Really, today sort of feels like my last "real" clinical day in OB. Saturday, I have my final check-offs, so I will be doing a postpartum assessment by myself, in front of my instructor, as well as a newborn assessment by myself, in front of my instructor--for a grade. Each one will be worth 10 points. Then, next week, I really won't have much of anything, since it will be the last day. I think my instructor said she would put me back down in labor and delivery, in hopes of getting me in to see a cesarean delivery. Plus, we will also get to go to the lab and play with placentas, which should be interesting.
So today, I had a really awesome nurse to follow around. She made sure I was actively participating and encouraged me to really jump in and learn. It was great--because for the most part, my other nurses have really just been having me watch and not really do anything. This nurse also had me pick a teaching topic to go in and teach the clients, which was kind of uncomfortable, because the father of the baby was really cranky about us having come in early (he was still sleeping, and we apparently woke him up, haha).
Beyond that, I was able to hand in all my remaining paperwork, except for the home visit assignment; my partner is pretty anal about making sure it is absolutely perfect. We met up for a few hours after clinical today, and we had met up earlier this week, after Foley check-offs for a few hours. Altogether, we have spent 6 hours together working on finishing this assignment, and I've put another hour into it from home. And she is still not convinced that it is good enough. I find it difficult to work with partners like this, who believe in doing every part of the work together, rather than splitting it up. I trust my partner to do good work, and I wish she would trust me to do the same; this way, we wouldn't have to be wasting time and can work more efficiently--coffeeshops are just not that great for my productivity.
Oh well. I plan to spend tomorrow practicing for my final postpartum and newborn check-offs! I'm really nervous, because my instructor is pretty strict about these assessments.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Jan. 24, 2012
Today began with presenting our case studies that we worked on yesterday, over the birth process. Then we actually got some real lecture about some complications that can happen during birth. And... that was pretty much it for the day. Lecture, some case studies, and we finished up early. So, the check-offs got started early, too.
When I got down there, I got a really great instructor for my checkoff, and I had to do my Foley on a female. I was sort of hoping I would get a male mannequin, just because the procedure is a little less complicated on a male, but it wasn't too bad. In fact, I only missed 0.25 out of 10, so I really can't complain. The only thing I didn't do was say that I visualized the site of entry. I am really, really glad that is done!!
Tomorrow I have off, now, so I will be spending the time working on some clinical paperwork as well as the cesarean delivery presentation I have with my partner! My sweetheart is coming to visit me next week, and I want to make sure all my paperwork and stuff is done before, so I can just spend the weekend with him without anything hanging over my head.
Jan. 23, 2012
Another exam today, and once again, we were mislead. We all received an e-mail the DAY BEFORE the exam telling us to study from the reading guides, as these were what the test questions were drawn from. So, I completely ignored the extensive review guide. And wouldn't you know it--about half of the material wasn't on the reading guide and there were a lot of very in-depth, detailed questions. I find it hard to study for these exams, because even though I do the reading and then review the reading guide, it still seems as though the questions are just drawn from somewhere completely different. In any case, we then had a very short lecture on the birthing process, followed by more case studies.
Today was also the first day in Nursing Research. We already had to do a discussion posting online, which I went ahead and did a week or so ago. Then, as seems to be the norm, we had a quiz today. Then, we had group work over the information from the quiz, which was basically looking up some information on a website and compiling it to hand in.
After class, I had to get into open lab, which started late because the person who was supposed to be supervising didn't show up. Foley Catheter practice. It's really not that difficult, procedurally. What's difficult is not breaking sterile field--because you can do it so easily without even noticing! After practicing, I feel more prepared for check-offs tomorrow. What a long day!!
Here's what I woke up to yesterday, by the way:
Oh, and I forgot to add something from a few weeks ago! There was a frog down in my sump area. Unfortunately, he died overnight from when I noticed him; otherwise, I probably would have fished him out and got a terrarium or something for him (or her, I suppose). So, here is yet another creature I can add to my repertoire of strange pseudo-pets.
Today was also the first day in Nursing Research. We already had to do a discussion posting online, which I went ahead and did a week or so ago. Then, as seems to be the norm, we had a quiz today. Then, we had group work over the information from the quiz, which was basically looking up some information on a website and compiling it to hand in.
After class, I had to get into open lab, which started late because the person who was supposed to be supervising didn't show up. Foley Catheter practice. It's really not that difficult, procedurally. What's difficult is not breaking sterile field--because you can do it so easily without even noticing! After practicing, I feel more prepared for check-offs tomorrow. What a long day!!
Here's what I woke up to yesterday, by the way:
 |
| I was planning on cracking the window... but I changed my mind.... |
Oh, and I forgot to add something from a few weeks ago! There was a frog down in my sump area. Unfortunately, he died overnight from when I noticed him; otherwise, I probably would have fished him out and got a terrarium or something for him (or her, I suppose). So, here is yet another creature I can add to my repertoire of strange pseudo-pets.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Jan. 21, 2012
I finally got my chance to be in labor and delivery today! And it was the most amazing, beautiful, unreal experience!! I cried--and that is something I didn't see coming!
The father was so supportive of his girlfriend, cheering her on, holding her hand, and getting her water as she needed it. And, I was able to take some pictures and video for them, so that was great.
I felt kind of useless, but I know that just being there for them, silencing alarms, and helping hold the mother's leg when the nurse was busy was definitely a big help. And the nurse was AWESOME!! You'd have to be a really special person to work in labor and delivery and love it every day! There are good days and there would definitely be bad days. But she said this was a really good delivery to see--it could have gone so much worse, but considering all the risk factors, it actually went really well.
That experience took up most of the day, and I had very little time to gather my information for the labor and delivery assignment, so I stayed a little late today. That's fine--because tomorrow will be the first day in what feels like forever that I won't have to be up at 0500!!
I talked to my instructor, and she said I had too many nursing diagnoses, and that some of them I didn't have enough evidence or support for. So that simplifies my assignment quite a bit. I will be completing that and studying for the upcoming week! We have a new class that starts on Monday--Research! It's mostly a hybrid class, where we do a lot of work outside of class on the computer, and meet only a few times. This will be nice, since it's that same professor I am really struggling to like.
The father was so supportive of his girlfriend, cheering her on, holding her hand, and getting her water as she needed it. And, I was able to take some pictures and video for them, so that was great.
I felt kind of useless, but I know that just being there for them, silencing alarms, and helping hold the mother's leg when the nurse was busy was definitely a big help. And the nurse was AWESOME!! You'd have to be a really special person to work in labor and delivery and love it every day! There are good days and there would definitely be bad days. But she said this was a really good delivery to see--it could have gone so much worse, but considering all the risk factors, it actually went really well.
That experience took up most of the day, and I had very little time to gather my information for the labor and delivery assignment, so I stayed a little late today. That's fine--because tomorrow will be the first day in what feels like forever that I won't have to be up at 0500!!
I talked to my instructor, and she said I had too many nursing diagnoses, and that some of them I didn't have enough evidence or support for. So that simplifies my assignment quite a bit. I will be completing that and studying for the upcoming week! We have a new class that starts on Monday--Research! It's mostly a hybrid class, where we do a lot of work outside of class on the computer, and meet only a few times. This will be nice, since it's that same professor I am really struggling to like.
Jan. 20, 2012
As expected, there was probably 5 or 6 inches of snow overnight, so driving this morning was definitely interesting. I'm really glad my car has front-wheel drive and snow tires. Neither one is a saving grace, but they definitely help! I did, however, get stuck a little bit when pulling into the coffee shop we met up at. Not for very long, but it was still a little bit nerve wracking and annoying. My partner, however, was late--she got REALLY stuck on a side street. So, when it came time to drive over to the home visit, she rode with me.
The visit went really well. They seemed really settled into their roles as parents and seem really comfortable with their new baby! They had very few questions and were grateful for the information we brought them, as there were some things they hadn't heard of or thought of. When we discussed toy safety, they even had us look over their toys for them so they could make sure they had safe toys for their son. We were there for about an hour, gathering the information we needed for our assignment and providing education, and then we were able to leave.
Then, I immediately set to work on my postpartum assignment and concept map. I had some questions about it, because I wasn't really sure how extensive it needed to be or how many nursing diagnoses I needed to come up with. And, looking at the rubric and assignment guidelines was not particularly helpful, because it wasn't really specific. Being that this assignment is only worth 15 points, too, makes me think I don't have to come up with so many diagnoses. Even with the five I came up (two of which were kind of stretching it), it felt like the most pathetic concept map I had ever come up with. So, I intend to ask my instructor about it tomorrow.
The visit went really well. They seemed really settled into their roles as parents and seem really comfortable with their new baby! They had very few questions and were grateful for the information we brought them, as there were some things they hadn't heard of or thought of. When we discussed toy safety, they even had us look over their toys for them so they could make sure they had safe toys for their son. We were there for about an hour, gathering the information we needed for our assignment and providing education, and then we were able to leave.
Then, I immediately set to work on my postpartum assignment and concept map. I had some questions about it, because I wasn't really sure how extensive it needed to be or how many nursing diagnoses I needed to come up with. And, looking at the rubric and assignment guidelines was not particularly helpful, because it wasn't really specific. Being that this assignment is only worth 15 points, too, makes me think I don't have to come up with so many diagnoses. Even with the five I came up (two of which were kind of stretching it), it felt like the most pathetic concept map I had ever come up with. So, I intend to ask my instructor about it tomorrow.
Jan. 19, 2012
Clinical day number three! And, since I didn't get a second clinical day with a partner because of last week, I got to be with my partner again today. It was nice, although I felt the nurse spent a lot more time talking to her friends than actually spending time with patients. What was great, though, was that we got to follow her around to most of her rooms. I selected a patient to do my postpartum assignment and concept map on, so I look forward to getting that one done and off my plate. Then, all I would have left would be my labor and delivery. Unfortunately, there was not a delivery for me to see today--although the other two who needed to see one got to go. So, I am on the priority list for seeing one next time.
Overall, it was a pretty good day. We got to help with discharge education, as well as admitting a new patient to the floor.
When I got back to my apartment, I had to do some prep work for our home visit assignment tomorrow morning!! They want us to come over at 9, and my partner and I are planning on getting together at 8 to review what we have. And, looking at what the weather is planning on being like overnight, I know I have to get up extra early to get ready and leave with plenty of time to accomodate for the snowy conditions!
Overall, it was a pretty good day. We got to help with discharge education, as well as admitting a new patient to the floor.
When I got back to my apartment, I had to do some prep work for our home visit assignment tomorrow morning!! They want us to come over at 9, and my partner and I are planning on getting together at 8 to review what we have. And, looking at what the weather is planning on being like overnight, I know I have to get up extra early to get ready and leave with plenty of time to accomodate for the snowy conditions!
Jan. 18, 2012
Since we had a holiday on Monday, we had to have class today (Wednesday) my normal day off. Which means that the other clinical groups only have one clinical day this week, while we still have two. Worry you not, though--it will be balanced out in two weeks!
Today we had a quiz. And wouldn't you know it--the professor had quesitons on it that were not from the chapters we had to read. It was only after we protested this that she said she would consider altering our grades because it was unfair to have had questions that we weren't told to study for. The e-mail she sent out later, added insult to injury, as she said she was being generous to do so. This coming from the professor who claimed she hadn't looked at or revised the quiz questions on the medication quiz in five years. This threw some of us off--because one of the questions in particular had a correct answer that was no longer in practice!
In any case, we had simulation today. And let me tell you, I felt completely shattered afterwards. Confidence? Broken. I don't believe I was ever cocky or overly confident--but I felt I was at least competent in being a nurse, and I didn't feel that way after this simulation at all. But, the professors said we all did a good job.
The scenario was a woman coming in to the hospital because she hadn't felt her baby kicking as much. SHe was found to have hypertension, so she had to be admitted. She had to have a Foley placed, as well as an IV. Then, the lab work returned that she had HELLP syndrome (hemolysis [breaking down of blood cells], elevated liver enzymes [from the blood being broken down], and low platelets [not able to clot as well]). When it got to my group of five, she had a hemorrhage, and I was the medication nurse. Everyone said I did so well with the calculations and medication administration, but I was shaking and honestly felt like I wasn't doing good at all.
Oh well--it's time to shake it off and get ready for clinicals tomorrow!
Today we had a quiz. And wouldn't you know it--the professor had quesitons on it that were not from the chapters we had to read. It was only after we protested this that she said she would consider altering our grades because it was unfair to have had questions that we weren't told to study for. The e-mail she sent out later, added insult to injury, as she said she was being generous to do so. This coming from the professor who claimed she hadn't looked at or revised the quiz questions on the medication quiz in five years. This threw some of us off--because one of the questions in particular had a correct answer that was no longer in practice!
In any case, we had simulation today. And let me tell you, I felt completely shattered afterwards. Confidence? Broken. I don't believe I was ever cocky or overly confident--but I felt I was at least competent in being a nurse, and I didn't feel that way after this simulation at all. But, the professors said we all did a good job.
The scenario was a woman coming in to the hospital because she hadn't felt her baby kicking as much. SHe was found to have hypertension, so she had to be admitted. She had to have a Foley placed, as well as an IV. Then, the lab work returned that she had HELLP syndrome (hemolysis [breaking down of blood cells], elevated liver enzymes [from the blood being broken down], and low platelets [not able to clot as well]). When it got to my group of five, she had a hemorrhage, and I was the medication nurse. Everyone said I did so well with the calculations and medication administration, but I was shaking and honestly felt like I wasn't doing good at all.
Oh well--it's time to shake it off and get ready for clinicals tomorrow!
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