Yesterday I had the privilege of volunteering on the medical team at the TN Special Olympics. My nursing school has been doing it for years, and many of my classmates and I had the chance to hang out with some amazing kids and adults! The highlight of the day was the opening ceremonies, watching the teams walk in the area in their colorful team outfits. The ceremonies had a dance party, a speech by the Titans head coach, t-shirt cannons, balloons raining from the ceiling, and lots of laughing and cheering.
The medical team wore red hats, as you can see from the picture. On my way there I commented to one of my classmates that I can't believe we are trusted with such important roles already! We were in pairs, but still responsible for all medical care until our teacher showed up at our event. I was stationed at powerlifting, which it turns out, is one of the most dangerous spots because of potential crush injuries. Fortunately, it was an injury-free zone yesterday!
The most challenging part of the night was the torrential downpour. By the time the rain stopped, there were rivers of deep water all over the campus, making for hazardous walking conditions, and many of the athletes have limited mobility. That was actually the scariest part of the night for me, as I stood in deep, fast-moving water, ready to spring into action if someone needed me. As far as I know, all the athletes arrived at the opening ceremonies safe and sound!
As someone with learning disabilities, yesterday was a valuable lesson to focus on the things I can do, rather than the things I can't.
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Halfway done!
Today was the last day of my second semester, and therefore, I'm officially halfway done with nursing school. I'm officially halfway excited and halfway exhausted. Because I'm so tired and have no creative capacity right now, I decided to do the simplest post format I could think of: I'll just answer the most common questions I get about school.
Are you enjoying it?
Not exactly. I can wholeheartedly say I find it challenging and fascinating, but it's too overwhelming and stressful to really "enjoy it."
What classes are you taking?
I just completed Medical-Surgical Nursing 1, Mental Health Nursing, Pharmacology 1, and Maternity Nursing. Next semester, which starts on Tuesday, I'll be taking Pediatric Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing 2, and Pharmacology 2.
How are clinicals going? How does that work?
Clinicals started about a month ago. I spent those first weeks at a nursing home doing the basics like bed baths, head-to-toe assessments, giving injections, tube feeding, etc. Every few weeks I'll travel to a new location, including other long-term care facilities, an OB hospital, a psychiatric ward, the jail, and a daycare. Clinicals are on Monday and Tuesday nights, and I have classes on Wednesday and Thursday nights. So far, I haven't done much more than what I did as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), but I'll have a chance to do a lot more in the coming months.
What are your plans after graduation?
As long as things go as planned, I'll graduate on December 21st. In order to be a licensed nurse, I need to take a board exam. I'll probably take 6 weeks or so to study before I attempt the test. At this point, I'm interested in either being a school nurse or working in a doctor's office, but who knows! I've only had experience working with geriatric patients, so maybe something will peak my interest in the next 8 months. I will be an LPN when I graduate and pass boards, and if I want to work in something specific like OB or Surgery, I would need to go to school for another year and a half or so to earn my RN license. I think I'll want a short break before taking that on, but I wouldn't want to get too rusty before I keep going. If I have a job I love, then maybe I'll just stay there and not go for my RN. Goodness knows I've spent enough of my adult life in college! I'm not really planning that far ahead. I'm just trying to get through one day at a time right now!
Which class or subject has been your favorite?
I loved learning about postpartum nursing. I'm excited for my OB rotation this summer! There is a lot of teaching involved in this field of nursing, so it combines my love of medicine with my teaching heart.
Let me know any other questions you might have!
Are you enjoying it?
Not exactly. I can wholeheartedly say I find it challenging and fascinating, but it's too overwhelming and stressful to really "enjoy it."
What classes are you taking?
I just completed Medical-Surgical Nursing 1, Mental Health Nursing, Pharmacology 1, and Maternity Nursing. Next semester, which starts on Tuesday, I'll be taking Pediatric Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing 2, and Pharmacology 2.
How are clinicals going? How does that work?
Clinicals started about a month ago. I spent those first weeks at a nursing home doing the basics like bed baths, head-to-toe assessments, giving injections, tube feeding, etc. Every few weeks I'll travel to a new location, including other long-term care facilities, an OB hospital, a psychiatric ward, the jail, and a daycare. Clinicals are on Monday and Tuesday nights, and I have classes on Wednesday and Thursday nights. So far, I haven't done much more than what I did as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), but I'll have a chance to do a lot more in the coming months.
What are your plans after graduation?
As long as things go as planned, I'll graduate on December 21st. In order to be a licensed nurse, I need to take a board exam. I'll probably take 6 weeks or so to study before I attempt the test. At this point, I'm interested in either being a school nurse or working in a doctor's office, but who knows! I've only had experience working with geriatric patients, so maybe something will peak my interest in the next 8 months. I will be an LPN when I graduate and pass boards, and if I want to work in something specific like OB or Surgery, I would need to go to school for another year and a half or so to earn my RN license. I think I'll want a short break before taking that on, but I wouldn't want to get too rusty before I keep going. If I have a job I love, then maybe I'll just stay there and not go for my RN. Goodness knows I've spent enough of my adult life in college! I'm not really planning that far ahead. I'm just trying to get through one day at a time right now!
Which class or subject has been your favorite?
I loved learning about postpartum nursing. I'm excited for my OB rotation this summer! There is a lot of teaching involved in this field of nursing, so it combines my love of medicine with my teaching heart.
Let me know any other questions you might have!
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Procrastination and an attempt at humor
A girl can't study 24 hours a day, so I came up with this list of things nursing students never say:
White scrubs are such a perfect color for this job.
I’ve gone to the bathroom 6 times already during this shift.
I wish the nursing homes would turn up the heat. It's freezing in here! (For reals, one room was set on 90 degrees!!!)
I was so bored this weekend I binged Gilmore Girls for, like, the 5th time.
I ate an amazing steak from the cafeteria during my hour-long lunch break today.
I can’t wait to write care plans after I graduate.
I’m totally confident about passing my boards.
Those test questions were so clear and straight from the powerpoint slides, but I wish there had been more "select all that apply" questions.
I wrote that paper the night we got the syllabus.
I’ve lost so much weight this semester.
Inserting my first foley cath was such a peaceful experience.
My hands feel so moisturized after clinicals today.
I slept, like, at least 11 hours last night.
I’ve been on so many dates this year.
My feet, neck, and back feel amazing.
Scrubs are so flattering.
I’m not tired of wearing my hair in a bun.
I don’t miss wearing nail polish, jewelry, or shoes that aren't all-white leather.
I’m going to be five minutes late to clinicals.
I studied too much for this test.
I wish my professors would talk about the importance of washing my hands.
You want me to put this where??
White scrubs are such a perfect color for this job.
I’ve gone to the bathroom 6 times already during this shift.
I wish the nursing homes would turn up the heat. It's freezing in here! (For reals, one room was set on 90 degrees!!!)
I was so bored this weekend I binged Gilmore Girls for, like, the 5th time.
I ate an amazing steak from the cafeteria during my hour-long lunch break today.
I can’t wait to write care plans after I graduate.
I’m totally confident about passing my boards.
Those test questions were so clear and straight from the powerpoint slides, but I wish there had been more "select all that apply" questions.
I wrote that paper the night we got the syllabus.
I’ve lost so much weight this semester.
Inserting my first foley cath was such a peaceful experience.
My hands feel so moisturized after clinicals today.
I slept, like, at least 11 hours last night.
I’ve been on so many dates this year.
My feet, neck, and back feel amazing.
Scrubs are so flattering.
I’m not tired of wearing my hair in a bun.
I don’t miss wearing nail polish, jewelry, or shoes that aren't all-white leather.
I’m going to be five minutes late to clinicals.
I studied too much for this test.
I wish my professors would talk about the importance of washing my hands.
You want me to put this where??
Monday, January 29, 2018
2 miracles
I want to tell you about 2 miracles. The first is that I'm an inch farther away from the failure line. I'm not where I want to be, (let's face it, all A's), but at this point, I felt it was safe to buy books for the next semester. I have a test today, one tomorrow, and another on Thursday, so hopefully I'll still feel safe by Friday morning!
The second miracle is what I've been learning about fetal development. If it isn't proof of a creator and intentional design, I don't know what it. Have you ever thought about how babies breathe in the uterus? Did you know their heart is beating when they are 8-weeks old? They are less than an inch long, but their heart is circulating blood. Did you know that a baby's heart works, in some ways, the opposite in the womb, and then when we are born, 3 shunts fuse shut so we can breathe with our lungs and circulate blood differently? If any of you are actually interested in learning more, take a look at this video I've been watching on repeat, trying desperately to memorize for my test this afternoon.
Thanks for all your prayers, support, and encouragement. Only 11 months until graduation!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O-i6k0mGrU&index=22&list=PLvA06TlF72GPG1WVxD3s-_qrqo7m0z5h_
p.s. Did you know pregnant women can get scurvy? I thought only pirates got that! (it's basically bleeding gums and other yucky things in your mouth due to the excretion of hormones and extra saliva during pregnancy)
The second miracle is what I've been learning about fetal development. If it isn't proof of a creator and intentional design, I don't know what it. Have you ever thought about how babies breathe in the uterus? Did you know their heart is beating when they are 8-weeks old? They are less than an inch long, but their heart is circulating blood. Did you know that a baby's heart works, in some ways, the opposite in the womb, and then when we are born, 3 shunts fuse shut so we can breathe with our lungs and circulate blood differently? If any of you are actually interested in learning more, take a look at this video I've been watching on repeat, trying desperately to memorize for my test this afternoon.
Thanks for all your prayers, support, and encouragement. Only 11 months until graduation!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O-i6k0mGrU&index=22&list=PLvA06TlF72GPG1WVxD3s-_qrqo7m0z5h_
p.s. Did you know pregnant women can get scurvy? I thought only pirates got that! (it's basically bleeding gums and other yucky things in your mouth due to the excretion of hormones and extra saliva during pregnancy)
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
A Dark Hour
When I completed my first semester of nursing school, I was exhausted but in a pretty good place overall. I finished well academically and felt confident in my ability to succeed as long as I took care of myself and stayed on track.
Then I got the lowest grade I've gotten so far in the program on my first test of the semester. Then I did even worse on my second test last night. It's a 5-week intensive course, so there isn't much time to bring up my grade. I'm frazzled, to say the least. My school doesn't allow extra credit projects, and if you get below an 80% in any class, you're out of the program. I'm way too close to that line right now.
I have some chronic medical issues most people don't know about, and I don't want to get into right now, but it's enough to know they are having an impact on my overall anxiety level and general wellness right now. I'm trying to study at least 5-7 hours a day on top of 5-6 hours of class, but it's just not enough to learn everything. Some of you may know I have learning disabilities, so it takes me longer than the average joe to learn new material. My health issues have surfaced lately and have slowed me down. I know I need to rest so my chronic issues don't get worse, but studying less creates a great deal of anxiety because I have very little cushion in my grade right now. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. So, pray for wisdom and the courage to actually rest and take the time my body needs.
I know I need to be willing to walk through my fear of failure. I've always put way too much stock in my grades, and this has been a great opportunity to grow through being humbled! It's embarrassing to even admit I'm struggling, but I'm hoping this will be therapeutic. I want to be so content with who I am in Christ that I can fail out of nursing school and not waiver in that identity. Of course, I don't want to fail, and I certainly don't plan on it, but I need to be willing to celebrate God's will no matter what. He alone knows what's best for me.
Your prayers and encouraging notes mean a lot. Most of the time I love living alone, but sometimes it can get lonely, and even a simple comment on facebook means a lot! You get bonus friend points if you can make me laugh. I want to say a special "thank you" to my awesome family who has been incredibly supportive. Let's hope my next update is much more cheerful!
Then I got the lowest grade I've gotten so far in the program on my first test of the semester. Then I did even worse on my second test last night. It's a 5-week intensive course, so there isn't much time to bring up my grade. I'm frazzled, to say the least. My school doesn't allow extra credit projects, and if you get below an 80% in any class, you're out of the program. I'm way too close to that line right now.
I have some chronic medical issues most people don't know about, and I don't want to get into right now, but it's enough to know they are having an impact on my overall anxiety level and general wellness right now. I'm trying to study at least 5-7 hours a day on top of 5-6 hours of class, but it's just not enough to learn everything. Some of you may know I have learning disabilities, so it takes me longer than the average joe to learn new material. My health issues have surfaced lately and have slowed me down. I know I need to rest so my chronic issues don't get worse, but studying less creates a great deal of anxiety because I have very little cushion in my grade right now. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. So, pray for wisdom and the courage to actually rest and take the time my body needs.
I know I need to be willing to walk through my fear of failure. I've always put way too much stock in my grades, and this has been a great opportunity to grow through being humbled! It's embarrassing to even admit I'm struggling, but I'm hoping this will be therapeutic. I want to be so content with who I am in Christ that I can fail out of nursing school and not waiver in that identity. Of course, I don't want to fail, and I certainly don't plan on it, but I need to be willing to celebrate God's will no matter what. He alone knows what's best for me.
Your prayers and encouraging notes mean a lot. Most of the time I love living alone, but sometimes it can get lonely, and even a simple comment on facebook means a lot! You get bonus friend points if you can make me laugh. I want to say a special "thank you" to my awesome family who has been incredibly supportive. Let's hope my next update is much more cheerful!
Friday, December 1, 2017
2 weeks to the first finish line
I have 8 days of class and 6 tests to go before the Christmas break. I'm beginning to see the semester's finish line. I wish I could say the semester flew by, but honestly, it's been the longest 3 months of my life. It hasn't been all bad, of course, but it's been one of the hardest things I've ever done. And if you know me, that's saying something, considering my time as a houseparent at Mooseheart or living with my great-aunt Eileen! Although I'll have several projects to complete over Christmas break, I'm very much looking forward to a 3-week rest. I plan on playing with my nephews, petting my parent's cat, Peaches, celebrating the birth of Christ, watching movies, and only doing 2-3 hours of homework a day. A real treat, I assure you.
In less than 2 weeks, I'll be 1/4 of the way done with nursing school. I'm not sure if that feels exciting or depressing! We are still spending the vast majority of our time in the lecture hall. We occasionally go to the skills lab to practice, but we'll do more of that next semester. So far I've been "checked off" on several procedures, meaning I can do them on a real person as long as I'm supervised. According to the State of Tennesse, I am officially allowed to insert a foley catheter. Do I really think I can do it? Let's hope so, but to my first patient: my sincerest apologies.
We will start clinicals the end of February. We'll be in the trenches Mondays and Tuesdays, and spend the rest of the week in the lecture hall back at school. I'll spend 2-5 weeks at each location so I can gain experience in a variety of settings. Some of those settings include a prison, a mental hospital, a birthing center, a Veteran's hospital, and a nursing home. I'm often asked what kind of nurse I want to be. I have no idea. I'm hoping I'll figure that out during my clinical rotations.
Praises:
It's almost Christmas!!
I'm almost completely recovered from a bad case of bronchitis
I'm blown away by the generosity of friends during my immunization fundraiser. I still have plenty of items to sell if you're looking for a Christmas gift or two
Prayer request:
Motivation to finish the semester strong
Recall on my final exams
A relaxing Christmas break
In less than 2 weeks, I'll be 1/4 of the way done with nursing school. I'm not sure if that feels exciting or depressing! We are still spending the vast majority of our time in the lecture hall. We occasionally go to the skills lab to practice, but we'll do more of that next semester. So far I've been "checked off" on several procedures, meaning I can do them on a real person as long as I'm supervised. According to the State of Tennesse, I am officially allowed to insert a foley catheter. Do I really think I can do it? Let's hope so, but to my first patient: my sincerest apologies.
We will start clinicals the end of February. We'll be in the trenches Mondays and Tuesdays, and spend the rest of the week in the lecture hall back at school. I'll spend 2-5 weeks at each location so I can gain experience in a variety of settings. Some of those settings include a prison, a mental hospital, a birthing center, a Veteran's hospital, and a nursing home. I'm often asked what kind of nurse I want to be. I have no idea. I'm hoping I'll figure that out during my clinical rotations.
Praises:
It's almost Christmas!!
I'm almost completely recovered from a bad case of bronchitis
I'm blown away by the generosity of friends during my immunization fundraiser. I still have plenty of items to sell if you're looking for a Christmas gift or two
Prayer request:
Motivation to finish the semester strong
Recall on my final exams
A relaxing Christmas break
Sunday, October 29, 2017
An honest look at how I'm doing
The most common question I get these days is, "How is school going." I'm glad to hear that question because it means you care. But, let's save us all some time and have me answer that question now. For the next 14 months, I'm always going to be overwhelmed, stressed, and tired. There, of course, will be great days mixed in there. I'll have moments of joy, days of feeling at peace, and restful nights of sleep. However, I feel like all those moments are built on a foundation of stressful exhaustion. Here is what my week looks like, and will look like, until I graduate:
Monday-Thursday: get up, do homework until 3 when I go to school, leave school at 8:30, study till 10:30, go to bed.
Friday: my day off! yay! Time to grocery shop, clean my apartment, see family, etc, and do 8 hours of homework.
Saturday-Sunday: every other weekend I'm off, and set a goal to do 8 hours of homework each day. On the weekends I work, I try to do 3-4 hours of homework before I go in at 1:30 and get off at 10:30.
Honestly, the thing that stresses me out the most is working. If I have a test on a Monday, I spend much of my time at work stressing over not studying for it. My job at the nursing home is physically, mentally and emotionally draining. Many of you could say the same thing about your job, I'm sure! I also have the added luxury of only being responsible for me. Unlike many of my classmates, I don't have kids to take care of, and goodness knows, being a parent is the hardest job on the planet. Children are a blessing, but right now, I'm really glad it's just me! And yet, my job stresses me out. School takes, on average, 65 hours of my week, and it's tough to put 18 hours of work on the weekends on top of that.
Frankly, I want to quit my job. I want to find something in Fridays where I can sit at a desk and file papers and answer phones and not think too hard. Anyone know of a job like that? Seriously, I'm looking.
Now that my pity party is done, here are a few praises and prayer requests:
Praises:
I'm doing well academically!
I'm able to help my classmates learn how to study and manage their time effectively.
I get a lot of joy from spending a few minutes a week with my nephews
Fall weather has finally arrived!
Prayer requests:
That God will open doors for me to find a low-stress job on Fridays so I can quit my current one.
I will remain disciplined in my studies. I'm so tired of memorizing!
My classmates and teachers don't know Jesus. Pray I'm a light in a dark place.
Thank you for your support and prayers!!!
Monday-Thursday: get up, do homework until 3 when I go to school, leave school at 8:30, study till 10:30, go to bed.
Friday: my day off! yay! Time to grocery shop, clean my apartment, see family, etc, and do 8 hours of homework.
Saturday-Sunday: every other weekend I'm off, and set a goal to do 8 hours of homework each day. On the weekends I work, I try to do 3-4 hours of homework before I go in at 1:30 and get off at 10:30.
Honestly, the thing that stresses me out the most is working. If I have a test on a Monday, I spend much of my time at work stressing over not studying for it. My job at the nursing home is physically, mentally and emotionally draining. Many of you could say the same thing about your job, I'm sure! I also have the added luxury of only being responsible for me. Unlike many of my classmates, I don't have kids to take care of, and goodness knows, being a parent is the hardest job on the planet. Children are a blessing, but right now, I'm really glad it's just me! And yet, my job stresses me out. School takes, on average, 65 hours of my week, and it's tough to put 18 hours of work on the weekends on top of that.
Frankly, I want to quit my job. I want to find something in Fridays where I can sit at a desk and file papers and answer phones and not think too hard. Anyone know of a job like that? Seriously, I'm looking.
Now that my pity party is done, here are a few praises and prayer requests:
Praises:
I'm doing well academically!
I'm able to help my classmates learn how to study and manage their time effectively.
I get a lot of joy from spending a few minutes a week with my nephews
Fall weather has finally arrived!
Prayer requests:
That God will open doors for me to find a low-stress job on Fridays so I can quit my current one.
I will remain disciplined in my studies. I'm so tired of memorizing!
My classmates and teachers don't know Jesus. Pray I'm a light in a dark place.
Thank you for your support and prayers!!!
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