Making Progress
All aspects of this busy schedule are coming together, finally, with much loss of sleep, sweat and tears. Attending classes for the Guardian Ad Litem program after work twice a week, with one more week to go, I'm determined now more than ever that this will keep me focused on an issue that's so important to me. After this evening, I'll attend only two more classes in preparation for my certification to become a voice for neglected and abused children in my community. Yesterday morning I had a "moment" as I had to be fingerprinted in order to take on such a role. This had been, by far, the point when I took a deep breath and realized the importance of such a huge, voluntary role.
As for the abstract for my case report, I successfully submitted last weekend with pride and relief (the first draft, that is). Convinced I did an acceptable abstract, I didn't expect to have it returned so quickly with a couple of suggestions to improve the content. Just when I thought all was completed for this semester, I took a step back and realized it could definitely be worse -- I could have been told to start all over again. Think positive. Regroup, re-think and re-write. That will be the focus of this weekend, to prepare an abstract that's acceptable to my professor (and will give me a passing grade in this next-to-last final course).
Finally, as I try to figure out how to run the daily operations in an outpatient rehabilitation department, I'm handed a magazine this morning by my director. I come from a department that ran exceedingly well, and I expected the same as I transitioned to a sister facility. However, I've run into many different personalities, operations and challenges that have inclined me to take another step back. After reading an article I found in this magazine, I realize that most of the resistance encountered may be due to working in a multigenerational department.
Never before have I been exposed to such differences, but after considering the variances among generations in regard to loyalty, academic credentials and work ethics, I can appreciate the reception I'm encountering on a daily basis. This situation and the constant, major changes I'm implementing have combined so that I'm not always met with great reception. However, in the end, I know that everyone's needs and wishes will be met. We're making progress in all areas, and next I'll pursue encouraging all the Generation X-ers and Baby Boomers to further their education.