Well, here I am again. Life has been crazy since my last post. Here are some updates on what I have been doing:
1. I have successfully finished Psych, Cardiac, Endocrine, GI, and am finishing up my pediatric rotation. Although it seems like I haven't learned anything, I continue to surprise myself through exams and reviewing for my NCLEX boards. Its crazy how much information I have absorbed...
2. I got a CNA job in the hospital! I work on a Med/Surg Oncology floor at a local hospital. I am loving it so far! I am learning something new every time I go to work and reinforcing ideas being taught in school. It has also taught me that night shift is rough... I am still not on a schedule.
3. I have set my preferences for my internship! My preferences were: emergency department, ICU, cardiac, or step-down. I start this in August for 8 weeks! (:
Until next time... here is nursing describes in memes.
http://scrubsmag.com/the-nurse-life/?sf7424142=1
Monday, June 15, 2015
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Confessions from a Nursing student: Psych
Well, I have officially survived my psych rotation! It was an interesting experience to work with these people and a real challenge for me.As I stated in my last post... I held a lot of stereotypes towards people with mental illnesses. Though some may have proven to be true, most of them were cleared by the people that I worked with.
Three things I did not like about my experience in psych:
1. Even though we were there for a period of 5 weeks we saw multiple patients come and go. It was like a revolving door. A patient would leave on week and be right back in the unit the next week. It was very discouraging to see the same patients having the same struggles.
2. It was heartbreaking to see the little kids with such sad a sad history. I mean, how can your heart not go out to the 6 year old who tried to commit suicide? I personally was at a loss for what to do to help any of them. I really felt like I wanted to comfort them give them a big hug and tell them it will all be okay--which is exactly what you are not supposed to do.
3. When a patient tells you they hear voices that tell them to carry out suicidal/homicidal actions. There is nothing thus far that compares to the shock of someone telling you about voices that are commanding them to do something. Especially my first few days, it was really hard to get past that "what the heck do I say to that" phase.
Despite my discomfort level the first few days, I really began to enjoy myself by the end. Once you get past your first few interviews communicating with the really sick patients gets a heck of a lot easier. I feel like my communication skills have drastically improved and I am comfortable sitting down and talking to anyone--even if they are not completely connected with reality.
I really enjoyed getting to help most of the patients. This clinical really challenged my communication skills. I had to learn to discover things about the patient's mind rather than only what I can see. It was a great class, but I don't think I have a future as a psychiatric nurse.
Only 9 months left of school! I can't wait!
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Welcome to Psych.
"See this dent in my nose? Yeah, that's where a patient jumped on my back and smashed my face into a wall 8 times. She broke my nose pretty good... but don't be scared."
Yet again, nursing school has me terrified. Great way to start off a class, Mrs. P. Now I am scared that I am going to get the crap beaten out of me by a patient during clinicals. I knew I should have started working out more...
Don't get me wrong, I have worked with many crazy demented older folks. But really, how much harm can a little old lady do? Dementia is easy... all you have to do is redirect their thoughts--"hey want some potato chips?" or "how about we go play a game." They will more than likely forget what they were even upset about 5 minutes later. With dementia patients you enter their world. If they are in Taiwan drinking a margarita then you nod you head and go right along with them. Working with other psych issues that really make people sick is what scares me. You can't just "go into their world" if they are having hallucinations or hearing voices. You have to pull them back to reality. That is a whole different world of care than what I am used to.
I know that in reality most of the people in the hospital are very normal people that are having trouble keeping their illness under control. I know there are a few people I know that seem perfectly normal despite the fact that they have a mental illness. I know that people are perfectly capable of functioning with mental problems, yet I am still nervous about working with them in the hospital.
I think what scares me the most is that I am still learning to be good at "therapeutic communication." I always have a hard time getting patients to explain things to me--even simple things. Working with patients who are severely depressed only makes talking to them that much harder. I am not good at asking very personal and emotional questions yet. I mean, how easy is it to ask someone about their suicide plan? That is an intense conversation to have and it is a little outside of my comfort zone (as of right now anyways...)
So for now, I am going to stay positive and get my nerves under control. I need to remember to set aside all my thoughts of what I think psych patients will be like and keep an open mind. I start my clinical rotation on Monday!
I will keep everyone posted on how my first day goes.
Yet again, nursing school has me terrified. Great way to start off a class, Mrs. P. Now I am scared that I am going to get the crap beaten out of me by a patient during clinicals. I knew I should have started working out more...
Don't get me wrong, I have worked with many crazy demented older folks. But really, how much harm can a little old lady do? Dementia is easy... all you have to do is redirect their thoughts--"hey want some potato chips?" or "how about we go play a game." They will more than likely forget what they were even upset about 5 minutes later. With dementia patients you enter their world. If they are in Taiwan drinking a margarita then you nod you head and go right along with them. Working with other psych issues that really make people sick is what scares me. You can't just "go into their world" if they are having hallucinations or hearing voices. You have to pull them back to reality. That is a whole different world of care than what I am used to.
I know that in reality most of the people in the hospital are very normal people that are having trouble keeping their illness under control. I know there are a few people I know that seem perfectly normal despite the fact that they have a mental illness. I know that people are perfectly capable of functioning with mental problems, yet I am still nervous about working with them in the hospital.
I think what scares me the most is that I am still learning to be good at "therapeutic communication." I always have a hard time getting patients to explain things to me--even simple things. Working with patients who are severely depressed only makes talking to them that much harder. I am not good at asking very personal and emotional questions yet. I mean, how easy is it to ask someone about their suicide plan? That is an intense conversation to have and it is a little outside of my comfort zone (as of right now anyways...)
So for now, I am going to stay positive and get my nerves under control. I need to remember to set aside all my thoughts of what I think psych patients will be like and keep an open mind. I start my clinical rotation on Monday!
I will keep everyone posted on how my first day goes.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Labor and Delivery
Mother Baby. This class was the one I dreaded most. I have absolutely zero experience with babies as well as pregnant women. I felt completely out of my element going into my clinical at the hospital and I was sure that I would hate being a Labor and Delivery Nurse.
Boy, was I surprised when I really enjoyed myself.
For the first time in nursing school I felt like I was understanding everything. I could read the fetal monitors and tell when something was going wrong with mom or baby. I understood the medications and the parameters for using them. Finally, I felt like something clicked.
I got to see one vaginal delivery in my rotation. It was absolutely nothing like I had expected--but it was also not a normal delivery. This poor girl pushed maybe twice before that baby was out and the med students were scrambling to catch the poor little baby before it hit the bed. It was such a crazy scene to watch and be a part of. Of course, I was so nervous I am pretty sure that I was standing with my knees locked, and had to leave the room before I passed out. Oy! I didn't want the med students to have to pick me up off the floor while they were taking care of mom! Plus, I didn't want to be that girl who passed out during a delivery. The other students in my group never would have let me live that one down.
By no means was that delivery my only experience. We had mothers who snorted cocaine before coming in, a mother with a stillborn, and even an abusive husband who hit his wife after she had the baby. This rotation challenged me in many ways and made me push my beliefs or bias aside to understand the patients I was taking care of.
I really admired the nurses that I worked with in the hospital. They have so much courage, heart, and passion. It amazed me how they could go from one room with a still born baby to another room and not let their emotions get the best of them. They have an emotional rollercoaster everyday they go into work. But they also get the best job in the world--welcoming babies into the world and watching family's bond and grow.
Maybe I could be a Labor and Delivery nurse after all...
Boy, was I surprised when I really enjoyed myself.
For the first time in nursing school I felt like I was understanding everything. I could read the fetal monitors and tell when something was going wrong with mom or baby. I understood the medications and the parameters for using them. Finally, I felt like something clicked.
I got to see one vaginal delivery in my rotation. It was absolutely nothing like I had expected--but it was also not a normal delivery. This poor girl pushed maybe twice before that baby was out and the med students were scrambling to catch the poor little baby before it hit the bed. It was such a crazy scene to watch and be a part of. Of course, I was so nervous I am pretty sure that I was standing with my knees locked, and had to leave the room before I passed out. Oy! I didn't want the med students to have to pick me up off the floor while they were taking care of mom! Plus, I didn't want to be that girl who passed out during a delivery. The other students in my group never would have let me live that one down.
By no means was that delivery my only experience. We had mothers who snorted cocaine before coming in, a mother with a stillborn, and even an abusive husband who hit his wife after she had the baby. This rotation challenged me in many ways and made me push my beliefs or bias aside to understand the patients I was taking care of.
I really admired the nurses that I worked with in the hospital. They have so much courage, heart, and passion. It amazed me how they could go from one room with a still born baby to another room and not let their emotions get the best of them. They have an emotional rollercoaster everyday they go into work. But they also get the best job in the world--welcoming babies into the world and watching family's bond and grow.
Maybe I could be a Labor and Delivery nurse after all...
Friday, September 5, 2014
Fall term has arrived!
I have no kids.
I am pretty sure I still have the mind of a small child.
I have zero experience with babies.
My middle name is not "graceful"
In fact, I am pretty sure I am close to being the world's biggest klutz.
That's it, I think I am destined to break a baby.
We had our clinical orientation on the "Women's Health Floor" yesterday, and I am more terrified than when the class started. We have different rotations through the unit... Labor and Delivery, Postpartum (after they have the baby), Normal nursery, and the NICU (for the high risk babies).
Of course, it's just my luck that I get assigned to the NICU babies first. It's clearly not enough to be scared to break/hurt a normal baby, they have to throw me in with the sick babies who are even more fragile than non-sick babies. OY!
Well, I ready to jump off the cliff and learn all that I can. People in class kept telling me that I will come out loving babies. I don't think my husband will be too happy about that one...
My first full clinical day is next Tuesday... I will let you know how it goes!
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Ending Summer Term.
I have officially finished my summer nursing class! Yahoo!
This summer was my first Med/Surg class. I really loved it. I felt like a learned a lot and I finally felt like I was learning how to be a nurse and not just a nursing assistant. I passed a lot of medication, worked with trach tubes, helped with wound care, and gave quite a few injections.
My instructor pushed me with everything during clinicals. She would never answer my questions (which was very frustrating at first...) but told me to go find the answer for myself. She really wanted me to discover things for myself. I really finished this class with a lot more knowledge than I came in with.
I was nervous about this class. This class was no longer about the basics of nursing.. but added onto the knowledge I already had from working in the healthcare field. Thankfully, this instructor recorded her lectures so we could listen at home. I listened to each lecture twice before each test.
Despite being nervous about this class, I came out with an A! I am beginning to surprise myself. I have never been much of a studier (although I am learning to do so along my journey). I am lucky enough to have a husband who keeps me motivated to finish my homework. (Mostly because I feel lazy when I see him studying while I am watching food channel... haha!) So far, I am really loving my nursing classes and I feel like I have made the right career choice... even though I haven't completely broken my procrastination habits. I know that these classes will continue to challenge me and I am ready for whatever may come next.
Up Next is my Mother Baby class... now that should be interesting.
This summer was my first Med/Surg class. I really loved it. I felt like a learned a lot and I finally felt like I was learning how to be a nurse and not just a nursing assistant. I passed a lot of medication, worked with trach tubes, helped with wound care, and gave quite a few injections.
My instructor pushed me with everything during clinicals. She would never answer my questions (which was very frustrating at first...) but told me to go find the answer for myself. She really wanted me to discover things for myself. I really finished this class with a lot more knowledge than I came in with.
I was nervous about this class. This class was no longer about the basics of nursing.. but added onto the knowledge I already had from working in the healthcare field. Thankfully, this instructor recorded her lectures so we could listen at home. I listened to each lecture twice before each test.
Despite being nervous about this class, I came out with an A! I am beginning to surprise myself. I have never been much of a studier (although I am learning to do so along my journey). I am lucky enough to have a husband who keeps me motivated to finish my homework. (Mostly because I feel lazy when I see him studying while I am watching food channel... haha!) So far, I am really loving my nursing classes and I feel like I have made the right career choice... even though I haven't completely broken my procrastination habits. I know that these classes will continue to challenge me and I am ready for whatever may come next.
Up Next is my Mother Baby class... now that should be interesting.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Thinking about the future...
Lately I have been watching a lot of "Life in the ER" and "Inside Combat Rescue." Watching these shows really makes me so excited to graduate and start my life as a Nurse.
I know that I am still a newbie to the nursing world, but I have always had this draw towards ER/Trauma nursing. I don't know what it is about it, I just feel like it is something I want to be involved in. Doing clinicals on the Med/Surg floor was amazing, don't get me wrong--but the nurses were assigned 6-7 patients, and spent a limited amount of time with each of them. The call bells were going off like crazy and the nurses all seemed like they didn't really get to know their patients (at least from what I saw...) If the patient's status starts to go downhill--they send them off the unit to the nurses who are trained to handle more critical situations. Last week when the nurse I was with called a Rapid Response Team, you can bet that I was in that room watching everything they were doing. I was completely enjoying the chaos and learning from what others were doing.
Now, I know that working in that environment has its advantages--you learn time management, multi-tasking, how to really perfect your assessment, and learn collaboration with the whole team. There is nothing wrong with this at all--I just find myself addicted to those intense adrenaline rush moments. I find myself searching the unit for more complex and critical patients--I feel like I can learn a lot from them.
I have been trying to plan out my course schedule for the Fall Semester to see if I can fit in time to take Emergency Medical Tech Basic courses. I think that this would be a great opportunity to step my foot into the first responder/emergency world. I don't know if I will have time this fall to complete these (although I would really love to). I am finishing up courses to start my bachelors degree. That being said, I am going to keep looking for chances to continue my education in critical care without overloading myself. Maybe I will get lucky enough to follow and ICU nurse for my preceptor ship next summer.
I guess watching ER shows in TV will have to support my obsession with the trauma field until school starts up again in the Fall. I have high hopes of where I will be going in the future. I can't wait for the day that I can tell everyone that I work in the ER....or better yet, that I will be a flight nurse. I guess I should start studying harder than I have been... (;
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Its been awhile...
Sorry I haven't been updating my post as often as I should...
My last post was after I had passed my first class. I have since then completed my Pharmacology class (I got an A.. yahoo!) and I am now finishing up my med/surg clinicals. What a blast it has been!
When older nursing students tell me you will never forget the patients you take care of in clinicals... I didn't really believe them. We see so many different people, procedures, nurses, doctors etc, I thought that patients would just become a blur. I was wrong. I am going to try and tell the story without violating any HIPPAA rules (:
Yesterday I had my fourth day of clinical on a telemetry floor. I was helping the RN with a patient admitted with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and renal failure. They were admitted with a blood glucose level of 1500 (normal range is 60-100) and sent to the ICU. They were sent down to use from the ICU after their blood sugar levels started to come down.
That morning before breakfast the nurse asked me to get her blood sugar before she ate. I grabbed the glucometer, stuck her finger, and the glucometer read "HI, Out of Range." I thought I messed something up... but how hard is it to prick a finger and put blood on a strip? The nurse came back and redid it--she got the same reading.
She quickly ran to grab supplies for a STAT blood draw and sent it down to the lab. Once the stat results came back her glucose levels were above 700. If you don't know what that is High Glucose levels can cause organ failure, seizures, or diabetic coma. Not good.
Due to the extremely high glucose levels, the nurse called a Rapid Response Team. It seemed like organized chaos. The primary doctor, the charge nurse, respiratory therapy, nursing care partner, and a few other people I didn't know showed up. There were so many people in such a small room--but everyone knew what their role was and performed their tasks so smoothly.
They took labs, drew blood, gave insulin, and finally decided to send the patient back to ICU.
Of course, I was excited to help in anyway that I could. I am still new to the nursing world, so the only thing I got to do was help transfer the patient to the ICU.
After we dropped the patient off safely, we went back down to our unit and got started helping other patients on our floor. Maybe 15 minutes later, they called a code blue overhead for the ICU. It was the patient we had just dropped off.
We were lucky that she didn't code while we were transferring her to the ICU-- I am not sure if that's an experience I am ready for.
It was a crazy way to start off my morning of clinical. I was lucky to have seen the collaboration between all of the healthcare workers, and how cohesive the healthcare team can be. It makes me so excited to work as an RN. Everyday of clinical, I seem to love the healthcare field more and more.
My last post was after I had passed my first class. I have since then completed my Pharmacology class (I got an A.. yahoo!) and I am now finishing up my med/surg clinicals. What a blast it has been!
When older nursing students tell me you will never forget the patients you take care of in clinicals... I didn't really believe them. We see so many different people, procedures, nurses, doctors etc, I thought that patients would just become a blur. I was wrong. I am going to try and tell the story without violating any HIPPAA rules (:
Yesterday I had my fourth day of clinical on a telemetry floor. I was helping the RN with a patient admitted with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and renal failure. They were admitted with a blood glucose level of 1500 (normal range is 60-100) and sent to the ICU. They were sent down to use from the ICU after their blood sugar levels started to come down.
That morning before breakfast the nurse asked me to get her blood sugar before she ate. I grabbed the glucometer, stuck her finger, and the glucometer read "HI, Out of Range." I thought I messed something up... but how hard is it to prick a finger and put blood on a strip? The nurse came back and redid it--she got the same reading.
She quickly ran to grab supplies for a STAT blood draw and sent it down to the lab. Once the stat results came back her glucose levels were above 700. If you don't know what that is High Glucose levels can cause organ failure, seizures, or diabetic coma. Not good.
Due to the extremely high glucose levels, the nurse called a Rapid Response Team. It seemed like organized chaos. The primary doctor, the charge nurse, respiratory therapy, nursing care partner, and a few other people I didn't know showed up. There were so many people in such a small room--but everyone knew what their role was and performed their tasks so smoothly.
They took labs, drew blood, gave insulin, and finally decided to send the patient back to ICU.
Of course, I was excited to help in anyway that I could. I am still new to the nursing world, so the only thing I got to do was help transfer the patient to the ICU.
After we dropped the patient off safely, we went back down to our unit and got started helping other patients on our floor. Maybe 15 minutes later, they called a code blue overhead for the ICU. It was the patient we had just dropped off.
We were lucky that she didn't code while we were transferring her to the ICU-- I am not sure if that's an experience I am ready for.
It was a crazy way to start off my morning of clinical. I was lucky to have seen the collaboration between all of the healthcare workers, and how cohesive the healthcare team can be. It makes me so excited to work as an RN. Everyday of clinical, I seem to love the healthcare field more and more.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Practicum Skills Test
I PASSED! (:
My first skills test is out of the way... I am on my way to becoming a Nurse!
I know I am a CNA, so I'm not quite sure why I was so worried--I have passed a test like this before. Even though I know these skills by hears, its different when you are performing them for a teacher. I do have to say--there is something terrifying about an instructor watching you perform a skill; watching your every move, waiting for you to make a mistake.
There were only 3 skills that we had to perform--Vital Signs (Pulse and Blood Pressure), Putting in a Urinary Cath, and a random skill out of the "grab bad" (I got change a sterile dressing). Seems pretty easy right?
Of course, the skill that I was most confident in gave me the most trouble--Vital Signs. I do these every time I work. I have done them dozens of times on old people--and those are the hardest to hear! The classmate I was paired up with was obviously super nervous. I second guessed myself when I heard her BP and had to take it twice to get my final number--but I got it correct. Whoo. My partner's pulse also threw me off completely... I took it on her wrist to start--I counted 72 for 30 seconds. That is also an extremely high number. Welcome to the world of nursing...where patients VS will be wacky everyday, and I will have to take them!
The rest of the skills were passed with ease, thankfully! So if anyone needs an enema or a catheter--I'm your lady! (;
I am ready for my first clinical adventure as a nursing student!
Our orientation is tomorrow morning at Maryview Medical Hospital in Portsmouth, VA.
Finally something exciting! I am beyond sick of power points and theory. I am ready to do some hands on learning and put this theory to good use! Thank goodness clinicals are finally here!!
My first skills test is out of the way... I am on my way to becoming a Nurse!
I know I am a CNA, so I'm not quite sure why I was so worried--I have passed a test like this before. Even though I know these skills by hears, its different when you are performing them for a teacher. I do have to say--there is something terrifying about an instructor watching you perform a skill; watching your every move, waiting for you to make a mistake.
There were only 3 skills that we had to perform--Vital Signs (Pulse and Blood Pressure), Putting in a Urinary Cath, and a random skill out of the "grab bad" (I got change a sterile dressing). Seems pretty easy right?
Of course, the skill that I was most confident in gave me the most trouble--Vital Signs. I do these every time I work. I have done them dozens of times on old people--and those are the hardest to hear! The classmate I was paired up with was obviously super nervous. I second guessed myself when I heard her BP and had to take it twice to get my final number--but I got it correct. Whoo. My partner's pulse also threw me off completely... I took it on her wrist to start--I counted 72 for 30 seconds. That is also an extremely high number. Welcome to the world of nursing...where patients VS will be wacky everyday, and I will have to take them!
The rest of the skills were passed with ease, thankfully! So if anyone needs an enema or a catheter--I'm your lady! (;
I am ready for my first clinical adventure as a nursing student!
Our orientation is tomorrow morning at Maryview Medical Hospital in Portsmouth, VA.
Finally something exciting! I am beyond sick of power points and theory. I am ready to do some hands on learning and put this theory to good use! Thank goodness clinicals are finally here!!
This is how I have felt all week...
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Half Way done with my first Class!
It has been awhile since I have posted, but here is what you have been missing:
Well, after our first "winter storm" we were blessed with another 12'' of snow. Class was cancelled for another 2 days last week--putting us even more behind than we already were in class. The teachers were rushing through lectures and telling us to read the material. With snow days, that wasn't too hard to accomplish! We spent the first day out in the snow all morning--playing with the dog and drifting in empty parking lots. We even went to play in the beach for a little while... snow and sand is a very strange mix. We had a good week of snow days and I really enjoyed spending some time with my hubby.
My classes have been crammed and going over information extremely fast--we are now trying to pack an 8 week class into 6 weeks...
Luckily I have been passing my exams with a 94% average... thank god. I am not even learning the complicated things (yet) and I am already studying more than I ever have before. Luckily, I have a husband who forbids me from napping and gets me to focus on the things I need to learn. Although I am passing, many of my classmates are not. I am glad that I have such a great support system in place. Trevor has been helping me so I don't have to work, and his mom helps me when I have questions about skills we are learning. I don't know where I would be without them. Many people in my class aren't as blessed as I am.
We have learned many different skills over the past few weeks and are being tested over them on next Tuesday before we go to our clinical site on Thursday (yahoo!). My clinical site is called Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth, VA. I will be using my wonderful husband to practice all of my skills until then! (: He knew once we got married that he was officially a volunteer for me to practice on...poor guy.
So far, a grand total of 4 people have dropped the course completely--lets see how many are gone by next week.
Well, after our first "winter storm" we were blessed with another 12'' of snow. Class was cancelled for another 2 days last week--putting us even more behind than we already were in class. The teachers were rushing through lectures and telling us to read the material. With snow days, that wasn't too hard to accomplish! We spent the first day out in the snow all morning--playing with the dog and drifting in empty parking lots. We even went to play in the beach for a little while... snow and sand is a very strange mix. We had a good week of snow days and I really enjoyed spending some time with my hubby.
My classes have been crammed and going over information extremely fast--we are now trying to pack an 8 week class into 6 weeks...
Luckily I have been passing my exams with a 94% average... thank god. I am not even learning the complicated things (yet) and I am already studying more than I ever have before. Luckily, I have a husband who forbids me from napping and gets me to focus on the things I need to learn. Although I am passing, many of my classmates are not. I am glad that I have such a great support system in place. Trevor has been helping me so I don't have to work, and his mom helps me when I have questions about skills we are learning. I don't know where I would be without them. Many people in my class aren't as blessed as I am.
We have learned many different skills over the past few weeks and are being tested over them on next Tuesday before we go to our clinical site on Thursday (yahoo!). My clinical site is called Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth, VA. I will be using my wonderful husband to practice all of my skills until then! (: He knew once we got married that he was officially a volunteer for me to practice on...poor guy.
So far, a grand total of 4 people have dropped the course completely--lets see how many are gone by next week.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Snow Day at the beach!
The adventure of this week-- Snow day!
We have gotten at least 4 inches of snow here--eeep!
Class was let out early on Tuesday due to "a threat of a winter storm." I didn't really get it... it was still sunny and 65 degrees when I left school at 2:00. I didn't understand why everyone was so worried. One of my classmates even said her son's school was being released early. What was the fuss about? People were freaking out, so I gather that it doesn't snow here very often... so it was kind of a big deal. People were acting like we were gonna be hit by a giant blizzard--the grocery store was packed and had a line at least 10 people long... oy.
It didn't actually start snowing until about 7 o'clock. So I think that people could have gone to class... But hey, more time for me to study! It was announced around 11:00pm that school was cancelled for the next day. Great. A 6 hour lecture (which has information for our exam on Monday) was cancelled.
I woke up this morning with snow and ice still on the ground--and a delay at school until noon. Oh, great. More class time and lecture material missed. I used to love snow days. Now, they just make me anxious and scared. It is crazy to me how missing a day and a half of class can put our class so far behind on the lesson plans.. Now I am stuck trying to gain a full understanding of topic solely from reading the book. I have no idea what parts of the book to focus on or what the test is going to ask about each section. So I am trying to read for understanding and memorize the vocab. ugh!
One more hoop to jump through! The world of nursing school is already kicking my butt. Hello reality!
Although, I did enjoy watching my husband run around the yard like a little kid, I am hoping that the snow gods wait to bless us with anymore snow--at least until the first few exams are over.
We have gotten at least 4 inches of snow here--eeep!
Class was let out early on Tuesday due to "a threat of a winter storm." I didn't really get it... it was still sunny and 65 degrees when I left school at 2:00. I didn't understand why everyone was so worried. One of my classmates even said her son's school was being released early. What was the fuss about? People were freaking out, so I gather that it doesn't snow here very often... so it was kind of a big deal. People were acting like we were gonna be hit by a giant blizzard--the grocery store was packed and had a line at least 10 people long... oy.
It didn't actually start snowing until about 7 o'clock. So I think that people could have gone to class... But hey, more time for me to study! It was announced around 11:00pm that school was cancelled for the next day. Great. A 6 hour lecture (which has information for our exam on Monday) was cancelled.
I woke up this morning with snow and ice still on the ground--and a delay at school until noon. Oh, great. More class time and lecture material missed. I used to love snow days. Now, they just make me anxious and scared. It is crazy to me how missing a day and a half of class can put our class so far behind on the lesson plans.. Now I am stuck trying to gain a full understanding of topic solely from reading the book. I have no idea what parts of the book to focus on or what the test is going to ask about each section. So I am trying to read for understanding and memorize the vocab. ugh!
One more hoop to jump through! The world of nursing school is already kicking my butt. Hello reality!
Although, I did enjoy watching my husband run around the yard like a little kid, I am hoping that the snow gods wait to bless us with anymore snow--at least until the first few exams are over.
Here are some Snaps of the "winter storm" (:
Monday, January 20, 2014
Frustrated.
This is a vent of this weeks nursing school hurdles...
The most important book of this course, Fundamentals of Nursing, comes with an online learning tool called my nursing lab. This is a requirment for the course. Of course, to save money on the originally 300+ dollar book-- I ordered my book and access code from amazon. Just my luck, when I go to register for the course-- it says my access code is not valid... Awesome. I called the customer service line for the online learning tool and they said I had to contact the seller from amazon and that they could do nothing about the code being invalid... Even better. So I am currently waiting to hear back from amazon as to when they can send mean new and hopefully valid code.
Second frustration of the week...
This course has a lot of lab time to get hands on practice with our skills. At the begining of the course the instructors told us that we needed to purchase a lab kit which they had us pre-order back in December. A few of my class members have already gotten their kits from the bookstore, but the few times I have gone they have told me that they are out of stock and said 'despite what your instructors might have told you, you do not need your lab kit the first two weeks of class.' Which is exactly the opposite of what the professors said. Despite what they might think I highly doubt someone working at a bookstore qualifies to teach nursing school, nor can they decide when I am required to have all my class materials. Lets hope they call me soon so my head doesn't explode!
Cheers to jumping through all of the hoops nursing school throws at me! I am sure they will become much much worse in weeks to come!
The most important book of this course, Fundamentals of Nursing, comes with an online learning tool called my nursing lab. This is a requirment for the course. Of course, to save money on the originally 300+ dollar book-- I ordered my book and access code from amazon. Just my luck, when I go to register for the course-- it says my access code is not valid... Awesome. I called the customer service line for the online learning tool and they said I had to contact the seller from amazon and that they could do nothing about the code being invalid... Even better. So I am currently waiting to hear back from amazon as to when they can send mean new and hopefully valid code.
Second frustration of the week...
This course has a lot of lab time to get hands on practice with our skills. At the begining of the course the instructors told us that we needed to purchase a lab kit which they had us pre-order back in December. A few of my class members have already gotten their kits from the bookstore, but the few times I have gone they have told me that they are out of stock and said 'despite what your instructors might have told you, you do not need your lab kit the first two weeks of class.' Which is exactly the opposite of what the professors said. Despite what they might think I highly doubt someone working at a bookstore qualifies to teach nursing school, nor can they decide when I am required to have all my class materials. Lets hope they call me soon so my head doesn't explode!
Cheers to jumping through all of the hoops nursing school throws at me! I am sure they will become much much worse in weeks to come!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Week 1
Well, I have successfully survived the first week of nursing school! And now a 4 day weekend to study for Exam #1.
All the anxiety and excitement I have had over the past few months is finally at an end...for now.
This week has been fairly easy. Everyone in my class is excited to be there--and we are already getting to know each other and form study groups! Not many of the other students have experience in the medical field. I am glad that I have that advantage. I already know a lot of the material--but I am trying not to be over confident. Being a nursing assistant will obviously help my with my first few classes. Phew! We are learning how to take vital signs, documentation, and proper communication techniques--most of which is common sense (in my opinion). There is a lot of reading so far, which I know will only get worse. I just need to train myself to TURN MY PHONE OFF and focus on the material I need to get through. It is all a learning curve!
Not much excitement happening for me this week. I am just gonna focus on my reading and perfect the skills that I already know. There is always room for improvement, right?
Until next week... I'm off to read!
All the anxiety and excitement I have had over the past few months is finally at an end...for now.
This week has been fairly easy. Everyone in my class is excited to be there--and we are already getting to know each other and form study groups! Not many of the other students have experience in the medical field. I am glad that I have that advantage. I already know a lot of the material--but I am trying not to be over confident. Being a nursing assistant will obviously help my with my first few classes. Phew! We are learning how to take vital signs, documentation, and proper communication techniques--most of which is common sense (in my opinion). There is a lot of reading so far, which I know will only get worse. I just need to train myself to TURN MY PHONE OFF and focus on the material I need to get through. It is all a learning curve!
Not much excitement happening for me this week. I am just gonna focus on my reading and perfect the skills that I already know. There is always room for improvement, right?
Until next week... I'm off to read!
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Happy New Years!
Happy New Years, 2014!
I can't believe its already 2014. It seems that this time last year my life plan was entirely different than how it has turned out. This past year my life has changed drastically from what I ever thought it would be. I got married, moved to the east coast, and got accepted into nursing school--I couldn't have planned a better year. I never thought I would move 3000 miles away from home or be married at 21--but I did it! I have learned and grown so much over the past 12 months. I am thankful for everything that happened this past year. It seems like everything fell into place perfectly.
A new year and a new start! I am excited for the potential that this year holds. There is so much to do and so much to look forward to in the coming months! Planning a wedding and starting nursing school--two huge things to happen this year and it already feels like I am running out of time! This year has already started and I can already feel that it is going to fly past me. I am ready to see what this year holds on store for me and Trevor and ready to face whatever comes our way. 2013 was a great year--but 2014 will bring new opportunities and challenges that I am ready to face! Bring it on, 2014!
Happy New years from us to you!
Friday, December 27, 2013
Cranky Old Man
I came across this poem on a nursing forum website--allnurses.com.
This was a much needed reminder. Lately, I have been dreading going to work. I am sick of being a CNA. I feel like a maid. Call lights going off every 5 seconds and me rushing to answer them on time.One grumpy patient can ruin a whole day. Patients and their families are almost always cranky and demanding. Sometimes its hard to put their bad mood in perspective--after all, I am there to help them. Why be rude to the person who is helping take care of you? Sometimes I focus on only the task on hand--not on the person I am working with. It is sometimes easier to ignore their bad mood than to challenge it. It is too easy to get caught up in routine and not REALLY see your patients for who they are. Especially as a Nursing Assistant--its hard to take extra time to really get to know them.
As I approach the start of school I needed a little reminder of why I love my job. I needed some motivation to be the best possible nurse I can be. Its not just about me finishing school--its about giving quality care to my patients. All I can say is one day when I am cranky--I hope whoever takes care of me sees me! Be nice to the grumpy old people!
Cranky Old Man
What do you see nurses? . . .. . .What do you see?
What are you thinking .. . when you're looking at me?
A cranky old man, . . . . . .not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .. . . . . . . .. with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food .. . ... . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . .'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice . . .the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . .. . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . ... lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . . . .The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking?. .Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse .you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am . . . . .. As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, .. . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . .with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters .. . . .. . who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . .. . . a lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . ..my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows .. .. .that I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . .I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . .. . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . .. With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons .. .have grown and are gone,
But my woman is beside me . . to see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, .. ...Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future ... . . . . I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing .. . . young of their own.
And I think of the years . . . And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . . . . .. and nature is cruel.
It's jest to make old age . . . . . . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. .. . grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . A young man still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . .. . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . .. gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .. . . . .. . . open and see.
Not a cranky old man .
Look closer . . . . see .. .. . .. .... . ME!!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Silent Nacht
Each year at the end of Christmas, we blast this song in honor of my Aunt Rene. Its our official goodbye song for the Holiday Season and gives us a reminder of how blessed we are.
Every year as I sit in the glitter of lights from the tree I can't help but think about the past year. I always wonder what things would be like if my aunt was still here. What would she be like? I did meet her, but I was not old enough to remember her. It always makes me sad that she missed out on seeing her family grow up. She missed out seeing what great people me and my brother have become. My brother is looking into becoming a police officer--I wonder what she would have thought about that!? From what my mom has told me about her--we would have loved her a lot. Just as she loved us.
All I can do now is ask myself if she would be proud of where I am? Married and in Virginia? I am not sure about the first two--but I am sure she would be more than excited that I have finally got into Nursing School! She has given me and my family many opportunities from her death. I cant imagine the kind of decisions that she made before she passed--I can only see that she truly loved us and wanted to make sure her family was taken care of--even those who weren't born yet. I can't help but feel grateful for how much she loved me and take advantage of what she did give me. I full scholarship to college.
This year as I listened to this song, I felt both motivation and sadness. I felt motivation to push my way through the next few years and graduate. I want to excel these next few years. Although it makes me sad that I never got the chance to get to know her--I have a loving aunt who left money for me to accomplish my goals. Along with her gift, I am lucky enough to have amazing husband here to support me through school. I truly feel blessed this holiday season.
I know that is what she wanted for me--and that is what I want for myself. I know that she continues to watch over me and keep me safe.
Rest in Peace, Rene. We all miss you.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Start of the Journey
Hello!
Lately I feel like my life has been crazy. A few months ago I moved across the country--from Portland, OR to Virginia Beach, I got married to a wonderful man, and the most recent blessing--Acceptance into Nursing School! I feel like my life has kicked into overdrive--and I am anxious to see what challenges are ahead of me.
With all all of my struggles through the end of my high school and my start of college career I had no hope that I would get into nursing school on my first time applying. The information session about the program gave me little hope that I would be accepted. My overall GPA is not terrific, but the last few terms I have worked hard to keep my science grades up. Even though I had low hopes of what would happen with my application-- I applied anyways. The worst that could happen was they would not accept me into their program. I kept making back up plans. I looked into many different programs to make sure I would get into a program somewhere--anywhere. My husband constantly told me not to second guess myself. "Just wait until you hear from them. There are exceptions to rules all the time." Of course, I blew off his words of encouragement and continued to sulk.
I guess I should have believed him (he is almost always right...). I opened my acceptance letter to Tidewater Community College on November 18, 2013. Now I have to hear 'I told you so' at least once a week. But who cares? I am officially accepted into nursing school! It is all worth it!
My cohort begins January 13, 2013!! YEEEE! I am full of lots of emotions--anxious, nervous, excited. I am ready to start school and FINALLY become a nurse. I seem crazy that everything finally seems to be falling into place. I have been researching what I should expect and looking over my books. I am trying to prepare myself for what I should expect. Also, I think I am just excited to start my classes. Reading over some of the material makes me so excited.
I have been praying a lot lately. Praying that god will help get me through school these next few years. My college record hasn't been the best--and I know that I need to work my butt off to succeed in this program. I have to jump through all the hoops and obstacles they throw at me. The good news is I have an amazing husband who is willing to help motivate and support me through the next few years.
I have heard many people say that keeping a journal can be an outlet. I feel that once I start school I will need something to keep me in perspective. Plus, I can share all my gross nursing stories on here and not freak my husband out every night! (: I thought I would keep everyone updated on my journey through school--and give me a little break from studying (once it starts).
Lately I feel like my life has been crazy. A few months ago I moved across the country--from Portland, OR to Virginia Beach, I got married to a wonderful man, and the most recent blessing--Acceptance into Nursing School! I feel like my life has kicked into overdrive--and I am anxious to see what challenges are ahead of me.
With all all of my struggles through the end of my high school and my start of college career I had no hope that I would get into nursing school on my first time applying. The information session about the program gave me little hope that I would be accepted. My overall GPA is not terrific, but the last few terms I have worked hard to keep my science grades up. Even though I had low hopes of what would happen with my application-- I applied anyways. The worst that could happen was they would not accept me into their program. I kept making back up plans. I looked into many different programs to make sure I would get into a program somewhere--anywhere. My husband constantly told me not to second guess myself. "Just wait until you hear from them. There are exceptions to rules all the time." Of course, I blew off his words of encouragement and continued to sulk.
I guess I should have believed him (he is almost always right...). I opened my acceptance letter to Tidewater Community College on November 18, 2013. Now I have to hear 'I told you so' at least once a week. But who cares? I am officially accepted into nursing school! It is all worth it!
My cohort begins January 13, 2013!! YEEEE! I am full of lots of emotions--anxious, nervous, excited. I am ready to start school and FINALLY become a nurse. I seem crazy that everything finally seems to be falling into place. I have been researching what I should expect and looking over my books. I am trying to prepare myself for what I should expect. Also, I think I am just excited to start my classes. Reading over some of the material makes me so excited.
I have been praying a lot lately. Praying that god will help get me through school these next few years. My college record hasn't been the best--and I know that I need to work my butt off to succeed in this program. I have to jump through all the hoops and obstacles they throw at me. The good news is I have an amazing husband who is willing to help motivate and support me through the next few years.
I have heard many people say that keeping a journal can be an outlet. I feel that once I start school I will need something to keep me in perspective. Plus, I can share all my gross nursing stories on here and not freak my husband out every night! (: I thought I would keep everyone updated on my journey through school--and give me a little break from studying (once it starts).
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| My husband is the best. <3 |
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