People ask me all the time if I have found a job yet. Some people just ask me where I am working and assume I have an RN job. Sadly, I don't. I am currently managing a local coffee shop while in nursing school full time. This hasn't stopped me from looking for jobs of course. But, for now, I am perfectly content with where I am at. All I am hoping for is a job by the time all my schooling is done. Obviously, if a job opens up right now I'm going to take it!
This Christmas break, I plan to fill out scholarship applications as well as apply for jobs. I will be working full time at my job but I won't have school. I am trusting God will have the right job for me. I know He will place me some place where I can develop relationships or be a part of someone's life at the right time. I am just being patient....meanwhile keeping super busy!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Where I Stand
Over the past few years, I have grown a lot. As my boyfriend would say, I have experienced a 'hypergrowth' in my spirituality. A few years ago, I started focusing where I was going in my life. I landed on God's path once more. Though I have known him and sought him all my life, I began to yearn for a relationship far stronger then a weekly sunday service and my few intimate moments with God alone.
I was hurt by my friends including a broken friendship and a broken relationship. I felt like I was in the dark. I sought for Jesus and questioned God about why things are happening. I felt so much like how Job felt; I felt like I was being punished with these experiences. Though I didn't experience the extreme of Job's experience, I felt I could relate to some of his dialog. I repented and asked for forgiveness for my problems and wrongs, only to hope that I could again see the light. Though many consider 'life' to have negativity, false hopes, broken promises, horrible coincidences, and experiences of feeling like you are at the bottom of it all, I decided to look at life differently. I began a journey including God in everything I said, everything I did, and everything I wanted out of life. I got out of my relationship and began to patch up the holes in my heart. And so began my hypergrowth.
I met new friends pretty fast, many of which are from my coffee shop job I got in 2008. I was in a depression, and I was blessed with friends that got me out of it. But it wasn't until the end of 2009, that I was able to talk and get to know these friends. My closest friend brought me to her church which I love; and now I am pursuing it today. She also introduced me to my current boyfriend who is such a strong man of God and so uplifting and encouraging to me.
Straying away from my Catholic background, I began to seek 'religion' as a 'relationship' with Jesus Christ. I sought Him everyday. Started a bible yearly devotional and spent weekends in the Purpose Driven Life with my best friend. I also volunteered at the church cafe for a few months to serve in the church. I was doing a lot, and I loved it. For once, I felt at peace. I felt so comforted and loved, and it was all because I put God at the center of everything.
But then I was hit again...pretty hard this time. About a year ago, I told my parents about this church and where I want my 'religion' (Don't like that word) to go. I didn't want to be a part of a church that was all about a weekly service. I wanted a relationship and I wanted to voice it. I struggled for a while. My parents were telling me that I am going in a 'weird' direction and it is because of my boyfriend and friends. They thought that I wasn't doing anything for myself and that this church was consuming my life. So I took a break....and to make them feel better I started going to other churches...
I went to three other churches. I still got to other churches now because I love them. What I learned is that you take church with you where ever you go. Again, Christianity is about a relationship. My parents were okay with what I was doing until....I told them about the miracles I had experienced. Here I am, so excited about God's work in my life I am about to explode, and my response from my parents "Wow, you really believe that? You have changed a lot." I cried.......cried....cried....then I was dehydrated....
After all this; crushed twice, felt like I was lost again, bottom of a pit and no way out. I am happy to say, by the grace of God, I am still on an uphill slope (though from reading this you wouldn't think so). I am where I am because I chose this life. I chose to be with Jesus and I choose to believe in His work. I can tell you the amazing things He has done in my life, but know this...He will give you your own personal experiences. In the Book of Hosea, God talks about how He is going to capture her, He is going to allure her, she is going to come back to Him. God wants our attention; He is a jealous God. And from all this experience, I can see why God might throw some unfortunate things your way. He wants ALL of you. And He wants ALL of me....
Where I stand:
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, wholeheartedly in love with my Father in heaven, the Creator, the only God. I love my parents, love my boyfriend, love my friends....but most of all I love where I am at in my life. I go to church, I lead a small group of 10 girls, I read the Word, I keep Him in my thoughts, I pray, I worship, I am a nurse hoping to be a part of a health ministry and I am doing my best to LIVE a LIFE like JESUS. . . .
And everything else....is just so small compared to this. After two years of 'hypergrowth,' I am walking on God's road, following His footsteps...though I still to this day experience pain and hurt from my family and my past friends... Jesus is my foundation and in my Father I find comfort, love, and peace. Peace be with me.....
I was hurt by my friends including a broken friendship and a broken relationship. I felt like I was in the dark. I sought for Jesus and questioned God about why things are happening. I felt so much like how Job felt; I felt like I was being punished with these experiences. Though I didn't experience the extreme of Job's experience, I felt I could relate to some of his dialog. I repented and asked for forgiveness for my problems and wrongs, only to hope that I could again see the light. Though many consider 'life' to have negativity, false hopes, broken promises, horrible coincidences, and experiences of feeling like you are at the bottom of it all, I decided to look at life differently. I began a journey including God in everything I said, everything I did, and everything I wanted out of life. I got out of my relationship and began to patch up the holes in my heart. And so began my hypergrowth.
I met new friends pretty fast, many of which are from my coffee shop job I got in 2008. I was in a depression, and I was blessed with friends that got me out of it. But it wasn't until the end of 2009, that I was able to talk and get to know these friends. My closest friend brought me to her church which I love; and now I am pursuing it today. She also introduced me to my current boyfriend who is such a strong man of God and so uplifting and encouraging to me.
Straying away from my Catholic background, I began to seek 'religion' as a 'relationship' with Jesus Christ. I sought Him everyday. Started a bible yearly devotional and spent weekends in the Purpose Driven Life with my best friend. I also volunteered at the church cafe for a few months to serve in the church. I was doing a lot, and I loved it. For once, I felt at peace. I felt so comforted and loved, and it was all because I put God at the center of everything.
But then I was hit again...pretty hard this time. About a year ago, I told my parents about this church and where I want my 'religion' (Don't like that word) to go. I didn't want to be a part of a church that was all about a weekly service. I wanted a relationship and I wanted to voice it. I struggled for a while. My parents were telling me that I am going in a 'weird' direction and it is because of my boyfriend and friends. They thought that I wasn't doing anything for myself and that this church was consuming my life. So I took a break....and to make them feel better I started going to other churches...
I went to three other churches. I still got to other churches now because I love them. What I learned is that you take church with you where ever you go. Again, Christianity is about a relationship. My parents were okay with what I was doing until....I told them about the miracles I had experienced. Here I am, so excited about God's work in my life I am about to explode, and my response from my parents "Wow, you really believe that? You have changed a lot." I cried.......cried....cried....then I was dehydrated....
After all this; crushed twice, felt like I was lost again, bottom of a pit and no way out. I am happy to say, by the grace of God, I am still on an uphill slope (though from reading this you wouldn't think so). I am where I am because I chose this life. I chose to be with Jesus and I choose to believe in His work. I can tell you the amazing things He has done in my life, but know this...He will give you your own personal experiences. In the Book of Hosea, God talks about how He is going to capture her, He is going to allure her, she is going to come back to Him. God wants our attention; He is a jealous God. And from all this experience, I can see why God might throw some unfortunate things your way. He wants ALL of you. And He wants ALL of me....
Where I stand:
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, wholeheartedly in love with my Father in heaven, the Creator, the only God. I love my parents, love my boyfriend, love my friends....but most of all I love where I am at in my life. I go to church, I lead a small group of 10 girls, I read the Word, I keep Him in my thoughts, I pray, I worship, I am a nurse hoping to be a part of a health ministry and I am doing my best to LIVE a LIFE like JESUS. . . .
And everything else....is just so small compared to this. After two years of 'hypergrowth,' I am walking on God's road, following His footsteps...though I still to this day experience pain and hurt from my family and my past friends... Jesus is my foundation and in my Father I find comfort, love, and peace. Peace be with me.....
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
It Helps to Know Your Customers
The other day, at my coffee shop....just after opening at 6am, I had the pleasure of seeing my usual regular customers. One of my regulars and I got to talk for a bit...and I found out he was an orthopedic surgeon!!! My response was...WOW! I would love to work for you! And he asked me what I was in school for, and I said nursing and that I am already an RN. He said, well I will try and help you with your job hunt. We said goodbye and that was it.....
NO it wasn't!! Two hours later, I got a call from the Doc, and I was then directed to an RN at Adventist Hospital. We were able to talk for a bit and he asked to meet with me the coming Friday.
So I did!! And we talked and talked and he gave me phone numbers, passed my resume around, called people, and did all he could to find me a job in the hospital. I had a great conversation with them. Unfortunately, they had no jobs at the time. I was grateful for the experience. They asked me to keep in touch and they are going to pass my resume throughout the hospital.
So, after all that, I am praying....praying God will bless me with a job in a hospital. I am being patient and hoping that door will open for me someday :) What a great experience! :)
NO it wasn't!! Two hours later, I got a call from the Doc, and I was then directed to an RN at Adventist Hospital. We were able to talk for a bit and he asked to meet with me the coming Friday.
So I did!! And we talked and talked and he gave me phone numbers, passed my resume around, called people, and did all he could to find me a job in the hospital. I had a great conversation with them. Unfortunately, they had no jobs at the time. I was grateful for the experience. They asked me to keep in touch and they are going to pass my resume throughout the hospital.
So, after all that, I am praying....praying God will bless me with a job in a hospital. I am being patient and hoping that door will open for me someday :) What a great experience! :)
Monday, November 7, 2011
Donation Drive
Last month, I started this donation drive at my coffee shop. All donated items go to StreetRoots, Salvation Army Female Evacuation Shelter, Portland Rescue Misson, JOIN, and The Father's Heart Street Ministry. I made a flyer, got permission from my boss and the homeless shelters, and just went with it! With the help of my small group, we were able to spread the word and got another coffee shop to start the drive as well.
Over the first week, I raised over $60 dollars and got 4 blankets, 4 coats, and some clothes. That was just the first week! By the end of the month, I had over $140 raised and my guestroom in the basement was overloaded with donations; blankets, bedding material, shoes, socks, clothes, jackets, coats, and toiletries. It is amazing to see how much good there are in people. Giving is one of the most amazing things in the world. How can people not want to give? I get a high from it! :) haha
A few days ago, one of my best friends and I, went to The Father's Heart Street Ministry. We packed my subaru legacy with 6 boxes, 3 comforters, a bag of toiletries, and two bags of clothing. My car is awesome! (just had to say it).... We drove to the shelter and were immediately greeted by 5 men....all of which cleaned out my car in a jiffy! So sweet of them...and to see their faces when they saw all that we brought....my goodness, it just gives you a sense of "wow, I did something good today."
I am amazed at how many opportunities God has given me to GIVE! God will reward you when you give, especially if it is genuine and your heart is in it. If only the world knew how to give.....I ask God to bless those people who continue to bless others for with their gifts, their talents, their time, and their lives. From my personal experience with giving...it DOES make you feel incredibly good inside. It will make you want to give more :)
Over the first week, I raised over $60 dollars and got 4 blankets, 4 coats, and some clothes. That was just the first week! By the end of the month, I had over $140 raised and my guestroom in the basement was overloaded with donations; blankets, bedding material, shoes, socks, clothes, jackets, coats, and toiletries. It is amazing to see how much good there are in people. Giving is one of the most amazing things in the world. How can people not want to give? I get a high from it! :) haha
A few days ago, one of my best friends and I, went to The Father's Heart Street Ministry. We packed my subaru legacy with 6 boxes, 3 comforters, a bag of toiletries, and two bags of clothing. My car is awesome! (just had to say it).... We drove to the shelter and were immediately greeted by 5 men....all of which cleaned out my car in a jiffy! So sweet of them...and to see their faces when they saw all that we brought....my goodness, it just gives you a sense of "wow, I did something good today."
I am amazed at how many opportunities God has given me to GIVE! God will reward you when you give, especially if it is genuine and your heart is in it. If only the world knew how to give.....I ask God to bless those people who continue to bless others for with their gifts, their talents, their time, and their lives. From my personal experience with giving...it DOES make you feel incredibly good inside. It will make you want to give more :)
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Small Group and an Expanded Calling
By the grace of God and me continuing on his footsteps...I felt led to start a small group with my sisters in Christ. Incredibly amazed how this all came to be. I can't even describe my passionate feelings for this group. Knowing me, I love to lead...and what better opportunity to lead then in a God driven small group!
We started with 8 girls and now we are up to 12. We are currently reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren per request by the ladies. We meet on Thursday nights and have dinner together. We have time of fellowship and praise reports of the week. We talk about what we read in the Purpose and then we end with prayer.
I got to say, this group has been so encouraging and uplifting to me and to all of the ladies. I am so grateful with all this opportunity to learn and grow with these ladies. Also, we have so much fun in the process. Prayer is so divine and wonderful. Though I have struggled with prayer before, (me being raised Catholic and all), I have grown so much and I now lead the prayer meeting at the end of the night.
The way I see it, my calling of grace goes way beyond nursing itself. Lately I have become what people call a 'counselor' or a 'guide' in their lives and their decision making. Within this last week, I have had deep conversations with one of my 'guy' friends, co-worker, brother, and two of the ladies at my small group. And I got to say, I absolutely love it. I believe God gave me this energy, this patience, to take so much on and be able to touch so many lives in the process. I am currently managing a local coffee shop, I am a full-time nursing student, I am leading a homeless donation drive, I am leading a small group of 10 girls, and I am also making time for my boyfriend, my family, and people around me that need help or are struggling with life situations.......What an amazing calling of grace......So in addition to nursing, I will be posting my whole calling, my whole direction God is taking me on.
All I can say is....May God keep on leading me His Way, His Direction, His Path....so that I may please Him and glorify His name.
We started with 8 girls and now we are up to 12. We are currently reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren per request by the ladies. We meet on Thursday nights and have dinner together. We have time of fellowship and praise reports of the week. We talk about what we read in the Purpose and then we end with prayer.
I got to say, this group has been so encouraging and uplifting to me and to all of the ladies. I am so grateful with all this opportunity to learn and grow with these ladies. Also, we have so much fun in the process. Prayer is so divine and wonderful. Though I have struggled with prayer before, (me being raised Catholic and all), I have grown so much and I now lead the prayer meeting at the end of the night.
The way I see it, my calling of grace goes way beyond nursing itself. Lately I have become what people call a 'counselor' or a 'guide' in their lives and their decision making. Within this last week, I have had deep conversations with one of my 'guy' friends, co-worker, brother, and two of the ladies at my small group. And I got to say, I absolutely love it. I believe God gave me this energy, this patience, to take so much on and be able to touch so many lives in the process. I am currently managing a local coffee shop, I am a full-time nursing student, I am leading a homeless donation drive, I am leading a small group of 10 girls, and I am also making time for my boyfriend, my family, and people around me that need help or are struggling with life situations.......What an amazing calling of grace......So in addition to nursing, I will be posting my whole calling, my whole direction God is taking me on.
All I can say is....May God keep on leading me His Way, His Direction, His Path....so that I may please Him and glorify His name.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Licensed
Hey blog....I haven't been on in quite awhile.....
I am now licensed Registered Nurse!! Praise Jesus!!
Right now, I am looking for an RN job! I got licensed in July so I have spent the last 2 months filling out applications online and dropping off my resumes at various hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers....it is exhausting me with all the applying and the negative turnouts. I just got to continue and have hope :)
Basically I have been applying for jobs and working.......
Blogging will continue once I have a job and can get back with patients again!!! :)
To be continued.....
I am now licensed Registered Nurse!! Praise Jesus!!
Right now, I am looking for an RN job! I got licensed in July so I have spent the last 2 months filling out applications online and dropping off my resumes at various hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers....it is exhausting me with all the applying and the negative turnouts. I just got to continue and have hope :)
Basically I have been applying for jobs and working.......
Blogging will continue once I have a job and can get back with patients again!!! :)
To be continued.....
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Practicum
It's the last term.....
I can't believe it. It's been such a roller-coaster; lots of hw, studying, teacher drama, simulation, clinical, crazy experiences, skills....it never seemed to want to end. But now I see the light at the end of the tunnel.....
This term consists of summing up all the skills and material of the whole program. I'm creating a portfolio of all my work, working on codes in simulation, working on various projects that have to do with leadership in nursing, and completing assignments consisting of over 200 NCLEX (my nursing board exam) questions a week.....seems like a lot.
On top of all this, I will be at clinical for my integrated practicum. Instead of me shadowing a nurse, a nurse will be shadowing me. Kinda scary.....but exciting! I will be on a basic med-surg floor again with a nurse I already had. So grateful for this blessing! I will be putting in about 150 hrs so hello blog posts! :)
Honestly, I may be busy, but I'm so excited! I don't even care about how much work I have to do! I'm just so excited to be done! Graduation day June 11th! God please get me a job!! I want to be in that hospital!
It has been such a crazy, long journey; full of stress, emotions, exhaustion, migraines, eczema breakouts, swollen feet, late nights, work, lack of social life time, and sacrifice........but also full of knowledge, experience, cool things to see, opportunities, hospital!, nurses, classmates, and of course the wonderful patients that allowed me to care for them this term :) THANK YOU AMAZING PEOPLE! Also a shout out to my wonderful boyfriend.....he has been with me through it all :) LOVE YOU!
Last term here I come!!! :)
I can't believe it. It's been such a roller-coaster; lots of hw, studying, teacher drama, simulation, clinical, crazy experiences, skills....it never seemed to want to end. But now I see the light at the end of the tunnel.....
This term consists of summing up all the skills and material of the whole program. I'm creating a portfolio of all my work, working on codes in simulation, working on various projects that have to do with leadership in nursing, and completing assignments consisting of over 200 NCLEX (my nursing board exam) questions a week.....seems like a lot.
On top of all this, I will be at clinical for my integrated practicum. Instead of me shadowing a nurse, a nurse will be shadowing me. Kinda scary.....but exciting! I will be on a basic med-surg floor again with a nurse I already had. So grateful for this blessing! I will be putting in about 150 hrs so hello blog posts! :)
Honestly, I may be busy, but I'm so excited! I don't even care about how much work I have to do! I'm just so excited to be done! Graduation day June 11th! God please get me a job!! I want to be in that hospital!
It has been such a crazy, long journey; full of stress, emotions, exhaustion, migraines, eczema breakouts, swollen feet, late nights, work, lack of social life time, and sacrifice........but also full of knowledge, experience, cool things to see, opportunities, hospital!, nurses, classmates, and of course the wonderful patients that allowed me to care for them this term :) THANK YOU AMAZING PEOPLE! Also a shout out to my wonderful boyfriend.....he has been with me through it all :) LOVE YOU!
Last term here I come!!! :)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Skills and Spanish
Today was an adventure......
I was assigned to a nurse who had me do everything...and I mean EVERYTHING! My patient had a vaginal/uterine prolapse with a rectocele and a cystocele (those words look up yourselves, it's kinda gross) meaning...her organs were falling "down." She had a partial Hysterectomy. This lady spoke spanish and had her husband at bedside to interpret for her.
Sadly, after surgery, this lady had urinary retention. According to Doctor's Orders, she was supposed to be bladder scanned every 2-3 hours to check for urinary retention. If the scan was over 160mls, a straight catheterization procedure had to be done. My nurse did the first one, because the patient had over 275mls still in her bladder even after she attempted to void. She tolerated the procedure well. After another 2hrs, I bladder scanned her again, and sure enough she had over 250mls in her bladder. Then it was my turn. It was my first straight cath procedure...aaaand I was successful! :)
After the third time, the Doctor ordered to have a foley placed. The foley catheter is always more complicated. Of course, my nurse had me do that too! It went well, not as well as I would have liked, but it was successful. I need to get my psychomotor skills down! It was especially difficult because her tissue was swollen due to the surgery. And, on top of that, it was extra painful.
After that, I got to teach her husband about the foley and how to measure urine output because they were going to be going home with some equipment. She had to take the foley home with her. After that I gave a Tdap injection (tetanus), and a Flu shot! I was so so so so happy to be able to perform those skills! Like I was jumping up and down...I'm such a nerd!
After the patient and the husband received some teaching and information about home care, I got to wheel out the patient to be picked up by her husband. During that time, I got to try out my spanish. It was gutsy, considering my 4 years of spanish was about 4 years ago. :p Surprisingly, I did quite well. I couldn't understand most of what she was saying but I got to talk to her about her family, her hospital stay, and she actually complimented me (or so I thought). "Cuantos anos tienes tu?" "tienes hermanos, padres?" "Donde vives?" And I could actually answer those. I thought it was hopeless. God definitely helped me out with that :)
I said my goodbyes, and off they went. Discharging makes sad, though it is a total good thing. I just develop relationships and I get attached which is not always a good thing haha! Overall, today was good, very good. Lots of learning experience! Thank you Lord God for all your incredible blessings. It was such a great day! :)
I was assigned to a nurse who had me do everything...and I mean EVERYTHING! My patient had a vaginal/uterine prolapse with a rectocele and a cystocele (those words look up yourselves, it's kinda gross) meaning...her organs were falling "down." She had a partial Hysterectomy. This lady spoke spanish and had her husband at bedside to interpret for her.
Sadly, after surgery, this lady had urinary retention. According to Doctor's Orders, she was supposed to be bladder scanned every 2-3 hours to check for urinary retention. If the scan was over 160mls, a straight catheterization procedure had to be done. My nurse did the first one, because the patient had over 275mls still in her bladder even after she attempted to void. She tolerated the procedure well. After another 2hrs, I bladder scanned her again, and sure enough she had over 250mls in her bladder. Then it was my turn. It was my first straight cath procedure...aaaand I was successful! :)
After the third time, the Doctor ordered to have a foley placed. The foley catheter is always more complicated. Of course, my nurse had me do that too! It went well, not as well as I would have liked, but it was successful. I need to get my psychomotor skills down! It was especially difficult because her tissue was swollen due to the surgery. And, on top of that, it was extra painful.
After that, I got to teach her husband about the foley and how to measure urine output because they were going to be going home with some equipment. She had to take the foley home with her. After that I gave a Tdap injection (tetanus), and a Flu shot! I was so so so so happy to be able to perform those skills! Like I was jumping up and down...I'm such a nerd!
After the patient and the husband received some teaching and information about home care, I got to wheel out the patient to be picked up by her husband. During that time, I got to try out my spanish. It was gutsy, considering my 4 years of spanish was about 4 years ago. :p Surprisingly, I did quite well. I couldn't understand most of what she was saying but I got to talk to her about her family, her hospital stay, and she actually complimented me (or so I thought). "Cuantos anos tienes tu?" "tienes hermanos, padres?" "Donde vives?" And I could actually answer those. I thought it was hopeless. God definitely helped me out with that :)
I said my goodbyes, and off they went. Discharging makes sad, though it is a total good thing. I just develop relationships and I get attached which is not always a good thing haha! Overall, today was good, very good. Lots of learning experience! Thank you Lord God for all your incredible blessings. It was such a great day! :)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
More Can Come Even After Delivery
It's hard for me to put myself in a patient's position unless I have experienced exactly what they have experienced. It's definitely a learned skill to be able to interpret exactly what that patient needs. Everyone is different and condition will vary with each person. When I think about pregnancy, I think about the similarities; trimesters, morning sickness, 9 months, weight gain, fetal heart tones, fetal movement, nutrition, "water-breaking," dilation, labor, delivery, etc. But, there are so many other things that can happen; fetal distress, miscarriage, preeclampsia (characterized by high blood pressure leading to seizures), late deceleration of fetal heart beats, emergency C-sections, meconium aspirations, episiotomies, placenta abruptio (when placenta detaches from the uterine wall too early), premature contractions, still borns, etc. When you have your first pregnancy appointment, you make plans as to how you would like this pregnancy to go; do I want to do a "natural birth?" prenatal vitamins? Doctor's appointments? finances? hospital stay? C-section? etc. Sometimes it doesn't go exactly as planned......
The reason I wrote this out is because I had a patient today that had some traumatic experiences. This woman gave birth to a beautiful baby girl just after midnight. The baby had normal apgar scores and was breathing and crying. Sadly, the mom had to undergo a 3rd degree laceration. Basically, she tore almost all the way from the vagina to the rectum. OUCH! Upon arrival to the newborn care unit, the baby wasn't feeding well. The baby won't breastfeed and over the rest of the morning-afternoon the baby lost almost 10% of it's body weight. This is dangerous. So in order to help the baby, we had to give the baby supplemental feedings (bottle). This is such a sad sad thing because usually you want the mom to breastfeed the baby for months not just a few hours. She was so sad, so so sad. It was an emotional day.
Later in the day, mom started feeling some more pain in her vaginal area. During an assessment, we noticed that her stitches were coming lose. The Doctor came to assess the area, and concluded that she needed to go into surgery again. Poor mom had to leave the baby and go into surgery. So, we called for the IV team and we got her prepared for surgery. About 4-5 hours later, the family was back together and were able to go home the next morning.
It's so sad to hear these things! Especially when they are such nice and sweet people. One thing I continue to learn is that plans change. Things can change completely without knowing. Whether they are good or bad, they help strengthen our character. I know if this happened to me, I would be totally grateful that I left the hospital with a beautiful baby girl. Through the rain and the storm, there can always be some sunshine. :)
The reason I wrote this out is because I had a patient today that had some traumatic experiences. This woman gave birth to a beautiful baby girl just after midnight. The baby had normal apgar scores and was breathing and crying. Sadly, the mom had to undergo a 3rd degree laceration. Basically, she tore almost all the way from the vagina to the rectum. OUCH! Upon arrival to the newborn care unit, the baby wasn't feeding well. The baby won't breastfeed and over the rest of the morning-afternoon the baby lost almost 10% of it's body weight. This is dangerous. So in order to help the baby, we had to give the baby supplemental feedings (bottle). This is such a sad sad thing because usually you want the mom to breastfeed the baby for months not just a few hours. She was so sad, so so sad. It was an emotional day.
Later in the day, mom started feeling some more pain in her vaginal area. During an assessment, we noticed that her stitches were coming lose. The Doctor came to assess the area, and concluded that she needed to go into surgery again. Poor mom had to leave the baby and go into surgery. So, we called for the IV team and we got her prepared for surgery. About 4-5 hours later, the family was back together and were able to go home the next morning.
It's so sad to hear these things! Especially when they are such nice and sweet people. One thing I continue to learn is that plans change. Things can change completely without knowing. Whether they are good or bad, they help strengthen our character. I know if this happened to me, I would be totally grateful that I left the hospital with a beautiful baby girl. Through the rain and the storm, there can always be some sunshine. :)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Days Like These. . . .
Today was a great day! Full of God's amazing blessings!
12:30PM on the unit....right away I was assigned to a nurse! She was absolutely amazing! I learned so much from her! (blessing #1) I love being with someone who really wants to have a student.
The day began with a test. My nurse asked me if I would like to give two injections; Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). I have only given like two Flu shots before so I was totally game for this. I do need practice drawing up medications. I do think my psychomotor skills need some work. So she put me on the spot. What needles do you use? How do you inject the medication? Do you have to mix the medication? What teaching do you have to do? Overall, the whole thing went well. I can now say I have given Tdap and MMR :) another thing off my list! (Blessing #2)
At around 3pm, my nurse went to lunch and told me certain things to do for her patients. So, I was left in charge with an RN as my backup only if I needed her. When she left, I had 3 patients with 1 baby; they consider that 4 patients. I felt so amazing then.....I was forced to take control! whoo! (blessing #3)
Then I was put to work; making beds, filling waters, getting linens, cleaning sitz bath, passing meds, baby vitals, discontinuing IVs, patient teaching, measuring I&Os, discharging info, and a whole lot of documentation. I was so glad to take the majority of the patient care (blessing #4) I kept busy! Time just flew by!
During shift change, I was able to learn a lot about Magnesium drips, Pre-eclampsia, neo-puffs, breastfeeding, witch hazel, dermaplast, and illeo-sacral belts. I learned a lot! (Blessing# 5) I had a patient today that had her pubic bone break apart during delivery! OUCH!!!!!! I cringed when I heard that. This sacral belt but pressure on the pelvis to bring the bones together. During the next 6 weeks, she will have to wear the belt so the cartilage can repair. 2mg of Dilaudid should kill that pain ;)
Toward the end of the day, my nurse gave me a great review, and I mean a great evaluation! She even told my instructor about me! AND she wants to work with me again :) (Blessing #6) All in all, I had an amazing day. Today I felt like a nurse. I felt like I knew what I was doing, and my nurse thought so as well. I was so blessed today. I can't thank God enough for these incredible experiences!!!! He is soooooooooooooo Good!!! :) It's days like these that build my confidence. It's days like these that make me feel like I'm a nurse! :)
12:30PM on the unit....right away I was assigned to a nurse! She was absolutely amazing! I learned so much from her! (blessing #1) I love being with someone who really wants to have a student.
The day began with a test. My nurse asked me if I would like to give two injections; Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). I have only given like two Flu shots before so I was totally game for this. I do need practice drawing up medications. I do think my psychomotor skills need some work. So she put me on the spot. What needles do you use? How do you inject the medication? Do you have to mix the medication? What teaching do you have to do? Overall, the whole thing went well. I can now say I have given Tdap and MMR :) another thing off my list! (Blessing #2)
At around 3pm, my nurse went to lunch and told me certain things to do for her patients. So, I was left in charge with an RN as my backup only if I needed her. When she left, I had 3 patients with 1 baby; they consider that 4 patients. I felt so amazing then.....I was forced to take control! whoo! (blessing #3)
Then I was put to work; making beds, filling waters, getting linens, cleaning sitz bath, passing meds, baby vitals, discontinuing IVs, patient teaching, measuring I&Os, discharging info, and a whole lot of documentation. I was so glad to take the majority of the patient care (blessing #4) I kept busy! Time just flew by!
During shift change, I was able to learn a lot about Magnesium drips, Pre-eclampsia, neo-puffs, breastfeeding, witch hazel, dermaplast, and illeo-sacral belts. I learned a lot! (Blessing# 5) I had a patient today that had her pubic bone break apart during delivery! OUCH!!!!!! I cringed when I heard that. This sacral belt but pressure on the pelvis to bring the bones together. During the next 6 weeks, she will have to wear the belt so the cartilage can repair. 2mg of Dilaudid should kill that pain ;)
Toward the end of the day, my nurse gave me a great review, and I mean a great evaluation! She even told my instructor about me! AND she wants to work with me again :) (Blessing #6) All in all, I had an amazing day. Today I felt like a nurse. I felt like I knew what I was doing, and my nurse thought so as well. I was so blessed today. I can't thank God enough for these incredible experiences!!!! He is soooooooooooooo Good!!! :) It's days like these that build my confidence. It's days like these that make me feel like I'm a nurse! :)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Insults, Alarms, & Compliments
Today was an interesting day! Let me tell you!
The day began with a nurse assignment. I was very blessed to be paired up with a nurse who went to my school and took the same classes! We talked a lot! She allowed me to work on my own, which was fine because if I was unsure about ANYthing....I would tell her immediately. So we had a trusting relationship right away.
I was assigned to a patient that was around my age who was 20 wks pregnant with a baby boy. She was admitted to the unit with Pyelonephritis, a complication that usually arises from a UTI (urinary tract infection). Apparently, she let the UTI go untreated and the infection spread to her kidneys. She has a complicated family life from what I heard. Upon meeting her, I was able to address her needs and keep her comfortable. Pain management was difficult as she refused any pain meds because she felt 'weird' after taking them. So I check on her frequently and eventually I was able to convince her to take some Tylenol! Yay! She told me when I first met her that she would like to shower, so I told her to call me when she wanted to so I could get her towels, soap, etc. After reminding her a few times, the CNA comes up to me and said, "She's in the shower, and she was complaining that no one was going to give her anything to take a shower." And apparently she wasn't happy at all and my nurse and I had 'insulted' her. Hey, it happens. Not everyone is going to be happy with the care you provide.
All of a sudden, the fire alarm goes off.....and it wasn't a drill. So my instructor and I closed all the doors and just waited til it was cleared up. It could have been serious! But, it wasn't. Everyone safe!......so that caught me off guard.
Then as I'm checking on another patient, my nurse comes to me and says..."Do you know that are patient just snuck out of here?" I was like....really? honestly? "She rolled her IV pole to the first floor and lit a cigarette outside." ohhhhh my goodness! Well if you think about it, I can't stop her. I can tell her that smoking is bad for her, and her baby, and her healing....and against hospital policy, and illegal on this campus.....but words can only do so much.
Then that got me thinking....that poor baby! Anyways....so my other patient was discharged but she stayed in a "boarder room," which is a room where you can stay if your baby is in critical care or needs to stay in the nursery. So she stayed there and we got to talking. She gave birth to a beautiful baby boy who was a little jaundice and needed extra nutrition through IV fluids. Then this patient came up to my instructor and gave me like the biggest compliment EVER!! I almost cried!
Moving on....I can honestly say that this job is going to be very humbling; both in dealing with people's emotions and dealing with people who ignore your advice to live a healthier lifestyle. Like I said earlier, nurses are here to teach what we know so that these patients can be healthier, live longer, and feel better about themselves. But we only can change and do so much in improving their health.....I'm just glad I have the opportunity to try :)
Until tomorrow....I'm exhausted....lights out!
The day began with a nurse assignment. I was very blessed to be paired up with a nurse who went to my school and took the same classes! We talked a lot! She allowed me to work on my own, which was fine because if I was unsure about ANYthing....I would tell her immediately. So we had a trusting relationship right away.
I was assigned to a patient that was around my age who was 20 wks pregnant with a baby boy. She was admitted to the unit with Pyelonephritis, a complication that usually arises from a UTI (urinary tract infection). Apparently, she let the UTI go untreated and the infection spread to her kidneys. She has a complicated family life from what I heard. Upon meeting her, I was able to address her needs and keep her comfortable. Pain management was difficult as she refused any pain meds because she felt 'weird' after taking them. So I check on her frequently and eventually I was able to convince her to take some Tylenol! Yay! She told me when I first met her that she would like to shower, so I told her to call me when she wanted to so I could get her towels, soap, etc. After reminding her a few times, the CNA comes up to me and said, "She's in the shower, and she was complaining that no one was going to give her anything to take a shower." And apparently she wasn't happy at all and my nurse and I had 'insulted' her. Hey, it happens. Not everyone is going to be happy with the care you provide.
All of a sudden, the fire alarm goes off.....and it wasn't a drill. So my instructor and I closed all the doors and just waited til it was cleared up. It could have been serious! But, it wasn't. Everyone safe!......so that caught me off guard.
Then as I'm checking on another patient, my nurse comes to me and says..."Do you know that are patient just snuck out of here?" I was like....really? honestly? "She rolled her IV pole to the first floor and lit a cigarette outside." ohhhhh my goodness! Well if you think about it, I can't stop her. I can tell her that smoking is bad for her, and her baby, and her healing....and against hospital policy, and illegal on this campus.....but words can only do so much.
Then that got me thinking....that poor baby! Anyways....so my other patient was discharged but she stayed in a "boarder room," which is a room where you can stay if your baby is in critical care or needs to stay in the nursery. So she stayed there and we got to talking. She gave birth to a beautiful baby boy who was a little jaundice and needed extra nutrition through IV fluids. Then this patient came up to my instructor and gave me like the biggest compliment EVER!! I almost cried!
Moving on....I can honestly say that this job is going to be very humbling; both in dealing with people's emotions and dealing with people who ignore your advice to live a healthier lifestyle. Like I said earlier, nurses are here to teach what we know so that these patients can be healthier, live longer, and feel better about themselves. But we only can change and do so much in improving their health.....I'm just glad I have the opportunity to try :)
Until tomorrow....I'm exhausted....lights out!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Special Delivery
Today I got a chance to visit the Labor and Delivery Dept. I was able to see a live birth!!! YAY!
This woman was laying partially on her side with the help of her husband and the nurse. As this was her second child, she knew what to expect. She has an Epideral to manage her pain, but she still could feel pressure and enough feeling to push. Upon every contraction of the uterus, she pushed, and immediately the baby was crowning. They had to call the midwife in fast. When the midwife got there, the baby was nearly out. They put on some oily lubricant to soften the tissue which help to ease the baby out. Within no time at all, the baby came out and immediately she began to cry.
It's a GIRL!!! Here she was all purply-pink. Those little toes and fingers! She was given to her mom right away and the family was filled with incredible joy. All her labor pain was gone in an instant.
"A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world." (John 16:21)
What a blessing to witness such an incredible miracle; God's gift of life.
This woman was laying partially on her side with the help of her husband and the nurse. As this was her second child, she knew what to expect. She has an Epideral to manage her pain, but she still could feel pressure and enough feeling to push. Upon every contraction of the uterus, she pushed, and immediately the baby was crowning. They had to call the midwife in fast. When the midwife got there, the baby was nearly out. They put on some oily lubricant to soften the tissue which help to ease the baby out. Within no time at all, the baby came out and immediately she began to cry.
It's a GIRL!!! Here she was all purply-pink. Those little toes and fingers! She was given to her mom right away and the family was filled with incredible joy. All her labor pain was gone in an instant.
"A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world." (John 16:21)
What a blessing to witness such an incredible miracle; God's gift of life.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Fall Risk
My second day of clinical at the Woman's care unit.....
I was assigned to a nurse who I couldn't find half the time. It's like she disappeared on me. So along with my patient assignments, I helped out another nurse with her patients. I was everywhere; answering call lights, checking vitals, teaching, providing snacks, blankets, and assessing the patients. It was a busy busy day. I'm just glad I was able to help out.
My nurse handed me a bowl of soup and asked me to deliver it to a patient. So I did, and I met the most incredible woman of God. She told me about her surgery, her family, church, and her cooking! She was a talker and I loved it. I hope that I will get to have time with my patients to hear more about their life stories. Then I helped her take a shower and clean up for bed. And she talked and talked and talked. Loved it!
So my patient was recovering from a Hysterectomy (removal of uterus). She was on Post Op day #2. Then the scary thing happened....She asked to use the bathroom. So I helped her out of bed. She usually ambulates on her own in her room without assistance. As she was standing up, she started balancing on one foot, and I told her not to do that. I had one arm and she was stable....until.....she decided to reach for the shower curtain. She started to fall. Without injuring myself (Thank God!) I helped ease the fall by lowering her in the shower. She was okay!!! I reported it to the nurse and I had to file an incident report. I nearly had a heart attack. My second day in this unit and a patient falls. Let me tell ya....it sure was a learning experience. It wasn't my fault, but I have my eyes wide open now.
I spent over an hour in her room just listening to her life story and making sure that she was okay, especially emotionally. My nurse came in and and posted "fall risk" signs on the door and bathroom. My patient just looked at me and started laughing, "Oh no....I'm a fall risk....I can't go anywhere by myself now." I told her that she was right. I will be with her the whole time. And she just laughed at me, "That won't be so bad." :) What a cute pie!
Thank God for saving my patient!! The thought of a patient falling and hurting herself during her recovery freaks me out! I would have cried...well I did a little. I'm such a softy. That's probably why God put me there.....to care and cry.....and prevent falls :)
I was assigned to a nurse who I couldn't find half the time. It's like she disappeared on me. So along with my patient assignments, I helped out another nurse with her patients. I was everywhere; answering call lights, checking vitals, teaching, providing snacks, blankets, and assessing the patients. It was a busy busy day. I'm just glad I was able to help out.
My nurse handed me a bowl of soup and asked me to deliver it to a patient. So I did, and I met the most incredible woman of God. She told me about her surgery, her family, church, and her cooking! She was a talker and I loved it. I hope that I will get to have time with my patients to hear more about their life stories. Then I helped her take a shower and clean up for bed. And she talked and talked and talked. Loved it!
So my patient was recovering from a Hysterectomy (removal of uterus). She was on Post Op day #2. Then the scary thing happened....She asked to use the bathroom. So I helped her out of bed. She usually ambulates on her own in her room without assistance. As she was standing up, she started balancing on one foot, and I told her not to do that. I had one arm and she was stable....until.....she decided to reach for the shower curtain. She started to fall. Without injuring myself (Thank God!) I helped ease the fall by lowering her in the shower. She was okay!!! I reported it to the nurse and I had to file an incident report. I nearly had a heart attack. My second day in this unit and a patient falls. Let me tell ya....it sure was a learning experience. It wasn't my fault, but I have my eyes wide open now.
I spent over an hour in her room just listening to her life story and making sure that she was okay, especially emotionally. My nurse came in and and posted "fall risk" signs on the door and bathroom. My patient just looked at me and started laughing, "Oh no....I'm a fall risk....I can't go anywhere by myself now." I told her that she was right. I will be with her the whole time. And she just laughed at me, "That won't be so bad." :) What a cute pie!
Thank God for saving my patient!! The thought of a patient falling and hurting herself during her recovery freaks me out! I would have cried...well I did a little. I'm such a softy. That's probably why God put me there.....to care and cry.....and prevent falls :)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
"Bad Things Come In Threes"
My clinical day started out with me locking my keys in the car......this is the second time in like 2 months. Annnnd I left my spare in there too! I'm going to have to give my boyfriend a key so he can let me in next time a screw up haha :p
Clinical Day #1 was an interesting experience at Women/Newborn Care Unit. I started out the shift waiting for the charge nurse to get off of lunch. An hour passes by and I was sent on a scavenger hunt to look around the unit and find things in the supply room. That was good. I needed to do that. There are so many different supplies! It's craziness; bili bags, breast pumps, newborn masks, formula, photo equipment, diapers (of course), baby warmers, bili warmers, pacifiers, baby glucometers, etc. A lot of the equipment was doubled adult and newborn. I'm glad I got to look around. I was already sent to get things during procedures.
I didn't see much today. It was a 'shadowing' day so I followed a nurse around. I got to see a fundal assessment which was cool. I ended up just watching the whole process. I got to get my patient information for tomorrow which was good. I felt like I shouldn't have been there though; like I was in the way.
At lunch I had really nothing to say to my clinical group. They all had amazing things happen today. I didn't have much for them. Sadly, I then spilled my soup all over the floor. I hate making messes for people, so I tried to clean it up myself.....I just wanted to go back to my unit....
Back on the unit, my nurse came to me and straight up told me "Don't ever let any nurse tell you to change your practice or how you do things when you graduate." At first I thought she was upset with me. But apparently our patient (who was a nurse) was giving her a hard time. I loved my nurse. She wants me to work with her next week :)
Then at about 7:30pm, I started seeing spots of color in my sight of vision; most people call it an aura. I don't think I get them quite that bad. But yes, a migraine was coming. I didn't have an excedrin with me :/ The nurses all started searching their bags for meds. They drugged me up with 400mg of ibuprofen. Wowza! But that didn't work......the light was killing me...then my instructor came up and sent me home like 2hrs early. I felt bad leaving clinical early, but with that migraine, I wouldn't have been able to focus, and the nausea would just have worsened over time. My instructor told me to get home as soon as possible because I have a history of tunnel-vision when I get migraines. Obviously when I get a migraine, it's God telling me to slow down and breathe... you'll be fine. I worry toooooooo much! :/
As I was leaving, my nurse said "bad things come in threes....what else did you do?" Well I locked my keys in the car as soon as i got here, with my spare in it, and I spilled my soup all over the floor in the cafeteria at lunch. She just laughed at me and told me that I should work with her next week :)
I got home and crashed til it was gone. Yay for migraines! I was stressed and nervous today and that mostly caused it. But now I'm ready to start a new day! I'm ready to begin patient care on mommies!
Clinical Day #1 was an interesting experience at Women/Newborn Care Unit. I started out the shift waiting for the charge nurse to get off of lunch. An hour passes by and I was sent on a scavenger hunt to look around the unit and find things in the supply room. That was good. I needed to do that. There are so many different supplies! It's craziness; bili bags, breast pumps, newborn masks, formula, photo equipment, diapers (of course), baby warmers, bili warmers, pacifiers, baby glucometers, etc. A lot of the equipment was doubled adult and newborn. I'm glad I got to look around. I was already sent to get things during procedures.
I didn't see much today. It was a 'shadowing' day so I followed a nurse around. I got to see a fundal assessment which was cool. I ended up just watching the whole process. I got to get my patient information for tomorrow which was good. I felt like I shouldn't have been there though; like I was in the way.
At lunch I had really nothing to say to my clinical group. They all had amazing things happen today. I didn't have much for them. Sadly, I then spilled my soup all over the floor. I hate making messes for people, so I tried to clean it up myself.....I just wanted to go back to my unit....
Back on the unit, my nurse came to me and straight up told me "Don't ever let any nurse tell you to change your practice or how you do things when you graduate." At first I thought she was upset with me. But apparently our patient (who was a nurse) was giving her a hard time. I loved my nurse. She wants me to work with her next week :)
Then at about 7:30pm, I started seeing spots of color in my sight of vision; most people call it an aura. I don't think I get them quite that bad. But yes, a migraine was coming. I didn't have an excedrin with me :/ The nurses all started searching their bags for meds. They drugged me up with 400mg of ibuprofen. Wowza! But that didn't work......the light was killing me...then my instructor came up and sent me home like 2hrs early. I felt bad leaving clinical early, but with that migraine, I wouldn't have been able to focus, and the nausea would just have worsened over time. My instructor told me to get home as soon as possible because I have a history of tunnel-vision when I get migraines. Obviously when I get a migraine, it's God telling me to slow down and breathe... you'll be fine. I worry toooooooo much! :/
As I was leaving, my nurse said "bad things come in threes....what else did you do?" Well I locked my keys in the car as soon as i got here, with my spare in it, and I spilled my soup all over the floor in the cafeteria at lunch. She just laughed at me and told me that I should work with her next week :)
I got home and crashed til it was gone. Yay for migraines! I was stressed and nervous today and that mostly caused it. But now I'm ready to start a new day! I'm ready to begin patient care on mommies!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Winter Term Begins....
Happy New Year!
Hallelujah! It's finally 2011. Time for a new clinical rotation! Sadly, I won't be on my med-surg floor that I wanted to be on again. That floor was great :)
So God wants me somewhere else! I got assigned to the woman's floor which involves Gynecology, Postpartum, and Family Birth. Maybe this is my focus or maybe I'm supposed to help someone....who knows? I'm really nervous because I don't know what I'm up against. It's a new unit with a total different side of nursing. I haven't had much experience in this department. I know I will like it because this was the department I wanted to be in when I first started nursing school. Let's just say....I will have a variety of blog diagnoses compared to the last term :) I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Hopefully I get to hold some babies!!! :)
So here I begin the next 10-12 clinical days in the Women's Health Unit/Birth Center. . . .
Hallelujah! It's finally 2011. Time for a new clinical rotation! Sadly, I won't be on my med-surg floor that I wanted to be on again. That floor was great :)
So God wants me somewhere else! I got assigned to the woman's floor which involves Gynecology, Postpartum, and Family Birth. Maybe this is my focus or maybe I'm supposed to help someone....who knows? I'm really nervous because I don't know what I'm up against. It's a new unit with a total different side of nursing. I haven't had much experience in this department. I know I will like it because this was the department I wanted to be in when I first started nursing school. Let's just say....I will have a variety of blog diagnoses compared to the last term :) I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Hopefully I get to hold some babies!!! :)
So here I begin the next 10-12 clinical days in the Women's Health Unit/Birth Center. . . .
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