Semester Two, Week Five

Second semester is like this: You're never ahead. There is always a constant influx of topics to study, memorize and master, pre-clinical prep-work, attending and doing well at clinicals, and attending lecture all while finding time to eat (preferably healthy) and sleep. What I formerly considered "busy" is now replaced with the insanity that is second semester. Heaven forbid you fall ill or have any type of situation that causes you to get behind. That happens, and you are royally screwed.

Another thing is, I have no money. I checked my bank account today, and I have approximately $187 in said account. I was supposed to receive a grant for school, and receive a decent refund, but the grant never was processed (Lost check? Who knows; still waiting to find out what happened there.) So, with my scholarships, I received a refund of $3.67. That's enough to get me through the next 11 weeks till the end of the semester, for sure.

I'll admit it, good food is hard to come by these days. I have a fear of becoming overweight while in school due to my a) budget b) access to carbohydrates (they're cheaper than protein!)

I was so hungry at clinicals the other day, I nearly snuck my patients plate of untouched french fries. But, reasoning that that was unethical, I refrained. Hunger is not a fun thing.

Lecture this week consisted of GI, endocrine and diabetes. It was difficult to stay alert during lecture. I am just frequently so exhausted; I think about sleep all day long.

I've increased my studying times, and spend nearly every waking minute doing something school tasked.

Another exam today; my first A for the semester (about time). I think I'm figuring out the critical thinking/NCLEX style of thinking. It's confusing, illogical and weird, but I can no longer reason on my own; it must be done the nursing way, or my grades suffer.

I'm having difficulty gauging where my classmates are, grade wise. I continue hearing rumors that "so-and-so isn't passing" but time will tell in the next few weeks as we approach the end of Med/Surg and begin OB/Peds. I've opted for pediatric clinical rotations first, reasoning I like children and I like the idea of understanding their complex body systems.

It's non-stop insanity over here. Hoping I pass; worried about the next exam. I don't really understand the GI system, nor does it interest me. I have a B in the class presently, so....