Friday, December 5, 2008

Oh, how the days disappear...

I'm taking a short break tonight from what is becoming my heaviest academic semester. I keep reminding myself that I really do love this type of stress - finishing clinical practicum hours, papers, group projects, and all those other great parts of being in a PMHNP-graduate program! Despite the heavy load, I have taken some time to enjoy a couple extra-curricular things that I'd like to share with you.

I had the opportunity to attend a presentation here in Iowa City in mid-November that was truly moving - Jerry Friedman, a photographer and author, discussed his book "Earth's Elders: The Wisdom of the World's Oldest People." Friedman has travelled around the world, listening to the stories of dozens of supercentenarians, people who have lived over 110 years. It was fascinating to hear him describe some of the experiences of these individuals - their humor, faith, optimism, and the importance of their families. I feel honored to share my time with any elder, particularly those I have seen in the nursing homes this semester. And I got the sense that Friedman feels the same way about these supercentenarians! Have you seen this book? Or heard Friedman speak? I'd like to hear :)

Another neat thing that has happened since my first post is that I prepared and presented two lectures for nursing students in the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing course at UI. Before doing this as part of my Teaching Assistant role, I don't think I fully appreciated the time and energy that a professor dedicates to this component of the job! I loved sharing some of my knowledge and experiences with the class, and I was thankful for the insightful questions the students asked. My excitement and enjoyment in teaching just these two classes has me thinking more and more that I'd like to continue doing these types of things!

It is nearly every day that I consider something I learned or experienced at the APNA Conference... Today, my thoughts turned to how thankful I am to have had the opportunity to attend the Conference. As I am swamped with classes (and packing my bags for India), I think of all the psychiatric/mental health nurses I met and of all the hard work they have done. And I hope I'm on a similar path to becoming one of those great leaders.

Cheers!
~Bonnie