Finding Peace

This fall semester is finally over! I'm getting closer to graduation each day and really trying to keep my head held high as I have two more semesters to go.

If I've learned anything from repeating this semester it is how much I love nursing and being in the hospital. The extra experience I gained this semester is something I wouldn't take back. It's still really hard to admit, but I am finally able to say that I am glad I had to retake the class. It was a blessing in disguise and I can see that God knew exactly what He was doing.

Not only has He given me a higher passion for nursing, but he has provided me with wonderful friends in my new cohort. They have been extremely supportive through this semester and I have really grown close to them during our clinical hours.

Last day of clinical with these amazing girls!

 

 

 

 

This semester I got to experience some clinical hours in the OR, ER and ICU. I love working in other areas, because it allows me to get closer to my ultimate goal of deciding which area I would like to work in. Here are the conclusions I came to...

ER: Not for me. Too fast paced.
ICU: Pretty intense. Something to work toward for Peds
OR: So freaking cool! Not as much patient care as I would like.

My first day in the OR. Saw some pretty amazing stuff!

I also got to put in my first IV with many after that. So now I am so ready for next semester! I start January 6th with rotations in the ICU and psych. But for now, I have a 3 week blissful break where I am going to catch up grey's anatomy and wait patiently for the 17th season of The Bachelor! Eeeek!

The Ultamate Update

Quite some time has passed since my last post. And a lot has happened that I don't even know where to begin. The past semester has been one of the toughest couple months of my life. The intensity of nursing school is beyond anything I can explain and the pressure of trying to be perfect can wear a person down little by little.

The last 4 weeks of my first semester of school I went MIA from all the finals projects. I had the worst chest pain and getting about 4-5 hours of sleep a night. With all the time and work put in, I unfortunately didn't make it past the finish line. I didn't pass one of my classes (med/surg) which was a huge shock and devastation to me. Because I didn't pass one of my classes I was forced to take a few months off and begin to retake the class in the fall.

People keep telling me "Everything happens for a reason" but why in the world would me failing a class happen for a reason? It has only caused me to worry about my future, has affected my health and mental status and caused me to doubt myself even more than before. The summer was major depressing as I missed my friends in cohort 8, but I'm still learning to except the changes ahead.

Now, summer break has officially ended and I am ready to get back in the swing of things. Today was my first day of school with my new cohort and I loved meeting everyone. This semester I will be at Saddleback Memorial Hospital in San Clemente. I will also be taking med/surg. So this semester will be a bit easier than the last. With trying to stay positive, I think it's going to be a good semester!

Progress of CHOC

CHOC's new building is coming along so nicely. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Nursing station in the emergency room, just for children!

Nursing Prayer

Psalm 61: 1-5

Here my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; 

lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower again the foe. 

I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

Study Time

Nursing school really does bring us closer together. I love my study group.

Clinical

I had a great day in clinical today!

This morning I was so unsure about today and how it was going to go. I was nervous because it was the first day back since spring break and I thought it would maybe take me some time to get back into the swing of things.  But I jumped right in and everything was great. I loved my patients and learned so much!

Today was my first time passing meds and it finally made me feel like a real nurse! I can't believe that next week I will be checked off to finally give injections! I'm so nervous.

I get to do a little more each week...and each week gets that much better!

Coffee: America's Pick-Me-Up

Coffee and I have always had a hate-hate relationship . Ever since I was little I thought it was ridiculous to drink coffee for any reason. It was black, bitter, hot and only grown ups drank it. I could never understand why so many people drank coffee. I remember my parents making coffee every morning and hearing the coffee grinder going off at 5 o'clock in the morning when my dad left for work. Members at my church would go nuts for coffee as they socialized around the coffee pot. I mostly thought the people who couldn't function without their coffee were crazy!

Then something came along called nursing school and I am one of those people! I'm hooked! Now it's all about the love. I drink it every morning to get my day started and get crazy if I can't have it. It's warm and sweet and puts me in a better mood. I usually just have one cup, but sometimes I'll sneak two. And I love the sound of the coffee grinder in the morning because it reminds me of my dad [and because I know I'll soon be drinking a delicious cup of coffee].

Plus coffee mugs are too cute. My roommates and I have a whole cupboard full of coffee mugs, and by the end of the week the entire cupboard is empty. I think we only to dishes to wash our mugs, then whatever else gets washed is a plus!

I don't know what I would do without coffee ♥ It's definitely my pick-me-up.