I'm home =)

I made it back to Columbus in one piece!!!  So glad to be home and thankful I was able to get an early flight.  I would still be in the air and wouldn't arrive home until almost midnight tonight!  It was so good to see Doug.  I couldn't quit hugging him!!  When we got home I told Doug that I wouldn't make any noises and I would hide on the deck.  Lola was the first outside and I think I scared her.  She started smiling and wiggling her little butt and jumping on me!  Wesley was so excited he peed on the deck as I was petting him *lol*  I missed my little family!

The flight went well, I didn't have much of a layover in Dallas so as soon as I arrived I went straight to my next flight and got on and took off to Columbus.

I don't think I'll be taking the job.  I just don't feel it in my heart that it's a right move for Doug and I.  In the air, I saw the Ohio River and my heart just melted.  I was HOME!!!  Columbus is my home for now and I would really like to stay right here!

So, I'm back at the job search.  I applied for 8 more jobs yesterday and about 3 more today.  Something is bound to open up now.  Also, I received my nursing license in the mail today!!!!!  What a great feeling!  I'll post pictures of my trip and my license tomorrow!  I'm just too gosh darn tired to do much of anything.  I just want to snuggle on the couch with my wonderful husband whom I missed so badly the last 3 days!!

Thanks for those of you who followed me on my journey and sent kind words to me via e-mail and facebook!

Interview

Valley Regional Medical Center

The interview went really well!  I met with the HR person first.  He has always been so nice.  They provided me with a packet of information plus apartment listings.  I talked with him for a bit and went over the finances part and how much I would make.  I would get an extra $1/hr since I have a BSN degree!!! =)  Being smart does pay off!

me getting ready for the interview =)

I then met with the director of the medical unit who gave me a tour of the unit and discussed how the unit ran.  I then met with the unit manager for days whom I spent most of my time.  She was really nice.  She explained how the unit functioned and stressed the importance of learning Spanish.  Most of the patients are Spanish speaking.  So glad that I took 4 years of French *lol* There is a computer interpretor available plus most of the staff speaks Spanish too so I could grab them in a pinch.  They offer tons of overtime so that's good.  She said it would be time and half plus $5/hr.  Holidays are double pay!!

After I spoke with the day manager, they wanted me to return at 4pm to meet the night manager and the person I would be working with.  She was the one whom I spoke with on the phone the other day.  She's super nice.  She said she had a gut "feeling" when she spoke with me and knew that I would be perfect on the unit =)

During my time in between interviews, the HR person called and offered me the job!!!  I was pretty excited!  So, I took going back to the hospital at 4pm as my last chance to take it all in and see.  I didn't have to make the decision right on the spot but I do need to let them know soon.  Their next orientation is on April 19th.  They also have a few in May as well.

After leaving the hospital and sitting in my hotel, I'm still very unsure of it all.  I'm just not sure if I can move this far away and leave my family and friends behind.  The hospital seems to be nice and the staff has been so amazing but I think the distance, plus being a new nurse, and the stress of living alone those first 3-4 months until Doug would move down would be very difficult for me.  Plus, the whole language barrier would be very hard until I picked up a few key phrases (the hospital also offers Spanish classes and medical terminology in Spanish as well).  Having to care for a patient and not having them be able to explain their needs would be very difficult for me.  I need to adequately assess my patients and want to make them as comfortable as I could.  How could I do that without being able to tell if they are in pain or not?  That would devastate me.  I would hate to rely on others to translate.

So, Doug and I have a lot to discuss once I come home.  I'm so happy for this opportunity and am glad that I went on this little adventure.  I would always wonder..."what if" if I never took the time to see for myself.

I'm excited to fly back home tomorrow!!!  I called and got an earlier flight so I arrive in Columbus at 5:55pm instead of 11:10pm.  Will make getting up on Wednesday for work so much easier!!  I'll keep you all posted on what we decide.  I told them to give me about 2 weeks to discuss this!  But I think I already made up my decision.  Just need to make sure it's the right one.

First Morning

Good Morning Ohio!!

I'm sitting here watching the Today Show and eating a bagel with cream cheese and some fruit!  I'm all showered and ready to go.  1 hr ahead of the schedule folks!  Doug's eyes probably bulged out when he read that!  haha  I made a point to get up early enough to get the free breakfast!  It looked good by my stomach is still doing flips from nerves so I settled for easier digestible foods.  I also stole a banana and peanut butter for later!  I might grab an apple on my way out the door haha

Sleeping was not so great!  I have neighbors the keep coming and going and it kept me on edge.  I ended up turning the air on full blast so it wouldn't turn off and slept with the food network on.  I was finally able to fall asleep but I kept waking up every couple of hours.  Which has been typical for me for the last week.  So much has been going on and my nerves just do not let me sleep!

The shower was good and the sun shining in my room is nice as well!  It's supposed to be 80 degrees today.  We're closer to the ocean so it's a bit colder than the inland cities.  So glad I have a black suit on with a long sleeve dress shirt =)  Gotta love air conditioning in the car!!!

Okay, going to finish eating and organize all my paperwork, resumes and make sure I am ready to go in about an hour.  The GPS said that the hospital is just about 6 minutes away.

ugh...hate interviews!

I made it!

I finally reached my destination!!!  It has been a LONG day of traveling and boy was I glad to finally get here.  I had 2 different lay-overs and I finally arrived closer to 6pm.

I started off traveling to NC.  Doug took my big luggage for me and stayed with me until I went to security.  It was nice having him stay with me for a bit but I was fighting back tears.  I just get so emotional traveling!!!  Apparently, I must have caused attention to myself in line while I kept looking back to see if Doug was there b/c I was selected for a pat down!!!  I know that I look like the most suspicious person hehe!  It never fails...I'm always selected!

So, I boarded my plane and flew to NC...

Once I landed, I had some time to catch my breath.  That plane was delayed so what should have been 50 minutes turned into over an hour layover.  I hopped on the next flight to Dallas.  That was about a 3 1/2 hr flight.  It was nice to try to get a nap in.  I was so happy to get on the plane to find that I was in the last possibly seat.  I had a window seat but the view was the big engine *lol*  Plus, it looked like someone threw up all over the window so I just pulled the shade =)  I needed to nap anyways.  My stomach was a bunch of butterflies b/c I don't like all the take-off and landings.  The stewardess asked the person next to me if he wanted to move up so we could spread out.  That was nice.  I just stretched out and took up both seats!!

Off to Dallas...

Finally, I landed in Dallas!  Boy is that a big airport!  Doug would have been so proud.  I did 2 big escalators all by myself without freaking out or holding onto him (I have a fear that it will eat my feet).  I then had to take a big skylink (subway thingy) to my terminal.  I made it there all by myself!  I didn't have to ask a single person!!!  Okay...I take that back.  I did ask a worker as I was waiting at the skylink if this would indeed take me to "B."  I just wanted to clarify!

I reached my terminal and then sought out a good place to eat lunch.  Subway was the closest spot so I thought that would be good.  I waited and called a few people and then waited some more.  I was waiting for my teeny tiny jet to get there.  Finally, it arrived and then they had to repair the tire!

That just meant...more waiting!  So, I called Doug about 20 more times and then we landed.  The flight to Brownsville was pretty quick once we left.  It was only about 1 1/2 hrs.

We finally were getting ready to land.  I kept looking for a city but all I could see was green fields.  We were getting closer and closer.  I could see South Padre Island out the left but again...green plots on my right.

  Eventually, as we were descending more and more, we arrived at the airport.  It's super tiny.  About the size of the one in Honduras *lol*

I got out and walked a bit and saw the Enterprise place.  I figured I could get my car while my luggage was coming off the plane.  I had 2 choices for a car.  Volkswage Beetle or a Ford Focus!  $10 for the person who knows what I picked!!!

I have always wanted a bug!!!!!  I love it!  If we weren't thinking of having kids in the near future, I would give Doug my Yaris and I would totally get one of these! =)  It has black leather interior and my luggage fit in the trunk...perfect!

So, not only was I in a different place, I now have a different car.  There is something odd that when you have so much different in your life that you forget everything.  It was like driving all over again.  I swear, I was even jerking *lol*  Why do I loose my mind????

Anywho...I got the hang of it and thankfully for my GPS, I safely made it to Dilliard's instead of my hotel!  I'm not sure why it does that sometime but I was close!  I called the hotel and she helped guide me.  There's a big sign and I just needed to drive behind the shopping center!  The hotel is nice.  I have a little kitchen and a couch in my room!  Kind of like a home away from home!

Brownsville is nice.  Not super beautiful or amazing but it's pretty.  I have been trying to explain it to Doug.  It's like when you drive in South Carolina.  You have some nice buildings right next to ugly ones.  Toto, I'm not in Ohio anymore.

I'm not sure how much sight-seeing I'll be doing tomorrow.  South Padre is a bit farther than I had thought and that bridge is pretty big so I might just stay local.  I'm not feeling as brave as I thought I would.  I really do hate being by myself but I'm going to make the best of it.  This would definitely be a place to vacation to (South Padre Island) but I don't know if I could live here permanently.  I'm hoping to go to bed soon and get a good night sleep.  Hopefully, I'll feel more refreshed and less emotional tomorrow.

Hope you all have a good night!  I made it safely in one piece.  We're 1 hr behind you all so my interview is at 10:30am (11:30 am your time).  I'm going to finish watching the food network.  Iron Chef is on =)  I ordered pizza hut (gag!) and now my eyes are getting pretty heavy!

I'll post more pictures soon!

Love,
Ashlie

Texas here I come!!

I leave tomorrow at 8:45am for Brownsville, Tx.  

As you can see on the map, I'm going way to the bottom of Texas =)  I'll also be about 20 miles from the Gulf Coast!  So sad that Doug can't come with me.  I think it would have been so much fun doing it together.

Valley Regional Medical Center

This is the hospital where I will be interviewing for a RN job on Monday morning.  I meet with the director at 10:30am.  The position is for a medical/surgical RN position for 12 hr night shift (7pm-7am)

South Padre Island

This is where I plan to go after my interview on Monday!  I hope to find a nice beach somewhere close and put my feet in the sand!  That is, if I can get over that long bridge.  I'll probably have sweaty palms and have a mini stroke going over it but I will attempt it!

I'm very nervous about flying alone but am very excited for the opportunity!  I started packing and have almost everything ready to go!  I originally thought that I could just bring a carry-on. I think I was just trying to fool myself!  All off you that have traveled with me are probably laughing right now!

Well, it turns out, I had to get my big suite case out =)  You can never have too many shirts, books, snacks, or flip flops for any trip!  You have to be prepared!  I'm not sure what to expect.  There is a Wal-mart close by just in case I forgot something!!!

I'm taking Doug's laptop so I plan to blog and upload pictures when I can.  I'll be back on Tuesday evening!  I fly in at 11:10pm ugh!  Doug and I both work on Wednesday morning!

Wish me luck!  

I'm excited for this little adventure!

Celebration!

Ashlie Barker RN BSN

To celebrate me passing my boards, Doug took me out to our favorite local Italian Restaurant, Spagheddies.  The food is always great!  We then went to Jeni's to get some ice cream!  

What a fabulous day!  

You're looking at her!  

Your new RN =)

Nurse Ashlie =)

Words cannot describe my excitement!

Name and Address [back]
Name	ASHLIE NICHOLE BARKER
City/State

License and Registration Information
Credential	License Type	Original Issue	Issue Date	Expiration Date	Status	Discipline	How issued
RN.358609-	Registered Nurse	03/25/2010	03/25/2010	08/31/2011	APPROVED		Examination

Little change...

After I vented, a door opened up =)

The people from Texas called and they really liked me and thought I would be a good fit.  So, they are flying me down to Brownsville, Texas this Sunday.  I will have an on-sight interview and go over all the important things.  I'll come back on Tuesday!!!

They are paying for my flight, hotel, and rental car so I can drive around and see if I like the place.  We are close (20 miles) from the gulf coast and South Padre Island!!  =)

So, we'll see.  I'm going to check out the hospital and see if the unit is a good fit and see how they run things.  I won't sign anything that day b/c there is still so much to consider if we even decide to move.

Wish me luck!!!

I'm nervous about traveling alone but thought that this is an AMAZING opportunity and I couldn't pass it up!!

Thinking...

So, lately I have been doing some thinking.  With this whole job search thing, I have been getting very frustrated.  The possible job at OSU where Doug works would be good but the pay is not so good compared to what I would get at the Hospital.  Try a big $10,000 difference :(

That has started me to look elsewhere.  On a whim, I applied for a few jobs in other states.  One was Texas and the others were South Carolina and Florida.  Surprisingly, I got a few calls back right away.  I had a phone interview yesterday with the people from Texas and had another phone interview today with a job in Florida.  I'm not too interested in the job in Texas b/c it's at the bottom of the US and WAY TOO FAR from home.  Plus, it's a med/surg job (floor nurse) and I would be working 7pm to 7am.

The one in Florida I really like and they really like me!!!  Its for a cardiac ICU step-down unit.  I could have my pick of days or nights (12 hr shifts) and it's right on the Atlantic coast.  Hello Sun!!!  The job seems like something I would really like.  The interview went well except now they want to see me in person.  They do not offer the sign-on bonus that I had hoped for and they will not pay for me to fly down....booo!

So, we're  back to square one.  I think moving to another state would be way to hard since we have our condo and Doug would have to find a job also.

Why is it that I throw my resume out there and get a hit the next day but in Columbus, Ohio I have in been searching for 3 months and have not a single interview?????

SO ANNOYING!

Last night, I had a mini meltdown and called a good friend, Abby.  I then started to look at jobs at Clinton Memorial (Wilmington, OH that is 1hr away) where I had my last clinical.  I applied for an ICU job and an ER job.  I like the ER job hours.  They are 11am to 11pm...fantastic!!!  I could sleep in =)  I also applied for a few jobs in Springfield.  They had a labor & delivery position opened and I couldn't apply fast enough *lol*

So, thanks for letting me vent and please keep your fingers crossed!  I would really really like a nursing job ASAP!!!

Happy Spring!

Wesley wanted to wish everyone a happy 1st day of SPRING!!!

Favorite Fridays

So, this is the first time that I am participating in Favorite Fridays.  I have been searching other blogs to help make my blog more interesting!!!  I found this one through a friend =)

This weeks Favorite Fridays Topic is Favorite Musical Group!

Mine is:  Colbie Caillat





I find her music very soothing and relaxing!  Something light and I love to sing to her lyrics while driving!!  Her music is perfect for this sunny weather!!!I got the lasted CD from the library and can't wait to burn a copy!


What's yours???

I believe...

"I believe in pink. 

I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. 

I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. 

I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. 

I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. 

I believe that tomorrow is another day 

and I believe in miracles." 

- Audrey Hepburn.

Time flies when you are having fun!

Doug and I have been together for 11 years today!  It's amazing that it has been that long!  Seems like yesterday that I was driving my friends nuts by talking about him!  11 years ago today, he called to ask me to be his girlfriend! =)  I have been the happiest that I have ever been!  

Doug is my best friend!

Hello Sun!

Looks like we're not the only ones excited for the sunshine!

Lazy day at the Columbus Zoo!

There wasn't too much excitement at the zoo today!  All the animals were enjoying sitting in the sun or napping.  It was nice to get out of the house and get a big dose of Vitamin D and some fresh air!

Spring is almost here!!

Ashlie Barker RN BSN

Hard to believe it's all over!  The celebrations were so much fun and oh so stressful!  Such a busy schedule to be here and there but it was all worth it!  To have both my parents and in-laws be apart of my special day was something that I had hoped for.  

The day started out with waiting....waiting for the time to leave only to rush to graduation to wait for the ceremony to start.  Boy do I hate waiting around.  As the minutes ticked by, my anxiety level increased =)  I spent most of the time taking pictures with friends and talking about how far we have come! 

Then it was time!!!!!!!  We lined up and the doors open!  This was IT!  One of the biggest days!  We marched in!  I was 2nd in line (thank goodness! I'm no longer in the back of the line like I was when my maiden name was Wion).  I sat and listened to some beautiful speeches from the Deans and of my good friend Sam.  Then it was time!  To march up, get pinned and then pick up my diploma!  What an amazing feeling it was to walk across the stage!

After the ceremony, we went to Barnes & Nobles to look around and then Dad, Doug, and I went o Jeni's to get some ice cream!  

After that, we met up with our family and friends at Spaghetti Warehouse! We had fabulous food and the yummiest cake ever!  Not only was it yummy, but it was super cute too!

Getting to spend the day with some of the most wonderful people made the whole experience that much  more enjoyable!  Thanks to all of you who came!  You have no idea how much it meant to me to have you there! 

And a special "thanks" to my best friend and husband!  Doug, you truly have been a saint!  You were there through it all.  Through the many nights where we had grilled cheese for dinner when I had to study, nights alone when I was at clinicals, weekends spent at home being "bored" because I was too busy writing papers and reading chapters after chapters to go anywhere fun!  Thanks for giving me your shoulder to cry on when I was so overwhelmed with everything and taking me out to dinner or Jeni's to celebrate when I passed a test or class!  I could not have done this without you!  You helped push me along!

I love you!