Our new RN

In my mind, Amanda is frozen in time as our beautiful little girl.  (I can't help it, I'm her mom. ) That makes it all the more amazing to look at these pictures she sent, dressed in her nurse's uniform and ready to graduate. We'll be going over to Omak in eastern Washington later this week for her RN Pinning Ceremony.

Amanda and her Preceptor, Kelly

Becoming a registered nurse is a big accomplishment anywhere, requiring at least 2 years of classes and countless hours of clinical experience in different types of medical settings.  But if you live in the Methow Valley, it's an amazing accomplishment.  The college isn't just across town, it's an 70 mile round trip over a two-lane mountain pass.  Just think about getting in your car on dark, cold, snowy winter mornings and heading to class while your children are still asleep in bed.

And those rural hospitals where Amanda did her clinical practice?  Add a two-hour commute on top of that 12 hour work shift. Then study, and more study. But Amanda also found time to enjoy her life, have a new baby, and keep up with an active toddler.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without incredible help and support from Tom, the family (special kudos to Grandpa Jerry) and her good friends. But the final accomplishment was done by her alone.  It took tremendous drive and discipline.

While seeing my little girl in a nurse's uniform is pretty amazing, it's nothing compared to the sight of her assisting in the operating room, and telling me she loves every minute of it.  Yikes! I'm glad it's you, and not your squeamish mother.  Way to go, Amanda-- we're so proud of you!