I have been so busy that I couldn’t legitimately prioritize making a post. Here is a recap of how my last 3 days have gone.
Wednesday. Personal and family necessities had to be addressed. I studied Med Surg when I could and then stressed over (and worked on) an assignment I thought was due Thursday. It was on acid base balance that we just reviewed in class. I’m still trying to see all the big picture health connections…..
Thursday. After that acid/base lecture we grabbed the provided ice cream social goodness and went to the student nurses meeting; so we could have our picture taken with brainfreeze as evidenced by cringe ridden faces. That may, or may not, be an exaggeration. The student nurse meeting was informative on upcoming raffles etc… for fundraising, and information on upcoming events. I then went to the library and did more review and preparation for clinicals Friday.
Friday. Today. First day of clinicals. We brushed up on a few skills in the class room and went into detail on nasogastric tubes and IV’s; including IV push medications. I like our clinical instructor, very upfront, and reasonable. However, when we first sat down for introductions, and then we moved to expectations, I had a serious moment of contemplating an exit. He was talking about what we are expected to know for the drugs we give and wow. I felt like there was no way I can get myself to standard on the medication knowledge in a week….. I’ve been out of school, but we don’t have pharmacology on the RN level, so those of us who are rusty now have some serious pharmacology to do on our own on top of the actually required class assignments and exams….. Maybe it wouldn’t be so serious if we couldn’t be expelled for 3 lapses in memory under pressure. So we HAVE to know that we know our medications……
I stayed out late studying tonight. Clinicals in the morning early…. carpooling with my other community LPN friend. 45 + min drive to the hospital. Will be there at 0645 bright-eyed….. or just WIDE-eyed more than likely. 8 ch. med surg exam thurs 10 ch OB exam the Monday after that. Clinicals Friday/Saturday. Work Tuesday night shift. – Night Shift
The RN journey 