This week has absolutely sped past us in a whirl-wind. I’ve decided below is the 5 repeating phases of nursing school (they apply to any difficult program, or even life).
1. Grip
2. Deep breath
3. Brace for impact
4. Impact
5. Exhale
1. Grip
Another impact is coming, ready or not. Don’t make me give you a nursing diagnosis of impaired ability to cope related to stress.
Monday
I sat in Maternal class and listened about certain conditions and issues women can have, while freaking out inside because I may be personally looking at 1 or more…. meanwhile our local OB/GYN is double and triple booked for provider appointments currently…. Not good for the community as a whole, I must say. Taking my mind back to school, physical assessment class was last hurdle. It’s not a bad class, and yes it is literally 1 semester on how to do proper full body system assessments. I think we could spend at least a year on this alone.
To end my Monday’s I now have an extra curricular class I go to for physical exercise, and destressing. I know it’s “more time away” from my family, and I do tend to overload my plate, but I want this. Besides more oxygen in the brain right?
Tuesday
I slept in and spent time with the babies. I got some online homework done in preparation for the first med/surg test. Worked all night.
Wednesday
I slept half of it away. Then made myself get up to go study at the college. I often study side by side with my LPN school friend or with my new friend from RN school. They were both stressing that night. The RN class was bracing for the 8 chapter impact Thursday. Acid base imbalances don’t seem as scary as when I first looked at it though.
Thursday
I got to the college as soon as I could to review the study guide for med/surg test 1. Many class mates were there doing the same. We headed to the computer lab and took at seat. 50 questions, praying through it. Not as bad as I had feared. 80% was my grade, and I am thankful I passed. Many passed and many of my class mates did not fair so well. My friend made 74%. Right under th 75% passing grade, and in need of remediation. We reviewed some of the questions and rationales in class and then it was over. Not a bad day at all. I actually really liked it. I rushed off to the Dr. Office for my appt. then after checking in with my family I left to McDonald’s to make pharmacology flash cards beside my LPN school friend. I have to make cards because I don’t remember the drugs like I should. Part of the perils of being out of nursing school for years, and going back. I stayed out really late. Clinicals are Friday and Saturday. At 0645 be at the hospital 45 minutes from my house. Brace for impact. – Brace for impact.
The RN journey 