Another week-and-a-half has past!

So, I really wanted to try and blog everyday, but things have been so hectic within my life, that it has gone by the way side. So, what can I say? We had another A&P exam, and I am proud to say that I passed it as well.

The plane tickets to Quebec are booked for Christmas, and I am so excited! There are only 6 weeks left until Christmas break! This break can't come soon enough. I have been stressed to the max, and can't wait to go and see my fabulous boyfriend next week!

As for classes, they have been the same old. We did have a nice change yesterday, as we got away from the power point presentation, and went more as an intimate group discussion....it didn't feel like an instructor was teaching us, just a big group discussion from one of our peers. Very nice :)

opps ;)

ok, so I know that I've been lacking with this blog this past week. I moved a week ago, and then my man came to visit me, and the past two days I have just been lazy :P

Ok, so I am just going to start with the beginning of the week, because I can't really remember the rest of last week...lol!

Monday was learning how to do blood pressures. It was very frustrating trying to listen to the different sounds. Good thing we have more time on Thursday to practice them. :)

Tuesday, all I had was A&P. We finished learning about the muscles in the body. We only have to learn about a third of them, which is a great relief.

And, I will finish up the rest of the blog later tonight after my A&P class. :) 

Mushy brain

Ok, so if I thought the cell was bad...the inner workings and parts of the muscle are even worse! I felt like I was sitting there and nothing was being absorbed. It's really frustrating when the information just doesn't get absorbed into my brain. I guess that this section will just need a little extra studying!

8th week has begun

So, the beginning of the 8th week brings another midterm. Wow, I really should have studied a bit more, but I still think I did not too bad today. I just can't wait to get our other midterms back. But still, why am I always the first person done. I was in there for 40 minutes this time. 

I'm looking forward to tomorrow, as I only have a class in the evening. I can't wait to sleep in, as I worked a night shift over the weekend and didn't get too much sleep. blah!

Another week bites the dust!

I can't believe that another week is over. It went by so fast! I can now say that I have completed the seventh week of the first year of the practical nursing program!

This morning was the basic TPR (temperature, pulse, and respiration). Needless to say, this was again repetitive! Still, I followed along and answered questions as necessary. Mmmmm, the smell in the classroom was great because we had......POTLUCK!!!

The food was great! We had such a variety of food...num num num! We also invited a couple of our instructors and the second year students. It was nice to get to know them :)

The afternoon came, and with it came the different complications with elimination....so, kind of a shitty afternoon. We had some good laughs, and ended up getting out early. Thus, good day spent!

Midterm #3 is done!

So....the third midterm is done. I can't say that it was very hard, but just enough to make you stop and think. This one took me 35 minutes to write, as opposed to 20 minutes yesterday.

Then came my beloved sleep....how I adore thee! The afternoon consisted of a short session on how to write an academic paper. Nothing really that required a lot of thinking :)

I then met with my older adult. We had a great visit this afternoon. It was the first of five visits that are required for my nursing arts class. And, that's pretty much it for me today!

Midterm #2 is done!

So, I wrote my second midterm today. Yes, it was pretty easy! It really only took me twenty minutes to write. I was quite surprised with myself, as I really didn't study for the exam at all. 

Then came health challenges. This morning we got to learn about perimenopause, menopause, and andropause. Very interesting topics, if you ask me. Everyone always thought that a man just has a midlife crisis just because, but now it is actually diagnosed as andropause....pretty much the equivalent to a woman going through menopause. We had a few good laughs this morning.

Then came A & P once again. It was pretty much the review of the skeleton, bones, and joints. I actually get this stuff...it's not too complicated to understand....yay me!

I've been lacking :(

Sorry, I know that I haven't blogged for a week....I'm not worthy! How I disappoint myself that I haven't blogged after every day of school. But, now I am going to! 

It was one rough weekend! I ended up working Saturday night, and it took me 2 days to recover. Luckily, I didn't have class till this evening. 

A&P was pretty fun tonight. I got to be the "TA" (teacher's assistant). All I did was read out the blanks so then the instructor could tell us what to fill in. How easy is that?

Tomorrow is another full day, well, with the exception of a couple hours in the afternoon when I don't have class. Nursing Arts midterm is first thing in the morning....I should ace it ;)

A&P Exam

Ok yes, I know that I am late in writing today's entry. I was trying to recover from my first exam today. Trying to figure out what I did right, and what I did wrong.

Didn't have any classes this morning, so that was a nice break...I was able to sleep in! And, only a 2 hour class this afternoon. Pretty much what we learned was how to treat a patient who had a fever. Pretty easy!

Oh yes, then the anatomy & physiology exam. I thought that I did better then what I actually did, but I still passed :)

The day before the first exam...eek!

So, I know my blog is a bit late today, but I do have a good excuse. I was studying for my first anatomy & physiology exam. I have spent about 7 hours studying for it so far, and I'm not done yet. Yes, this is probably the most studying that I have ever done for an exam. This is a first for me, but hopefully I will do great on it! Yes, must keep positive attitude!

This morning we learned about the complications of the cardiovascular system due to high blood pressure, "the silent killer". I had known about a few complications, but not all of them. So, not too bad. 

Later in the morning was the Nursing Process. It's funny, since I have worked in the health care field for a couple of years, but I am doing the nursing process all the time when I am at work, and don't even realize it. Now, it is just to step back and look at what I am doing each and every time, and analyze myself over and over again. 

A half hour break for lunch, and back again for the afternoon. This was our "Learning Assistance Center" time. Pretty much, teaching us how to pick out the key words in the multiple choice/true and false questions to get the best answer. Not too bad. But then came memory work. This is one thing I am not good at. I have done this memory stuff many times, and I find it even more boring each time I go through it. Oh well....another day is done!

Until tomorrow....

The Feeding Lab :)

So, this morning was the feeding lab. And me being me, I was the most difficult patient. I was the one complaining about how the food tasted and spit it out. Ya, I had some people laugh at me.

Well, that's all for me today. I went and down and am visiting with my man for the weekend, for my mental health. More to come on Monday!

Happy hump day!

The middle of the week has come and gone. So, how was today you ask. Well, this morning was pretty good. A pre-conference for our older adult visits. We just clarified what were are to be doing, and what to do and what not to do. So really, nothing to complain about :)

I was fortunate enough to have the afternoon off, so that was great. I was able to come home and sleep for a bit, as I did not sleep well last night. And of course, back to school I go!

Anatomy & physiology was the subject again. We learned about all the bones in the head. I did not know how many there actually are! And then a review for the exam on Tuesday. We had a mini exam, which I got 6/10 on. I was impressed with myself, and now know what I really have to study. I have fun making up acronyms to remember different things. One is: Nancy Eats Chocolate Men. Which is: nervous, epithelial, connective and muscle. The 4 main types of tissue. 

Good night! :) 

Brain Full O' Mush

My brain feels like a bowl of jello. Mushy and wiggly and not too sure of where to go. Yes, this is my brain after anatomy & physiology. Today was about the bone structure and composition. Thus, brain feeling = mush!

No classes this morning = HAPPY JESSICA!!!

Classes this afternoon = not too bad. Only 3.5 hours of class this afternoon. I was not complaining. My instructors this afternoon were pretty relaxed. GREAT!

Ya, not too much happening, which makes me one happy gal!

Another Monday

So, Monday's....what can I say about Monday's. It's the day that no one ever really wants to get up for. But me, I was awake at 6:30 this morning! No idea why, my body just decided that it was time for me to get up. Didn't really do anything productive, but it was kind of nice to get an early start to the day. Plus, it was nice to get to Timmy's a bit early :)

This morning we got to learn about nutrition. It is something that is ingrained into us. Every health career, you learn about how nutrition is good for you, and what to eat according to the Canadian Food Guide. We also learned how to read a nutrition label. Did you know that when it has the percentage on the label for your daily value, that it is based on a 2000 calorie diet. I sure didn't :)

This afternoon was a bit different. It was about the average population and how different factors effects the different aspects of your health. Just such things as getting to the hospital. It's really hard to explain. But, it was interesting to say the least.

Well, tomorrow I don't have any classes in the morning, so I get to sleep in...yay me!

The Fourth Week is now DONE

Wow, I can't believe that the fourth week is done already. Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday that it was the first day of school. 

As well, this was my first full week of classes. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Yes, I was quite tired when the school day was over, but now I am full of energy. I have been able to finish two assignments, one which isn't even due for another two weeks :) Ya, I am a bit of a keener that way, but it's all good.

Health Challenges was interesting this morning. We were talking about skin integrity and what we can do to prevent skin breakdown. We also learned the different stages of pressure ulcers. I love looking at the narly pictures of wounds. Plus, it was nice that we didn't have class until 10 this morning.

And then came my favorite class of all: Sociology. My instructor always has interesting stories to tell. With the amount of wordly experience and life experience, there is never a dull moment. It also helps that I am extremely interested in what we are talking about. A lot of this I have learned already, but it just means that I will do even better in this class. 

Until next week...

Another dry day...

3 1/2 hours of class this morning...which was boring as hell! Health & wellness and infection & disease. I feel that a lot of this is repetitive. I found myself drawing lines and coloring in boxes. You know that I'm bored when...

Then the afternoon finished up with learning how to do research in the library. This was very boring as well...blah! Yes, it will be good to know how to do the research, but I am sure that I could have figured it out myself if you would have gave me an instruction sheet.

Well, hopefully tomorrow will be a more enthusiastic day!

Finally, the chicken wing!

So, we finally got to dissect the chicken wing today!

But really, the day didn't start off until the afternoon. YAY!!! I got to sleep in this morning. It was greatly needed! Even though I still had to go to school this afternoon, it wasn't too bad. We got to play another medical terminology game today to begin with. Learning is much easier when you do that. Then more health & healing....a lot of nursing theorists. Not that I'm complaining or anything, but it is so dry :S

And now the chicken wing! How close do you ever really look at a chicken wing? Me, not very close. Now I have seen all different parts of the skin, layer of fat, tendons, cartilage, and many other things. Ya, kind of geeky that way, but it's all good.

No chicken wing?!

So, we were all excited to disect a chicken wing tonight, but of course, it is tomorrow :( 

In the lab again today. What can I say about this? Pretty much the only thing I learned was how to position someone on their stomach (prone position). The rest of the day was range of motion, positioning in bed, using mechanical lifts (which is what I teach), and use of restraints. Pretty much, everything that I do when I work anyways. 

And to end the day off, anatomy & physiology. Today was learning about the integumentary system, which is the skin, the largest organ of the human body. Wasn't too bad tonight. And to top it all off, no school until the afternoon tomorrow!

Just call me Vanna ;)

Well, what can I say about today? Pretty easy day. First thing this morning we went over an assignment that I am half done. If we didn't have any questions, we didn't have anything to do really. This meant more coffee for me :)

Next was the first class for Health and Healing. The first thing we are learning about is medical terminology. Easy stuff! Instead of our instructor standing at the front and preaching to us, we played a matching game. Guess who got to be the clicker? That's right...me :D Thus, the name Vanna. I do have to say that I learned what different things meant.

The afternoon brought on a game as well, with the reward of chocolate...yum! Sure, bribe the class with chocolate :P We were given terms or parts of the word and had to know what they are. I have to say, we did pretty good on them. But, nevertheless, my team lost by a point or two...but we were at a man (woman) disadvantage, so in all reality, we scored the same :P   

3rd Week...DONE!!

So, I am officially done the third week of the first semester of the first year of the practical nursing program. I have to say, today wasn't that bad. Sure, I had to be there at 0830, but such is life. 

Health Challenges was the subject this morning. We watched a really boring movie to begin with, but then finished it up with a movie about head to toe assessment. I found that one particularly interesting. One of the parts that I can't wait to get into is the assessments of patients. Not too sure why, but I do :)

Then, with the normal Friday afternoon class...Sociology :-D I know that I am an odd person, but I really enjoy sociology. A lot of the material that we are covering right now is what I have already taken in a previous class (but I can't remember which one). I remember in high school history learning about ethnocentrism, and now the term has come up again. As well in high school, I used the term "culture shock" and was praised for using a university term....me so smart ;-) 

So, all in all, it was a good day. Now to head over to C's place, and for us to get our drink on! Have a great weekend!!! 

1/2 of the 3rd week done!

Well the hump day of the 3rd week is done...which is only a 3 day week! Which means.....NO SCHOOL TOMORROW!!! Good stuff. Today wasn't actually too bad. Had a pre-conference for our first "clinical" experience. Have to find some old person who visit with for 5 times...whoopee! I guess it won't be that hard as I know quite a few old people :P

Then came Health Challenges. The first time I had this particular instructor. I think he was impressed that I had the required readings were done, and that I am a TLR trainer. Bonus points for me...damnit....there is no participation points for this class :(

So, off early from that class in the afternoon, and then to the dreaded A&P...again! I guess it wasn't too bad tonight. Went over some more tissue crap...but next class we get to dissent a chicken wing...bahaha!

Well that's all for today...sorry folks, no school tomorrow, so no blog for me :) 

First School Day of Week 3

Ahhhhhh, another nice 3 day weekend! Hahaha to the suckers who had to come in yesterday for lab! And, once again, lab today was BORING!!!! We got to learn how to do a one man and two man transfer...easiest shit that I know how to do! 

But, then we got to play with the walkers, crutches, and WHEELCHAIRS!!! I bet you know what the highlight of my day was. Ya, I had a bit of fun in them :) Even though when my partner had to help be down a curb in the wheelchair, my ass was too fat and she couldn't lift the chair...opps! Meh, oh well...it happens :)

Then came the repositioning in bed....mmmmm....laying in bed. That was probably about the second best thing today. And of course, I am the most difficult patient ever. I am just trying to simulate real life. 

To end the day off was the dreaded anatomy and physiology. Ok, so why the hell do I need to know the different layers of skin cells and what they look like? Is it really going to apply when I am working on a medical floor...no, I really don't think that I am gonna have to look under a microscope and see which kind of cells they are. Urg! Oh well...we got out early today :) 

Week 2 = FINISHED!

Well, what can I say....the second week of  school is done and over with! Wa-hoo! So today....hmmmmm.... I would have to say that this morning was another boring ass morning.....the same shit all over again! God, I hate paying for something that I get paid to teach, but obviously SIAST is just a money grabber and making me pay for it! Bastards! At least we finished an hour early and had a longer lunch break. 


And, I continued my table hopping....2 tables back this time. Opps....I'm bored of sitting at the front and feeling like I'm being watched all the time. Screw that! Half the time, it is only 1 person sitting back there anyways. So, I moved, because I'm back there most of the time visiting with one of my classmates anyways. 

Then came Sociology...what can I say about this class....hmmmmm....I guess it's not too bad. We watched a hilarious video entitled "Killing me Softly 3" which is about how women are sexually exploited in advertising. I laughed my ass off....and then more boring stuff. 

But, I guess I can't complain now...I have a 3 day weekend, and only 3 days of classes next week! Sweetness! Have a great weekend y'all!

blah blah blah!

wow....what a freaking boring day! First of all, I had to be there at 0830...that means I have to get up earlier, and get to school earlier...everything is earlier! I HATE GETTING UP EARLY!!! First of all, I decided not to get any Timmy's coffee....McDonald's it was! SWEET!!! Cheap coffee right now....sa-weet! So, get to school, and of course I was the first one there...surprise surprise! Then....one of my classmates scared the shit out of me! Urg, not good, cuz then I spilled coffee on my scrubs :( Damn it!

So, guess what I got to take this morning...TLR (transfers, lifting, and repositioning). It's a program that I teach for the health region, so in all reality, I am paying for a course that I get paid to teach...how messed up is that???

Then came the afternoon...bed making (who-fricken-who!) I get to learn how to make a bed with no one in it, and how to make a bed it a person in it. What repetitive crap!

And to top it all off...another freaking A&P class. What is the structure of a cell? Like I really care! Pretty much all useless information if you ask me.

Oh well, I don't have any classes tomorrow, so I guess I can't complain too much :)

P.S. I am really wondering who is reading these...please comment on who you are, what you like, and what you'd like to hear about...thanks! 

And Another One Bites The Dust!

Wha-cha-cha! Another A&P class is done and over with! Today's actually wasn't too bad. I guess I can't complain that I only had 1 class today. The rest, as I like to call it, is fluff! Stuff that they want us to attend, but we really don't have to go to :) 

Tomorrow, however, will be another story. I get to get dressed up in my scrubs....again. Oh, comfy scrubs how I have missed you...*tear* You are not constricting or binding in any way, shape, or form. I get to lounge around in you all day, and help others learn how to make beds...SWEET!

Ya, that's pretty much it in a nutshell :)

The End Has Come...of the First Week!

Well the first week of classes has come to an end....finally! I guess I can't complain too much. The first week only had 3 classes, but that damn A&P was the worst one. Even though I didn't blog on the last day of the first week, my views are still the same! The reason why I didn't, was because I drove down to see my man right after class was done on Friday. A 6 hour drive is not fun after a day of classes, but it was well worth it!

Sociology was an interesting class. We may be able to go for a tour of the federal penitentiary. How cool would that be???? I was like, heck yes!

Anyways, back home to PA today....with another A&P class tonight!

Almost at the end...of the first week!

Orientation....how I do not like this word! You just want to get into the material, and get it done and over with! This morning was the last of our orientation...yippee!! All that it included was an intro to our classes, and library orientation...where my group won the game...SWEET! $2 of free printing at the library...booyah!

Nursing Arts 1 was this afternoon. Not a whole lot new here....pretty much it included infection control and proper hand hygiene. Like I said, not a lot new. It was nice because I could give examples to the rest of the class about different diseases and what can be acquired. 

So, tomorrow is another day....lab orientation, and sociology...not too sure what to think about the later one. This could be interesting...

Half way through the first week...

So, second A&P class is done with now. I can officially say that my brain hurts! I don`t think that this has ever happened to be before. Oh well, don`t have that class again for almost another week...yippee!!

 Well, I know that I am getting in good with my classmates, they want me to be the class rep! Me, sure....why not? The last time I went to school I was, and hey...I get free lunch out of it once a month!!! Sha-bam! 


One more morning of orientation and then it gets into the hard stuff...damn! At least I don`t have to take one of my classes. From going to school before, I have credit for the first class of personal and professional relationships. I`m glad my previous schooling has counted for something!

The second day...but the FIRST class...

All I could think when I was leaving school this evening....I think my brain is numb! Let me tell you how the day was:

First thing: go and have picture taken for student ID. Stand in line a bit, get picture taken. Wait for picture. Oooooo, picture turned out good. Look at fellow classmates ID, haha, mine is better! Made my way back to the classroom, and of course, I had to be different, so I chose a different spot to sit in, so I can get to know other people. Ok, everyone back now....time for more icebreakers! 


Hmmmm, now onto study skills....I notice that my table-mate is kind of copying how I chose to do my notes...oh well, that`s ok. At least I know that they think I am confident in what I am doing :)


Afternoon off again...SWEET!


FIRST CLASS!!!! Anatomy and Physiology....ewwwww, just hearing those two words together are making me cringe. The amount of information that we went over in 2 hours was enough to make my brain go numb! So, came home, had a bite to eat, and onto making study cards from the information we got this evening. 1 WHOLE HOUR just to make study cards....damn, that`s a good review though....second A & P class tomorrow evening...

The First Day

Well my first day of the first year of the practical nursing program is done and over with! Well, by first day, I mean we were only there for the morning...hahaha! It was just your regular morning of orientation. Please fill out this form and sign at the bottom. These are you instructors. Here is your book list....WHAT?! $1400 for books...are you crazy?!?!?! And to add to it all, there was an error with the depositing of my student loan today, so I probably won`t get it until Friday or possibly Monday. Urg....the stress I was under today...not a good way to start of school.

So, my classmates aren`t too bad. I`m not the youngest; and I`m definitely not the oldest! There seems to be a good mix of people, so that is good. 

On the plus side, I may have 2 classes that I won`t have to take this semester....yippee!!! The schedule would be pretty sweet if I don`t have to take them.

Well, I guess I should be off to bed again soon. Have more orientation at 0900hrs for the morning, and then the afternoon off again. Well, only to have a class at 1900....not too sure what to think about that yet. I guess we will see how it goes :)

The Night Before School Starts....

The night before school starts, and all through the house. Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse! Wait a minute, who am I kidding? I`m freaking out here man! I had a wonderful afternoon with my friends, but now that I am home by myself....no good can come of this!!!

First of all, what am I going to wear? Yes, I am a woman, and it matters what I wear to school. I am still trying to get a bit of a school wardrobe, but working as a special care aide for the past 2 years has limited my "casual wear." Pretty much, if I am not in scrubs, I am in either pajamas, or really comfy relaxing around the house clothes. Oh well, I guess that just means another shopping trip to Minot!!!

Second....what are other people going to think of me. There will only be 14 people in my entire class, I have to make a good impression on them. I try not to let what others think of me bother me, but I am human, and it does matter to me.

Third....I hate being a poor student! I like to go out when I want and where I want, and not have to worry about much. But we all know that being a student, I have to be cautious of what I spend and how I spend it.

Fourth.....I hate studying! Anatomy and Physiology will probably be the death of me! I know that I have lots of help out there, but still....just the thought of memorizing the entire body scares the crap out of me!

Well, that is all that I can think of for now. Four reasons why I am scared of school. Is that enough not to go? Probably not...I will just have to suck it up and deal with it!

2 days before starting classes

Well here I sit, my last 2 days of freedom before school starts. I have been working in the field of nursing for over 2 years now, mostly in acute care. My name is Jessica, I am a special care aide. What`s so special about it you ask....not a whole lot! You go around, washing up people, assisting them in and out of bed, and cleaning up after them. Pretty much, I am their maid/waitress for the duration of my shift. It is not that I do not like my job, I just want to have something more challenging. 

So, 2 more sleeps. What am I getting myself into? 2 years of hitting the books, only to be told that I am not doing something right and that patients lives are in my hands...eek! I remember when I was in high school looking at my different options. From day 1, I had always wanted to be an accountant. Even when I was a little girl, I had dreamed about being a teacher. Being a nurse had never even crossed my mind. So, how did I end up here? 

Well, about three and a half years ago, I needed new options in my life. I had to do something else besides working at the local grocery store. I am smarter then that. So, I went online to look at the SIAST website, and decided to take the Continuing Care Assistant program. Now, having worked in the field for a couple of years, I want to challenge myself, and be able to do more medically. 

Many people have told me that I should go and take 4 years of school to become an RN. I am not ready to spend 4 years in school; 2 will be enough! I talked it over with a few people, and decided that being an LPN would be a good career move for me right now.

Am I worried about going back to school? Umm.....YES! I am scared shitless. I am not sure what is expected of me, who my classmates are going to be, and how I am going to get along with everybody. But, I guess time will tell....