Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. ~Theodore Roosevelt
There are so many reasons for giving thanks this season. On a personal note, we are closing in on the end of our fall semester. We are learning lots of helpful information on how to provide quality care to our clients. We will apply these skills for the rest of our lives, so it is important to ingrain them now.
Autumn in Colorado continues to take my breath away. There is one advantage to working 12 hour shifts. You get to see the sun rise and moon set at the same time! There was a particularly beautiful drive west on I-70, and I snapped a quick photo on my phone camera.
Moon is setting over the Rockies, while the sun rises in my rearview mirror
Sunrise followed me to PSL
In Med-Surg II, we are currently learning cardiac, GI and musculoskeletal care. In class we divided into groups and were assigned a cardiac emergency case. We had to draw our patient (remember we’re nurses, not artists ha ha), and list the various assessments, diagnoses, orders, and concerns. It was a fun and interactive time. We then presented our patients. It was a great time!
Our cardio gingerbread man
I love practicing NCLEX questions – the online quizzes are especially helpful, as this is the format we will be using when we take the real deal. I like the one that gives immediate feedback. I’m forcing myself to read the rationales for the questions I don’t feel totally confident about. Many questions have more than one correct answer, but one answer is the MOST correct.
This helps in a few ways – it explains not only the MOST correct answer, but why the other options are wrong. I use a notebook to write notes on questions I’ve missed. That way I’m reinforcing the information – it’s tempting to concentrate on strengths, but it’s more useful to spend time in the weak areas.
Ta da! Clinical instructor Laurie Rippen, MSN John Schmitt, Me, Katrina Mierkey, Stephanie Lindel, Uma Sitaula, and the shy Maggie Castro in front.
We completed our clinical rotation for Med-Surg II at Pres.-St. Luke’s (PSL). The time flew! Even 12 hour days didn’t seem so long, with helpful staff to guide us. The nurses are terrific, hard-working and caring. Nursing can be a thankless profession, and we have to count on our own fortitude and commitment to persevere in the little things. I read Ronald Reagan had a quote hanging over his desk for years, “There is no limit to what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” As nurses, we perform thousands of unwitnessed tasks and kindnesses. We stand in the gap for our patients and their families. There is truly no limit to what we can accomplish.
I was cleaning up a client’s room after discharge, and noticed this beautiful view of the Front Range… We are on the 10th floor, and every room has a unique and awesome view.
A view of the Rockies from 10th floor room at PSL
Thanksgiving is this week, and we have so much to be thankful for. I am particularly thankful to my family – my husband who supports my all-hour, full-out study style. My son Jeremy, who has grown up watching mom sit at the table with books and computer. Jeremy is now a college freshman, and is doing plenty of his own studying! The salary I make as a Bachelor prepared nurse will help to better afford the education he deserves.
My heart - my son Jeremy
I am also thankful every day to study at Regis, the university I always dreamed of attending. I love the old buildings, the dedicated professors, and my awesome cohort. These are the good old days!
