Dana Merk, RN, MSN

I

PASSED

MY

NCLEX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Exam Date:	Thu, 23 Sep 2010 at 8:00 AM
Candidate:	Dana Merk
NCLEX ID:	21766997
Registration #:	236378212
Exam:	NCLEX-RN: The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
Grade:	Pass

Thank God!  All my hard work paid off!

obsessed

Mindy can attest to my (our) obsession with quotes.  I love a good quote, one that really stirs me up inside and makes me smile.  One of my life goals was to be quoted, and after the lovely Kairol Rosenthal wrote her book, Everything Changes, I crossed that goal off my to-do list!

I <3 the Quotable Cards line...Here's some of my faves.

Because you are and don't you ever forget it :)

Love, love, love this one...

Take a breath and be inspired!  Life is a gift!

please, please, please let me pass!!!

Dear God, Buddha, Mother Earth, whoever is listening,

Please
let
me
pass
the
NCLEX tomorrow....

I just want to start my dream job and settle down and enjoy our blessed little life.  I've studied all I can.  Please grant me some divine wisdom tomorrow.

Thank you kindly,

Dana Merk, MSN, RN (thinking good thoughts...positive visualization....)

hard pill to swallow, but so very true!

Being a busy little bee, a planner, an organizer, a crafter, a dreamer, it's hard to let go of my plans, my timeline and just accept that the universe's timing is wiser than little old me.  I really think I'm beginning to accept the universe's plans and relinquish control.  It's tough, but it's quite freeing to let go and just be.

another mr & mrs merk!!! congrats, dave & shelley!

This weekend, Dave & Shelley were married at Wesley United Methodist Church.  The ceremony was lovely, Shelley looked beautiful, Dave looked so handsome, and we had a wonderful time.  Dan was a dancing machine and we had a blast at the reception.  It was so nice to see Uncle Dick, Aunt Linda and Lindsey, we have to get together more often now that we have real jobs!

Here's a few professional pictures: 

(Photo by Matt Nicholls)

(Photo by Matt Nicholls)

(Photo by Matt Nicholls)

(Photo by Matt Nicholls)

Here's a few blog appropriate photos from the night.....

Cute cake!

My handsome husband and me

Mama Ann looked SO pretty!!!

Best pals

The brothers Merk!

Mama & her boys!

Aunt Linda and Uncle Zorro :)

Sweet Alisha!

Kate & Alisha!

Tom & Dan dancing to "Single Ladies"

Wha happened?

Mama & Papa Merk! Lovebirds!

long time, no see!

Well, it looks like I haven't blogged in over a month! Sorrrrrrrry....  Lots of big milestones happened in the last month.  I finished my residency at Evanston.  Loved it!  My last day, I was approached by the nurse recruiter and offered a job in labor & delivery! YUP! All my hard work paid off and I landed my dream job.  I am beyond blessed and so very grateful for this opportunity to follow my passion and actually get paid for it.  I will start New Graduate Nurse Orientation on October 4th!

Oh, yeah, I graduated too!!! Finally!  Friday, August 27th I graduated from Rush University College of Nursing with my masters, woo woo!  I cannot believe I'm finally done! I made some great friends, learned more than I thought my brain could absorb and thankfully, ended up with a job! I am so thankful for all the love and support I got along the way, food, laundry, listening, quizzing me before tests...I am one lucky girl and couldn't have accomplished this alone.  Here's a few pics from graduation:

Mama & Me!

Thank you for everything!!!!  Best study buddy!

Kristi & Jancis!

Buddy Gwen!!!

Most expensive cake ever...

Go Lance!!!

Kyle & Alisha joined Ann, Jim, Mom, Dan & me for dinner at Tufano's! YUM!

I'm taking my NCLEX (nursing boards) on Thursday! YIKES! Prayers, prayers, prayers! Just need to pass!