Clinical Day #1

Well, today was the first day of clinicals. Our normal classroom group of 24 students was split up into two groups of 12 and we went to two different hospitals in town. I did not expect to do much the first day, since it was just supposed to be an orientation and a walk through of the hospital so we could learn where everything was. Much to my surprise, when we got to the floor we would be working on, one of the R.N.'s was very excited to see us and pulled 3 of us (me and two other girls) aside and asked if we would change two patient beds, give them each a sponge bath and give them new gowns. Let's just say... it was messy. Poop and everything else you can imagine. I felt really bad for these two patients though. I wouldn't want to sit in my own feces for any amount of time, and I could tell that they were very greatful we were cleaning them up. One patient's wife offered me a cookie afterwards... I took the cookie just to be nice but I ended up throwing it away. Who wants to eat a cookie after cleaning up poop? Not me!

All in all, it was a very interesting day. We took vital signs, did AccuChecks (pricked fingers to check blood glucose) and learned all sorts of stuff. I can tell already that this job is going to be very rewarding. I can't wait for next Friday!!

Stuff

I think one of my major downsides is that I love, what I call, "stuff". If I had a million dollars I think I would buy everything in Home Goods... I love that store! They have the cutest stuff for your house for the best prices. Mom and I went shopping there over the weekend and I ended up with my birthday presents early because I found so much stuff. We needed new towels for our bathroom and new sheets for our bed, and then I found several other little things. It's really a bad habit. Luckily I have learned to curb my shopping habits the past few months since I am not able to work this first semester of nursing school.

Anyway, I have already picked out baby furniture. Jimmy, as always, thinks I am crazy... but oh well. I am attaching a picture of the crib and changing table. They are so cute in person! We are going to paint a couple pieces of the furniture that we already have a cream color and use it in the baby room as well (a nightstand and an armoire which we will use for the baby closet so we don't have to relocate everything in that bedroom closet). I love dark wood mixed with cream colored furniture.

Simulations

Today I had one of the biggest tests of my life, up to this point. They call them "simulations". We had to simulate giving a SubQ (subcuteneous) injection of insulin, an IM (intramuscular) injection of a pain medication, changing a wound dressing using sterile technique and inserting a Foley catheter into a female patient using sterile technique. It sounds simple enough, but it's not! There were literally about 200 steps to memorize in a certain order, and "sterile technique" is not as easy as it sounds... one minor, almost unnoticeable mistake can cost you lots of points. It is also difficult because you are singled out... it is almost like acting in a play in front of a crowd of people. I was very nervous at first because a lot was at stake... if I didn't pass simulations, I would be exited from the nursing program! Luckily, I passed. My nerves settled after I got going, and I ended up with a 197.5 out of 200! I missed a couple stupid things, but nothing is perfect, right? The best part is we start clinicals next week! I am so excited!

On a lighter note, I got a pack of pregnancy tests that came with a "bonus" digital pregnancy test, and I figured "who wants to find out they are pregnant with a digital test? You can't save it... the battery would eventually die." So I decided to take it last night. It was kind of funny when it gave me the answer... "No!" I thought that was kind of harsh! Obviously it would be too early to detect pregnancy hormone, but I was bored!

Until next time.

New Chapter In Our Life

Well, with all the blog frenzy lately, I decided to jump on the band wagon. I also decided I wanted somewhere to chart the new journey my husband and I are about the begin. We decided about a month ago that we were ready to have a baby! I want a place where I can talk about my feelings and all of the events that will happen leading up to when we find out we are pregnant, as well as post pictures and videos showing my growing belly after we get the happy news. It will be a way for family who aren't near us to keep up-to-date on the happenings of our lives and my pregnancy.

So, here it goes...

I stopped birth control 3 weeks ago and started an ovulation monitoring kit 5 days ago. The first 4 were negative (you take one per day) but the 5th one, taken last Saturday, was positive! It was very exciting because I had read many discussion forums where other women who were TTC that had been on the pill were having troubles getting their body back in the groove of ovulating. Some had not ovulated in over a year and had to get special medicine from their doctor! I was very nervous that this might happen to me, so I was quite relieved to see that dark, obvious pink line on the ovulation stick. Anyway, it goes without saying that we didn't waste our time that day... or the next day... or the next day ;o)

Whether you are family, or just a blog-reading addict... welcome to my blog!