Hustle Hard, but Stay Humble

Hustle Hard, but Stay Humble

Jessica Sunday

It was not but a few weeks ago when I finally completed my introductory period as a new graduate nurse. The role I  tediously worked so hard for finally paid off, but not without the long journey of nursing school, sleepless nights, failed exams, early clinicals, supportive friends and family, my faithful Lord, and my current co-workers and supervisors. All of these challenges with the prayers and help of my amazing support system, made this accomplishment possible. It is important never to forget the people who saw you through in the midst of some of the most difficult times in your life. 

I remember the time I had to wait a year to repeat nursing school and thought that was my demise. My heart hurt to the point where I let nursing school define who I was as a woman. Boy, was I totally wrong. It was not until I saw the purpose through the painful failure that I began to curve my perspective of those semesters. Someone from my clinical group had shared with me how my positive attitude and passion for the Lord encouraged her to return to church. That was shared with me sometime after I found out that I needed to return in a year if I ever wanted to become a nurse. I reflected on what she shared, and I thought ... isn't that what life is all about? Reflecting the love of Jesus...being vulnerable, admitting your weaknesses so you can see God's work through the brokenness so that His strength might shine forth? So, I waited a year only to return to meet new nursing buddies who were also encouraged in similar ways. Needless to say, you are meant to reach people wherever you are in whatever season you may find yourself. 

Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I was electronically signing myself off of the introductory period. My supervisor left me with something that went like... "Jess, remember where you came from. Don't act like you know everything." That is when I said, " I got to stay humble." 

She then acknowledged the choice of words I used and believed that was a great way to remember what she was encouraging me to do throughout my nursing career. 

Remember, it is important to hustle hard, but do not hustle so hard that pride gets in the way of remaining humble. Own what you know and learn throughout your years, but seek guidance when you need it. Wherever you may find yourself, know that there is someone behind you that needs your humble spirit to be a role model as they may seek to aspire you. 

 "Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips."

Proverbs 27:2 

Hesed

Hesed

Jessica Sunday 

I recently bought some devotionals from The Daily Grace Co. One entitled "Hymns: A Study on Classic Hymns" and "His Love Never Fails" both of which have been encouraging. I highly recommend trying a devotional from their company. They are very affordable and full of so much spiritual truth. I will be sure to add their link below. I decided to refresh my devotional inventory not only because I hardly have any devotionals but also I find it hard to have my devotions faithfully. I truly believe that people prioritize what is most valuable to them, so if I find my Savior valuable or rather important to me, why do I not prioritize Him like I should? It is so much easier to make excuses for the lack of prioritizing due to the circumstances or busyness around one's life; however, I think the simple honest truth of the matter is plain. I (we) neglect my devotions because I (we) do not prioritize Him into (my) our (life) lives like (I) we should. When we neglect to do this, our lives often become exhausting, draining, and more difficult than what they really need to be. We might even feel "spiritually dead." This is what happens when we are the ones who depart from His presence. 

When I sat down this afternoon to have my devotions, I decided to open my second devotional as pictured above. The first devotional entry was entitled Steadfast Love. The Hebrew word for this is "Hesed." Hesed has been translated into many English words... mercy, steadfast love, favor, goodness, loyalty, lovingkindness, and grace. Such love is the love that Jesus pursues us with! Its relentless, never-ending, all-satisfying, unconditional love was displayed to the children of Israel as it is available and given to us! This is a love that even when Israel was unfaithful to Him, God did not let their unfaithfulness stop Him from loving them unconditionally. That part of the devotional hit me! 

Even when I am unfaithful to God time and time again in dismissing my devotions, He "heseds" me no matter what I do. His love goes deeper than the human love can ever consider going. His love endures when it is tough. His love endures when communication is severed between His child and Himself. We will never be able to love exactly like Jesus loves, but we can try to love those around us more considerately. We can also purpose in our hearts to make it a priority to spend a little more time with Jesus instead of "fitting" Him into our busy schedules. What is a devotional that has helped you in your spiritual walk? I would love to hear from you! 

Link to The Daily Grace Co. : https://thedailygraceco.com/

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." 

Lamentations 3:22-23 

What Would Your Letter Board Say?

What Would Your Letter Board Say? 

Jessica Sunday

I did not think I would be the lady with a letter board in my shopping cart last night. I mean, I sorta like to err away from the trends of this day. I saw way too many posts on social media with letter boards left and right which turned me away. Sure they were cute, but so are pet rabbits... and I do not have one of those. 

Well, you get the picture, right? I most certainly placed a letter board in my shopping cart last night, and as I hesitated whether I should go through with the purchase, I as wondering what my first letter board inspirational message would be. It took me a lot of pins to go through to find it, but hey, it is finally up! As I continued to look at this throughout the day, it started convicting me of the life I desire to live out. For me, this 'inspirational pin' is turning out to be the latest 'inspirational conviction' for me. 

I believe there are multiple moments in our lives where it is vital to have self examinations. Who would have known just how much 52 letters could convict someone? I may have totally miscounted, so I apologize ahead of time. I know you just counted to see if I was right. 

These words make me wonder how well I am living my life for the honor and glory of my Heavenly Father because ultimately, that is the only thing in life that truly matters. Does my lifestyle press others into the love and intimacy with the Savior? Do others know what authenticity looks like through the brokenness and restorations of life? Did I make at least one of my patients and co-workers smile today? These are just a few of the many questions that I wonder while I sit looking at my letter board as I type this. I also thought about the fact that someone who is a total stranger could potentially be thanking God for me unaware and I not even knowing it. It is really quite intriguing when you think of that. 

I mean, if any of you single individuals out there ever prayed for your future spouse, you know what I am talking about. You pray that they are well, that you meet them soon, and you thank God for that specific person in advance. Why do you thank God for someone you do not know in advance? I usually start thanking in advance because I know how powerful the Lord is. I know that He does not want to neglect me from the best He has for me. I know that He is faithful,  and I know that He finds joy in abundantly blessing me. 

So, am I living in such a way that if someone is thanking God for me unbeknownst to me that when they finally do meet me, they would not regret it? 

To me, that thought could be convicting to anyone reading this. It has convicted me to periodically set time aside to self examine my life and how I am living each breath God has given me. Am I making each moment count, or am I living this precious life flippantly for my own personal gain? If we are honest, I believe we would want to be the "who" someone thanks God for. So, what would your letter board say about you? 

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 

I Timothy 4:12 

Baby Nurses, Seasoned Nurses, and Everything in Between

Baby Nurses, Seasoned Nurses,and 

Everything in Between

Jessica Sunday

I cannot believe that I have been a nurse for four months already! As a newer nurse, I can say that it has been a roller coaster. There have been lows, but honey, there have been highs. I am thankful for the lows because the lows are teaching me where improvement is necessary while other lows are showing me the value of life. The highs have assured me that I am in the right profession while they have also taught me that I CAN do this 'nurse thing.' Like the good old saying goes... if there were no highs and lows, we would be dead. It goes something like that anyway. The message still holds true. It is all about the balance in nursing. 

About two shifts ago, I felt very encouraged by the way I time managed my patients' care, charted in a timely manner,  interpreted cardiac rhythms (for those of you who are totally lost right now, rhythm interpretation is measuring and reading heart rhythms of your patients), called doctors, answered calls, administered medications,  discharged, admitted, and transferred patients all before my shift was over. For those of you who are first-hand witnesses of my ongoing journey, you know it took me awhile to gain the confidence I needed to fulfill my roles as a new nurse. 

Each day brings with it a new lesson learned by those "new nurse slip-ups." Here are a few that are common as a new nurse, and not all of these were ones I did either. When you call the doctor, you had better be darn sure you know ALL the home medications your patient is taking or that call may end quickly. Always be conscientious on labs that are drawn, drips that are running, and tests that are scheduled. You cannot always depend on the hand-off report given; you must dig deeper yourself. If you need help, ASK! Your team leader is there to guide you if you really need help. I mean, how else are you supposed to hang blood and do an admission at the same time?  You may need your fellow nurse family to help you interpret doctor orders, written discharges, or telephone calls until you get accustomed to the new interpretation. Nursing students, you think the medications are hard to pronounce? Just kidding. They still are! Remember to sign your orders off before the end of your shift! Those are just some examples of what I have learned over the last few months. 

With that being said, never forget how far you have come, new and seasoned nurse alike. The new nurses may need a little patience and direction. The seasoned nurse, we desire to emulate you one day, so be gentle in knowing just how far you have come as well. Also, never forget who has helped you along the way. This includes your mentors, unit directors, boss, coworkers, doctors, college professors, friends, and family. They have all played a strategic part in making you successful. That may include working extra hours to help you with college tuition, staying up later to grade exams, offering constructive criticism in hopes to see you bloom as a nurse, or even extending orientation to be sure you can be successful and safe on the unit you are working on. So, take that shift in where you felt successful, but do not forget the many people who have played a role in cultivating that confidence and milestone in your life. 

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: ...A time to be born, and a time to die; ... a time to break down, and a time to build up; ... A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; ..." 

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-4  

To The Man or Woman Afraid to Jump

 To The Man or Woman Afraid to Jump 

Jessica Sunday

Jump.

A four letter word that requires so much contemplation at times. Sometimes the jumps we take in life are moments of great fear often overshadowing us with hesitancy. It is in the dark questions before the jump which keep us chained down. What if I jump?  What if I get hurt by "the jump" I want to take? What if I do this and fall right on my face? What then, friend? 

Believe it or not, we all have taken jumps in life. Some we were required to take to get us to a certain place regardless of the journey while others were jumps of our own accord. Some jumps we had to take in life were ones that took us to places of achievement such as getting promoted to the next grade in school. Those stepping stones filled our bodies with nervous emotions during those early years. I mean, we all knew the next grade got more challenging, right? Maybe that was only me who had that fear of entering a new grade in elementary and high school. Then, there was the "first job jump." We had to prepare our resume and pretend what our first job interview would be like. Those were just two examples of jumps required in order to get us to a specific place. In hindsight, those were decisions we were going to have to make in order to find part of our purpose in life - a completed education and a job. Do you know what though? You made those jumps! Congratulations! 

Other jumps are not as easy. These are "jumps" you decide to take on your own accord such as the "social dilemma jump." This is a jump everyone needs to decide on continually throughout one's life. It is an everyday battle to reflect on what side you stand your ground. It is a jump one is introduced to at a young age. Do I do what everyone else is doing to be popular or should I do what is right that everyone mocks? Someone once said that what is popular is not always morally right to do and what is morally right to do is not always popular. It is a jump that will cost you friends if you decide to go against the social norms and live your life in an honorable way despite of the unpopularity it brings. Stand firm in those beliefs, and do not be shaken. Know that jump will be worth it. 

Furthermore, there are other jumps that are important to make of your own accord because of someone's actions toward you. Remember, the saying, "Actions speak louder than words."? My friend, they do! Someone's actions may be so hurtful that you must decide to jump for the better. Yes, I just said for the b.e.t.t.e.r.  This is not a "peace-out I am leaving you hanging jump." The ones who truly know you are confident of the man or woman you are at core value. They know deep desires you have, the next goal you want to accomplish, the messy battle you are facing, and the downcast emotion you carry on the inside when everyone else sees the smile. At core value, they see the lovely heart you truly do possess. The heart that person has would surpass anything for those around him or her even the people that cause that person unnecessary distress. It is the unlovely person who is indifferent to those core values everyone else knows well except himself or herself because they were too busy crippling the person they claimed to love with sharp words of resentment and cruelty. The words were followed by trends of their actions of disrespect and division. 

I said something the other day that convicted myself. It went something like, "You are great at being there for those who hurt you, but now it is time to know your worth." There is only so far you can go in helping others. People need to have a desire to help themselves which is not always the case.  Some have no ambition to move forward and will continue the record of their actions toward you.  In those times, know your worth. Know the difference between God's grace and being gentle with yourself- your emotions, your actions, and your energy. Know the difference between being the byproduct of someone's actions of  harm versus knowing when to walk away in understanding your worth. Remember, the one reading this post is worth it. 

In the beginning of the post I contemplated some questions of fear we often think before we take that next jump. What if we decided to shift our thinking to the positive of that next jump? 

Let's shift our perspective. 

• What if I jump? No. When will I jump?  
• What if I get hurt by "the jump" I want to take? No. What will it take for me to grow from the jump I will take? 
• What if I do this and fall right on my face? No. When will I do this and stand firm on everything that led me to this jump? 
• What then, friend? Yes, what then, friend? 

Do you still have doubts about taking your jump?
Take my hand, and let us jump together!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

II Timothy 1:7 

Hostel to Hospital

Hostel to Hospital 

Jessica Sunday

There was a time when I was curious about what it was like to experience foreign healthcare. Perhaps, others wonder the same thing. My curiosity became reality in July when I traveled to London for a mission's trip. From missions to medications from the hostel to the hospital, it will be an experience that will be joyfully and painfully remembered. What it took to get me there was a painful experience, but joy comes in the morning, right? Literally. However, for the purpose of this blog post, I will focus on the joy of experiencing foreign healthcare, the importance of advocating for oneself, and the benefit of leaning on God when you feel alone.

To be honest, I felt pretty confident in the healthcare I received in London. It may not be exactly like the States, but overall, the care I received was what I needed while I was over there physically ill and drained of energy. The IV I got placed in my hand hurt, but I was so thankful that I was able to get the fluids and steroids I needed to get well. Although I would not place my confidence in foreign healthcare in all countries, I would definitely encourage one not to be hesitant if they were traveling in London and needed to be seen. The downside of the ER or faster care in the hospital is that it is a very slow process taking up to 5 hours! Although it was a process to be seen while I was in the hospital, I am thankful that their healthcare was free of charge. 

In the States we are so blessed to be able to give patients their fluids on a pump via cassette tubing; whereas, in a lot of countries, they run IV fluids by use of gravity. Of course they still have their version of HIPAA laws so I was not allowed to call the hospital for my lab results the next day. I was to return to the hospital to receive them. To say the least, my tonsils were grossly infected, and I ended up having tonsillitis and mono. I had been infected from earlier on in the week. Attempting to swallow applesauce to be able to take my pain medications had me in tears. The doctor informed me that if I would have waited any longer that my tonsils would have abscessed. He quickly placed me on a high dose of antibiotics 3x per day allowing the infection to begin to get better. You can only imagine what had brewed in my mouth nearing the end of the week. YUCK! I will save you all from looking at those photos as they are disgusting. You're welcome. 

            

As healthcare professionals, it is instilled in us from the beginning of our education and careers to advocate for our patients, but what happens when that patient is you and it took a long and exhausting process of advocating for yourself to get to where you needed to be - the hospital? Think of it this way: you are a healthcare professional on a trip who needs medical attention, but your voice is not being heard or there is a lack of being taken seriously. This puts yourself in a difficult situation balancing that the people who are not taking you seriously have a lack of medical knowledge versus the battle I  fought  to get to where I am today as a healthcare professional. If I could encourage anyone with something, I would say, advocating for oneself is crucial in the healthcare delivery system. It is necessary for your own health and wellness. Never be afraid of advocating for yourself and seeking out the care you need because in the end, you are the one suffering. Listen to your body and the care it needs to get well. With that being said, it is important to make the best of the situation you find yourself. Although I did not get to go to the hospital until the end of the week, it did not mean that I did not make the best of where I was. If I was inviting others to church or touring the Eiffel Tower, I did my best to be happy even if I was feeling awful. This is not to be mistaken for "not" being ill just because I was making the best of the situation. Some disagree. For example, if I had a patient in the hospital who was in pain and they state that their pain level is a 9 out of 10 and they are not crying, I am not going to deny them their pain medication. Remember, you may not always be able to confide in others to take you seriously from the beginning, but you should never quit advocating for yourself when the time arises. Note: I am thankful for the people who did finally take me to the hospital, but I am not happy with the events leading up to that. 

 Lastly, I cannot stress enough the importance of leaning on God when you feel alone. I am not blogging to rehash my hurt and betrayal I felt, but I am here now to say that God is the peace you have in the solitude. In the midst of feeling alone even after getting medical treatment is a heart wrenching experience. You endeavor to lean on God and the people you can confide in back home. I think feeling alone in a different country is a very unsettling feeling. It is scary. It is uncomfortable. I did not feel as if it was beneficial during that time; however, looking back, going through this was beneficial for a few reasons. Here a few reasons why leaning on God when you feel alone is beneficial.

1. It is beneficial to lean on God in your loneliness because God never forsakes you or leaves you. 
2. It is beneficial to lean on God when you feel alone because God knows what it feels like to be alone. 
3. It is beneficial to lean on God when you are alone because He will reveal to you ways to use unfortunate circumstances for His glory such as feeling the lack of advocacy to encourage you to be sure to advocate for your patients. 
4. It is beneficial to lean on God when you feel alone because when the frailty of man has ceased to take things seriously even back home, you are encouraged that you are to follow God and trust that He will fight your battles. 
5. Lastly, It is beneficial to lean on God when you are alone because He bends His ear to listen to your every heartache, every need, and every longing that you have.

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 

Romans 8:31

A Message to Mental Health

A Message to Mental Health 

Jessica Sunday 

One thing I have learned over the past 3 years working in Behavioral Health is that mental illness is not prejudice, and it does not discriminate. It does not matter if you appear to  have it altogether or whether you feel as if your life is hanging on by a thread. It can affect anyone of us. I would venture to say that it has already reached our lives. This may mean reaching us directly or perhaps you have witnessed someone you love dearly battle with mental illness. 

Let us be honest. Let us be real. 

We all face mental illness in some form. We may have struggled with anxiety and depression to name two. What we need right now is to break the stigma of mental health. There is a strong negative pull when it comes to it, and having worked in it, gives me more of a purpose and a passion to break that magnetic force between the physical and the mental realm of nursing. 

When I say the name Kate Spade, what do you think of? Our thoughts may wander to handbags, high end fashion, classy, put together, lovely, expensive and the list goes on. The difference between what I listed is the person and the brand. Although Kate Spade is iconic for her handbags, she is not a handbag. She, herself, is not expensive. It seems silly to mention that, but my point is we can live our lives behind a label without anyone knowing the deep battles we face. I am not saying Kate Spade was hiding behind that label; however, what I am saying is that so many times people hide behind labels. For the sake of illustration I will name a few labels we hide behind. Often times we hide behind our plastered smiles, our exuberant laughs, and our notorious careers only to fool those around us of the deep issues we are facing. Issues nobody may be aware of except for ourselves. Issues that if we do not get open and honest about could cost us our careers, our families, our health, or our lives. 

So, there it was.  June 6, 2018,  came and gone, but it did not leave without a stamp on it. It did not leave without feeling the world's grief on that day. It left a mark - she left a mark. When you look at a handbag of hers or stand outside the store of Kate Spade, like I did yesterday, let that be a moment of silence, reflection, and awareness. What if we were honest and open about our deep struggles? What if the stigma against mental health was something we all looked back on and people accepted? What if we did not shame mental illness as a nation, a church, a society, or a company? I believe it would save many lives. It would give hope to the helpless, dreams to the downcast, answers to the anxious, and saving to the substance abuser. 

If you struggle with depression or any other forms of mental illness, please do not feel like you are not loved, wanted, or enough. If nobody tells you this today, allow me to speak life into your beautiful soul. You are loved. You are wanted. You are enough. You are beautiful. You are intelligent. You are never too much. You are always enough. You have purpose. You have life. 

Remember, the best is yet to come.  

If you or someone you love are having thoughts of suicide 

please dial 1-800-273-8255 

Let us remember to lift up the family of Kate Spade in prayer as they are facing immense grief right now as they mourn the loss of their friend, hero, mother, sister, and wife.  Pray for specific comfort that only God can bestow, and that, in time, their hearts would be healed.

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." 

Isaiah 41:10