It pays to be diligent. Our instructor decided after 'further review' that those of us that missed the math problem in debate have passed (unless of course we missed more than that question).
Just a lil of this and that today ...Miscellaneous thoughts, if you will.
Math... each semester we are tested on our math skills. The work/problems don't get any harder it just keeps us in check with the skill. First semester we had to pass with an 80%, second semester 90% and third semester 100%. Personally I think once you learn the few formula's needed for nursing math and some conversions etc. it's not all that bad. I am no math whiz by any means but I also don't get the same test anxiety with math as I do with other tests. Thankfully.
So, far I have passed each time EXCEPT Friday, *ugh* I missed one problem. I'm not freaked out but I felt we had a badly worded question in the bunch. The stats were; 2 students passed, 5 did not. All five missed that SAME question. I felt there were two correct answers one in grams and one in milligrams. The instructor just asked what would you waste from the syringe not specifying VOLUME. I intend to argue it in class tomorrow --wish me luck. I'll post the problem word for word later so you can judge for yourself. I just can't recall the exact wording now. I should have been concerned I was the first person done with the test. Even after I did a full re-check.
I was reading another Nursing related blog the other day and Miliner's Dreamwas talking about the scrubs they were issued to wear, mentioning the color (kinda a royal blue). How lucky is she!! We wear head to toe white. I have very pale skin and blonde hair this is NOT a great color next to my face especially when it is also everywhere else too! Plus they are odd, the top has a zipper from neck to bottom, the pants have a permanent pleat and the jacket is blouse with a round neck not the exam coat type. I can't wait to choose my own when I graduate.
Lastly, I got a nice comment from a fellow blogger whom I read and I mentioned what I look like. Unfortunately, because I occasionally blog about patients I have decided to remain anonymous due to the HIPAA regulations and patient privacy. Guess I will have to email a pic to Chelle. And that reminds me I need to update my links. I read way to many blogs that are not listed. :o)
Lecture tomorrow and then we get to teach the incoming RN class how to make beds and take blood pressures on Wednesday. It always amazes me that the RN student come into the program with NO HANDS on experience. Being a CNA first is a huge advantage for us LVN students at least we know the basics of patient care. I'll try and be NICE. *grins* Mostly because this is an exercise to help RN student understand how working with a TEAM is advantageous.
Today was our first day of theory/lecture after the much needed winter break. We have the instructor that has been teaching for years and we love her. Tough as nails but she gets down to business by teaching what we need to know, in an orderly and concise manner.
Today wasn't too bad we chatted about our vacations, went over what to expect this semester and did some (much needed) review. My classmates and I have decided to again spilt up the objectives for each chapter and divide the work. This is a relief in itself. We are also are looking ahead to May when we actually graduate starting to imagine the pinning ceremony as a reality not just a far off dream. There is still a lot of work to be done but I feel now that I just maybe a nurse someday.
Now time for homework ......let the games begin.........
I renewed my CPR certification today. I had to sign-up for a the whole class because I let my old one expire. But the instructor was really cool and we got out 3 hours early!!! Since a bunch of us had done the same thing she fast-tracked us through because we had been certified before.
Other exciting events for today included a trip to the Dentist to have my teeth cleaned. Oh the thrilling life I lead.
I am starting to feel like a human being again. I have my energy back but I am still feeling congested.
Tomorrow bills and laundry ...whooohooo ! *rolls eyes* All in an effort to be ready for classes on the 17th.
Nothing major, I have a miserable sore throat and it has zapped my energy level. Ugh. Been laying around all day with the intention of doing something, anything -- but no luck. I called off for my shift for Monday I don't want to compromise the recovery of my patients.
I felt like I was behind all day. Two of my seven patients were crying. One got bad news about a good friend living out of state (her friend had brain cancer) and the second patient was so worried about her 8:15 appointment to have her back brace fitted she was beside herself ("Nurse!, does this patient have any anti-anxiety meds? because she needs them ASAP"). All this while trying to get 7 people up into wheelchair's, dressed, beds made, vital signs done, and two meals distributed and two patient showers done. Not to mention all the trips to the toilet (or incontinent brief changes).
My back hurts and I'm TIRED today. Now I remember one of the reasons why I am in nursing school I couldn't handle the physical demands of being the CNA (Nursing Assistant) for much longer.
I am thinking about a massage today (thanks for the suggestion Marcheline) I can feel the tension starting to fade away. TGIF!!!
I whistle when I am happy. Not just everyday happy but content happy. I was whistling at work today.
I enjoy the elderly. They amuse me (especially the confused ones!), they have great stories about their pasts (I wish I had more time to sit and listen) and they are appreciative.
I find in acute care the patients are so much more demanding and I don't mean in a 'you are not helping me because I am ill' way, I mean in a 'get me this' you are my servant way without any manners.
One of my ladies today said, "you are the best nurse I have had here". Then her licensed nurse told me that she is almost always grumpy and that I must have a "way with her" because she is pleasant today.
A smile and a whistle while you work attitude will always get better results or as they say in the south, "you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar".
p.r.n.: Abbreviation meaning "when necessary" (from the Latin "pro re nata", for an occasion that has arisen, as circumstances require, as needed). One of a number of hallowed abbreviations of Latin terms that have traditionally been used in prescriptions.
Do I have what it takes to be a nurse? Let's talk about labels, one's that I can handle: daughter, sister, mother, ex-wife...but NURSE? My blog is a space to rant and rave about what I think is today's trials and tribulations while I go through my last two semesters of vocational nursing school. Wish me luck .....
