CORPUS CHRISTI IN A NUTSHELL

Leaving Kansas was something that I had begun to get used to. After spending four years in Illinois, I went back to Overland Park to begin my nursing journey. While I loved spending time close to family and close to those amazing Kansas sunsets, I was ready to see more of this country. Corpus Christi was never on my map of places to visit, but once I heard of the opportunity I thought it would be a perfect place to start. Going from a land-locked state to a coastal paradise? Sign me up. Not only would I be able to experience a beach-y community, but I would be able to learn new things with my nursing. New terrain does ensure new types of injuries and lifestyles. So, I accepted the position and drove 13 hours down south.

Since arriving in Corpus, everyone I’ve encountered has been nice, hospitable, and inviting - something I’m not entirely used to. While Kansas is a friendly place to be, there is just something different about southern hospitality. Even interacting with patients has been a new experience. Almost every patient I’ve talked with has been appreciative of my care. While working in an emergency department I understand the frustration of patients and families. Labs and imaging always seem to take too long, medications seem to never get passed on time, and everyone in the room is stressed. With COVID only adding to the stress of family members, it really is difficult to communicate effectively and efficiently with patients and families. However, the amount of times I have been verbally abused by patients is probably more than I’d like to say. Don’t get me wrong, I empathize with everyone, but that still doesn’t mean I need an earful when something occurs unexpectedly. That being said, almost every patient I have taken care of here in Corpus has been nice and understanding. They are not in a rush to get things done, but instead want to understand why they feel bad. Needless to say it’s been a refreshing change.
​
Aside from transitioning on a professional level, the environmental change has been a whirlwind to say the least. From moving in to my new place, meeting some interesting roomies, and figuring out how to survive a day on the beach with my pasty skin, it has been an exciting transitional period. So far, I’ve decided that coastal life fits my personality. From the beaches to the city there is a laid back vibe everywhere you look. Families out at the park or beach, young people flocking to seaside restaurants and bars, and with a plethora of activities for anyone to enjoy, Corpus Christi really is a fun place to be. So far I’ve spend almost everyday on North Padre Island soaking up the sun and finding seafood to eat. I continually talk about the beach, but that is where I find myself wanting to go everyday. I love getting there early, setting up camp, and hanging out until I get hungry. As I get further into my time here I will branch out and do some new things, but right now I’m fine with simply relaxing in the sand.

I know there are more adventures to come and places to see, especially since I still have 10 more weeks here, but so far I am loving it. We’ll see what is to come and what crazy things I can get myself into, either way I’ll keep ya’ll updated. Until then, stay in touch, stay in mind, and try to stay out of trouble.

---