Semester One, Week Two

Week two was definitely better, both emotionally and mentally.

I'm learning to build a strong foundation in medicine, and that goes back the very start: vitals. I am thankful to be proficient in taking vitals, but now I now I get to build upon that foundation, understanding the how and why I am taking such measurements.

For instance: In pulses, I am feeling for rate, rhythm and quality. In respirations, I am watching for rhythm, rate, depth, and effort. I have learned about the apical pulse, and where to locate the point of maximal impulse (fifth intercostal space; mid-clavicular line). It's amazing. Because I am determined to be an awesome nurse, and I will spend as many hours as humanely possible grasping these concepts. Again, it goes back to nursing being a calling in my life; when you get me as your RN one day, I want to not only be compassionate, but knowledgeable. I want to make a difference.

I passed my first quiz in clinical calculations; a relief. I am horrible at math, but things are starting to make sense. This is like a miracle. Back in my home-schooling days, my parents had to take me back in math by quite a few grades. Humiliating, but numbers have never made sense to me. Apart from the fact that I often see them wrong (thanks, dyscalculia!) even the most basic mathematical concepts have often made no sense. When I say "I'm bad at math" I mean, "I am barely proficient in math." Working on it. By the grace of God, I will pass this class.

Pharmacology is kicking my butt, but, at least I'm finally beginning to understand what happens when you take a medication, and why it works. I could talk forever about pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. (New words! New terms! My brain feels so alive!)

My MIA friend mentioned last week decided to contact me (go figure) and invited me to a Bible study. It was nice to be welcomed into a warm environment, and to not feel so dreadfully, desperately alone. I am learning to live in a city, where I even experienced my first drag-racing challenge. Thankfully, the driver of the car I was in did not accept the challenge. I am such a country girl at heart. City life is way different. Way, way, different.