I know I just posted but I also just found out that I got my heart's desire...the reason why I moved 1660 miles away from everything I know and love! I just received word that I got my top choice assignment -- Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit!! I'm going to be working with heart transplant patients!! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! Can you hear me scream?!?!?!
I feel so blessed and honored to be here, working at this great facility in the first place!! But, then to get exactly what I want and what I came here for...sweet icing on the cake!! I feel soo blessed and FAVORED by God!! Simply overjoyed!!
I know this feeling won't last forever because it will be replaced by nervousness and anxiousness. But, not fear because I'm learning to be more confident in myself and to know that I WILL be a fabulous CTICU nurse!
No time to celebrate tonight, though! Got work in the am! lol!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Destiny's Nurse, RN!!
Yup...you read right...RN!! I passed NCLEX!!! I literally found out yesterday at work. I had taken it on Monday and there's something called the "Pearsonvue Trick". So, once I got home and got the "good pop-up", I pretty knew I was set! I really didn't feel the NCLEX was that bad. Of course, I didn't think it was easy street..one definitely should prepare. However, I felt like my school really prepared us well, with their ridiculous grading system and crazy exams. It felt like I really was taking another school exam. I'm just happy it's OVER and as soon as I get a second, I'm posting these NCLEX study books online and they are getting SOLD! Any takers? lol
Work is a going great! I've rotated through Surgical Trauma first, then Cardiothoracic (my fav!)...next CCCU (non-surgical cardiac..of which I spent only a half a day there because there were more interns that showed up than nurses and I got sent to another unit) and Medical. I've got to see so many amazing things and met so many nice people. I do feel a little overwhelmed and like I need to go home and look up so many things. I'm actually keeping a notebook of the things I come across and want to look up so that I can. I'm hoping it will help me out in the long run.
We were suppose to pick our top 3 choices next Friday but unexpectantly, we chose them on Tuesday! I haven't found out where I'm going yet but hopefully, we'll find out by the end of this week! My choices were #1 - CTICU, #2 - CCCU and #3 - STICU. Sooo...we'll see! Regardless of where I end up, I believe I'll be where I'm suppose to be!
One of those amazing things I talked about earlier was a Rotoprone bed. It's for those with severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Some theories say that the being in the prone position (on your stomach) helps to facilitate oxygenation for those with ARDS. And it kinda makes sense when you think about the pathophysiology of the disease and how being prone helps with "reduction in ventilation/perfusion heterogeneity with improvement in ventilation and reduction in shunt, mobilization of secretions, and improvement in functional reserve capacity." But, enough of the big words. This is what I wanted to show you all!
So yes, I have seen patients in that bed, as well as this one:
Work is a going great! I've rotated through Surgical Trauma first, then Cardiothoracic (my fav!)...next CCCU (non-surgical cardiac..of which I spent only a half a day there because there were more interns that showed up than nurses and I got sent to another unit) and Medical. I've got to see so many amazing things and met so many nice people. I do feel a little overwhelmed and like I need to go home and look up so many things. I'm actually keeping a notebook of the things I come across and want to look up so that I can. I'm hoping it will help me out in the long run.
We were suppose to pick our top 3 choices next Friday but unexpectantly, we chose them on Tuesday! I haven't found out where I'm going yet but hopefully, we'll find out by the end of this week! My choices were #1 - CTICU, #2 - CCCU and #3 - STICU. Sooo...we'll see! Regardless of where I end up, I believe I'll be where I'm suppose to be!
One of those amazing things I talked about earlier was a Rotoprone bed. It's for those with severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Some theories say that the being in the prone position (on your stomach) helps to facilitate oxygenation for those with ARDS. And it kinda makes sense when you think about the pathophysiology of the disease and how being prone helps with "reduction in ventilation/perfusion heterogeneity with improvement in ventilation and reduction in shunt, mobilization of secretions, and improvement in functional reserve capacity." But, enough of the big words. This is what I wanted to show you all!
 |
| Strap the patient in.... |
 |
| Turn 'em round and round... |
 |
| Lay them on their tummy! |
So yes, I have seen patients in that bed, as well as this one:
Fun times, I tell ya! :)
Friday, July 1, 2011
We aint in Kansas anymore!
Or rather, we aint in Jersey anymore! I can't believe I haven't posted in almost 2 months! I know, I know...I said I was going to do better. And I did have the right intentions! Just haven't been able to really follow them!
Ok..so what's been going on? LOTS!! I graduated on June 15th...YAY!!!!! The night before, I stayed up until 2am finishing the forsaken ATI tests that I needed to complete so that my affidavit of graduation could be sent down to the Texas Board of Nursing. I was so tired the next day but I was ready for graduation!
We had a graduation breakfast that was really nice. I invited both of my parents but my dad couldn't make it because he had gotten ill the night before. So, it was just me and my mom but that was ok. "Morgan" and "Candace" and their families were there as well. It was a great breakfast program. We received our caps and yearbooks during the breakfast program. My mom did a full page ad for me with a million funny pics of me! LOL! I mean, baby pics, pics when I was like eight...twelve..looking crazy! But, it was a great tribute. My dad did a half-page ad with pics of me and him that were really cute. And my girls did a half-page ad for me too! It was a total surprise!! I loved it!
That evening was the graduation and it was really nice! We did it old-school with the white dress uniforms, white jacket and white caps with the black stripe. People may think it looks crazy but I was full of pride wearing my white uniform! The cap looked like a boat on my head..but I was still wearing it with pride! I gotta post pics on here!
The next morning, I flew out of Jersey and headed down here to Texas! AND I left my cap on the airplane! I didn't realize it until after I got my baggage and we were getting our rental car. The lady in baggage claim called back up to the airplane but it was about to depart again and the guy she radioed claimed that he couldn't find it. I was so devastated because one of my favorite nursing instructors who had left the year before, came back to see us for graduation and she pinned my cap on me. So, I was devastated! The airline (who shall remain nameless!) still hasn't called me after I put a report in but I have another being mailed down. But, still..I don't understand why it hasn't been turned in yet. Who wants a nursing cap...besides another nurse?!?!
My car, furniture and majority of my clothes had already been picked up that Monday so I was all set in going. Mom came down with me and thank GOD she did! We had so much fun exploring San Antonio and Austin. She stayed with me for a little over a week and we just had a blast. At first she thought the heat was ok (and it really is because it's much drier than in NJ) but once we started hanging outside for hours...she was like..the heat was bordering on ridiculous! LOL! The humidity is higher in Jersey but it's never this hot and NEVER this consistently hot! But apparently, to have triple digits (over 100 degrees) so often, so early in summer is not common. Perfect timing for my move, eh? We both turned about 5 shades darker..but we had fun! I started work the next Monday and was in orientation all week. Mom received my car and furniture (including the furniture we bought down here) and put it all together! Thank God for moms!
I absolutely LOVE my job! I'm in an internship for the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). We have class every Tuesday where we go over a different system. Last Tuesday, it was Cardiac Day and we reviewed cardiac diseases, ICU drugs, pacemakers, yadda yadda ya. Almost all things involved in cardiac! Then we had skills labs where we went to different skills stations and reviewed more cardiac things. We also had homework (yes, homework!) in which we worked on case studies and were assigned questions. Sounds like a lot..but it really is a good review since we'll be working with very critical patients. This past Tuesday was Pulmonary (Respiratory) Day and we essentially did the same thing. But, I love my hospital and I'm really liking the people in my internship crew...so far...lol. Everyone's nice during the honeymoon phase, right? Check back in 6 months...lol!
Between classes (every Tuesday and special classes like a dysrhythmia class we took today)...and computer modules (in which we have to go through different topics and are tested at the end of each topic -- each of the 45!)...and a massive checkoff list..and other stuff that I'm too tired to type up...it's a lot!! But, I'm enjoying every minute of it!
I haven't been on the floor yet to rotate through the unit because I JUST got my Graduate Nurse permit (in Texas, you can practice as a graduate nurse before you pass boards - under the leadership/watchful eye of a registered nurse. In NJ, in order to practice, you have to have passed boards. No such thing as a graduate nurse there anymore). Until I received it, the floor was off-limits and I spent my days in class or the library -- blah! But, now that I have my GN permit, I can hit the floor soon. Yay!
I also got my ATT (Authorization To Test) so now I can take the dreaded NCLEX to get my license! I set the date but I'm not sharing the date because I don't need the extra pressure...even from my blog followers ;-) But, once I pass, I'll definitely let you know! :-)
Ok..so what's been going on? LOTS!! I graduated on June 15th...YAY!!!!! The night before, I stayed up until 2am finishing the forsaken ATI tests that I needed to complete so that my affidavit of graduation could be sent down to the Texas Board of Nursing. I was so tired the next day but I was ready for graduation!
We had a graduation breakfast that was really nice. I invited both of my parents but my dad couldn't make it because he had gotten ill the night before. So, it was just me and my mom but that was ok. "Morgan" and "Candace" and their families were there as well. It was a great breakfast program. We received our caps and yearbooks during the breakfast program. My mom did a full page ad for me with a million funny pics of me! LOL! I mean, baby pics, pics when I was like eight...twelve..looking crazy! But, it was a great tribute. My dad did a half-page ad with pics of me and him that were really cute. And my girls did a half-page ad for me too! It was a total surprise!! I loved it!
That evening was the graduation and it was really nice! We did it old-school with the white dress uniforms, white jacket and white caps with the black stripe. People may think it looks crazy but I was full of pride wearing my white uniform! The cap looked like a boat on my head..but I was still wearing it with pride! I gotta post pics on here!
The next morning, I flew out of Jersey and headed down here to Texas! AND I left my cap on the airplane! I didn't realize it until after I got my baggage and we were getting our rental car. The lady in baggage claim called back up to the airplane but it was about to depart again and the guy she radioed claimed that he couldn't find it. I was so devastated because one of my favorite nursing instructors who had left the year before, came back to see us for graduation and she pinned my cap on me. So, I was devastated! The airline (who shall remain nameless!) still hasn't called me after I put a report in but I have another being mailed down. But, still..I don't understand why it hasn't been turned in yet. Who wants a nursing cap...besides another nurse?!?!
My car, furniture and majority of my clothes had already been picked up that Monday so I was all set in going. Mom came down with me and thank GOD she did! We had so much fun exploring San Antonio and Austin. She stayed with me for a little over a week and we just had a blast. At first she thought the heat was ok (and it really is because it's much drier than in NJ) but once we started hanging outside for hours...she was like..the heat was bordering on ridiculous! LOL! The humidity is higher in Jersey but it's never this hot and NEVER this consistently hot! But apparently, to have triple digits (over 100 degrees) so often, so early in summer is not common. Perfect timing for my move, eh? We both turned about 5 shades darker..but we had fun! I started work the next Monday and was in orientation all week. Mom received my car and furniture (including the furniture we bought down here) and put it all together! Thank God for moms!
I absolutely LOVE my job! I'm in an internship for the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). We have class every Tuesday where we go over a different system. Last Tuesday, it was Cardiac Day and we reviewed cardiac diseases, ICU drugs, pacemakers, yadda yadda ya. Almost all things involved in cardiac! Then we had skills labs where we went to different skills stations and reviewed more cardiac things. We also had homework (yes, homework!) in which we worked on case studies and were assigned questions. Sounds like a lot..but it really is a good review since we'll be working with very critical patients. This past Tuesday was Pulmonary (Respiratory) Day and we essentially did the same thing. But, I love my hospital and I'm really liking the people in my internship crew...so far...lol. Everyone's nice during the honeymoon phase, right? Check back in 6 months...lol!
Between classes (every Tuesday and special classes like a dysrhythmia class we took today)...and computer modules (in which we have to go through different topics and are tested at the end of each topic -- each of the 45!)...and a massive checkoff list..and other stuff that I'm too tired to type up...it's a lot!! But, I'm enjoying every minute of it!
I haven't been on the floor yet to rotate through the unit because I JUST got my Graduate Nurse permit (in Texas, you can practice as a graduate nurse before you pass boards - under the leadership/watchful eye of a registered nurse. In NJ, in order to practice, you have to have passed boards. No such thing as a graduate nurse there anymore). Until I received it, the floor was off-limits and I spent my days in class or the library -- blah! But, now that I have my GN permit, I can hit the floor soon. Yay!
I also got my ATT (Authorization To Test) so now I can take the dreaded NCLEX to get my license! I set the date but I'm not sharing the date because I don't need the extra pressure...even from my blog followers ;-) But, once I pass, I'll definitely let you know! :-)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
89 and 35
89 is so fine and 35 is keeping me alive! LOL! What on earth does THAT mean, you may wonder?!? Well, 89 is what I ended up on my final!! :D I wasn't really worried about the final because I knew as long as I passed, I would be fine. So, my anxiety level wasn't as high as say 2nd semester. But, I still wanted to make sure I passed! And I did! I did better than I had expected! They let us know our grades the day of the Senior Dinner Dance (the Thursday after Tuesday's exam) and let's just say I partied DOWN! lol
35 is the amount of days until graduation! The road is almost over! I cannot believe it yet it really hasn't hit me yet. I think it will once I'm literally up there, singing the school song at graduation. And once we're done with this Leadership course. The course description describes it as a course focused on personal and group management skills. I call it a course to make us wait longer to graduate! Don't get me wrong. I LOVE my school. I think it has prepared me exceptionally well to become a nurse. I had to give the school credit during my interview because one of the nurse managers I interviewed with stated that she was amazed with my knowledge and enthusiasm. I give all the credit of my knowledge to my school. BUT..I am a little ticked that we are graduating so late in the game while others are celebrating this month with graduating. But, oh well. Can't change it.
So, leadership involves 1 class a week with 3 evening clinicals. We had a choice of either doing 2 12-hour shifts with a specialty (OB, ER, ICU, Same Day Surgery, PACU, Med-Surg) or 3 8 hour evening shifts (just plain ole Med-Surg). Well, since I have to work, I just chose the plain ole Med-Surg..especially since I will be an ICU nurse for real! Well, everyone couldn't get ER, ICU, or the other specialities so there are a few people who will be doing 12 hour shifts in plain ole Med-Surg. But, it's only for 4 weeks and once we get through it, that's it! Plus, there are no exams so that makes it even better. We DO have to do a debate or seminar for the class, but that's whatever.
Right now, I'm focusing on getting my stuff together to move! Well, not the actual moving part..lol. I've just been staring at my stuff like, this stuff has to get down to Texas somehow. But, lucky for me, my hospital is paying for my relocation! Yup! Up to $3000 to move all my household goods and even shipping my car! Praise God! I just keep falling more and more in love with this hospital! They were even willing to push my start date back a few weeks because while I'm still in the Leadership course, the other interns will be starting. And even though we're called "Interns" we are fully hired as Staff Nurses with benefits and all! I cannot wait! I even secured an apartment (sight unseen!) but the apartment is online so it looks very nice and I know someone who viewed it while down there, as well as the great reviews online. So, hopefully everything works out well!
Now, off to watch some tv..no more studying!! :)
35 is the amount of days until graduation! The road is almost over! I cannot believe it yet it really hasn't hit me yet. I think it will once I'm literally up there, singing the school song at graduation. And once we're done with this Leadership course. The course description describes it as a course focused on personal and group management skills. I call it a course to make us wait longer to graduate! Don't get me wrong. I LOVE my school. I think it has prepared me exceptionally well to become a nurse. I had to give the school credit during my interview because one of the nurse managers I interviewed with stated that she was amazed with my knowledge and enthusiasm. I give all the credit of my knowledge to my school. BUT..I am a little ticked that we are graduating so late in the game while others are celebrating this month with graduating. But, oh well. Can't change it.
So, leadership involves 1 class a week with 3 evening clinicals. We had a choice of either doing 2 12-hour shifts with a specialty (OB, ER, ICU, Same Day Surgery, PACU, Med-Surg) or 3 8 hour evening shifts (just plain ole Med-Surg). Well, since I have to work, I just chose the plain ole Med-Surg..especially since I will be an ICU nurse for real! Well, everyone couldn't get ER, ICU, or the other specialities so there are a few people who will be doing 12 hour shifts in plain ole Med-Surg. But, it's only for 4 weeks and once we get through it, that's it! Plus, there are no exams so that makes it even better. We DO have to do a debate or seminar for the class, but that's whatever.
Right now, I'm focusing on getting my stuff together to move! Well, not the actual moving part..lol. I've just been staring at my stuff like, this stuff has to get down to Texas somehow. But, lucky for me, my hospital is paying for my relocation! Yup! Up to $3000 to move all my household goods and even shipping my car! Praise God! I just keep falling more and more in love with this hospital! They were even willing to push my start date back a few weeks because while I'm still in the Leadership course, the other interns will be starting. And even though we're called "Interns" we are fully hired as Staff Nurses with benefits and all! I cannot wait! I even secured an apartment (sight unseen!) but the apartment is online so it looks very nice and I know someone who viewed it while down there, as well as the great reviews online. So, hopefully everything works out well!
Now, off to watch some tv..no more studying!! :)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
It is FINISHED!
Yes..literally finished! My final exam was last night and I'm SOOO glad it's over! It was a bit tricky, but I think I did ok. As long as I passed, I get a B in the class..so let's hope I pass! We are all fretting about how we did and as we speak, "Morgan" is texting "Candace" and I and she's totally freaking! I don't know why because I'm sure she did well, as well as "Candace". My mama prayed for us! LOL! And I prayed too..a lot! The grades should be posted by Thursday (hopefully!) even though for each final, I find myself working at the hospital, fretting and checking the website every 30 minutes..and asking the nurses for Valium. This Friday, I'll be BACK at the hospital and hopefully, I won't have to frett and check..or ask for Valium!
The most exciting news though is.....I GOT THE JOB!!! Yes, the one in Texas!! Your girl will be an ICU nurse in Texas! Howdy, partna! LOL! I am soo excited..and nervous..and anxious! The director called before I even got back to my hotel..and I literally SCREAMED!! He said "I take that as a yes!" Mr. Director, you definitely can!!
But, I'm so nervous! Not even particularly about the job..but about moving!! Right now, I'm trying to secure an apartment and I might end up with one sight-unseen! But, I'm praying about that as well :)
I also cannot wait to finish substitute teaching!! Today isn't so bad -- I'm at a high school and I practically had the morning off. The kids at this school aren't bad at all..but this still involved kids! lol! I also cannot wait until I start working nights and can sleep in! During the internship, I'll be working days but afterwards, I'll be shifted to nights -- even better!
We have standardized testing tonight and our senior dinner dance tomorrow (where we'll harrass the course curriculum coordinator if she doesn't have our final grades posted!) and then a little break before our leadership course. The leadership course is basically a 1 class a week wtih clinicals. If you do clinicals during the day, you had a chance to do one in a specialty, like ER, or ICU. You also do 2 12-hour shifts. However, if you do clinicals at night, you only get med-surg..and it's 3 nights a week! You take a FULL load of patients (5-6) and you really get a chance to see how it will be a legit nurse! I chose to do them in the evening because I get to work too. And even though it's in med-surg and I wanted to do ICU..it doesn't matter now because I'll be an ICU nurse for real! :)
SN: I need a new background for this blog! I've been looking all over and can't find anything. Help anyone? :)
The most exciting news though is.....I GOT THE JOB!!! Yes, the one in Texas!! Your girl will be an ICU nurse in Texas! Howdy, partna! LOL! I am soo excited..and nervous..and anxious! The director called before I even got back to my hotel..and I literally SCREAMED!! He said "I take that as a yes!" Mr. Director, you definitely can!!
But, I'm so nervous! Not even particularly about the job..but about moving!! Right now, I'm trying to secure an apartment and I might end up with one sight-unseen! But, I'm praying about that as well :)
I also cannot wait to finish substitute teaching!! Today isn't so bad -- I'm at a high school and I practically had the morning off. The kids at this school aren't bad at all..but this still involved kids! lol! I also cannot wait until I start working nights and can sleep in! During the internship, I'll be working days but afterwards, I'll be shifted to nights -- even better!
We have standardized testing tonight and our senior dinner dance tomorrow (where we'll harrass the course curriculum coordinator if she doesn't have our final grades posted!) and then a little break before our leadership course. The leadership course is basically a 1 class a week wtih clinicals. If you do clinicals during the day, you had a chance to do one in a specialty, like ER, or ICU. You also do 2 12-hour shifts. However, if you do clinicals at night, you only get med-surg..and it's 3 nights a week! You take a FULL load of patients (5-6) and you really get a chance to see how it will be a legit nurse! I chose to do them in the evening because I get to work too. And even though it's in med-surg and I wanted to do ICU..it doesn't matter now because I'll be an ICU nurse for real! :)
SN: I need a new background for this blog! I've been looking all over and can't find anything. Help anyone? :)
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The end is not near...it's HERE!!
Ok..I have to apologize to all of my followers...all 5 of you :) I know I promised to update more often..but I'm in my final semester of nursing school...can you blame me??
With studying..clinicals..my two jobs...stressing about finding a job...facing NCLEX...it's been busy! As a matter of fact, it's 10:40pm and I've been here in the library since 12:30p! Needless to say, I've been catching up on such award-winning television programs via the Internet such as Beverly Hills Fabulous and Braxton Family Values. You know..real TV..lol! But, I did get some studying in. Got my Burns/Neuro exam on Monday..and then the final is a week later! But, before all of that..I'm heading BACK to Texas!
Yes, BACK to Texas! I went down for spring break about a month ago to do some networking and it was an extra-fabulous trip. I got to do a six hour shadowing experience an AWESOME and AMAZING Level 1 Trauma hospital in Texas. I won't reveal the name of the hospital just yet but it is awesome! I got to spend 2 hours in the ER following a nurse, 2 hours in the ICU and 2 on the Observation Unit. Everyone is so nice and friendly there..and did I mention the hospital is amazing?? The town it's in is a small town but that is the least of my concerns. I applied for their new grad internship and got an email to interview in their ICU..which is why I'll be going back down to interview on the 22nd (Good Friday..and I'm hoping it IS a good Friday for me!). I'm super excited also because a nursing school friend, "Melanie" also got to interview there for a position in their OR. I'm praying that both of us get the jobs.
So, this next week will be super busy! But, I'm not so stressed because I've been doing well on my exams. Got an A on the Cardiac exam...an 85 on the Respiratory exam (a C..boo!)...a B on the Metabolism/Community exam (a 91...again..boo!) and I have this neuro/burn exam. I'm a bit scared because the teacher was a little insane..and she quit on last Thursday. She's not even going to be here to give us our exam..or when we take our final. There also was some controversy with her exam for the day students because apparently, she used last year's teacher exam..instead of making her own. So, we shall see.
I have it all figured out though. If I get the minium passing grade on the neuro/burn exam and on the final, I'll still end up with a B (87%). So, I should be good. But, I'm still going to study and try to get higher than the minimum!
I'm going to REALLY try to update this blog more often..especially after the exams and the interview. 60 more days to go until graduation..can you believe it?!?! :D
With studying..clinicals..my two jobs...stressing about finding a job...facing NCLEX...it's been busy! As a matter of fact, it's 10:40pm and I've been here in the library since 12:30p! Needless to say, I've been catching up on such award-winning television programs via the Internet such as Beverly Hills Fabulous and Braxton Family Values. You know..real TV..lol! But, I did get some studying in. Got my Burns/Neuro exam on Monday..and then the final is a week later! But, before all of that..I'm heading BACK to Texas!
Yes, BACK to Texas! I went down for spring break about a month ago to do some networking and it was an extra-fabulous trip. I got to do a six hour shadowing experience an AWESOME and AMAZING Level 1 Trauma hospital in Texas. I won't reveal the name of the hospital just yet but it is awesome! I got to spend 2 hours in the ER following a nurse, 2 hours in the ICU and 2 on the Observation Unit. Everyone is so nice and friendly there..and did I mention the hospital is amazing?? The town it's in is a small town but that is the least of my concerns. I applied for their new grad internship and got an email to interview in their ICU..which is why I'll be going back down to interview on the 22nd (Good Friday..and I'm hoping it IS a good Friday for me!). I'm super excited also because a nursing school friend, "Melanie" also got to interview there for a position in their OR. I'm praying that both of us get the jobs.
So, this next week will be super busy! But, I'm not so stressed because I've been doing well on my exams. Got an A on the Cardiac exam...an 85 on the Respiratory exam (a C..boo!)...a B on the Metabolism/Community exam (a 91...again..boo!) and I have this neuro/burn exam. I'm a bit scared because the teacher was a little insane..and she quit on last Thursday. She's not even going to be here to give us our exam..or when we take our final. There also was some controversy with her exam for the day students because apparently, she used last year's teacher exam..instead of making her own. So, we shall see.
I have it all figured out though. If I get the minium passing grade on the neuro/burn exam and on the final, I'll still end up with a B (87%). So, I should be good. But, I'm still going to study and try to get higher than the minimum!
I'm going to REALLY try to update this blog more often..especially after the exams and the interview. 60 more days to go until graduation..can you believe it?!?! :D
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Victory is Mine -- the remix!
I'm happy to report that after my professor dropped one of the questions on the exam, I ended up with an A after all! Yippee!! *insert BBM happy dance* LOL! So, I'm starting off at the top and hopefully I will stay on top because the only other place to go is down! :-/
Right now, I'm at the library studying and another fellow classmate is here, "Charles". We're not studying together, per se..but it's still good to have another one burning the midnight oil...or rather, the 10pm oil.
In other news, I've been applying to nursing internships for new grads in various states. I truly want to go to Texas but I'm keeping my options open, applying to other internships in Tennessee and Pennsylvania. But, Lord knows I'm trying to get away from this SNOW!! Oh my goodness..it's snowed here every week! I'm actually suppose to be in clinical tonight but because of all the ice on the roads, it's been cancelled. It's been a clinical cancelled atleast once a week. AND that's why I've missed my open heart surgery rotation but I am determined to make that one up.
Work is good in the ER..busy all the time, but good and a great experience. Substituting with the little kiddies...ugh..I'm still working on finding the good in that! lol :)
Right now, I'm at the library studying and another fellow classmate is here, "Charles". We're not studying together, per se..but it's still good to have another one burning the midnight oil...or rather, the 10pm oil.
In other news, I've been applying to nursing internships for new grads in various states. I truly want to go to Texas but I'm keeping my options open, applying to other internships in Tennessee and Pennsylvania. But, Lord knows I'm trying to get away from this SNOW!! Oh my goodness..it's snowed here every week! I'm actually suppose to be in clinical tonight but because of all the ice on the roads, it's been cancelled. It's been a clinical cancelled atleast once a week. AND that's why I've missed my open heart surgery rotation but I am determined to make that one up.
Work is good in the ER..busy all the time, but good and a great experience. Substituting with the little kiddies...ugh..I'm still working on finding the good in that! lol :)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Victory is mine!
After MANY sleepless nights for the past few weeks, victory has finally come!! Got a 93 on my cardiac exam!! Possibly one of..if not THE..highest grades in the class! I know no one got an A..and I just missed an A by 1 question. Remember, at my crazy school a C is 80-85, a B is 86-93 and an A is anything above a 94. So, I'm right on the cusp..and that is A-ok with me!
Last Friday, I was at the library from about 6:30pm until 2am! I had to have security escort me to my car! And then Saturday, I went over to "Candace"'s house to study with her and guess what time we stopped studying..6:15am! Yes...AM!! Craziness!
But, it was well worth it and I can't stop smiling :) Cardiac is definitely where I want to be and I'm glad that I can atleast not be scared of the information. No, I don't know EVERYTHING but I'm hoping I have a good foundation!
So, now, I'm going to go to bed...after mindless playing of my SIMS game! :)
Last Friday, I was at the library from about 6:30pm until 2am! I had to have security escort me to my car! And then Saturday, I went over to "Candace"'s house to study with her and guess what time we stopped studying..6:15am! Yes...AM!! Craziness!
But, it was well worth it and I can't stop smiling :) Cardiac is definitely where I want to be and I'm glad that I can atleast not be scared of the information. No, I don't know EVERYTHING but I'm hoping I have a good foundation!
So, now, I'm going to go to bed...after mindless playing of my SIMS game! :)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Craziness in the CCU
First week in CCU and it was a tad bit overwhelming. Since I was in the burn unit last week and clinical was cancelled the 2nd day, this week was my first week there.
Yesterday, we didn't do much. Just assessments and "tubbies" as our instructor calls them (light bedbaths). Our patient was in his 90s (he didn't even look like he was that old) and basically "dead on the bed" as our instructor called it. He had been shocked like 10 times from the time EMS brought him in until the day before he was admitted (we got him on day 2 of admission). He takes Nitro to relieve chest pain with angina but apparently, it wasn't working on that day and he collapsed at home. So, he was brought in..yadda yadda ya. He is vented (meaning he's on a ventilator that is essentially breathing for him) with an ETT (endotracheal tube), has a NG (Nasogastric -- goes from the nose to the tummy) tube for feedings, 2 IV lines (one that he was receiving meds in and another one was a saline lock).
We are paired up in CCU with a partner and this week "Morgan" and I were paired up with him. We had some good times with him...like tonight when we tried to give him a "tubbie" and were attempting to change the sheets from underneath him (remember "Morgan" and I's first bedbath?!?! Took us FOREVER and now we're pros..lol). Well, he's literally dead weight..he aint helping us to move at all! So, we're trying to log roll him and all and the vent machine is beeping all loud, alarms ringing from the monitor. We're like..what in the world! Yeah, we know he's probably at the end of his life and all..but we're not trying to get him there any quicker! So, we got like half the new sheet and padding up under him while rolled towards me but when he's rolled towards "Morgan" to get the old sheet and padding out and straighten out the new ones, alarms are going off and all. This happens AGAIN (I mean, I couldn't get the darn sheet and padding out for nothing -- all the while I'm thinking I'm about to pull all his tubes and all out. So, the nurse comes in (she was really nice with this patient and another one) and is like (in a joking manner) "What are you guys doing in here? Trying to kill my patient? I got alarms going off on the other side and I'm like the nursing students are killing my patient" LOL! We're like..not entirely. As we explain to her what we're trying to do, she's like..He's not going to like it..you're moving him around but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. It's going to alarm..hit that button there and keep it moving. So, that's what we do..I'm like..let's go, "Morgan"..pull him towards you and I'm yanking this stuff out. Which I do. And he lived on. Amen. LOL.
Trying to get acclimated after a semester of babies, and mamas and crazies was a little trying. I hadn't hung or given any medications in FOREVER! So, it was a little crazy, hanging meds, attaching stuff, especially since our nurse was quizzing and joking and rushing us (not really rushing us..we were just slow..and slow..lol). It will take a little more getting used to but I'm definitely enjoying the experience. Cardiac and ICU are definitely the places I want to be :)
So, I'm suppose to spend the next two clinical weeks in the ER as a rotation but I'm switching with another student so I can spend more time in the CCU and less time on the med/surg floor from the beginning of nursing school.
5 more months, ya'll! :D But, first I gotta get through this cardiac exam on Monday..ugh...lol
Yesterday, we didn't do much. Just assessments and "tubbies" as our instructor calls them (light bedbaths). Our patient was in his 90s (he didn't even look like he was that old) and basically "dead on the bed" as our instructor called it. He had been shocked like 10 times from the time EMS brought him in until the day before he was admitted (we got him on day 2 of admission). He takes Nitro to relieve chest pain with angina but apparently, it wasn't working on that day and he collapsed at home. So, he was brought in..yadda yadda ya. He is vented (meaning he's on a ventilator that is essentially breathing for him) with an ETT (endotracheal tube), has a NG (Nasogastric -- goes from the nose to the tummy) tube for feedings, 2 IV lines (one that he was receiving meds in and another one was a saline lock).
We are paired up in CCU with a partner and this week "Morgan" and I were paired up with him. We had some good times with him...like tonight when we tried to give him a "tubbie" and were attempting to change the sheets from underneath him (remember "Morgan" and I's first bedbath?!?! Took us FOREVER and now we're pros..lol). Well, he's literally dead weight..he aint helping us to move at all! So, we're trying to log roll him and all and the vent machine is beeping all loud, alarms ringing from the monitor. We're like..what in the world! Yeah, we know he's probably at the end of his life and all..but we're not trying to get him there any quicker! So, we got like half the new sheet and padding up under him while rolled towards me but when he's rolled towards "Morgan" to get the old sheet and padding out and straighten out the new ones, alarms are going off and all. This happens AGAIN (I mean, I couldn't get the darn sheet and padding out for nothing -- all the while I'm thinking I'm about to pull all his tubes and all out. So, the nurse comes in (she was really nice with this patient and another one) and is like (in a joking manner) "What are you guys doing in here? Trying to kill my patient? I got alarms going off on the other side and I'm like the nursing students are killing my patient" LOL! We're like..not entirely. As we explain to her what we're trying to do, she's like..He's not going to like it..you're moving him around but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. It's going to alarm..hit that button there and keep it moving. So, that's what we do..I'm like..let's go, "Morgan"..pull him towards you and I'm yanking this stuff out. Which I do. And he lived on. Amen. LOL.
Trying to get acclimated after a semester of babies, and mamas and crazies was a little trying. I hadn't hung or given any medications in FOREVER! So, it was a little crazy, hanging meds, attaching stuff, especially since our nurse was quizzing and joking and rushing us (not really rushing us..we were just slow..and slow..lol). It will take a little more getting used to but I'm definitely enjoying the experience. Cardiac and ICU are definitely the places I want to be :)
So, I'm suppose to spend the next two clinical weeks in the ER as a rotation but I'm switching with another student so I can spend more time in the CCU and less time on the med/surg floor from the beginning of nursing school.
5 more months, ya'll! :D But, first I gotta get through this cardiac exam on Monday..ugh...lol
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Fire is not our friend!
So, on Tuesday of this week, I spent the day at a Burn Center, not far from where I live. The nurse educator had come to our school the week before to talk about burns and the nursing treatment of them, what happens when they come in to the ER, how the skin is affected, etc. She was really good so I was looking forward to visiting and spending the day there. Even if I had to be up at the crack of dawn.
The majority of the day was spent in the "Tank Room" where hydrotherapy was done for various patients. The patient is put onto a bed similar to this one:
They are fully wrapped in white gauze and cloths to prevent infection. Infection is a HUGE problem for burn victims so everyone is in full protection: gown, gloves, mask and head covering. We (another fellow nursing student and I) didn't have to wear gloves but we did have on a gown and head covering. Once, we also put on a mask when we got close enough to a patient.
So, the patient is brought in (or in the case of a 9 y/o patient, walked in) on the bed and is stripped of all the dressings. This allows the nurse and doctors to see the burns and how they are healing. It can be very painful for the patients so they are usually medicated. This is also the time that they are washed down and cleaned. One of the patients was a 9 year old kid who was burned all on his abdomen and on his back and arms. We weren't quite sure how he was burned so the tech that was washing him, asked him and I believe he was reaching over a candle and his shirt caught on fire. He was so young at 9 but some of the youngest I heard about were 2 and 6 days old! The only thing you should be doing is eating, sleeping and pooping at that age, not getting burned! But, apparently hot formula and loose caps on bottles don't go together.
There was another patient who hadn't even been there for 24 hours -- a firefighter who came in the previous afternoon. He was sooo badly burned. Even his face was burned. Eyelids, back, butt, thighs, legs, fingers. His face was so swollen. One of the biggest problems with burns is the massive fluid loss. As a consequence, one of the first symptoms of a burn is decreased blood volume leading to hypoperfusion or shock. So, the most important immediate treatment is for shock. Fluids will be administered and for this guy, there were liters and liters of fluid given to him. They weigh the patients every day and not even 24 hours later, when they weighed him, he weighed 50 lbs more! When they were done with him, there were bits of skin that were peeling from him on the floor.
The burn unit was definitely interesting but not so sure if I would be interested in working there. Here are some pics of other burn patients:
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Sleep deprived!
So, we have finally hit the ground..and more than running..we're more like flying! This week, we have officially started our 4th and final semester! *insert applause and loud cheers*
This is going to be a ROUGH semester. Even as I type this, I am yawning and so sleep deprived! So, Monday (2 days ago), was our orientation/school party and beginning of the cardiac segment for us evening students. It was good to see people again but it was like we just left them. Which we did, about 2 weeks prior!
We have a lot going on this sections. We start out in cardiac and even though we started the basics in cardiac 2nd semester, now we are building even more on it, for the critically-ill patient. So, we're talking disorder of the SA node, dysrhythmias, disorders of the ventricles, arrhythmias, MIs, coronary disease..the works. Then we move on to patients with acute alteration in oxygenation, which means those with ARDS (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome), acute asthma, pulmonary embolism and working with endotracheal tubes, ventilators, yadda yadda ya. Then we throw in there acute renal failure, renal transplant HIV. Next, people with GI problems, liver failure, endocrine problems (DKA, HHNK, Hypoglycemia, Thyroid Storm, etc.). And finally some burns and neuro problems. ALL from now until April...we are some busy bees!
Clinical will also be interesting. Sooooo, they have STILL split up me and my Nurseketeers...the nerve! While "Morgan" and I are back together, poor "Candace" is out in the other clinical group. I keep assuring her she'll be fine and I think the idea is settling in, but we'll see how it goes after next week. She's great in clinical so I know she'll be fine.
We'll spend have the semester in the CCU of one hospital and then the other half on a med/surg floor (the same one we started with first semester of school). I'm really looking forward to the CCU portion of the rotation but unfortunately, I'll be missing like half of it because of the extra rotations. We ALL (whole class) spends a day on the Burn Unit of yet another hospital and a day viewing open-heart surgery at the same hospital I had my original OR rotation. While the burn unit should be interesting (turns out we'll just be viewing the patients during hydrotherapy, where they essentially are using water to treat the burns and to remove the dead skin -- and is essentially painful), I'm really looking forward to the open-heart surgery. 2 representatives from each of those units came and spoke to our class today and both were really interesting. I have both of those rotations next week so I will definitely be updating ya.
Starting out in cardiac (which is probably going to be one of the hardest, if not THE hardest section of this semester) with one of the hardest instructors, is mind-blowing. The last hour of the first class Monday night, I honestly didn't even know what she was talking about. Crazy! But, I hit the books that very night and started working on my notes and reading. The first exam is literally in 3 weeks. She keeps saying the work is hard and difficult. She even had the nerve to say the first class, "Wait until you see my exam." Excuse me?!?! Um..ok...so, I'm adhering to her warning..and also asking her lots of questions!
Which brings me back to my original statement -- I'm so sleep deprived already..and it's only been the 3rd day! Working full-time and going to school full-time is NOT fun..but I only have a few more months and it will be all worth it!
This is going to be a ROUGH semester. Even as I type this, I am yawning and so sleep deprived! So, Monday (2 days ago), was our orientation/school party and beginning of the cardiac segment for us evening students. It was good to see people again but it was like we just left them. Which we did, about 2 weeks prior!
We have a lot going on this sections. We start out in cardiac and even though we started the basics in cardiac 2nd semester, now we are building even more on it, for the critically-ill patient. So, we're talking disorder of the SA node, dysrhythmias, disorders of the ventricles, arrhythmias, MIs, coronary disease..the works. Then we move on to patients with acute alteration in oxygenation, which means those with ARDS (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome), acute asthma, pulmonary embolism and working with endotracheal tubes, ventilators, yadda yadda ya. Then we throw in there acute renal failure, renal transplant HIV. Next, people with GI problems, liver failure, endocrine problems (DKA, HHNK, Hypoglycemia, Thyroid Storm, etc.). And finally some burns and neuro problems. ALL from now until April...we are some busy bees!
Clinical will also be interesting. Sooooo, they have STILL split up me and my Nurseketeers...the nerve! While "Morgan" and I are back together, poor "Candace" is out in the other clinical group. I keep assuring her she'll be fine and I think the idea is settling in, but we'll see how it goes after next week. She's great in clinical so I know she'll be fine.
We'll spend have the semester in the CCU of one hospital and then the other half on a med/surg floor (the same one we started with first semester of school). I'm really looking forward to the CCU portion of the rotation but unfortunately, I'll be missing like half of it because of the extra rotations. We ALL (whole class) spends a day on the Burn Unit of yet another hospital and a day viewing open-heart surgery at the same hospital I had my original OR rotation. While the burn unit should be interesting (turns out we'll just be viewing the patients during hydrotherapy, where they essentially are using water to treat the burns and to remove the dead skin -- and is essentially painful), I'm really looking forward to the open-heart surgery. 2 representatives from each of those units came and spoke to our class today and both were really interesting. I have both of those rotations next week so I will definitely be updating ya.
Starting out in cardiac (which is probably going to be one of the hardest, if not THE hardest section of this semester) with one of the hardest instructors, is mind-blowing. The last hour of the first class Monday night, I honestly didn't even know what she was talking about. Crazy! But, I hit the books that very night and started working on my notes and reading. The first exam is literally in 3 weeks. She keeps saying the work is hard and difficult. She even had the nerve to say the first class, "Wait until you see my exam." Excuse me?!?! Um..ok...so, I'm adhering to her warning..and also asking her lots of questions!
Which brings me back to my original statement -- I'm so sleep deprived already..and it's only been the 3rd day! Working full-time and going to school full-time is NOT fun..but I only have a few more months and it will be all worth it!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!!
First, let me say Happy New Year to you! May 2011 be filled with peace, love and joy!
Ok...I know I've been SOOO bad! I can't believe I haven't posted since September! Bad, bad, BAD nursing student!! Lol! I can't even remember all that happened last semester but that's because it's been uneventful. LOL! After OB, I had my Psych rotation. I had a great clinical instructor that was really good at what she did.
There really is a thin line between sanity and insanity! I learned so much about depression, OCD, phobia, panic disorder, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and many other psychiatric diseases. We may joke about them but they are serious mental illnesses that not only affect the patient but also their families. It was so sad to see how mothers, fathers, children, grandchildren...were all affected by their loved ones disease. And medication helps, but doesn't cure them. In church, a lot of times we say we are grateful that we woke up in our right mind...just don't know how grateful we need to be!
Peds was rather boring. LOL. Maybe it was because my clinical group couldn't do ANYTHING..no medications or anything. Just vital signs and lots and lots of paperwork. BO-RING. And the clinical instructor wasn't the best. Kids are cute and everything..but, I think I'll leave them to other people. LOL.
We did get a chance to spend time in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) and the Pediatric ER. THOSE days were fun..maybe because I work in the ER now as a tech (did I tell you? Yes, your girl has been promoted from wiping butts on the cardiac floor to drawing blood in the ER! lol! I LOVE working in the ER as a patient care tech. I get to see a lot and the nurses show me a lot. I don't know about working in the ER as a nurse - I don't know if I like the treat 'em-and-street 'em philosophy of the ER..I like following up with a patient -- see how they progress but we'll see). I liked the fast-paced of the ER and the intensity of the PICU. Man, if you have children in your life, whether yours or just those around you..be grateful for their health. What may seem like a little headache can be something so very more serious. Trust me..I've seen it.
Well, it's the first of the year -- graduation is in a little over 5 months!! Can you believe it?!?! My, time has flown BY! This semester is going to be a hard one -- back to med/surg..mainly the ICU. I'm looking to apply for nurse internships -- which are transition programs for graduate nurses -- help us go from student nurse to registered nurse. Things are vastly different between school and the real world. So, I'm applying to various ones. AND I'm looking to move to Texas. YES, TEXAS! Opportunities are a little bit better down there than up where I live (even though I would hope that I had a good chance at the hospital I work out..hopefully!). I'm just ready to leave Jersey and be on my way!
So, my new year's resolution (among other personal ones) is to complete school and land a great nurse internship in Texas! Guess those really aren't "resolutions" but I do promise to write more consistently! I'm sure I'll have lots to vent about! :)
Ok...I know I've been SOOO bad! I can't believe I haven't posted since September! Bad, bad, BAD nursing student!! Lol! I can't even remember all that happened last semester but that's because it's been uneventful. LOL! After OB, I had my Psych rotation. I had a great clinical instructor that was really good at what she did.
There really is a thin line between sanity and insanity! I learned so much about depression, OCD, phobia, panic disorder, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and many other psychiatric diseases. We may joke about them but they are serious mental illnesses that not only affect the patient but also their families. It was so sad to see how mothers, fathers, children, grandchildren...were all affected by their loved ones disease. And medication helps, but doesn't cure them. In church, a lot of times we say we are grateful that we woke up in our right mind...just don't know how grateful we need to be!
Peds was rather boring. LOL. Maybe it was because my clinical group couldn't do ANYTHING..no medications or anything. Just vital signs and lots and lots of paperwork. BO-RING. And the clinical instructor wasn't the best. Kids are cute and everything..but, I think I'll leave them to other people. LOL.
We did get a chance to spend time in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) and the Pediatric ER. THOSE days were fun..maybe because I work in the ER now as a tech (did I tell you? Yes, your girl has been promoted from wiping butts on the cardiac floor to drawing blood in the ER! lol! I LOVE working in the ER as a patient care tech. I get to see a lot and the nurses show me a lot. I don't know about working in the ER as a nurse - I don't know if I like the treat 'em-and-street 'em philosophy of the ER..I like following up with a patient -- see how they progress but we'll see). I liked the fast-paced of the ER and the intensity of the PICU. Man, if you have children in your life, whether yours or just those around you..be grateful for their health. What may seem like a little headache can be something so very more serious. Trust me..I've seen it.
Well, it's the first of the year -- graduation is in a little over 5 months!! Can you believe it?!?! My, time has flown BY! This semester is going to be a hard one -- back to med/surg..mainly the ICU. I'm looking to apply for nurse internships -- which are transition programs for graduate nurses -- help us go from student nurse to registered nurse. Things are vastly different between school and the real world. So, I'm applying to various ones. AND I'm looking to move to Texas. YES, TEXAS! Opportunities are a little bit better down there than up where I live (even though I would hope that I had a good chance at the hospital I work out..hopefully!). I'm just ready to leave Jersey and be on my way!
So, my new year's resolution (among other personal ones) is to complete school and land a great nurse internship in Texas! Guess those really aren't "resolutions" but I do promise to write more consistently! I'm sure I'll have lots to vent about! :)
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