BABIES!!!

I never had my own children. Never had a sister to assist with her childbearing. Never had a friend who needed my help with her pregnancy. It may be a sign of the times that business women in the 70s and 80s didn't think it was possible to have a career and a "mommy" track. But yesterday I had some amazing first-time experiences. I'm doing a clinical rotation for 7 weeks, in a Labor and Delivery Department of a large inner-city medical center. I bathed and completed a physical assessment of two babies within their first hour of life. Answered a new mom's question about the benefits of breastfeeding her baby, verus bottle feeding. Observed as two little boys were circumcised. And, saw how lovingly the hospital cares for the remains of the littlest of us who do not survive their entry into this new world. And that, my friends, was both uplifting and devestating to see. It is truly the miracle of life. And I got to participate. Cheers! Ima

New Semester...New Challenges

It hardly seems right that I should be back in school and Labor Day isn't here yet. My university changed to semesters so the days of a late September start are gone! But it was so nice to see my friends from the nursing cohort; all appeared rested and ready for round 2 of this craziness! I'm taking 15 graduate credit hours this semester, so there will be little time for blogging - but I'll try to keep y'all in the loop as best I can. Obstetrics, Labor and Delivery, and Pediatrics are on the schedule, as is Biostatistics and 2 classes in Community and Public Health. There is also weekly time in the hosptial and in a community setting, so plenty of time to have hands on experiences. But I made a promise to myself, and asked a dear friend to help me keep it. I WILL make more time for myself, and family and friends, during the term. Even if my grades suffer a bit doing so, I need more balance. While I know they love and support me, it's not good for any of us if I get burned out! Right?! Same for you...keep what's most important in your sights, too. Till later! Cheers! Ima

One Down, Three To Go

OK, so as my school friend Chrissy said to me today..."OK, ask me your healthcare questions, 'cause I'm 1/4 nurse today!!" Love her enthusiasm. Actually, we're all exhausted and ready for the three week break that begins right now. But I did well (2 As and one B+) and they haven't scared me off yet. My clinical nurse was the best person I could have picked, and the hospital staff was very welcoming (for the most part, anyway.) Now, for a two-day nap, followed by three days of WELCOME house scrubbing. (Never thought I'd say that one!) August 27 will come way too fast, I'm sure. Till then...Cheers! Ima

What a Day at the Hospital

I am overwhelmed. Since I last posted almost two weeks ago, I have bathed patients, comforted them, given them shots of all kinds and medication of all kinds, changed bed linen, observed invasive radiological procedures, changed a "wafer" and fed a patient via J tube. (Note: if you don't know these last two, don't ask now...too close to dinner time.) But today I felt like I made a difference. I was assigned a patient who has been the difficult one on the floor - someone whose emotional state is not allowing them to press on and therefore go home. Now, this person has endured some tough surgery and recovery isn't for wimps, but at some point it's time to just get on with it. She wouldn't get out of bed to bathe, wouldn't walk around, and was just miserable to all around them. So that was my project today. And when I left for the weekend she was smiling, had showered, and had done 6 "laps" around the floor - first exercise in a couple days. WOW. I now KNOW that I can do this! Cheers! Ima

It is Saturday morning, and I've just survived the first full week of clinicals, which also included my first day of patient care. I have learned so much this week that I can't hardly recall any of it! Not a real encouraging sign for the poor man or woman who gets me as a nursing student next week, huh! No, seriously, the instructors have been amazing. Their role this semester is to simply get us exposed to a lot of things, and to supervise and guide us as we get the opportunity to use what we have learned. Fortunately my very first patient was a nice man who had a superb attitute about his health status (which is not good) and life in general. He was patient with me as I fumbled through taking his vital signs, and he allowed me to accompany him for his CT scan and thoracic procedure so that I could talk with him. I pray for his full recovery. But on a more light-hearted note...I had no idea how many different tubes, catheters and devices exist to remove bodily fluids, or get nutrition into the body! Pumps, suction devices, catheters of all style, size and shape...my oh my! And you all should have been there the morning that I gave an injection to my first bratwurst and tangerine! It was stellar. Yes, the fun has now begun. But you'll be along for the ride, I promise. Cheers! Ima

Day one in the hospital completed. Met my one patient and he is a very nice man. But I feel so incompetent! Just have to be patient. Cheers! Ima

I'm In Nursing School!!

The day arrived with little fanfare, but I completed my first day of nursing school and didn't kill anybody. Kidding. They don't let us near a patient yet! But all joking aside, in my first two days I have learned to take an accurate blood pressure and vital signs, and have completed the first sections of a patient health assessment, capturing data for later use. Also donned a hospital gown (oh yes, we had to get almost "buffed up" for this part) and did physical examinations of a fellow student, regarding skin, hair and nails. OH MY! Three quizzes...one group paper...one paper due tomorrow. (They didn't call my program 'accelerated' for nothing!) But the best part of all this is that I am in a cohort with 39 other very frightened students, and so far I can report that everyone is helpful and professional. Only one person has passed out, and it was from lack of nutrition, not something icky. (That's a medical term, right?) I'm certain that this will come later. Through it all, kindness and empathy abounds in the student population! Good thing I've got the next five days off, to read, reflect and study!! Cheers! Ima

As I prepare to get ready for bed, I thought I'd write a few thoughts. Tomorrow I begin my nursing clinicals. Reflecting back on my first few blog posts almost three years ago, it seems like time has simply flown by. All of the studies - all of the tests have prepared me to start the real phase of my training to become a healthcare professional. Thanks to the profs who have gotten me this far. I hope I make you all very proud! But I'm a bit nervous...I hope I can sleep tonight! I am sure that this blog will get a lot of use over the next 15 months. I hope you'll stay tuned. Cheers! Ima

New Friends

I was so very pleased when a young woman at work agreed to "friend" me. I think that she is very special, and has so many wonderful qualities. I am happy that as I make my way on this journey, she will be there watching and cheering me on. And, hopefully I can do the same for her. I also discovered that a distant member of my family is a pediatric doc at UC. He and I reconnected today, and he has generously agreed to mentor me as I try to wade my way through clinicals. As I complete my last three day at work, and make plans to go to school, I think of my friends who are new and those who have been with me on much of my life's various journeys. And I am grateful, humbled, and give thanks daily for each and every one of them! Cheers! Ima

OK, so I now have 100 pounds of text books, two lab coats, a stethoscope and a pair of oh-so comfy white shoes. Don't feel like a nurse yet, but sure as heck will look like one! I toured the University of Cincinnati Medical campus and the hospital the other day. Impressive. Imposing! Saw an old-style ampitheater that was formerly used to do operations for teaching doctors. All white marble, and something out of an old horror movie. Like you'd expect to see Dr. Frankenstein there, doing his thing! So cool. But for now, I wait. The countdown to June 18 has begun! Cheers! Ima

So, once again I'm the oldest student in my group of 40. Figures. But it's all good. There is one woman who I'm guessing is in her late 40s, so I won't be the only one old enough to have parented the others. We went over the expectations, our schedule for the program, etc. The usual. You could feel the tension and anticipation in the air; everyone is both excited and nervous to start what is surely going to be a wild adventure. One good piece of luck...because my university is switching from quarters to semesters, the various nursing cohorts are all in transition and scheduling clinicals is a real challenge. So, with a bit of luck, they are going to finish us up in August of 2013, versus December. That compresses the work, but will save me thousands! Yay! Now I just have to buy some white clothes, some equipment, my library of textbooks, and wait. Oh - they did suggest that we find some time to just rest and relax before we begin. That, my friends, I fully intend to do! Cheers! Ima

Preparing for Nursing School

Well, things are moving right along.
I am busy applying for any grant or scholarship that I can find, and trying to back them up with student loans. Oh the life of a college student!
Someone asked me the other day if I'm concerned about taking out student loans. I thought about it for a bit, and said "No." The amount of loans I'll have should be reasonable (less than my first year's nursing salary) and so we look at it as an investment in my new future. When I get out, it will simply be a car payment for ten years. But that ten years will be full of new things, promotions (hopefully) and will be lived whether I do this or not.
So, FULL STEAM AHEAD!

But my one worry...How will I EVER get over wearing white shoes after Labor Day! :-)

Stay tuned...the fun is about to begin.

Cheers!
Ima