging someone on Facebook. 

The point is neither way is better,just as my spouse and I are different so are we as nurses. Some Doctors, entrepreneurs, writers, actors, and speakers just to name a few. How we choose to live our lives are examples of the calling. What gets you going in the morning and you think about long after you should be asleep? That's what you are called to do! Focus on that and you can't go wrong. Also I must mention the need to compare. We are each fearfully and wonderfully made, no need to compare your journey to another. If we were all the same this world would be pretty damn boring. What are you called to do? What do you need to say no to although you are capable of doing it in order to fulfill your destiny? 

Love,

Kimberly


P.S. Today I'm doing a book event at my Alma Mater the University Of South Florida. In honor of this milestone I am offering you a special discount today only for my debut publication "What They Didn't Teach You Or I In Nursing School: Lesson Learned Outside The Classroom." Enter the code: 
D4VCP8ER when you order through my createspace online bookstore. You'll get the book for just $10.00 and enjoy a wealth of inspiring, encouraging,and practical information. Shipping and handling still apply. And remember when the clock strikes 12 this deal will no longer be valid.Thank you for your support and encouragement.

2013 The Year of Raqui

Every year before the new year starts I write down how I want the year to be. I firmly believe in the power of words. You can either speak life into or bring death over your situations. Anyways, this year I labeled as a rebirth as myself personally and professionally.

The year started off with a bang with guest post,connecting, and writing. Then tragedy struck me and my family and things seemed to be going good for awhile and then joy came in the form of a little baby but a few short weeks later death struck at our door again. And it was hard.. hard to pick up the pieces and not completely fall apart in the mist of our circumstances. But we held on to our faith and the promises of Jesus.  It was not easy.. losing a child but without my relationship with the Lord  I would not be writing you today. And then a crazy thing happened I published my first book and attended the NNBA conference. I connected with so many wonderful people and I actually was smiling and feeling like Kimberly again..Then I  was blessed with interviews in print and radio and now with hope/plans for much more in 2014. Reflecting on this past year has brought me peace as I have truly grown and  truly embraced myself This has caused me to loose some people along the way but that's ok because its part of growing and evolving into the person I want to be. Writing this has me a little teary eyed because of all that we've been through this year. I am truly grateful to you all my audience from Florida to Saudi Arabia. Around the world and back again. I could never nor did I ever imagine the words God gave me touching so many people. Thank you. Thank you for visiting, commenting, sharing, and purchasing. Without your support writing here would not be successful. Writing  has been therapeutic for me and I hope a blessing to you. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity and I can't wait to see what 2014 brings.

To a Blessed, Prosperous, and Happy New Year for you and your family!

~Kimberly

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This month  I celebrate my birthday and in years past it has been filled with lots of drama. So this summer after a heartbreaking tragedy I reflected on why I celebrate birthdays. The short answer: they are worth celebrating, Life is worth celebrating!! Happy Birthday to you wherever you are!!!Celebrate!!!!!!!

Over the years I have been asked many times why I make such a big deal out of my birthday. While my family and close friends get it..others not so much. I have heard it is selfish or makes people uncomfortable depending on my plans..this as you can imagine has caused lots of drama around my birthday and for several years I have only spent it with those in my inner circle or my husband for fear of ruining a perfectly good day with others opinions.

 To understand my stance on birthdays you must understand how I was raised. .Growing up no matter what we had cake and ice cream on our birthdays and  my mom made it very special . My dad makes sure everyone knows and celebrates their golden birthday(the day you turn the same age as your day of birth).  So you can imagine my surprise when others made the above comments how I felt. It was shocking to me at least. But I'm done worrying about others opinions of me especially in regards to celebrating the day God blessed me. I have been through a lot and want to honor God with celebration of all He has brought me through.  Birthdays are very important: once that sperm meets that egg  its beautiful..I mean how awesome that what color hair to your personality is decided in an instant..and not to mention how many sperm never reach the egg in time..its perfect symphony. And then the baby, if we're lucky  is born alive, healthy, and thriving in this world. Lots of unforeseen circumstances such as miscarriage..stillbirths..

kidnapping... sudden infant death, and violence just to name a few can occur along they way,so why wait let's celebrate!!!! If you think about it its a miracle regardless of what you believe that despite all obstacles  we are alive and breathing.

How do you celebrate your birthday?  

This post is dedicated to all my friends who have recently had babies and those moms who will see their babies in heaven. So to answer the question: I ask one in return- who am I  not to celebrate my birthday?  Do what makes you happy.  For me that is  honoring the One who gave me life. The One who knew me before I was thought in my parents head. Not everyone gets a chance to live and I don't want to take that for granted. 

Take Care,

~ Kimberly

NNBA Review

Last month I attended the National Nurses In Business Association Conference! This was my first major conference of this type and debut for me as an entrepreneur. I met a lot of wonderful people and made hopefully life long connections. I also enjoyed some down time too! As a first timer and one of the newest  attendees environment, connecting, and confirmation stood out to me.
 

Environment
 

In my opinion where you have a conference is just as important as who you have there and the #NNBA organizers understand that. We stayed at the lovely Orlando Area Embassy Suites fitted with spacious rooms made to order omelets, water feature, business center, and spa/pool to name a few amenities. Every night I slept in a wonderful bed and was impressed with the cleanliness of the facilities.  It made for a relaxing reflective environment. 

Connecting

As I said I met a lot of intriguing, fascinating, and like minded people with a can do entrepreneurial and business spirit. It was nice to be apart of ; meeting legends of the online nursing world I would probably never meet under normal circumstance. It was even more humbling that they were real down to earth people. We  laughed,hugged, and reflected together.  I also meet everyday heroes and that was a treat in itself. If nothing else I hope these connections continue as friendships with us growing and supporting each other  in every step.

Confirmation
 

While I learned a lot about the different business opportunities I got confirmation on what I was already doing by trusting my gut. In fact at one point I started writing down  the lessons I learned before the conference with the ones repeated  at the NNBA. Now I have a blue print on what areas to focus on so that I may have a growing and thriving business. 

 

Tips for Newbies

•   Prepare before the conference with business cards, flyers, and ideas. You never know who you will meet and what opportunities will come to you. 
• Talk to someone who has attended the conference before and/or knows someone who is attending. I did both and this helped me take a lot of the guess work out on how to best prepare for whatever opportunities were awaiting me.
• Relax..be yourself!!!! The authentic you is much better than a pretender.
• Network in a way that plays to your strengths. For me this meant talking to conference attendees one on one building connections. 

All in all this was a wonderful first conference experince and I would love to attend next year as a speaker:)

Take Care,

~ Raqui

Raqui Thursdays: Dreams Come True

Tomorrow I will be on Living Sublime Wellness Radio: my first of many radio shows and  I just have to pinch myself ! Is it possible all my dreams are coming true? My goal was to publish a great book and get it into as many nurses hands as possible. The ultimate prize? selling it at my nursing school. But this journey has become so much more! I have meet great- inspiring people on and offline, received acceptance and opportunities I couldn't have imagined. But I'm not surprised. Why?  Because I moved in the faith and knowledge that Gods got my back. He birthed these ideas in me and has blessed them to succeed. I am in awe. Thank You.

For someone who went from no hope to  talking on  a wide reaching radio show I want to encourage you. What are your dreams? Now act on them. Waiting to live, waiting for perfect...what are you waiting for? The time is now this very instant! Don't wait another second on the would of, could of, should of's  of life. Those you will touch are waiting for you. From rejection to acceptance, from working at my dream job to publishing my first book: my core family and friends have been through it all and I am thankful for them for keeping me grounded and  helping not to take myself so seriously. What dreams are in store for you ? Leave them in the comments below or email me.
I would love to hear from you.

Take Care,

~Raqui

Raqui Thursdays : Priorities

Hello and happy weekend. Although this post is title for Thursdays I was unable to to post yesterday.  So I'm posting today. This weekend I will be working on a new  writing venture that I hope will open some  doors. So I leave you with a post I wrote months ago, with a few revisions, that I now feel is more relevant then ever.

It appears we got it all wrong in today’s world where cash is king and families fall by the wayside for much needed financial resources. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy working and am learning to do it unto the Lord vs. man. But when we are told our health, physical/mental, restroom breaks, and eustress are optional I questions our motives. Everything cannot be a priority as humans we learn this from the beginning when we are born and the first thing we do is breath. But when we are wound so tight that we cannot even sneeze for a minute without our commitment put into question I shudder.
When everything is a priority nothing is a priority. I am a priority without me there is no one to dry your tears, inspect the facility, give the depo, or perform CPR. I am a priority. I matter. My lists of priorities’ are God, Me, and Family.  Livelihood without balance does not work.

Take Care,

~ Raqui

P.S. I'm not sure you can see this when you come here but there are some advertisement links that appear in the blog description/ side/ anywhere else "they " feel is relevant  that I do not endorse. We will be moving soon, where I can have more control. And if you are the advertiser. Cease and Desist. You do not have my blessing or permission!

A Good Nights Sleep

There is nothing like a good nights sleep to renew your mind, body,telomeres,and change your perspective.This week really underscores that fact. I was running on empty..no gas in the sleep tank and now I feel like a million bucks. It is awesome! Try it this weekend.Listen to your body and sleep.For me, it was eight hours I'll never regret.

Take Care
~ Raqui

A Nurses Legacy

Dear Community,

I leave you today for greener meadows, for a triumphant return to peace for my body is weary and my mind is filled with many memories. Some good, bad,... indifferent but nonetheless memories. 

Although I leave, be of good cheer as I am not gone, just absent in body. My spirit of care lives on...

You see that little girl running around enjoying her adoptive family...or the young mother breastfeeding her baby?  What about the nurse practitioner you saw today…that took the time to get to know you? She was in a class I taught about compassion.  

Aunt Jane understands that she takes the yellow pills twice a day and the green one at night because I took the extra time to make sure she had her medication right.

Maybe you met the nurse anesthetist that prepped you before surgery - I befriended her, telling her the sky was the limit despite her current circumstances and she dared to  believe it. 

The nurse day in and day out helping you in rehab? Well, he and I connected online through blogging and now the rehab app he created  keeps all your progress in one place, at the fingertips of you and your family.

Did you meet your child’s teacher?  I told her that being a teenage mother was just the beginning of her story. I inspired her to go to school and provide for her family.

So you see, I’m still here in my words, actions, deeds, and  planted seeds. My spirit of care lives on and now it’s up to you to carry the legacy of care on. 

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to care for, inspire, and encourage you.  It was my pleasure and now I rest; knowing  the legacy I  leave serves as a catalyst to the next generation of caring.

Take Care

~Raqui

 

Dear Nurse

Dear Nurse,

Good morning…good evening… and good afternoon. I know this is the start of your shift but I just wanted to say Thank You.

Thank You for patiently waiting while I took my morning breakfast of numerous pills. 

Thank You for singing to me even though I’m intubated and can't speak.

Thank You for checking for monsters under my sons’ bed while he receives chemotherapy.

Thank You for understanding that my illness makes it hard for me to accept love or care

-In fact it increases my anxiety. So you find other ways to show your care like consistently showing up and taking interest in me.

Nurse ,Thank You for calling the ambulance even when I said no, because you instinctively knew I was having a stroke.

Thank You for making me a PB &J because being NPO for hours sucks.

Thank You for cleaning me up with dignity, never getting angry that it happens repeatedly.  

Thank You for comforting my family and keeping them up to date.  

Thank You for attending staffings to determine the level of care I receive.

Thank You for visiting me in the hospital...SNF…jail…home…park…your car…and anywhere that is convenient for me. 

Thank You for processing my prior authorizations in a timely manner so my medical foster parent can care for me.

Thank You for taking the time to make sure I understand my care…medications…my rights… and advocating for me. You make my voice matter.

Thank You for empowering me and encouraging me to be a partner in my care.

Thank You for checking in on me.

Thank You for looking at me as more than my illness or infirmity.

Thank You for helping me understand life is a part of death… holding my hands as I take my last breath.

Thank You Thank You Thank You for treating me like your family.

Thank You for mentoring the next generation of nurses through teaching…coaching…and blogging. 

Dear Nurse I know I can’t say this enough but Thank You.

Take Care

~Raqui

 

 

Taking Care

Hello,

I have been meaning to write this post for awhile.. Taking care of yourself so that others can be taken care of. Throughout my career.. all 34 months of it. No one lesson has been more prevalent then taking care of yourself. We all know what we do is stressful and chaotic at times but even in the chaos we must preserve or we will go down with the ship. It is not helpful or even noble to sacrifice yourself for the good of the cause. I have seen and experienced too many tragedies, senseless mistakes, and overall mayhem ensue when caregivers overlook themselves. To be affective we must take care of ourselves; our loved ones, families, friends, and clients are depending on it. Even God  rested on the seventh day.

Tips I have learned:

• Arrive early so you do not leave late
• Always double the amount of time you think it is going to take to complete a task so then if you finish early you can tackle one of those 5 to 10 minute tasks.
• Under promise and over deliver
• Drink lots of fluids...Carry water at all times, once dehydrated your brain is not fully functioning. If you're thirsty it's already too late.
•  Rest and sleep.. go to bed early so you are well rested. When your brain is tired you make silly mistakes.
•  Eat! Do not skip lunch to catch up on work.. When you are hungry your brain is not getting the glucose you need to function optimally; so the work you are catching up on is going to take longer anyways. I know this one is hard, especially in the acute care setting, but trust me you will wish you had taken a few minutes to recharge instead of making that medication error.
• At lunch shut your mind off from work, tasks, and try not to talk about work at lunch. This is  your time to recuperate.
• Move.. walk..run.. jump. Move a little each day it is a  great way to stay healthy and relieve stress. Also gives you endorphins.
• Prep beforehand ; as much prep work as you can get done is helpful.
•  Be honest with your coworkers and yourself about what you need. Speak up! People treat you how you teach them to.
• The most important thing is to be proactive. No one cares about your well being as much as you do.

Week 2 of 3

This week my supervisor and another nurse I usually work with are on vacation.. so I am in charge but it feels like no one listens to me....I'm not asking too much but a little RESPECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm giving them respect so I expect it in return. So anyways, I'm giving this situation to Jesus because there is nothing more I can do but let his love and peace abide in my heart and in the workplace. When you do not work as a team the patients suffer and that is the last thing I want. So this week pray, be strong and courageous in the Lord. Let his light shine yet be firm.

so You're the RN....

Well last week I learned a lot about myself.. and I think the title sums it up perfectly.. so you're the RN? Now that can mean many things to many different people, but for me this week it meant learning about the lab technicians job and how important it is to communicate as a team. I also did some phlebotomy work which I would like to look into as a side gig..who knows could help with the wedding/ student loans coming up..but none the less I learned a lot and made connections/ closer bonds with the lab staff and have a new appreciation for their knowledge, skills, and expertise.

So next time when asked or how ever it comes up so you're the RN? Reply why yes I am, how can I help you?...I know I am:)

WEEK 7

 I have officially been working in the role as Sr. RN on the Women's side of  a Maternal and Child Health clinic for 7 weeks now. It has had its challenges but this week gave me the renewal I needed.  Even though I have made mistakes, done things I'm not proud of ...I have done more good than bad. This week I got many hugs, thanks, and congratulations from the clients I serve. This embracing smartness thing is really working!! One client stated " wow you're so young and you know so much about family planning and what not." I guess passion shines! That really made my day Friday; because it just shows Gods favor.  This day I was  on my own, for the most part, but  I did not feel the pressure like I did the first time I was left to my own devices.... I was more confident, willing to take on a challenge, and I made sure when you stepped into my office , as a client you  felt like nothing else mattered and you got my undivided attention. I did not let on that I had charts out the wazoo to document on ,triage calls to return,  and the  "RN on call".  No I handle it with the strength of Jesus and focused on the tasks at hand.  this experience is making me a better and more confident nurse. To all my new nurses out there, there will be days when you want to cry and there will be days that your heart is filled with joy; but remember on the days that you cry joy is soon to follow and on the days you are filled with joy cherish each moment because new adventures and challenges await on the horizon.

My advice for this week is do not shy away from a challenge meet it head on and if you fail you fail and if you succeed you succeed but no matter what at least you tried. All HE is asking is for you to try!!!!!!!! The bible says in Isaiah 55:11( NKJ)- So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Disater Prepardness Nursing & RN License

Today, I went to this training for Disaster Preparedness Nursing. It was a good refresher...since I just got out of nursing school. Actually is was better than good ...it was awesome!!!!!  I was able to see some of my favorite professors and it proves I am right where God wants me to be; working when , where, and how God wants me too. Hope we can keep this up. What I really want to share is the importance of knowing/memorizing your license number.

It seems no matter where I go I need to know that number. .it's like knowing your SSN without it you don't exist, and without your licensure number nothing else matters because you never know when they will be offering those all-important CEU's; since I work for the Department of Health I think I'll be pretty much covered with CEU's and the beauty is they're free!!!!!! We all know just because you’re a nurse does not mean you’re rich ... you are paid well but you still need to budget your money wisely. This is something I'm working on. Starting with my first check. Bottom line: be prepared with your license number...you put a lot of effort into obtaining it! It is a represents your faith, effort, and commitment in this profession.