Getting ready for Finals

I have to say: after last quarters constant barrage of paperwork, I feel really weird right now. There should be something due soon. Am I missing something? Usually when I get this feeling there is something looming ahead.

Right now I am studying for Pharm- cardiac meds, integumentary meds, etc. I have also been going over my acid-base balance stuff and some electrolyte stuff (Hyper-Hypo yadda-yadda) for theory. Everything feels like its bouncing around my head in a big buzz and I'm just waiting for something to happen to BOOM make it all settle down and fall into place. I can see the pieces of the puzzle but not the picture. Anyone have any suggestions?

Maybe the big thing looming on the horizon is the skills performance exam in 2 weeks. Pick a card - any card - and do the skills. I'm freakin' nervous about that. Good thing I'm going to the lab on Friday am to practice (probably along with everyone else).

I have clinicals today and I feel like a big "?" is floating over my head. I know some days you are "on" and some days you aren't but man! I hope I get it together before clinicals today.

Will I ever get it together? I'll keep trying - but somebody pray for me!

Med-Surg Nursing - Quarter 3

Well, I feel the shadow of the next quarter looming.

Last quarter was so stressful and busy with nursing care plans and papers and projects that by the end of the quarter, I felt like I went through a jump line for a gang tryout (you know where they line up on both sides and keep hitting you while you walk through a tunnel to the end). I nearly got my butt kicked! I honestly didn't want to hear another thing about babies, butts, boobs, perineums, lochia, late decels, or phases and stages of labor! Thank GOD thats over.

Clinicals start on Monday the 29th. I am looking forward to this quarter because it'll be something new and exciting. We are starting with perioperative nursing care and I have begun reading early because it looks like we'll be just as busy as last quarter.

The sections look interesting and I am very interested in perioperative nursing so hopefully I might even enjoy this section. I'm not ready for the death and dying section but will meet that challenge head on when the time comes. Any advice on this area would be appreciated.

For now, I will continue to work my butt off with my fellow students (those that are left) and keep pushing through.

Any advice for a full time working mom and nursing student is always appreciated.

My First C-Section from the Other Side of the Table

Yesterday I saw my first C-section as a nurse (student). There is only 1 student allowed in L&D at a time and this was my week. When I got to clinical and learned that there was a scheduled C-section planned that day for my rotation in labor and delivery I was both excited and nervous.

I was afraid I might be sick or worse, embarass myself by taking a dive. I've heard horror stories and didn't want to be "the one" this quarter. I wasn't. I watched the C-section and helped fetch suction containers and supplies. When the surgeon tied the patients tubes, he called me over so I could see a little closer.

I have to say it was the coolest thing I have seen yet.

That baby was 11lbs 4oz and was only in the 37th week as of yesterday. Talk about LGA!

I can't wait until next week, but since it was my only week in L&D, I doubt I get to see any more this quarter.

Quarter 1 done!

• I finally finished my long awaited 1st quarter of nursing school. So-so-so glad its over. We lost about 8 of 80 students this quarter-maybe even more after the last midterm. Folks were dropping like flies.

I'm a little disappointed in my 'B' average for the quarter (normally I am a 4.0 student). I wonder if anyone got A's in both nursing classes. It's pretty tough with balancing work (not in the med field), home (son 13 and fiance) and school all at the same time. I am so glad I finished my general ed requirements. I can't imagine taking Anatomy or something else at the same time.

Next quarter is the OB rotation. I am exited! It is a bit dampening that they have not posted the da-gone clinical site list yet. Could be Monday or Tuesday - day or evening. Could be OSU - could be Lancaster - who knows!

I continue to send out resumes and hope someone will give me a break. It's pretty tough to switch careers. I depend on faith at this point. I know He has a plan for me - I just can't see it yet. So I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. when the time is right he will let me know.