Vegas Ventures

Hello Friends and Family.....

(Jessica's Journey3: 3/24/11 1324)

I have been in Las Vegas for about two weeks now.  The transition has been surprisingly easy.  The first week was kind of tough... not knowing anyone either at work or where I'm living, but so far this week has gone very well.

My job has been great.  I have learned so much already, and it's only been 6 shifts.  I think the biggest thing that has been so good is that I'm learning that there are so many ways to do different things.  One of the reasons I chose to do travel nursing was because I hated the mentality of "my way is the right way".  I didn't want what I learned in Des Moines to be the only thing I ever knew.  I am learning to appreciate that there are other ways to care for the babies. With that being said, I have to say that I am thankful for the years I spent in Des Moines- they taught me a lot and because of that I have felt pretty comfortable in the NICU here.  The transition to a new NICU would be much more challenging without the good baseline of knowledge that I already have.

I have been surprised by a lot of things in the NICU out here and the way they care for the babies.  I won't go into details because most of you wont understand anyway- but it is a lot different.  Some things are better, some (in my opinion) are not so good.. but I have learned.  The staff have all been very nice which has made this so much easier.  A lot of the staff have been travelers before, so they understand what it's like.  They have neonatologists as well as nurse practitioners, which has been great.  Most of them have been very nice.  I did meet one staff who's name is Chad.  He is originally from Iowa (every time I tell someone I'm from Iowa they say- "Oh!! Chad...have you met Chad??"- Poor Chad and I have "met" several times now).  He worked at Mercy, traveled, and has since taken a FT staff position at Summerlin.  I'm not sure if any of you Mercy people will know him... but he's nice.  It's been fun to talk to him about his experiences. 

Las Vegas... living in Las Vegas has been interesting.  It, so far, has been so much different than the couple times I have visited.  There is so much more to this city than "the strip"...which is all most of you probably know or think about when you hear "Las Vegas". I have heard so much about things I should do...I have made a list. I am slowly adjusting to hotel living....that could probably be another email in itself- but I won't go into that now.

Ashleigh and I at the Rainforest Cafe

Walking the strip...

Zaharra and I on the tram..

Some other travelers I've spent a lot of time with: LtoR; Zaharra, myself, Ashleigh

 I am beginning to meet people and make plans, which is good.  Tonight I'm meeting another traveler, Ashleigh, and some of the people in her hotel who she met (who are also travelers) for dinner at The Rainforest Cafe. Tomorrow I'm going to walk the strip with a girl named Saharra who has been a traveler for a few years.  We started the same day at Summerlin.  She just finished an assignment in San Diego and worked with Katie Hoodjer (for those of you who know Katie).  Katie is planning to come up to Vegas sometime and explore the city with us.   (posting this way later than when I wrote it..so here are some pics)

I have also made a connection with my great aunt Martha. (my step mom's aunt)  She has lived in Vegas for years and was also a nurse.  I have found some comfort in the fact that she lives here, and I think she likes it too.  We are going to First Friday, which is a big art show, in downtown Vegas tomorrow evening.  I have no idea what that will really entail but I'm excited to experience it.  She has asked me a few times to spend the night with her Friday night and bring my laundry... how could I turn that down.  I mean, the laundry mat is awesome.. but...   We will both enjoy the company.  She also has a friend, Bob, who owns a small plane.  Next Saturday, we are scheduled to go flying.  He is going to take us over Lake Mead and land at Temple Bar to have breakfast, and then fly back to Vegas. I am super excited about this.  It is experiences like this that make me so thankful that I decided to take a risk.  I am experiencing things I never would have if I didn't step out of my comfort zone and take the chance... I have grown so much already- as a nurse and in general...  (pictures to come..)

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, emails, calls, and skype "dates".  No matter how much fun I have out here I am still constantly thinking of all of you who support me- and I am SOOO thankful for you.  It has been fun, but to be "real" there have definitely been moments when I have been homesick.  All of you have carried me through those times.. so thank you.  I better go now, the sun is shining, and the pool and hot tub are calling my name.  I'm working on another email already.... on a topic that deserved it's own email. 

In His Name,
Jessica