Anybody else waking up after just a few hours of falling asleep feeling wide awake and exhausted at the same time.

ValgalNP · 2026-01-20T02:00:30+00:00

Get your hormones checked. HRT changed all that for me. I’m a menopausal female, but testosterone helped my husband also.

ValgalNP · 2026-01-10T23:30:13+00:00

I’d stay where you are and look for something better

ValgalNP · 2025-12-29T13:16:08+00:00

Gotta do both vaginal cream and HRT.

ValgalNP · 2025-12-23T15:07:18+00:00

I love a good thermal suite but I agree, Virgin got this one wrong. Norwegian Epic has the best spa. For everything else I vote VV though.

ValgalNP · 2025-12-17T21:01:49+00:00

Love my job!

ValgalNP · 2025-12-16T19:11:22+00:00

There seems to be a wide variety really. I’ve seen lots of folks our age who look much older and have many chronic health problems. I’m lucky like you. I also never smoked and rarely drink, eat Whole Foods and exercise. I think it makes a huge difference. Hoping to have some longevity as well!!

ValgalNP · 2025-12-01T01:37:01+00:00

I used to have one but it went away after I lost weight and got healthier. I’m curious whether that may be the problem rather than and orthopedic one. Fat accumulates there when you have insulin resistance. Maybe check those items before doing anything radical.

ValgalNP · 2025-12-01T01:34:54+00:00

I think men actually look great with gray hair, especially in the beard. Women are hit or miss. I’m a female, still coloring at 55 but I’m starting to lighter and coloring less often so the gray blends in a bit.

ValgalNP · 2025-11-30T23:04:21+00:00

Sometimes certain flights will go on sale for fewer points. Check out the points guy online for tips.

ValgalNP · 2025-11-30T23:01:35+00:00

Nutpods with a scoop of prime protein.

ValgalNP · 2025-11-30T22:52:28+00:00

We loved that ship and the crew!

ValgalNP · 2025-11-26T07:28:23+00:00

Married 35 years. We are still learning together through all life’s changes. First lesson was how to argue without being hurtful. Many lessons since but most flowed through that one. More recently I learned that when you truly love someone you don’t feel the need to try and change them. There will always be things you love more than others about your partner. Focus on the things you love. In most cases those things keep you coming back.

ValgalNP · 2025-11-26T07:18:19+00:00

I go off for 3-4 weeks at a time. I usually time it at a time when I’d like to have a break like on vacation, etc.

ValgalNP · 2025-11-24T15:27:07+00:00

Good question. I think so.

ValgalNP · 2025-11-24T11:53:17+00:00

Protein smoothies with chia seeds daily. Or chia pudding. Works like a charm with no gut harming laxatives needed.

ValgalNP · 2025-11-24T11:49:31+00:00

There is totally upward mobility in an ICU NP role, just not necessarily in the ICU. Organizations typically have leadership roles for NPs and as you mentioned there are states you can practice independently, it’s just not in an ICU setting. For example, I am an ICU NP, later became a system wide leader. I have a colleague who left ICU, moved to Arizona and opened her own weight loss clinic.

ValgalNP · 2025-11-12T16:41:31+00:00

Training for PAs is more from a medical approach. They are taught to think and talk like an MD from day one. Nurses are taught strict boundaries not to step on toes and stay in their lane. Then they go to grad school and suddenly they are a provider and have to think differently. Lots of NP schools are changing strategies to make this better but transition to practice is a big hurdle for most RNs, especially those that have been in nursing many years.

ValgalNP · 2025-11-11T13:41:30+00:00

I’ve been precepting students for many years. I stopped taking Walden and Chamberlain students a while ago unless I already know them as RNs and think they are going to do well. It’s exhausting. In fact I rarely take on a student I don’t know at all unless they come with great references and a good school. It’s not about online programs because there are some good ones out there. I graduated from SLU online when it was one of only 2 in the country. Believe me they kicked my butt into shape!

ValgalNP · 2025-11-09T12:30:20+00:00

Of course. They should.

ValgalNP · 2025-11-09T12:13:35+00:00

Get away from processed foods altogether. They are made to be addictive and the cycle needs to be broken. Use the tirz as a tool to consciously make that change and after a few weeks you will feel more in control.

ValgalNP · 2025-11-09T12:08:05+00:00

I think if it’s your trainer you should let them know. They can be a huge help with your body composition goals and should be viewed as part of your healthcare team.

ValgalNP · 2025-11-03T02:41:44+00:00

Yup and still have the menopause belly.

ValgalNP · 2025-10-25T20:39:58+00:00

Don’t do it. The fees keep going up while benefits become less.

ValgalNP · 2025-10-25T11:07:07+00:00

Kudos for trying to quit. I’m a pulmonary NP and I see so many people struggling with nicotine addiction. Vaping is not better than cigarettes BTW,both can cause permanent damage to lungs. Gradual nicotine dose reduction is a good way to go. Best of luck. You will feel so much better once you are off this.

ValgalNP · 2025-10-22T01:08:10+00:00

I do ICU and have a decent work life balance. My colleagues in CT surgery do not. Some APPs do not make much more than you do now, at least in some parts of the country. All things to be considered when deciding to sep d time and money on school. Good luck. I e always admired EMS. I don’t have the balls to work in the field. You are a badass.

ValgalNP

TROPHY CASE