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Greetings, my fellow seekers of authenticity and wholehearted living! Today, I want to open up and share the raw and unfiltered journey that led me to embark on the adventure of launching my very own private practice, Calming Creek Care. So, grab a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and let's dive into the vulnerable story that shaped my path.
Picture this: a young woman, barely 16, navigating the challenging waters of unexpected pregnancy. The road to college seemed blocked, but my fierce determination burned brighter than ever. I traded textbooks for a technical school and carved my niche in a prominent oil company. Five years later, layoffs shook the ground beneath me. The uncertainty was paralyzing, but the universe had a plan – an opportunity I couldn't have predicted.
Amidst the upheaval, a program emerged offering a lifeline to laid-off oil company employees: two years of fully funded college education. With courage in my heart, I chose the path less traveled. I opted for voluntary severance and embarked on a nursing journey that transformed my life. As a single mother, I took a leap of faith into the unknown, crafting a story that still astonishes me to this day.
Fast forward to the present: the yearning for autonomy in my practice burned brightly. A dream of owning and running my practice ignited my soul, but the road seemed filled with hurdles. The state's resistance to nurse practitioners working autonomously was a formidable challenge. The desire to create a haven for healing clashed with the reality of regulations.
For years, I found myself dancing within the confines of other providers' frameworks, adapting to their guidelines and accepting the offerings presented. The hunger for authenticity and self-determination persisted. It was then that I stumbled upon a partnership that seemed tailor-made for my aspirations. They took care of the nitty-gritty – the credentialing and billing – freeing me to embrace my vision fully.
With this newfound alliance, I was finally free to paint my own canvas. While I respect the boundaries of federal and state regulations, I can now shape my narrative. The power to craft my focus, design my schedule, and curate treatment plans is exhilarating, like a gust of wind beneath my wings.
Yes, some states still mandate supervising physicians, and I've embraced that collaboration. As of now, I'm channeling my energy into telehealth visits, with dreams of blending virtual and in-person sessions in the future. The thrill of watching my practice flourish is a journey that fills my heart with wonder.
So, here we are, my fellow travelers in the realm of vulnerability and courage, as I unfold Calming Creek Care. The dream that once seemed as distant as the stars is now my reality. It's about embracing the unpolished edges, the audacious risks, and the remarkable transformation that comes when we dare to let our light shine. Embracing vulnerability and gratitude, Judith Armstrong, PMHNP
