designer RN EMT

I agree! It was my last best gift to the ones I love. My husband and I exchanged I love you's as our last words to one another. How could a final memory be any better? I, too, have an AD and a POLST on file with my attorney, my son, my physician and the local hospital. I also keep one with me when I travel. Overkill? I don't think so. I prefer to think of it as being proactive.....

A great example of the grass being greener on the other side of the fence.... Thank you for your understanding. Yes, I gave the best care I knew how...as to how I'm coping....well, one expects to outlive a parent, I think. And she's been gone nearly three years, so I'm coping fairly well now. But my dear husband has only been gone 6 months. I wonder if I'll ever cope with being without him. Bless you for your caring and understanding of the 24/7 nature of this committment!

Good for you! I'm glad you got your job, though I'm sad that OK missed out on getting a new resident....work a while and get some good experience under your belt...and maybe you'll end up out here with us yet!

I think you'd like Ardmore. It has the advantages of small town living coupled with close proximity to the big cities of Dallas and OKC. Mercy has a very busy ER with a top notch flight team headed by a good friend of mine. They have a huge cachment area because they serve the region. It is a rounded hospital population....from newborn to geriatric. The most critical cases are airlifted to OKC; but it is a very good hospital and you'll be welcome. Yes, they hire new grads. The cost of living in OK is way less than you are used to in CA....but then, everywhere is! (Except maybe NYC!) I came here from another state and have never regretted the move. The people are friendly, the cost of living is low and the weather keeps you on your toes. Come to Ardmore and you'll never regret it! PM me if you would like more substantive info....I only live a little ways out of there.

I loved being a nurse! I still love it. But I had to leave the public sector to care for loved ones here at home. My mother and dad's health began to go south several years ago, and then my sweet husband was diagnosed with pharyngeal Ca. So I had my own little LTC right here. My dear husband and mom are gone now, but my dad is still with me, thank goodness! He is vision impaired and still needs care here. So I didn't exactly switch careers, but added a new one. I can do graphic design from home while caring for him at the same time. But you know what? I still dream about my career in the "front lines"....

I will also tatoo DNR on my chest! I have shown my love for my family twice already. My dear mother lived with me until she passed away...quietly and in her own bed. Ditto my sweet husband, whom I just lost two months ago after a long battle with cancer. I cared for him here in our own home, because that was what he wanted. And I let him go as he wished.....NO tubes, needles or machines. Was it easy? God, no! But I can think of no greater love than this.....