Month Seven Finale!

Well, month number seven is finally over! Thank goodness! I am so glad to be in my Christmas break! Yesterday was incredibly maddening. I can't believe that a whole room full of supposed adults can bicker and fight like third graders. In fact, it was so bad that the instructor stopped the review for the final (we were playing Family Feud) and left the room! Lordy, lordy! I am stunned! and sooooo angry! Then to top it off, I did horrible, the worst I have ever done on my final! I still have an A in the class, but I am really, really irritated.

I almost want to sit out a month and go back with my original class. I hope that the next eight months will be tolerable. To top it off, the holdiays and here and my financial situation is not good. I can't handle any more stress, I feel a breakdown coming on soon. I am going away for spring break and I am ready for the trip. Thanks to the generosity of a family member.

I don't even want to go into the problems with the in law situation. I am tired of doing the right thing and having to take it up the whazoooo! Maybe, I need to be bad. Nasty, even mean! Did I mention before I went on the anti depressants, I loved being mean? Well, believe it or not, I did.

Enough! It's all about the attitude! Right? I can do it, I will do it!!!!! Tawanda!!!!!!!!!!!

Week Three Month Seven

Today, we finished up our last official clinical day of Fundies III. I really did enjoy fundies this year. I am becoming so much more confident with my skills. I barely shake and shiver while being watched. Today, I was given leadership responsibilities and was rewarded quite nicely by my instructor. (with kind words on my eval)

Tomorrow is my last quiz for the month and then on Monday my last exam. I can't believe this month has flown by so quickly. I think I just need to sit down and take a few deep breaths and try to remember all that has been crammed into my brain these past seven months. Soooo much information. Maybe it is overload, I don't know. Tuesday is our final exam. Then it is Christmas break. Wooooo Hoooooo!

Next month I am moving on to 12 hour clinicals and two class days per week. I will have to really use my two days for study, research and everything else that has to be done. You know like, laundry, cooking, cleaning. . . Jeez! I don't know how the younger ones with children, a job and spouse or significant other keeps this pace. Maybe it helps that they are younger! I don't think I am doing too bad keeping up with the young ones academically though!! I am carrying an A right now. I hope I can keep it!

Until next time, keep the books open and the information in!

Why am I so Pissed off?

I have asked myself this question many times. If you read my blog you know this. I shouldn't care when people don't show up for class, come in late, leave early, what ever! I guess it makes me feel like school is not a priority. Well, it is for me. I have to have this education to make adifference in the lives of those who I will come in contact with, but mostly for me. I want to do more than lend a listening ear. I want to make a difference! I think it pisses me off too, because I am paying for their education in a round about way and can't afford to make my payments! This year should be different though. I should be able to receive some Pel grants. I feel like I am in a pressure cooker all the time. I know I am not the only student that feels that way, but. . . .In fact one of my classmates has tons more to worry about than I do. Prayers go out to ya, babe!!

I love the holidays and I am looking forward to Christmas break. I plan to spend alot of time with the grandbabies. They are my life. I want them to be proud of their old grandma for going back to school to make a difference. I love nursing. I even have suprised myself, I can do the nursing home thing. It is hard, but when I see the difference I can make in a resident's life, it makes me feel all kinds of good. I made stupid mistakes on my exam today, that just shows you what having a crappy attitude can do. I did good, but not my usual standard. I guess it is time to pick my self up by the boot straps and shake it off. No more Drama!!!

That's my new thing, NMD!!! No More Drama!!!!!!

Ho Hum!

School is going well. I love school. However, I get so irritated at those who don't seem to take it very seriously. I ask myself, why does this bother me? I guess it is because, I am paying for their education and can't afford to pay for mine. My tax dollars at work!

I made some stupid mistakes on my exam today. I still did well, but that is beside the point. I just was in an "I don't want to mess with anything mood" today and it showed on my exam. I am sooooooo pissed off and I am not sure exactly why or if it really has anything to do with school. Maybe it is because it is the holidays, which I love, love love! I know it is not about the gifts, but the giving, but I like to be the giver, not the givee!

I just have to be so incredibily thankful for still being able to be in class. The next three months are going to be the same: 12 hour clinicals on Monday's, then class on Wednesday's and Friday's. It is good to know the schedule and where I will be for clinicals at least in January. I am a little apprehensive about going to a new place. Plus, I will have to drive about 45 mins each way and winter in Indiana can pretty awful! That pretty much makes a 13-14 hour day. Whew!!! I guess that is just what is going to be like "In the Real World"! Classmates, you know what I mean!!!! lol

Busy week, lots to learn, lots to do, lots to study! It is trach week!!!! WoooooHoooooooo!!!!!!!

OWTH!!!!!!!!!!!

I got it!!!!!!!!!! I sat down to study for my quiz tomorrow and it has math on it. Ugh!!! I knew that this would be my downfall quiz. I was devestated. I braved the Dosage Calculation Text and gave it a whirl! I did it!!! Out of 20 problems that I tried, I got 19 right! I am afraid to try more for fear the knowledge I though I gained was just a fluke! Tremble, tremble.

Clinicals were good today. I did my physical assesement and felt way more confident and I think, I actually did it in 10 minutes, okay, maybe 15 but wooooo hooooooo! I am getting really nervous about moving on to the final months of my education. Will I be able to to do it? Can I handle a 12 hour clinical? These are questions that I am comtemplating. It's the holidays and I have not put up one Christmas Decoration, let alone the tree. I just can't think about anything else, except school, a 4.0 and not letting anyone down. I really can't stand to let anyone down. I actually was in tears yesterday thinking I had let Ms Tish down, by being late from lunch. I hate being late anyway and we had so much fun. A release I think we all needed. Any how and Any who, I did math!!! I didn't let it intimidate me. I hope I can keep this sense of I got it!!!!!!!

I just have to say it, I LOVE school!!!!!

What a Day!

My goodness! I have not laughed as hard as I laughed today in sooooo long! I really needed that lunch with fellow classmates, JJ, HC, AD, and S. Wow!!! When we got back, part of the lecture was how we need to take care of ourselves, relax, have fun! We were really ahead of that game, huh? There just may be a new career in my future. See one of the above classmates to see if they will tell you, because, it is my little secret! It might involve, oh, never mind!

We had skills check offs today! I am now qualified to not only, insert a nasogastric tube, feed you through it, medicate you through it, irrigate it, and take it out, but I can insert a Foley cathetor to releive, well you know what a Foley does! I will be the fully trained package in just a few short months! Dig me!

I was thinking though, why do I let little things bother me? Why should I care if someone does not come to class, or leaves early or what ever? It just does, maybe it is because I am an older student and I have more life experience than most of my classmates. We are supposed to be a cohesive (sp?) team (our class), but I just don't feel like I can trust several of my classmates. I don't see a whole lot of commitment. The majority, yes, I do and I have worked with most of them, but, will they really be there when I need them? This is just one of the questions I ask myself. It brings me to the old saying, "Actions speak louder than words, or Your actions speak volumes!"!!! I want to be known as the kind of person that people KNOW they can depend on, trust and that I am a person of my word.

While I am on the subject, please don't speak for me, if I have not given you permission to. It has come to my attention, that someone spoke for me regarding something, that I don't believe to be true. Therefore, this person spoke about my feelings falsely. I have been quite happy with my education and have not really had any serious problems that I have not addressed when necessary. I am a big girl, and I will handle my own problems and voice my own opinions! Thank you any way! Evidently, this is what the whole hoopla was about on Monday. And, by the way, I don't have any more time to waste on Drama. Please don't waste my time with it especially when I am in class!!! Thanks!

Still loving every minute of school! Clinicals tomorrow!!!! yea!!!!!!!!!!!! And, girls, thanks for the memories!!!!!

OWTH!!!!!!!!!!

Just for those of you that don't know, OWTH, means, OH, WHAT THE HECK!!! Today was a very strange day. No, not because it is Monday, duh! I was sitting in class, minding my own business when in walks someone, Tells me to tell the person behind me that Karma comes around. I was dumbfounded. OWTH! I said, "excuse me" they repeated it. I was floored. I had no idea what that was all about. The person behind me, of course was immediately pissed off. What a way to start a day!

We had our first exam today! I missed one. Dag nab it. I should have went with my gut. Why don't I ever listen to my gut? Well, I do, when it's glurbling! Any way, I enjoyed lecture today. We are discussing culture and religion. Subjects you probably really should not discuss, however, Ms Tish handled it well and I got on my soap box only a couple of times. I know, I was surprised too!

Can't wait to see what happens the rest of the week!

What a Refreshing Change!

Clinicals this month are like night and day! I had such an enjoyable knowledge filled day! I find myself anxious for next weeks clinical day!

Part of the great fun is driving to and home from clinicals with my classmate and friend, HC! She is so funny and I so enjoy spending time with her. She is smart and fun to be around! I haven't laughed so hard in so long! I was worried about needing to have the "Detrol Conversation" with my Dr!!!

Clinicals are at the same place this month as they have been the last two months. I like that! I can follow my patient's progress. I can actually see and understand how important labs are in following the patients progression on the meds. I really feel like it is beginning to put this together. I know I have a long road to go down yet, but I am excited to take the walk, or run, or following the yellow brick road to my final goal. I can feel the excitment starting to gurgle in my stomach, oh wait, that must be the vegetable soup I had for dinner! :0) I am excited to continue down the pathway to my goal.

Soooo much to learn, do study for. My eyes are giving out and I still have three more drugs to list on my care plan and study for the quiz tomorrow. I don't think I am going to make it. I have put three hours on the care plan already. I guess I will just hit the sack early and get up a couple hours earlier and get done what has to be done!!! What ever it takes, what ever the cost, I CAN do this and I WILL!!!

Month Seven or Fundies III

Yea!!!!!!! Someone loves me! I am now in Fundies III and so far loving every minute! Today, was awesome! I got to put in a nasogastric tube! It was so cool, even if it was only on a dummy named Rue Paul! (that is a story I will have to tell you in person!) Believe me, it's funny!

Tomorrow is our first clinical day for Fundies III. I have met our instructor and she is a hoot! I can't wait to work with her and learn from her! I heard through the grapevine, she is a military nurse! I bet she has stories to tell!!! I'd love to hear 'em!

Our theory instructor is great! I really like her! So far on my first quiz, I got a 100%. What a way to start the month. Woooooooo Hooooooo! We will have two quizes a week, Wednesday and Fridays, and then an exam on Monday! This is going to be another short month due to the Christmas Holiday. Then we have Christmas Break. I am looking forward to that, however, I really didn't know what to do with myself when I was off four days in a row! That's a shame, huh? Half of our class will go to Clinicals in Elkhart and the other in Plymouth. Those going to Plymouth will be with our Theory instructor.

I'm still here, still having a ball and loving every minute of every day!

Month Six, Finale!

Well, month six is over, officially. There may not be a month 7-15 for me now. My financial aid is used up and I don't have $1,000 to get into school for the month of December, and so on. I am very distressed about this.

On a happier note, I finished the class with 1000 points or 100%!!! I am so proud of myself. This was a very challenging month and I did it! I was so looking forward to Fundies III. I hope that I will be able to continue my education and receive my PN degree/diploma.

I met the Fundies III instructor for clinicals. I like her. I think she is no nonsense and will really be an awesome teacher. I would have been going back the nursing home where I had fundies I & II. At least I could have kept up with my old residents.

Please pray that I will be able to get this mess straightened out and be able to continue school. Last night the hot water heater went out. What next?

Thanksgiving was wonderful. I spent the day with my family and my youngest daughter and her husband put on a pretty nice spread! I enjoyed my grandchildren and even had fun with the Redi Whip and a few little fingers. Let's just say, Bridget, Emma, and Kyle really like Redi Whip!!! I think at first their mom wasn't really happy with me, but I had fun!!!

Tag, I'm it?

Okay, I am new to this and it is really going to mess up my school only blogging, but oh well. It seems to be a fun thing to do.

The Rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you. Katie
2. Post the rules on your blog. (that is what you are reading now)
3. List six (6) random things about your self.
4. Tag six (6) people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a message on their blog.

Six Random Things About Me.

1. I went to college at age 51, to nursing school, no less
2. I love Giraffes.
3. I like younger men.
4. I love my grandchildren more than life itself.
5. I too, am a published author.
6. I am a great cook. (Ask my son in law, John)

I now tag, Erika, Angie, Annie, that's all the other bloggers I know. Sorry!

OMG!! I Can't Believe It!!!!

Just so you know, OMG + oh my goodness! I am so glad we had our "day in court" today. I just hope that it makes a difference for the next class! I feel better to have voiced my opinion, so much for keeping a low profile and flying under the radar! I hate feeling like a snitch, but sometimes you just have to do what you just have to do! Anyway, it's over and I'm glad, however, I will have another new Fundies Clinical Instructor next month!

Next weeks schedule goes like this: Monday, Exam over FNS chapters 27 & 31, Pharmacology chapters from third week, it's like 6. All about drugs, drugs, drugs. No, it isn't a fun thing to have to remember. I expect, however, if I had been a bit more diligent about completing my drug cards, they could have been a big help. (Duh, you think?) I am just tooooo tired. This seems to be the same affliction that a number of my classmates are going through as well! Enough crying on your shoulder!

On a happy note, I received a 100% on my Quiz today! I learned some math, thanks to my classmates, Shelly and Amy. Had a run in with another classmate. You know, don't rush the instructor when class goes until 4 pm and you have to leave early for, oh let's see, what's the excuse this time? I have just got to let this crap roll off my back. I pretty much just concentrate on the issues at hand and that is to pass all my classes and be on my way to a great career as a nurse.

I have learned that if you show your patients that you really do care, and I do, that things seem to go much smoother for you and your patients feel on top of the world. I try to make my patient feel like she is the only resident in the nursing home and that really doesn't take much effort. What satisfaction I feel, when I give her a back rub, foot massage, hand massage or just listen to what she has to say and I can tell that I have made her feel special and important. I try not to think of her as a patient but as a resident. Even though she is in a nursing home, that is her home!!! Many tell me I will be a good nurse and you know what? I am starting to believe it too!!!

What a Day!!!

So, guess what happens when you have a latex allergy and you touch a band aid and then your face? Yep, you guessed it! I puffed up like a blow fish and broke out in monster hives. Ms Nancy and Ms Leomi kept asking me if I was having trouble breathing (I was a smidge), but I just told them no. One of the other students in the other class was sent out for Benedryl for me and they had me take two, and man, I was out!!! I could barely keep my eyes open and I did fall asleep during our lunch break. I think that my latex sensitivity is getting worse. I am going to have to be extremely careful. I wonder, if there is a profolactic treatment for it?

This was a rough day. We had lecture and presentations. The hardest thing was that the Director of the PN program was supposed to come in to talk to us and we waited for over an hour and a half and she was a no show. However, she was in talking with our clinical instructor, so I don't know what came of that. I am really nervous about going to clinicals tomorrow.

I will fly under the radar as much as possible, keep my head down, complete my tasks, do my physical assesment and call it good. My care plan is done for tomorrow and I am so glad. This has not been an enjoyable clinical month. Rumor has it next month we have Ms Tish. I am really looking forward to her. I have heard she is really a great instructor and she will be our clinical instructor as well. I think we may be a few students short next month. There a couple who are pretty iffy about passing this month. Not me, I am still a 100% student! Go Me!

I have made some great friends in this class. I am so glad. We seem to really click and that so helps make the days go by fast and fun.

Week Three Month Six

Well, well, well. I did my drug presentation today and was glad to have it over. I didn't do a great job, but it was ok. I presented Ultram XR. An all day pain relief med. I do enjoy doing presentations and talking in front of a crowd. I guess, I am a show off!

The test on Monday went well. I got a 96 which is okay. I am feeling a bit off my game this week. I keep thinking that one day down and only two until clinicals again. I am just not looking forward to that. I will make the best of it and try to stay under the radar. What she has done to some of my classmates is not cool. I guess, (they keep saying) that we are supposed to talk to the Director of the PN program, but so far that hasn't happened. I don't like to say bad things about my school, but there are alot of areas they would really improve.

I like Pharmacology. It is really interesting to see how the different drugs do, their benefits, their side effects (which can be pretty scarey!). I guess, we really just have to weigh the benefits vs the effects when taking any drug. So far, I have been pretty lucky and not had too many of the side effects. Anyway. . . . .

Tomorrow we will do wound care! Yea!!!!!!!!!!! Today's lecture was about the Operative Patient. Intresting things, I can't wait to be hands on with all this stuff and not just in the nursing home. I wish we were in a more acute situation. Not that long term is bad, but I would love to see a bit faster pace. I am looking forward to seeing my patient this week. I will do my assesment and I must find a fingernail brush for her. . . .I almost forgot!

Till next time!

Back to School As Usual, Until Next Thursday, That Is!

As a friend reminded me, "this to shall pass". I really tried hard not to get so upset about the whole clinical fiasco. In fact, I was feeling pretty proud of myself for not getting all worked up, binge eating and having my brain blow right out of the top of my head from my blood pressure being stroke level! Then, I went to school yesterday. Of course things had to be rehashed and talked about and you guessed it! I lost it. Only, not like a usual out of control thing, I kept in cool, left the room gathered my thoughts, and came back. I am proud of that!

We will see what happens on Monday when our class meets with the Director of the PN program. No matter what, I still have one more clinical class and I intend to make the best of it. I will do my physical assessment and blood sugars, vitals and all that and just hope for the best. I can do it, I know! I just wish I felt more confident about BPs though.

Since I seem to have the intestinal flu today, I am going to take it easy, study for my test on Monday and finish my presentation for Tuesday and work on drug cards, . . . again. Those things are beginning to be a pain in my kiester! If I wasn't so competitive, I would not do them. Oh, what am I saying, of course I would. I always have to do what is right, what is expected and then try to go above and beyond. Yes, Virginia, I am an over achiever. What can I say?

It's Official! I hate Fundies II Clinicals!

Okay. I have a few questions that I feel are worthy of answers. 1. Why as an instructor would you walk away from a student who just asked you a question? 2. When a student asks for help, why would you cop an attitude and make them feel 6 inches tall? 3. Why, as an instructor, would you want to snap your fingers, rush, demean your student who is performing a task for only the second time and make them feel like their whole day was for naught? 4. Why would I want to ask you questions and learn from you, when clearly, all you can think about is the precious time table you have set for yourself and all of us? 5. Just who do I have to talk to to make my very, very, very upset self most clear that THIS IS NOT A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT that has been going on, on Fundies II clinical day?

Yes, we are all adults, yes we are students and should come prepared, but when you have not worked with Lab results, medications or physical assessments and you have questions, why would you be so incredibly rude &/or unwilling to take a minute to LISTEN and help me learn to be the best nurse that I can be? Isn't that your job?

If I were a quitting person, today would most definately be my LAST day of nursing school, however, I refuse to let someone, get in the way of my goal and my goal is to be a Nurse. I have studied hard, prepared for all my classes for what? To be given an unsuccessful? To be graded as a Fail?No way, Jay!!! I have and am doing my part, it is YOUR part that is lacking!!! If I do not pass this clinical month, I will be one of many very UNHAPPY nursing students!

On a happier note! I really enjoyed my patient. I really made a difference in her life today. That is what nursing is all about. I made her feel like the most important resident at that nursing home today, and you know what? She was! She was my most important resident. All in all, I would say, I had a very successful day, wouldn't you?

One more day to go! I will continue to pray for guidance, understanding and the ability to KEEP my somewhat hot temper and my BIG mouth quiet!!! My momma always said, "If you can't something nice about someone, say NOTHING at all"!!!

A toast to tomorrows quiz and fun lab day!!! Ahhhhhhh, something to look forward to!

Week Two Month Six

Month Six? Wow! Where have the past five months gone? Any how, I am still loving every minute of school. I was very naughty and didn't crack a book all weekend. I am getting myself behind the eight ball leaving things to the last minute. I had to give myself a good talking to to get back in the game.

Today was my first exam and I was pleasantly surprised with a 100%. Lucky for me! I all most feel like I didn't deserve it because I didin't study like I should have. So. . . I am cracking the books again and set up a schedule to complete everything on time. I completely forgot about my very unusual clinical day last week. This is a new instructor and I guess we all have things to learn. I didn't even look at my care plan. Shame, Shame on me.

I am loving my instructor this month as well. Ms Nancy is awesome. She is very down to earth and I think we are some what alike. I wonder if that is a good thing? She just makes me feel like I can do anything I put my mind to without really saying anything. I like that she lets us work in groups so we can feel the team work and put our heads together and learn from each other!

Looking forward to wound care this week in the lab! Oh, I must not forget my medical math and dosage calculations! My favorite, NOT! I do like how this program is going. I see the logic in the way to do classes, the plan is working. What is it my husband always says? Plan the work and Work the Plan! Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gotta Get This Off My Chest

Okay. I just have to blog about this. I am very frustrated by a few things about school and if I don't spill it, it is going to start to erode my attitude.

First of all, this is a very expensive education I am getting. Since I am paying about $295 per credit hour, I want every bit of class time, every bit of my instructors time and talent. What I don't want is back biting, people leaving their cell phones on, even if they have their phone on vibrate, they jump up, leave the class room and disrupt class. I hate that people stroll in to class 1, 2, 3 hours late and there are no consequences, people who do not have the commitment to come to class each and every time class is being held. It irritates me that these students, feel the need to be know it alls, and pretend that they have all the answers, when clearly they don't. They are not fooling anyone and baby, I know it will all come out in the wash in the end, but. . . I still find this incredibly rude and irritating. Don't sit by me to see my answers, don't ask me what I got for whatever question you don't know. You know what? I studied and I am earning my degree, NOT YOURS!!!!! And please, when the instructor is talking, they are talking for a reason, so SHUT UP!!!!!

We are all adults in these classes and I know we are making our own choices, but, you know what, when your choice starts to interfer with my choice, I have a MAJOR PROBLEM! I respect you, please do the same for me. I work hard for the grades that I get. I study, study, study. I study constantly. So, unless we are working in a group or doing a pop quiz where we are allowed to collaberate, don't ask me the answers that I have. They are mine, not yours.

"I guess that is all I have to say about that!!!!!" Forrest Gump

OOPS!

Forgot to post a blog with the link! Please check out this site! She does awesome clothes for the kiddies. My oldest daughter loves this site! Thanks!

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!

Month Five/Fundementals I

Well, it's over! Month five, fundies I. I loved it! I finished the month being number two. Number one beat me by .2 of a point. My final received an A and I received an A for the class, giving me a 4.0 for the month and an accumulated 3.8 GPA. I believe I am on my way to the Dean's List once again for this quarter! My final care plan received an excellant, that's a good thing! I will miss being with Ms Leomi.

Yesterday, I started Fundies II. I really like Ms Nancy as well. I have been very fortunate with my instructors. There have only been a couple that I wasn't really fond of. This is going to be a tough class. I will have to work at it every moment I can in order to keep up! There is sooo much to do! This schedule is a killer too.

I am enjoying my new friends in this class as well. I have three that I really like and relate to. This will be a good month, but one full of lots of study and homework! I am looking forward to moving ahead!

One Fundamentals Class Down, Two to Go!

Today was my last clinical day for this month of Fundies I. I am glad it is over. My goodness, this month flew by! Nothing spectacular or really funny happened to me today. Sorry, we'll have to wait and see what happens next week.

I finished the class with a 4.0!!! Go me!!!! I am so glad. I worked hard for that A. I really did enjoy my first clinical experience. There is soooooo much to learn. Each month, I think I feel a bit more confident that I can do this. So many people are pulling for me. I really appreciate all the support that friends and family are giving me. Each month, I am in awe of how much our Instructors care about their pupils. I am really glad that I decided to attend Brown Mackie!

Next month is Fundamentals II. Pharmacology and Intravenous Infusion Therapy. I can't wait for this class to start! I do feel smarter and. . . . . . . I am doing Blood Pressures like a pro now. I don't know why I went so crazy before. I guess my son in law is right, I love drama! (not)

Tonight, I am taking the night off! I am going to a Bon Fire with my grandbabies. It's Apple Cider and Doughnuts!!!! Mmmmmmmm!!!! I love Halloween!!!!

Ten months to go!!!!

Can You Hear It? No, I Don't!

Okay! I can't believe I am two days away from finishing Fundamentals I, and I have to pass BP and I can't hear it! I must be going deaf! Everyone else has passed, even the one in the class who has never taken BP before and I CAN'T hear the darn boom, boom, boom!!!!

When I took my last one with Ms Leomi, I was dead on the diastolic, and two off on the systolic. I wish she would have passed me off, but she wants me to do a few BPs and then pass off the skill again. I CAN do this, I WILL do this!!!!!

Tomorrow, is the final exam. Theory has been pretty easy for me this month. I checked the schedule for next month and all those that started the PN program with me, who couldn't start fundies this past month are starting Nov 3rd. I miss those friends. My study group. This class has great people in it and I have made friends and that's great, I am still on target to graduate next August. Only 10 more months to go.

Pray for me!!!! I want to sign off with someone with a LOUD boom, boom, boom!!!

Last Week of Classes for October

I can't believe how fast the month goes when you are taking one class per month! Today, was my last "test" for the month and I got a 97%. I'll take it! We have only a total of three chapters to go through this week and lots of skills to be signed off on. Wednesday, we have our last quiz and then on Thursday, our final. I am finding that I have alot less test anxiety because of the way I study now. I hope my next instructor will lecture the way Ms. Leomi did. I just highlighted what she stressed in lecture, went through the chapter and out lined the info and bam! Great grades on quizes and tests. I also did my class presentation today. Call me crazy, but I like to give presentations and talks at Church!

I am feeling incredibly tired today. I think my brain is starting to scream for a break! We were let out of school early today and I stayed over an hour and outlined one of the chapters we went over today. It is quiet at school and I seem to be able to get so much more completed. I also got the paperwork for my CNA certification today. That is going to cost me about $60, but then I will be able to get a job as a CNA. I have decided that I will just continue with school, working part time and go for my BSN. Three of my instructors have told me they think I would be a great teacher. I think I would enjoy teaching as well. We will see. My dream has been to be a Mid Wife. Lots more schooling!!!!

That's it for now. I am going to crash!!!!

Clinical Experience #2

Today, was a crazy day! I was so looking forward to working with the same client I had last week, alas, it was not to be. I guess I just am going to have to learn how to be flexible! I am more accepting of change and I am really trying to stay positive. My family knows, that I can be pretty negative. Going to school to be a nurse, has changed me in many ways. Firstly, I think I am learning to be more tolerable of the elderly. Yes, Mom, I am learning. Secondly, there really is a circle of life. These people at the facility I am doing my clinicals at really are in different parts of the circle. More toward the completion of the circle. I spoke with my new client today extensively today and found that I could learn much from her by just listening. Most of these people just want someone to listen and care. Fortunately, my client's family visits every week. Many families don't visit. How sad.

Anyway, I was alot more hands on today. I made beds, with perfect hospital cornors, I might add! I took temps, respirations, pulses, worked on care plans, took people potty, wiped bums, and made a difference in several people's lives today. Needless, to say, I was busy, busy, busy. Ms. Leomi, said that I wasn't so fast zipping around today! I made an effort to be much more aware of what was going on around me. My client had to go into the hospital today. My heart broke for her. She was so upset. I am hoping that she will be back to her home next Friday when I go back to the facility for my last clinical day for this month. I can't believe we are going into week four of this month. Time flies when you are in this excelerated program. Five months down (well, almost) and only ten more to go!!!

Like McDonalds, I'm Lovin It!!!!

Connection!

Today, I was reunited with my best friend all through elementary, jr high and high school. It was so wonderful to see her again. I have not seen her in about 23 years. I have so many wonderful memories of the crazy, fun and totally off the wall things we did. I am hoping to keep in touch now that we have reconnected. Our lives are so different now, we don't have a whole lot in common any more, except our memories. I didn't realize how much I missed her until I saw her today. What a terrific gift from my Heavenly Father! Thank You!

Third Week of Fifth Month

I can't believe how fast the month flies by when you have one class per month. This has been a busy learning month for me. I did enjoy my first day of clinicals despite all the craziness that happened.

This week's test was a hard one. I really didn't do as well as I would have liked. When will I learn, 1) don't change my first answer, 2) read the question twice before answering, and 3) don't read too much into the question?! This is going to be a busy week for me. I have to make up several of the sections of the care plan from last week, since I couldn't get my client's chart last week. The part of the care plan I was able to complete, I got a good mark on! Yippieee! I love paper work!

I have a quiz tomorrow and one on Thursday. We will be working in the lab both days as well. Then, Friday, and clinicals again! I am sure there will be something funny to share!

Ms Leomi

I love Ms Leomi! She is an awesome teacher and you can tell she really enjoys teaching. I am sure she will be a great mentor for me. She gets really excited when she can see that "learning has taken place". It makes me want to get it, just to see her so pleased!

She has a couple of sayings that I love! They make me laugh and when she uses them, you know it is knowledge that you have to write down, remember and make a part of your life!

The first one: "I'm not trying to scare you, I'm just scaring you straight"! She uses this one when there is a really important safety, paperwork, or issue that you better remember!

The next one is: "Now, let's make sense, out of nonsense"! This one is for helping us figure out myth from truth, fact from fiction and just plain ridiculous from a good thing to know and understand."

I cracked her up on my first day of clinicals. She calls me Kimmie and I love it. I haven't been called that for many, many years. I can't wait to get to class with her. I am so blessed to have her as my instructor.

Catching Up & Such

Ok. I am taking my daughter's advice and starting a blog to journal my "college" experience. I must say that going back to school (for the first time at college) at 51 was a tad overwhelming! I have to say, though, that it is probably one of the best decisions I have made. I am loving every minute of it!

I am attending a school which has an accelerated PN program. They weren't kidding! One week is like being in school one month and one month is one quarter. Whew!!!!!! I have been doing really well and am excited to move forward each month. So far, I have taken the following classes since I started: June '08. . .Intro to Nursing, July '08. . .Anatomy & Physiology I, August '08. . .Anatomy & Physiology II, September '08. . .Intro to Micro Computers & Psychology, October '08. . .Nursing Fundamentals I. I have a 3.7 GPA (go Me!). Friday, Oct 17th, was my first day in clinicals. Okay! I was stoked for this!

I was assigned to a nursing home in Elkhart, called Golden Living. It is a really nice extended care facitilty. The night before, I hemmed my scrub pants, pressed my scrub top, attached my name tag, cleaned my white shoes and put in new shoelaces. I was ready. Could I sleep? Nope. So, finally I got up, got dressed and headed to Elkhart. Nervous! but excited. I was assigned my client and I gathered my courage and went in and met him. A very nice man. A very nice man who, lets, just say, can't use the restroom. So. . . after trying to make sense of his chart and changing his incontenence device, I was just sure I made the wrong decision to be a nurse! I was able to give my client a bed bath, learned how to change sheets with someone still in the bed, make a "foot pleat". . . all very exciting skills to have passed off. After lunch, it was necessary to again assist my client with his toileting needs and this time, there was a "little" surprise in there! I totally lost my lunch! Yep, I made a HUGE mistake choosing nursing as my new career!

Then we all were in the education room and learning about care plans, etc. I was having a bit of a problem putting this all together, when, my light bulb of learning clicked on!!! I was born to be a nurse! I am sure I will be riding a roller coaster of emotions, but I am in it for the long haul! I love doing care plans. It is exciting looking up the diagnoses, making the plan and then evaluating and monitoring how my plan is going and if it worked! I have to say, I love using my brain!

I love my Fundies I instructor. I have Ms. Leomi for theory and clinicals. I had her laughing at me. She promised when I graduate, she will remind me of my very first clinical day! I am sure I will never forget it! =0 )