Definitely the promise to be the best mother to my children that I can be.  To love them, unconditionally,  for who they are and who they are becoming.

Decreased stress and time to actually relax and play more with my kids.

"Lover of Learning and Wise Manager of Time"

   If I had endless funds and no fear of debt I would have an entire wall filled with diplomas and a head and heart full of knowledge.  My bookshelves would be overflowing with books and the spines would all be cracked from frequent use.  I would recognize works of art on sight and music upon hearing.  The medical journals that I receive would be read cover to cover instead of picked over for the most "relevant" information.  I would have sufficient time to share this information and gather much more from others.  My patient visits wouldn't be rushed; if someone needed an hour they would get it.  Discussions with my colleagues would be a priority, not two minutes as we hurry out of the clinic.  And at the end of the day, time with my children would be more relaxed and they would know that they have "all of me".

   Teaching children and parents is truly enjoyable and satisfying to me.  As a Pedaitric Nurse Practitioner I have the opportunity to educate my patients and their caregivers on various issues, simple to complex.  I love "light bulb" moments when a patient and their family really understand a concept, this is the path to empowerment.  To teach my patients I use: everyday language, draw basic pictures, use handouts (some created by myself and my colleagues), and always remember to answer all questions.  Of course I'm able to "cure" ear infections and strep throat with antibiotics, but that's not how I measure success.  I feel a sense of accomplishment when I am able to successfully help parents in little ways such as: showing a new mother how to breast feed her baby; reassuring and teaching soothing techniques to the parents of an infant with colic; discussing how to transition from a bottle to a sippy cup with frustrated parents; and assisting an overweight teenager and their parents to choose a healthier diet and an exercise plan that fits their life.  These successes might seem small, but they make my days exciting and my professional existence worthwhile.

Caring for Children

Empowerment of Families

Compassion - Knowledge

-a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Haiku