Semester Two, Week Nine

Spring break comes early for me this week, and I could not be more delighted.

Of course, break isn't really break, as I have a plethora of projects to complete, and new topics to study.

I am not sure yet how I feel about Ob/Peds. We've covered the very basics; assessment of a newborn (babies are belly breathers; did ya know?!) assessment of the new mother, how to palpate the fundus of the uterus post birth (should be midline.) So far, it's okay, but not anything more.

There seems to be an awful lot of amount of work to do. Honestly, I've been given so many assignments and due dates this week, I am going to have to sit down and make (yet another) schedule.

And, it is true: Three members of my class did not make it through to this round. I think that's a total of six people we've lost along this insane nursing school journey.

I don't believe, necessarily that it's a question of intelligence. We got through our pre-requisites, right? And some of those classes, I didn't try my absolute hardest in, (like the time I stupidly decided to take A&P1  and Micro) and still passed. I don't understand.

I am tired. So inexplicably tired. My roommate commented last night that I have dark circles under my eyes and look either exhausted or sick.

Spring break shall have a TSH test in my future.

See ya in two weeks.

Semester Two, Week Eight

On my final evaluation for clinicals this week, my instructor wrote "don't forget where you started."

Thursday afternoon, I went back to where it all began.

I remember thinking years ago how all of this was impossible. When I completed my EMT program in 2009, it filled me with such pride, and yesterday, I ventured back to my old school, where my love of medicine was cultivated.

Where it all began

I ran into my former instructor who, astonishingly, led me into his classroom to introduce me to the current set of students working to obtain their goals. He told them I am proof that it does get better. My heart swelled with pride, as little ol' me was able, actually able, to give bits of wisdom.

Some days, I can't believe that I'm here. I'm in nursing school. I'm doing it. And I love it so much.

I also took a trip to the Starbucks I used to study at, meet my biology tutor at, dream of what it'd be like to be in nursing school at.

It was in this seat, that I dreamed. So, it seemed like an appropriate place to study for my Med/Surg final, which I am plum pleased to say that I passed.

Allow me to say it again:
I PASSED MED/SURG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a beautiful feeling.

I've heard that three of my cohorts did not pass; were not successful. I can only imagine their heartache tonight. I'll know for sure next week.

Ob/Peds began today, but it was just a lab.

The real coursework begins Monday, where another 7 weeks of fun await me.

Can I do it again? Seriously, can I?

Giving it 100% once more.

:D

Semester Two, Week Seven

My clinicals, while enjoyable haven't exactly been a challenge for me.

Until yesterday, when at long last, I gained the opportunity to place a foley cathether. Having only had the opportunity to practice this skill on mannequins, it was quite the pleasant surprise that the procedure was almost the same.

First catheter down.

I love the idea of becoming a nurse, more and more.

One more week of med-surg. Two exams next week, with the final (the final!!!!!!!!) being held on Friday. Then, the agony of waiting for scores to be posted. You pass, meaning you pass the class, it's the golden ticket to head to Ob/Peds lab. You fail, meaning you fail the course (76% or less), then, bye, better luck next time. I can't imagine having to repeat this course again.

Am I worried? Oh yes. I can imagine bombing the next two exams and dropping my grade down, so that I don't progress on. The devastation would be....devastating.

There's not much to write this week. I have a minor cold, my roommate is driving me nuts, I'm debating taking out loans to begin my BSN (and subsequently freaking out about said loans.) I'm broke, feel exhausted, and need a hug.

Hopefully by next Friday, I'll be here to tell you about Ob/Peds.