Time Flies when...

You're pumping up Blood Pressure cuffs several times a day!!

And the reason for the previous statement is because I have skill check-offs TOMORROW!!! Ahh! No worries...well, slightly...I went to a classmate's apartment tonight to practice with some other girls. We each ran through a scenario and took a patient's vital signs. Other important points to remember is that I must wash my hands upon entering and leaving the room, introduce myself, identify the patient by name & DOB, explain what I'm going to do, raise & lower the bed and hopefully ensure safety the entire time! The professors are not setting us up for failure but they want to make sure we are instilling all of the little things before they release us into the wild hospital halls this fall!

So I ask please say a short prayer that I remember all of the key things to pass tomorrow!

On Tuesday, we take our lecture exam. Dr. Livingston went over some of the exam and it seemed pretty common knowledge yet I'm sure there are some trick questions. Example:

What is the most important part of giving perineal care?
A. hand hygiene
B. gloves
C. keeping the patient covered
D. raising the bed to a working height

Yeah...confusing, right?! Well, they answer is B although all of the answers are important. Dr. Livingston said that we're nursing students now so we need to be able to decipher the BEST possible answer, not just a good answer.

This past week wasn't terrible. I turned my paper in early and did pretty well on the quizzes. We had the PTA students from Blinn come to our lab to teach us about ambulation and transfers. It was very helpful and glad I was able to learn very important tips on saving my back. Some of our professors even learned new things!!

The only downfall to my week was the allergic reaction I had to a night cream on my eyes. I'd post a picture but I think it would blind y'all because it's scary. I didn't even show Justin... I sent pictures to Dr. Goerig & Dr. Erwin - GOD BLESS THEM!!! - and with some hydrocortisone, Benadryl and 3 days of wearing glasses, my eyes are back to normal. I'm still worried I'll have a flare up because I have sensitive skin but never again will I use a cream that I don't know what's in it beforehand!!!

The countdown to completing my 1st semester of Nursing school is on = 4 days

Skills check-off, exam, discussion board, a project and 2 classes stand between me but perseverance and coffee is key :)

Wish me luck!
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