What a difference 2 weeks makes....in turning dreams into reality!!!

Wow! What a difference 2 weeks makes! This time 2 weeks ago, I had given my 3 week notice to my former employer and 8 hours later went from being employed to self-employed in the simple act of turning in my key.  The same key that I had used for almost 4 ½ years to unlock the back door every morning. The same key that started my journey on the quest to learn as much as I could on the practice of balancing traditional and Integrative Medicine by one of the greatest mentors I have ever had.  I will be forever grateful for that opportunity.

This time 2 weeks ago, Jackson’s phone was ringing like crazy and I was in shock for multiple reasons.   I had no idea that people would actually call for an appointment, and I had promised Jackson 5.00 for every appointment he actually scheduled!!  As Jeannetta Hitt said “one for the record books”. That night two weeks ago yesterday, was a game changer for me.  The past two weeks have been humbling, frustrating, lightning speed and so very fulfilling as I have watched a practice go from dream to reality in record time! Patients bringing food, donating office supplies and showing up to help do anything they could do to help me and the kids.  We went from an empty office building to a space that feels like “home”, and very peaceful.  I hope you feel so as well.

Jackson has listened to over 400 women and some men tell him things I am sure he never dreamed of.  He now knows that I have actually been going to work at 5:45 most days of the week for the past 4+ years and building relationships with people, and a foundation that is solid.  He has a clearer sense of what I do for a living now.  He knows that my patients are like family to me, and I to many of them.  He knows now, why I do what I do. He is invested in this practice now, and that makes me proud.  More than anyone will ever know.  Ella started school, but has helped so much by typing in emails as well.  She has not listened to patients, but she knows how important this transition is for us as a family.

I scheduled a “soft opening” this week to work out the kinks that would need to be worked out.  Thank goodness I did that. I have seen 9 patients the past 2 days and feel like I am a brand new NP!  It is amazing how much you don’t know you need when you start a practice like this!  This week will be spent working on the flow and making it smooth for September 2 when we open full force! I saw my first patient yesterday. It was as nerve wrecking as it was 4 years ago!  We have no internet, no fax, no landline, very few supplements, the scale is weighing 8 lbs light (good news for all of us), paper charting until our EMR is transitioned, no sign out front yet and yet we have survived!!  I left at 7 pm tonight and felt a sense of peace, even in the chaos.  Amazing isn

t it? 

No insurance, no retirement, no paycheck guaranteed, still owe 193,000 in student loans to Vanderbilt, longer hours and more stress than I had 2 weeks ago….but I have a smile on my face and a determination that is solid! An amazing group of family, friends, and patients that are rooting for Integrative Family Medicine to succeed.  I am at peace. 

Thank you for your patience during this transition. I promise you that I will do my best to walk with you on your healthcare journey. I am looking forward to spending more time with you in appointments and really digging deep to find the root of what is going on.  I am honored to be called your healthcare provider, and have learned so much from all of you the past 4+ years!  I suspect September will be full of surprises and kinks, so just be patient!  I promise it will be worth the hassle!

Onward and Upward,

Dani

You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.

Jim Rohn