I currently have two jobs, one FULL TIME, 1.0 position, which requires me to work 7 (12 hour) shifts in a 2 week period. Now bare with me.... I also have a PER DIEM job, which requires me to work 4 (12 hour) shifts in a month. So in total, I work a total of 9 (12 hour) shifts in a 2 week pay period. I know a lot of people think I am absolutely crazy to work this much, but honestly, it was not my intention to work 2 jobs, it just happened.
I moved to Los Angeles on October 2, 2016. I moved here knowing that I have 1 FULL TIME position. After living in LA for just ONE week, I received an email for an interview for a per diem position that I applied for a day before applying for my current full time position. Yes, everything literally fell into place for me (AFTER debating about wanting to move to la and going back and forth in my head, I finally just said, "F%!* it, I'll just apply and see!) when it came to thinking about moving to LA, applying for jobs, hearing back from the hospital, interviewing, and then finally getting on the road from the Bay Area. My boyfriend was also able to move to LA with his current employer, which also just fell into place. He heard from his employer about getting his current position, literally one week after I was told at my interview that I got the job! Isn't that just crazy? Well crazy, but I like to call it FATE and think that it was all just meant to be. God always has a way of reminding us that HE already has a plan in place and we just have to be patient and enjoy the journey. Of course, I know this is always easier said than done.
My nursing journey was not an easy one to get going. But honestly, looking back at it now, I wouldn't change a thing. Well, other than not passing the NCLEX the first time around, I would probably change that LOL because man oh man, it was a horrible feeling and probably one of the most stressful times in my life. But LOOK AT ME NOW. I work at two major hospitals in LA, both holding magnet status. I don't always give myself credit for this and I think it's because it still is so surreal for me, but my friends and family always remind me of how proud and of how far I have come. My best friend Jamiah who lives in LA, is always reminding me of how far I have come and how hard I am working and that my hard work will always be rewarded, which it has been and will always continue to be rewarding! Recently, my best friend Jasmine came to visit from the Bay Area and we had a heart to heart about how we are both proud of one another and the progress we have made thus far. Because man... let me tell you. LOL We laugh about our times back when we first started working out and really trying to live a healthy lifestyle. We were a hot mess. But that is something that will always make us laugh and just remind us of how we did it once before and we can do it again because being healthy is a lifestyle and we sometimes fall off, but try our best to just get back on! She also reminded me of how I used to pray and wish for the success I have now. I like to just smile and laugh at myself and say a little prayer and thank God for making it all happen. I did have my own doubts when I first started my nursing career, but I can now look back and just appreciate the journey. It is so humbling, to say the least.
So long story short, I have been busy with life and working so much, but I am learning to adjust and balance my free time when I am off, which I think I may share in more detail on another post. I don't get too many days off, so when I do, I literally have a check list and to do's for the day. Checking things off my list are my FAV! It makes me feel like I have accomplished so much, even if I only check off a few things.
Stay tuned for more.. LOL but don't hold your breath. I'm still a work in progress and figuring out MY LIFE... always!
