Thoughts About First Semester Nursing

This semester was an experience different than anything else I have experienced. I have gone through a variety of obstacles from all night study sessions to being present for the patient in their time of need at my clinical site. I have come to realize there is strength in knowing I have weaknesses. I have relied on my family and god to get me through this transition in my life. I am glad i was able to experience this because it will only strengthen my foundation as a nurse. At the start of the semester i was surprised at the NCLEX styled questions. I felt like the questions were tricky because at times it felt like more than one answer was correct. However, I soon became used to the style and now I have a better understanding of how to approach tests. Highlight of the semester was being able to attend the Fred Jordan Mission in LA. It was a fun experience and I felt it was really beneficial to the residents of that area. Having a mentor help me through this confusing transition definitely eased my nerves as well and I felt comfortable to ask them questions and they would answer to the best of their ability. I have also met some interesting classmates and I hope we all stay strong together through these remaining years and develop friendships that last past graduation. 

img found at http://www.calbaptist.edu/CBU-celebrates-record-commencement-Rwanda-partnership.aspx

I have enjoyed this semester through its ups and downs and am looking forward to continuing my journey to becoming a nurse!

Thanksgiving Break

img found at http://blog.brainscape.com/2011/06/study-break/

This thanksgiving break will definitely be different this year. Most likely a turkey leg will be in one hand and a notebook filled with study material in the other.The majority of break will be spent studying but it is okay to remind oneself that a life outside of nursing exists even if it is for a minute moment. While the break still includes mountains of assignments the plus side to break is the recovery of sleep! For this brief moment in time sleep without having to worry about the consequences of showing up to class late can finally be achieved. 

img found at http://life-with-the-suttons.blogspot.com/2010/11/being-thankful-at-thanksgiving.html

My personal plan for staying on task is to make a realistic schedule with most of the work load focused early on to avoid last minute cramming. Harder more time consuming tasks will be prioritized because after the annual thanksgiving feast induced coma I have been known to develop a lazy nature for a period of time. Having shorter easier tasks will ease me into the impending doom of finals. My overall goals for thanksgiving is plan smart, achieve goals, and to be thankful to the lord for finally having the time to spend some time with my family.

First Day of Clinical

img found at http://zablogar.wordpress.com/2012/06/01/a-generation-of-snoozers/

5 AM-6:40 AM: Its 5 AM the alarm goes off first instinct… hit snooze. However, I still managed to wake up at 5:30 AM, so in a way I had some success because I gave myself enough time to cover a 27 mile trip to Riverside County Regional Medical Center. So at around 6 AM I started the commute to Moreno Valley and arrived at the hospital at about 6:40 AM.

img found at http://rcrmc.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=2

6:40AM- 7:15AM: As soon as the hospital came to view a feeling of excitement overcame me and I was glad to be a part of this experience. My clinical group met up in the cafeteria, went over goals of the day, and proceeded to the fourth floor of the hospital to start our first day of clinical.

Definitely an important skill to know! Quick video on bed making found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwYJLnDentk

7:20 AM – 10:30 AM:  First impression of the floor was that the providers were deeply immersed into their tasks assigned to them. Most providers were going over patient charts outside the patients’ rooms and were in and out in brief moments. We walked around the floor we would be servicing and shortly after began our scavenger hunt.  We were able to find the majority of items on the list throughout the floor and regrouped about thirty minutes later. It was about 8:30 AM and now we were assigned to go trail nurses and aid them. Unfortunately, the nurse my small group was supposed to be trailing was out on break, but we still had patient contact. We knocked on doors and asked the patient if anything was needed, in two of the rooms I had to use Spanish to ask what the patient needed. Most patients did not need anything but they were willing to talk. The main skill required for that day was proper bed making. Some beds with patients in them needed their beds made and they were grateful afterwards for the increase in comfort. The day ended at 10:30 AM, we debriefed downstairs, and headed back to school. The first day of clinical was an exciting one and the small amount of skills we were able to use will increase over time to better aid the patient. 

Finding Balance

       I miss sleeping the most. I became so accustomed to getting my average 8 hours of sleep during summer the now average 4-6 hours does not seem to satisfy.My daily activities have changed dramatically between summer break and this fall semester. From having plenty of free time to barely making deadlines and keeping up with assignments. Through all of this I still manage to stay alert and have a sense of balance by creating a routine that allows time for both social and academic life. 
     
      The fatigue that i experience through the week i make up for on the weekends with a few hours to myself or with friends. Afterwards back to studying of course! Taking a bit of time out of the typical academic routine will refresh ones outlook.

     Most of my academic routine revolves around organization. Although I haven't really been the most organized to this point the program has really pushed me towards learning to plan ahead. Taking the time to recharge and to prepare certainly makes a difference in juggling school life and social life.