Since graduating in May of this year, my life has done a 180 degree flip. In three short months, I moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, took (and passed!) the NCLEX, and began my career as a nurse on a neurosurgery floor at UPMC Passavant. Although this time was stressful, and I found myself missing home often, I finally felt like I was living the life I had always dreamed about.
However, none of this would have been possible without the TJ Memorial Fund, Pam, and Steve. And because of this, I am forever grateful to them for helping me!
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Oh, how much has changed since I have written an update for you all! Not to sugarcoat it - the beginning of COVID kicked my butt a little with finding a job..but after passing the NCLEX and the most unpredictable interview, I am officially coming up on my one year on the Blood Cancer Unit at Presbyterian St Lukes. I am sure I can predict all the reactions - but I assure you, I love my job. If you remember all the way back to when I wrote my essay for this scholarship - I mentioned courage, how I wanted to pass on to my patients the courage to show the world that they are more than their diagnoses. In a turn of events, this unit has shown me what courage looks like. My patients have taught me what courage is and what love is. I have always known love and seen it, but I have never felt it the way I do in this unit. This unit shows me every day how fragile but beautiful life is. I am proud to be a blood cancer nurse and be a part of every patient's story, for they have shown me what courage, love, and gratitude should look like every day of our life. I think of my patients every day when I wake up and have begun living my life through love and grace.
Pam, Steve, and all the Myrick supporters have brought me to this unit. You all showed me love and compassion without a second thought. I carry your love with me every time I am with my patients. I hope to continue advancing in my career while keeping in touch with my second family - all the Myricks. ❤ Sending all my love and wishes to you all! Madison |