The Big Bang Theory

My new favourite TV show - and my favourite clip so far from the show:



Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock

Clinical Rotation - Obstetrics

Well, once again I am late posting my adventures in clinical. This last round of clinical was in obstetrics and it was very interesting. I know it is not for me, but is was an amazing experience! We spent 4 weeks in obstetrics, and we got to spend 2 of those days in labour and delivery. My first day in labour and delivery was amazing. I got to witness and assist with TWO vaginal deliveries! It was literally breathtaking! I've now sat here for almost 10 minutes trying to figure out how to describe it, and I still can't....so I will just leave it at that. It was such an amazing experience, and something I will never forget. (The second day in labour and delivery there were NO births that day!)

The rest of our clinical was spent caring for mother and baby post delivery. I got to give a baby an IM injection, removed a couple IV's, and did numerous newborn assessments. I also did assessments on the moms post-delivery. I was fortunate to get all fabulous moms that were so patient with me as a student. Thankfully this clinical was a lot more laid back where we weren't so rushed, so we got to take our time in learning our skills.

Overall, it was another great clinical rotation. So far this year, clinical has been a positive experience :) I have one more clinical rotation this winter - a 6 week medical rotation again, but I am still waiting to hear when and where...

Practicum Exam Time

I HATE practicum exams....no wait, maybe I hate my overly-emotional personality and hate that I do not know how to properly deal with stress...that is probably more accurate...

This year in nursing school we have had a LOT of information thrown at us - to the point that everyone is majorly overwhelmed. In addition to all the information thrown at us, we had labs 2 times a week to learn new skills. This is probably the BEST part of nursing school - practicing skills on each other, on fake equipment and on mannequins. We also had to buy ($80 worth!) of equipment to bring to lab so we can practice in lab and then take the equipment home and practice on our own. This included a catheter kit, dressing kit, IV supplies, etc.).

Now we are drawing close to the end of the first semester (Wednesday is our last day of school before written exams begin!). During the last 3 weeks of school, every week we had a different practicum exam. Last week was neurological and we did a neurological exam on our partner. It was super easy, and I could do it in my sleep! But of course, when under stress of the fact that you are being tested on it, it doesn't seem quite so easy. I managed to get through it disaster free, and in fact got 100% on it - wahoo!

This week, our practicum exam was on IV's, IM injections, catheters, and dressing changes. My mom was up visiting for a few days, so on the weekend I practiced with her. I practiced until I wore out the equipment and until I had no voice left from talking so much describing what I was doing. I had IV equipment hanging all around my living room, catheter equipment set up in the kitchen, and balled up socks made into fake gaping wounds full of packing. My poor dog didn't know what was going on! I knew my stuff! Then exam time came. I was REALLY hoping for a cathether or an IM injection...... well, I got IV's :( I was so nervous my mind went blank - I couldn't even figure out the basic math to do my drug calculation. I just started writing down numbers and moved on to the next step - gathering up the required equipment. When it came time to doing the actual task, everything that could possibly go wrong, WENT wrong :( I kept dropping things... twice the instructor pointed out wrong equipment I had grabbed (wrong sized needle, wrong IV tubing) and she had to go and get the right things for me while I kept on going. That just made me more and more nervous and stressed out, and by the time she went to fetch the new tubing I just felt so incompetent and started to cry.... yep.... cuz that's the appropriate response in such a situation! I hate being such an emotional person :( I was just so frustrated that I knew what I was doing going in, but yet when it came time to demonstrate it, I couldn't prove it cuz I allowed my stress to take over :( I did manage to stumble my way through and finish up, but I was so embarassed. If nothing else, maybe the instructor took pity on me.

I have one more practicum exam to do next week (cardiac, respiratory and abdominal assessments) and I am stressing already. This time I have TWO reasons to stress. First, we are practicing on each other, so when it is my partner's turn, I have to strip down in front of the instructor as the patient, and then second, once again going through the stress of having my assessment techniques scrutinized. At least I have 4 days off so am going to study and practice like crazy and hope I can handle myself better this time...........

Clinical Rotation

Time is sure flying by! My first clinical rotation has already come and gone and I start my next one this week. I had my clinical evaluation last week, and I got a glowing verbal and written evaluation. My instructor had so many positive things to say, she almost made me cry! To summarize, she mostly commented on my care and compassion, and how my patients are obviously well cared for and seem happy to have me helping them. So that made me feel good. I know I am headed in the right direction.

This past clinical I learned a few new skills – I have given my first sub-Q injection (low molecular weight heparin). The very first one didn’t go quite as smoothly as I was hoping cuz I was SOOOO nervous, but the patient and I survived! Administering the second one was a piece of cake (same injection, same patient, just on a different day). I have also given G-tube feedings and flushes (to my nursing readers, I know that it isn’t that complicated, but to me it was fascinating). We finally got to administer oral medications (once again, not that complicated – follow the orders, do your double checks, etc, but it was another step in the right direction). Plus we did the usual morning care and feedings. I can’t believe how nerve wracking it is to feed patients who are a high choking risk. I was a nervous wreck the whole time!

My highlight was assisting with a patient on a ventilator!!!! I was just so fascinated by the whole thing (I now know I never want to be on one, but it was fascinating nonetheless!) The technology behind it is amazing! That whole experience of assisting the patient on the ventilator made me now seriously consider looking into working in the ICU….

This week I start obstetrics – that shall be interesting! We have completed our 5 weeks of theory, and have practiced in the lab setting one week. There is a mannequin that gives birth that we got to practice on (technology is amazing!) Plus there were several practice stations for assessments that we got to practice – nothing compared to the real thing, I am sure! I am looking forward to this placement, although a little nervous about seeing my first placenta!! Not looking forward to that…… At least my back should have a bit of a break, as I will be going from 100-300 lb patients, to patients that are only a few lbs :)

All in all, I am LOVING school so far this year :)

"........oh where, oh where can she be?"

Now that school has begun again, unfortunately blogging has dropped down to a low priority in my life :-( Not only have I not been able to write in my own blog, I also haven't had the opportunity to peruse my favourite blogs as well :( Thank goodness for feedreaders that are stockpiling what I am missing out on.

A quick summary of the past few weeks:

I am no longer working nights - wahoooo! I am on a leave of absence from my government job until August 10th (unsure whether I will be returning, but as of now, I am scheduled to go back to work in late summer 2009.) Surprisingly, it didn't take me long to adjust to a daytime schedule again. Probably becuz I am so exhausted from my school schedule! Whatever the reason, my body is very thankful for the change!

School - well full-time school turned out to be a little more hectic than I expected! I still haven't figured out how other students manage to have a social life! I can barely plan in homework/studying - I am already 2 weeks behind on my readings (and we've only been in school for 2 weeks LOL)

Clinical - I am enjoying clinical so far - we are still limited in what we can do, but now we can administer medications, and we have a clinical instructor who encourages us to work ahead on skills, rather than only do the bare minimal we are allowed. My clinical instructor this year is fabulous! She is very laid back and easy going which makes the experience much less stressful :-)

This time I am in a complex care ward, and the things I have seen so far are pretty amazing - I will try and blog about it when I have more time. Last time I was in clinical we had one 4 hour shift a week. This year, we have two 8 hour shifts a week. BIG difference!! So many more opportunities to learn! I have 4 more weeks at the complex care site, and then I move on to obstetrics which I am really looking forward to. I have a friend who is expecting in November and I am one of her support people so I am anxious to have a few skills under my belt before helping her.

Time is ticking away as usual and I have procrastinated long enough, so I guess I better get back to studying :(

Advice from a dog....

I wish I had my dog's view of exercise. No matter how long it's been since the last "workout" (ie. wak), the enthusiasm that she displays always amazes me. She's ready to head out that door at full speed. Just hearing the word "walk" can stir her from a deep sleep. It is the highlight of her day!

Sure, once I'm in the routine of exercising, it's not as difficult to keep it up. But miss a couple days, and I literally have to DRAG my butt out the door and force myself. I envy my dog's attitude!

Family Guy clip - "Over"

Here is another one of my favourite family guy clips... let's see how long this one stays up!!

Scene from Family Guy Season 6 Episode 7.

Stewie and Brian talking over walkie talkies at a construction site.



Transcript for when they pull the video:

Stewie: Alright Brian, I'm gonna go up to the upper level and run this wire down through the wall. Grab your walkie, I'll call you when I get up there.
Brian: Okay.
(Stewie walks away, is heard over the walkie-talkie)
Stewie: Brian, pick up. Over.
Brian: What?
Stewie: Brian, please say "over" when you are finished talking. Over.
Brian: (sighs) What? Over.
Stewie: Do you see the wire yet? Over.
Brian: No.
Stewie: Nooooo what? Over.
Brian: No. Over.
Stewie: Okay, I'm gonna start feeding it through. Over.
Brian: Wait, If you haven't started feeding it, why'd ya ask me if I could see it?
Stewie: Didn't copy that. Over.
Brian: I said why did ya ask me if I could see it if you haven't started feeding it. Over.
Stewie: Oh that's better, I can hear you now. Over. Do you see it yet? Over.
Brian: You know, you're a jackass. For the record, I don't wanna hang out with you anymore when this is over.
Stewie: When this is what Brian? Over.
Brian: I said, I don't wanna hang out with you anymore when this is over.
Stewie: When this is what? You've got to finish your sentence. Over.
Brian: That's it, my sentence is over.
Stewie: Your sentence is what, Brian? Over.
Brian: My sentence is- wait a minute. I have to say over, even if the sentence ends with the word over?
Stewie: Ends with the word what, Brian? Over.
(the wire descends through the wall)
Brian: Oh, I see the wire.
Stewie: You see the wire what? Over.
Brian: Over! (yanks on the wire, pulling Stewie down with it)

Viva Las Vegas!!!!

A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of going to Vegas. What an experience! I had such an amazing time! The things I saw and did. I was there for 8 days and I still never got to see everything!

My biggest highlight was going to see Elton John in concert at Caesar’s Palace. What an amazing show! “Elton John & the Red Piano.” Nobody else in my group was interested in going, so I went by myself, and I am glad I did. It was so worth it. He played for an hour and 45 minutes with no breaks. And he had great audience interaction. For one song, the orchestra seating got to go up on stage and dance with Elton. If you ever get the opportunity to see Elton John, I highly recommend you go! And the theatre at Caesar’s Palace is BEAUTIFUL!

Another highlight for me was the controversial “Bodies” exhibit at the Tropicana; the anatomy museum. I found it so fascinating! The things I had the opportunity to see. You can easily spend a lot of money in Vegas, but yet at the same time, it is amazing how many free things there are to do there! I will definitely be back!

Literally hours before I was leaving for vacation we had a bad rainstorm and flooding! My basement flooded (which had never happened in the 60+ years it’s been in existence) and shingles were flying off my garage. My poor friend Sari who was house sitting for me was left with quite a mess! I still don’t know how I am going to make this all up to her!

Unfortunately now that I have been back for a while, my vacation mindset is slowly drifting away as realities of life set back in! Anxious for another vacation some time soon!

I'm Back

Well, it has been awhile since I have last entered anything in my blog. Partly because my life has been pretty uneventful, and partly because my blog is supposed to be half personal (for the people that check it to keep up with the latest developments in my life) and half medical (focused on nursing/medicine/health stuff, etc), and I have been out of school for a few weeks now so have been taking a break from medical "stuff" to rest my brain. So today's entry will be a catch up on the latest developments of my life, as uneventful as they are.

The most exciting news: I am going to Vegas :-) I leave in approximately, okay EXACTLY 16 days. There are 60 of us going, and we will be there for 8 days (7 nights). I am more or less tagging along, as most are going to participate in a pool tournament, and I am going with a friend who is playing in the tournament as an excuse to visit Vegas. I am SO looking forward to it. I'm not really a gambler or anything, so it is isn't the casinos that is drawing me - just the thrill of Vegas - the shows, the sights, the glamour. There is supposed to be a film festival going on when we are down there, so I am sure there will be lots of famous people milling around. What I am most looking forward to is going to see Elton John - everyone I talked to has said that any concert they have gone to of his has been the best concert they have ever been to. Our tickets aren't booked yet cuz people don't know what night they are playing in the tournament yet, so my fingers are crossed that he won't be sold out! So in preparation for my vacation, I am working out insanely.

Who would have thought I would ever see the day that I would become addicted to exercise. It just amazes me. I am now planning my day around how I can fit in workout time. I am now walking, swimming, playing tennis, and, in spurts, running! I never thought I would see my "fat ass" running - ha ha. But I am truly addicted! And when you put in that much effort into working out, suddenly you don't feel like eating junk food becuz it makes you feel gross after, and you realize how hard you have to workout afterwards to work it off. So even my eating has improved. I have started "clean eating."

The frustrating thing is that I am working out at least 2 hours a day and yet not losing a pound :-( It gets a little discouraging. But I am seeing big improvements each day in my strength, confidence, and moods. And for the first time in a LONG time, I feel great! Let's hope I can keep it up. Wish me luck!

Tagged - 8 Random Facts About Me

Well, for the first time, I have officially been “tagged.” (Technically a couple weeks ago, but, as usual, I am a little behind.) So here goes…..

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In 8 facts about yourself, share 8 things that your readers don’t know about you. Then at the end you tag at least 8 other bloggers to keep the fun going. Here are the rules:

RULES:* Each blogger must post these rules first.* Each blogger starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.* Bloggers that are tagged need to write on their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.* At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.* Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

1. I am afraid of elevators – I can usually hide it pretty well – until the elevator starts to lurch or bounce; then I start losing it ;-)
2. When I was born I had one blue eye and one brown eye. Thankfully I grew out of it after a couple months.
3. I speed read. (Sometimes this can be a bad thing – especially when studying for an exam!)
4. I am an only child. (I've been told it's pretty obvious!)
5. My father was the maintenance foreman at a Provincial park, so I spent my summers growing up practically “living” at Caliper Lake.
6. As a child, we used to have many pet rabbits (most at one time was 13 – usually around 5 or 6). I used to walk them on leashes, take them swimming (at Caliper Lake), and “Snoopy” was even litter box trained.
7. I used to play the piano and clarinet. I hope to own a piano some day. Playing the piano was always a great de-stressor for me. Unfortunately I have not touched a piano in almost 10 years.
8. I’ve always wanted to live on an island.
   
   I made it! That was tougher than I thought! The tagging of fellow bloggers will soon follow…
   
   Thanks for thinking of me, Andre :-)