Nursing 1 is over!!

So, I thought I'd write a reflective piece on Nursing 1. Most of it is here already. The semesters are broken up into two nine week sessions for the most part. This semester I am enrolled in Nurising 1, 2 and 3. Nursing 1 is Nursing Fundamentals, Nursing 2 is Intro to Medical-Surgical Nursing, and Nursing 3 is the blasted pharmacology class that I can't quite figure out. N3, or Pharm, is a whole semester class, while the other two are nine week classes. The way this works is you have to pass each one to move on to the next. Simple right?

Anyway- took the final this morning and scored an 86%, finished the course with a 91%, so off to Nursing 2 I go... now if I get to start Nursing 4 or 5 next semester will depend on if I can actually pass the pharmacology class- hence the importance of passing that class.

This is boring me so it's probably boring you too... on to something more interesting.

Nursing 1 in review...

• 4 a.m. mornings and I don't get along (who's surprised?)
• I'm more nervous working with the nurses than the patients
• I know the difference in a colostomy bag and an ileostomy bag- first hand! I successfully missed the splatter when a bag spilled its contents in the middle of the hall on a walk...
• I didnt get any blood or body fluids on my uniform
• I didn't kill anyone or hurt anyone
• And you can learn and do ANYTHING that you put your mind to!

So I'd say it was a success!! Thanks for all your love and support! Couldn't do it without you!

Grades

The third theory exam I scored a 90%. But the second pharmacology exam I scored a 74%- just above passing. This is the reason for my insecurity at this point. (I just noticed those details were left out in the time between posts.)

Evaluation Eve

So, I sit here sort-of insecure for finals week. I took a pharmacology test today that was just as hard as the last one. Put in a much better effort studying and reading the chapters thouroughly. Still hoping for the magical pass percentage of 72%. That's all that matters in this program. Some of us can kiss the A's good-bye! Tomorrow we have our clinical evaluations. Basically a one on one with the clinical instructor (mine also happens to be the theory instructor) and get our pass/fail grade for our hospital rotations. Then the final exam for Nursing 1 is on Thursday. I can't believe the first nine weeks is over! This is pushing me and stretching me beyond what I expected. Its all good though. I am learning that I need a little bit more cheerleading than I thought. This crap is hard and I feel really dumb somedays. But yet this is the easiest it will be. Fundamentals of Nursing, basic care and vital signs, nothing too intense yet.

I'll let you know the verdict as I know what happens. But hopefully I'm moving on to Nursing 2 Beginning Med-Surg, nasogastric tube insertion, IV therapy, and actually administering medications in the hospital.

I know, I know. Its been awhile since I posted. Yes, the snowball is still rolling! I am adjusting to the workload, and my goal is to get the clinical worksheets done faster and faster each week. I have just about stopped reading the chapters in the textbook completely. There just isnt any time left. I'm also realizing that I need to take big chunks of time and do nothing with my books, or papers, etc... and just CHILL! Amazingly, when I go back to it- the knowledge is still there! It doesn't go anywhere just because I didn't look at a book for a day. I'm also adjusting to the sleep deprivation. I don't take naps any more after clinicals. I just keep on going and maybe get a few extra hours of sleep on Sunday. So far I get a second wind when I need it and I am sleeping really good and hard- minimal dreams. So, I need to be in bed now, since 4 a.m. comes quickly, but my stuff's not quite ready and I need to iron my scrubs. I don't know why they are not just a little more wrinkle resistant... hmmm...

Anyway- I'm loving the hospital hours! Everyday you have no idea what you will be faced with and you've got to be ready for anything! Last week was very challenging, I finally found some humor with it and had a few good laughs and all is well. I definitely am getting a clear picture of the levels of RN competency and professionalism that exists (or not) in the hospital setting. This is quite the journey...