tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18179765001374950232024-03-13T18:34:13.954-04:00One Day at a TimeJourney_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-88035166291985079002012-11-12T10:06:00.001-05:002012-11-12T10:06:42.998-05:00Nephew has arrived earthside!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My sister-in-law had her baby boy yesterday (very early) morning! He weighed in at 5 lbs, 15 oz.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">They are doing well and should be coming home today or tomorrow.</span>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-44892160534765951202012-09-03T08:32:00.003-04:002012-09-03T08:33:49.161-04:00Long overdue news<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This has been a long overdue update.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My passion for a midwifery career has really changed over this past year. Perhaps at one point it was my dream, but it isn't anymore. There were subtle hints over the past several months that made me realize things changed, but I was thinking of pushing through them and focusing on graduating. Towards the end of the spring term (around May/June), I struggled so hard with whether I should withdraw or take a leave of absence to think about my future goals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Another thing that was happening was that I was in danger of failing Intrapartum. I mentioned this in a previous post. I felt that I studied hard for the last exam but failed it anyway, subsequently failing the course. Two course failures in the program meant dismissal from the program. However, I was given an option to appeal. But given everything that had been going through my mind at that time, I knew what the right thing to do was. So I went ahead and withdrew (which was also given to me as an option, rather than being dismissed).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm no longer a nurse-midwifery student. It's been a little sad, but I feel so much at peace with my decision. I didn't withdraw <i>because</i> the program was hard (because really, is graduate school expected to be easy?). It <i>was</i> hard, but that isn't the sole reason I left. I didn't feel right about continuing to study for the degree when my heart wasn't in it. So much time and money spent, and I still had clinicals to get through. It wasn't right for me to continue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Truthfully, nursing has been difficult since I started nursing school and still continues to create not-so-great feelings and is a big source of anxiety in my life. I'm not going to list everything because if you didn't think I was a whiny person already, you would when you read my list - and yes, I did write a list and have posted it in some places.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don't see myself working in the hospital environment in the long run. I'm seeking a career change, but I feel it will be gradual, as the income I get from my hospital nursing job provides very well for my needs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I still fully support midwifery. If I ever have children, I want to see a midwife for my care. I want to have a homebirth or a birth center birth. I am still quite gung-ho about breastfeeding. I love neonates. But I just don't see myself in a midwifery role in the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm sorry it took so long to let you all know. I wasn't sure what everyone's reactions would be. I am at peace with my decision and have no regrets about it. Thanks for reading this long post.</span>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-30631963977931088992012-06-02T21:30:00.002-04:002012-06-02T21:30:54.366-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tomorrow is my last 12-hour night shift (for now, at least).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm transferring to a new floor soon and will be switching to day shift. I will remain PRN at my hospital job. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In school news, I have decided to continue with Intrapartum and study as best as I can for the exam coming up in less than 3 weeks.</span>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-48570677731603783792012-05-16T13:51:00.003-04:002012-05-16T13:52:25.762-04:00<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Term 6 started on April 9th. I am taking Intrapartum Care I and Market
Research. Market Research involves a huge paper (or so I've heard), and surveying a lot of people. I'm doing okay with the surveying so far but I'll need to start recruiting people off the street (joking).</div>
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Intrapartum is pretty cool. Except......Exam 1 = not cool. Did not pass.</div>
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Honestly, I'm a bit worried about the rest of the term. I'll need to get a perfect score on my case study and a 72 or higher to pass the class. Or if I don't get 100 on the case study, I'll need to get higher than 72 on the exam, etc.</div>
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A traditional "C" is a failure in my program, and I was a B / C student in college. You'd think I'd be used to my program's grading standards by now.</div>
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*SMH*</div>
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And what makes this even more saddening (is that a word?) is that long story short, I was JUST beginning to gain back my motivation to be a midwife again when this happened. :( Yes, I went through an internal struggle for a few months where I doubted <i>every week</i> if this was the right thing for me. Now I have some motivation back, and this happens.</div>
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I guess all I can say is that I will try my hardest, and we'll see.</div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-12559983042201523122012-03-21T14:49:00.007-04:002012-03-21T15:27:29.786-04:00Winter Term 2012 - Finished<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I just submitted my course evaluation for Antepartum, so I am done with this term.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have to say, cutting my hours at work made things more manageable. Not <i>tremendously</i>, but enough to let me have a little more sanity (maybe).</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I will be retaking Antepartum, as I did not pass. Not a <i>huge </i>shocker there, as many students have had to retake this class.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Or maybe I am used to these sorts of setbacks, as I've been through several in the past 4 years (since I started nursing school). Ten specific instances, to be exact.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
I'm not a straight A student, except for a few semesters scattered here and there in high school and undergrad. I am satisfied with being "average" in regards to school. But....being average is a bit risky in my program, as there is no such thing as a C. It's either an A, B, or fail.<br />
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<i>Btw, I know people who are 4.0 students, and that is great they are so motivated to be such a student.</i> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I guess I'll have to step up my game a little.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There's more I could say, but I won't.<br />
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<b>ETA</b>: Oh yeah, I'm still waiting on a grade back from Community, so I guess I'm technically not in the clear for that class yet. Unless I get graded very harshly on the paper, I should be fine.</div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-67386773904494244082012-03-11T13:30:00.000-04:002012-03-11T13:30:39.572-04:00One down, one to goI finished my big paper in Community, and completed the course eval, so thus concludes the Community class!<br />
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Just have Antepartum left.<br />
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I've already made a list of what I want to do over my school break. Twelve more days until this term is over.Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-41230771245332514532012-02-05T22:32:00.000-05:002012-02-05T22:32:18.049-05:00Pediatric Nurse Midwife<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Did you know there was such a program? Well actually, there is! I just found out tonight while I was browsing on Allnurses.com. <a href="http://www.nursing.umich.edu/academic-programs/masters-programs/pediatric-nurse-midwife">University of Michigan</a> has this program. I knew that some schools had the Family Nurse Midwife program, but this one is new to me! So cool!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If there is ever an Adolescent Nurse Midwife program, sign me up! Hehe, just kidding. I am <u>not</u> planning on transferring from my current school. But I guess the PNM program would be the closest thing to an "adolescent nurse midwife," (term coined by me, unless there is such a thing - then please let me know!) since adolescents are technically in the pediatrics category until age 18. I would like to specialize more in learning about adolescent care, though.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As far as school goes......Week 5 and counting. :)</div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-90074466320617911892012-02-01T02:45:00.000-05:002012-02-01T02:45:37.034-05:00Google Documents<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Google Documents (Google Docs) is a must-have for every student! I first discovered it during grad school. It is a great way to save documents that you are working on. You never have to worry about hitting the "Save" button - it automatically saves your document every few seconds.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And what it's super useful for is when you are working on group assignments (esp. papers). You can open up the document through Google Docs and have all your group members view it at the same time. You can all edit it at the same time. What's great is that you can even open up a chat window to the side of the screen and talk about the assignment while you are working it. It makes life so much easier!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It gives me peace of mind when I'm working on any school assignment in general. I will usually start a Word document on my computer and then copy and paste what I have onto Google Docs as well. You can also upload an existing document onto Google Docs anytime - whether it be a word document, presentation, or spreadsheet - I've found the formatting does change a little, though.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As I mentioned, it's definitely good for peace of mind. I recently had a computer virus scare and will be relying a lot on Google Documents from now on (as if I weren't doing that before!). I also got into the habit of emailing documents to myself in sections as I worked on them. I've been doing that for a while, actually, at least since nursing school.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So yes, I highly recommend using Google Docs for all your word processing needs!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way, from anyone, for writing this - just felt like it!</i></span></div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-55408808755586329892012-02-01T02:34:00.000-05:002012-02-01T02:34:57.376-05:00Triglyceride Levels<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My triglycerides were elevated in October of 2011. They were <b>280</b>, btw - yikes.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I went to see the doctor, and he recommended that I repeat the lab tests (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and Lipid Panel) in 1-2 months.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">At that visit, I learned that triglycerides measure fat in the bloodstream on a short-term basis. You can actually change your triglyceride level based on what you eat in the days prior to the test. He told me not to eat (many) carbs, and I also told him how I eat sweet foods often. Yup, that was probably the culprit. Not things like candy and soda - but juice, yogurt, PB&J, granola.....</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I vowed to change some eating habits before the repeat test. I really cannot give up yogurt (but now I'm thinking of doing so), but I did give up juice (which I love). I also alternated between PB&J and hummus sandwiches. And I started to exercise again - not a really consistent routine, but perhaps I'll get there.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And wow, did that make a difference! I went in for the repeat test on January 24th. I found out the results yesterday. My triglyceride level was <b>134</b>! What a relief! I guess whatever changes I made really did make a difference. My doctor said that if the level was still high on the repeat test, that I would have to come in for another visit, and we would talk about further options. But if it was normal, then I would not need to come in.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lastly.....I'm having an issue with when I got my blood drawn. Okay, I've been poked with many needles in my adolescent years, so I am no stranger to needles. However, this one was different. When the phlebotomist withdrew the needle, I felt a really strong, achy kind of pain. Even as I was driving home, I still felt the pain. And I felt the pain throughout the day. I thought maybe she hit a nerve or muscle? But wouldn't it feel like pins and needles if she hit a nerve?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now it's been a little over a week since the lab test, and I still feel an achy kind of pain in the left antecubital area (where she draw the blood) sometimes. I even notice it at night. It never left a bruise or swelling - just a little red dot where the needle went in. I have no idea what this is, but I'm just writing it out here for future reference.</div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-57228740035646759982012-01-17T02:06:00.002-05:002012-01-17T02:08:48.191-05:00Burden LiftedIn my <a href="http://truly-live.blogspot.com/2012/01/thus-starts-my-2nd-year-of-grad-school.html">last</a> post, I talked about the fact that I wanted to cut back my hours at work but was unsuccessful. So the next thing I wanted to try was requesting to go per diem/PRN.<br />
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My (interim) manager let me do it! I went to HR, signed the form, and requested the change to become effective the next pay period, which was this past Sunday the 15th. :)<br />
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The schedule has already been made until towards the end of March. I really didn't want to continue working full-time hours until then. Thankfully my manager allowed me to make adjustments to my schedule and be taken off on the days that we were well-staffed. I am super duper grateful she let me do that.<br />
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I feel very confident about this decision. Even though I have to find my own medical & dental insurance now (I was already getting vision insurance independently), the pay off is so, so worth it. I have already narrowed down my choices for both types of insurance and will be getting that settled this week. And I will have to really save my money at times (I am fairly frugal to begin with, though), but I can pick up work when necessary. So I believe it will work out for the better.<br />
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I'm glad I will be able to focus more on school and hopefully be a little less stressed.Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-55756772402461747792012-01-10T00:37:00.000-05:002012-01-10T00:37:34.014-05:00Thus starts my 2nd year of grad school<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yesterday (technically) was the first day of winter 2012 term. Thus starts my 2nd year of nurse-midwifery school. Term 5 out of 12.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am taking two classes: <b>Antepartum Care I</b> and <b>Community Assessment</b>. From what I've read from classmates who have taken Antepartum already, I hear it's hard. And I hear Community has a rather large paper to write. So I hope I am ready for this term....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you remember from the <a href="http://truly-live.blogspot.com/2011/12/done.html">last post</a>, I had wanted to make some adjustments in my life to help myself. Well, I am sad to report that none of those plans worked out. :( One of the plans was to see if I could change my work status to part-time. There were 3 reasons given to me as to why my request could not be approved at this time. Nevertheless, I am going to try and see if I can go per diem (which is even <i>less</i> hours, but I am going to try). With classes getting harder, I really need to see what I can cut back in order to focus more on them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The other plan was to see about finding a therapist. I've been dealing with a <a href="http://www.ocfoundation.org/O_C.aspx">specific anxiety disorder</a> for a while now, in addition to extreme anxiety. It started in college, got pretty bad in nursing school, and I think it just about peaked last term. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One of my fears in talking about it on a public blog is that people tend to joke about said disorder often. I have a fear of people making fun of me for it, or not taking me seriously. Especially since some of the symptoms I deal with are ones I've never heard anyone else experience.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One of the plans over break was to find a therapist who specialized in treating it. I did find 3 therapists in my area who specialized in treating it, but well, if I can't cut my hours at work, I guess this isn't a great time for therapy. I don't think I can take even 1 day a week out of my schedule for therapy, attend classes, work full-time, and expect to have somewhat of a social life. Something has to be cut if I'm going to do therapy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So now you know something else about me that you might have not known before. I don't mind sharing. I just had to put it somewhere. </span>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-20768896369003572292011-12-16T01:54:00.000-05:002011-12-16T01:54:58.735-05:00DONEI am DONE with this term. So thankful to have passed both my classes. To re-cap, I took Pharmacology and Reproductive A&P. This week I have seen my classmates posting about being done with their 1st year of grad school - and then it hits me that wow, that applies to <u>me too</u>.<br />
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I refrained from posting about it on here until now, but....I've struggled a lot this term. This was the first time I had a full-time job with school. And it was hard. Now I know there are people out there who probably balance a lot more in their lives. BUT I'm not one to compare people's lives with my own. We all have our own issues - some of them overwhelming. =/<br />
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To be honest, I was very worried about not passing both of my classes. I even went through the school catalog to make sure I knew the policies of course failures. In my program, students are only allowed 2 course failures before they are dismissed from the program. And they hold us to high standards as well, only allowing for As and Bs (i.e., what would be considered a C in a regular university course is considered a failure at my school).<br />
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So I feel truly blessed and grateful that I passed. I have a nice 3 week break to look forward to. I plan to continue watching more movies and vegging out in front of the TV, as I have started to do already (my brain thanks me greatly for giving it a break - well, outside of my job, that is). I will also hopefully do some fun activities.<br />
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On my FB status I put that I was trying to "prevent burn-out," but I think it's too late. So I will also spend the break thinking of making some real adjustments in my life to help myself. If I keep going at this rate, I honestly don't think I will be able to function in my work and school duties successfully. As an upcoming 2nd year student, I'm sure school will get more challenging and time-consuming as well.<br />
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I hope everyone has a nice Christmas break. :)Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-63251852290560226342011-10-30T01:06:00.000-04:002011-10-30T01:06:49.190-04:00New Fact about Anti-emetics<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}">Currently reading about anti-emetics. I had no idea that Solu-Medrol and Decadron could also be used to suppress chemo-induced N&V! I administer Solu-Medrol all the time to patients with respiratory issues. </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"> Good to know I am learning something.....</span></span></h6>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-24041574912302804112011-09-26T23:16:00.001-04:002011-10-08T00:48:49.443-04:00First Day of Fall Term<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Even though summer term ended 10 days ago, I had been waiting for my grade in Research to be corrected - and finally the correction has been noted in the grade system - yay! I did end up passing both classes. :)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today was the first day of fall term. I am taking 1) Pharmacology and 2) Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology. Kind of looking forward to this term, as I feel I'm now getting into more of the "midwifery/women's health" type of classes.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I did go to HR and ask them for a transfer request form. They were very firm on the transfer policy (6 months in your current position), but they said they could not stop people from applying. Therefore I obtained a transfer request form and will hold onto it until November or December - at that point I will most likely fill it out and send it back to HR.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">According to the employee handbook (which I had time to read early this morning at work), it <i>just may be</i> possible to transfer earlier than 6 months. Because in transfer section of the handbook, it says that if you have been in your current position for at least 6 months, you don't need a supervisor's signature on the form. Then it said you would need one if you <i>had not</i> been in your current position for at least 6 months. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So.....I can infer that it is possible to transfer early, as long as you have your manager's approval??</div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-56004881508550606572011-09-14T01:12:00.002-04:002011-09-14T01:15:52.160-04:00Pretty much done with Summer Term<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Last night (or early early this morning), I turned in my LAST assignment for this term. Now all I have to do is fill out course evaluations, which are a <u>piece of cake</u> compared to the work I had to do this term.</div>
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I am so, so relieved to be done. I almost feel guilty at times, when I'm just surfing the 'net because I feel like I <i>should</i> be doing school work. I felt so unmotivated this term. I mean, I had to move residences AND start a new job in the midst of it, so that is probably why. Do not want to re-live this term again. </div>
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It will be SO nice to not have to do any studying for the next (almost) 2 weeks. I do have a few fun things planned for my break. However, I still have to work. =/ But.....not the whole 2 weeks. I put in for time off for the last week in September and got it off (YES!!!).</div>
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Work: Things are going okay, I guess. Still same old, same old. Had a crazy night on the 8th. It seemed like something (out of the norm) happened with every patient I had. Every night cannot be like this. But thankfully not every night is. But even on the good nights, I still find myself longing for something better.</div>
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I even applied for the 2 nursery positions I mentioned in my previous post. I'm fairly sure they will deny my application, but I felt the worst they could say is no, and the best that could happen is that HR and my current manager would make an exception for me and let me transfer earlier than policy allowed. Hey, I might as well try because sometimes there are exceptions to rules, right?</div>
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In the very likely event that I do not get to transfer, I will just hope that I can learn a lot where I am, learn to deal with the stress better, learn to deal with unsafe conditions as much as I can, and do the right thing. That last thing is something that I have had to struggle with - a lot more now than I did in my last job. I need to trust my <i>own</i> instincts. I am afraid to go into much detail (this is an open blog, anyway), but if inquiring minds want to know, I'd be willing to talk about it more in an email.</div>
Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-52057317231770434542011-09-01T01:26:00.001-04:002011-09-01T01:26:25.177-04:00<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
I am currently in Week 9 of summer term. This term is a total of 11 weeks, so I am pretty close to being done!</div>
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I only have one assignment left for Health Promotion and one assignment left for Research. So looking forward to being done with this term.</div>
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As far as work goes, I'm going to be cautious and say my job is going okay. I had a pretty rough night on August 19th, from my own standpoint. To the average med-surg nurse it may have been slightly crazy, but for me it was overwhelming. I just strongly dislike getting behind and when things get in the way of my agenda - but oh well, I'm going to have to accept that. Unfortunately, unpredictability is the norm in nursing. <br />
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On a side note - I didn't even mention it on that day, but August 19, 2010 was the day I found out I got into grad school. :)<br />
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But overall, I am liking night shift better than day shift. I actually get a little more time to physically sit down. I get to fill in bits of information about my patient that I didn't know before. I have time to look up test results. I have time to LEARN to be a nurse. Well, most days.<br />
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My body is adjusting to night shift. I don't get terribly drowsy on the way home anymore. I have no problem staying up late. I am even sleeping slightly longer hours during the day. I think I may be able to keep working nights, at least until I graduate.<br />
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There are two nursery positions and one L&D position open at my hospital. I hope that those openings remain there 2 months from now - or at least, more nursery/NICU/postpartum/L&D positions will be added later this fall. <br />
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Yes, I am thankful for my job and am learning a lot. However, I do want to get into OB as soon as my work place will allow (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">December 13th is exactly 6 months from my start date, should I decide to do an internal transfer</span>). I'm afraid that my lack of any kind of OB experience will not be beneficial to me when I am trying to find a job as a CNM. I have heard that some (maybe even many) CNM positions require L&D experience. Plus, add to the fact that I have REALLY been wanting to get into OB ever since I was in nursing school. We'll see what happens. I really hope I can stick it out for another 2 months on PCU.</div>
Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-27495552782496927592011-07-05T22:25:00.004-04:002011-07-06T12:32:56.165-04:00First Day of Summer Term<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today was the first day of summer term. I am taking <b>Health Promotion and Disease Prevention</b> and <b>Research</b>.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Even though I had almost a month of time off of school, I don't quite feel ready to start up again. I'm sure I will get there, though. I'm usually a bit slow to get started in the first week. At least I have checked into both of my classes and have made a decision on which book to read for my cultural desire essay.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm also in the midst of getting ready to change residences, so it's been a bit busy.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I had a very fun 4th of July. I spent the day at my friend's parents' house for a BBQ. Had a great time catching up with my friend, seeing her family, and meeting her relatives - a fun bunch! The highlight of the afternoon was doing karaoke. So much fun! I sang a lot and had a blast.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lastly.....ten days until a certain epic <a href="http://m.harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallows/index_no_support.php">movie</a> hits theatres. ;)</div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-81833336710149765262011-06-26T14:35:00.000-04:002011-06-26T14:35:20.748-04:00Done with spring term / Crazy Busy Week<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>(This is a post that I've been meaning to write for a while now) </i><br />
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I finished all the work for my classes on the 11th. The term officially ended two days ago, but my last assignment was due on the 19th - glad I got all that done earlier because I have been quite busy these last few weeks.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The week of the 12th through the 18th was particularly a Crazy Busy Week. I started orientation for my new job, and that was on M/T/W. Then on Thursday morning, I headed to Pennsylvania for the "How To Start a Birth Center" workshop, held by the American Association of Birth Centers.<br />
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The workshop was quite good. It was a <u>lot</u> of information packed into 2 days. This workshop was required of the CNM students at my school, and it provided a ton of information to assist us should we ever work in a birth center or open up a birth center one day. Some of the topics mentioned were an overview of birth centers, marketing, finances, organization, staffing, etc. about birth centers.<br />
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It was great to see many of my classmates and even meet a few new ones as well. The hotel was fabulous. And I enjoyed my first rental car experience. <br />
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I won't go into details about all the flight delays and such, but that Thursday (16th), the day I arrived in PA, was a LONG day. Thankfully the flight back home was uneventful.<br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Since I missed the last two days of work orientation, I will have to finish that in July.<br />
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Now I am totally enjoying the break from school and packing up my things. I have also finished reading <i>Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows</i> and am highly anticipating DH Part 2, which comes out in theatres on July 15th!<br />
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Hope everyone is having a good summer - can't believe the month of July is approaching on Friday!</div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-17270008837347520222011-05-27T13:16:00.001-04:002011-05-27T13:17:31.607-04:00Recent ACNM meeting / Finished a Class<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Last week I attended the ACNM meeting of my local chapter. As usual, it was a good meeting and meal. :) Before the meeting started, I had a couple of the CNMs come up to me and say hello.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Afterwards a daughter of a CNM came up to me to ask me questions related to nursing school. I also got to meet one of my classmates!! We had met online, but it was neat to finally meet in person! I also got to talk to some CNMs about finding preceptors and such, for when I start clinicals (in 2013). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Clinicals are still a long way off, but the common tip I have heard from CNMs and students alike is to start searching EARLY! Oftentimes CNMs and nurse practitioners (NPs) will be booked for a while with many students wanting to request them as a preceptor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What I love about this particular local chapter is that they are so willing to help you on your nurse-midwifery journey. There is a lot of networking that goes on within the ACNM chapter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I finished my Physical Assessment class this morning - YES! Now I can focus on my other class, the Theory one. I have two more assignments left in that class, and both are group work assignments. I get the impression that many students don't like group work, but thankfully I have had a really great group for my Theory class. :)</span>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-90622707312112725612011-05-24T14:24:00.001-04:002011-05-24T14:28:01.675-04:00Good News :)<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I received a job offer (for a RN position) on the 16th - and accepted (um, of course!). I will be working on a PCU-type of floor.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Last week was CRAZY, to say the least. In addition to the job offer, I also received an invitation as a camp nurse and scheduled two interviews for two different hospitals (within the same system). I had to call the following day to cancel all those things. Hard to do, but necessary and courteous.<br />
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I have since been very busy doing all the necessary "stuff" in preparation for the new position.<br />
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I am grateful that someone gave me a chance after 10 months of being out of a nursing job.<br />
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Thank You, Jesus.</div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-27571956150335672762011-04-19T12:24:00.001-04:002011-04-19T12:25:59.141-04:00Scholarship<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Last night I got a phone call that I was one of the recipients for a scholarship for which I recently applied! The other recipient was another student from my school, whom I actually met last July at an ACNM meeting!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was really surprised (in a good way, of course!) and grateful. This is the first grad school scholarship I have received.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This scholarship came at a really good time. First, every grad student needs to be able to fund their education. It means even more for those students who do not have a full-time job. Plus, this term has been a little hard for me in that I am having a hard time getting motivated. This scholarship will hopefully give me motivation to press forward with school.<br />
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I had to re-read my essay to remember my goals and interests. Sometimes you need a little reminder to keep you going.</div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-90883557126130821322011-04-01T10:20:00.000-04:002011-04-01T10:20:21.745-04:00Passed!<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I wanted to make this a separate post, but I passed both of my classes for winter term! This means I successfully made it through my first term of grad school. Thank You Lord.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It wasn't easy. Even attending as a part-time student, it was a lot of work. I think it was also hard because I knew how much free time I had (as I was not working full-time), and this made me feel more laid back. Yet I was proud of myself for working ahead at times. I admire those who actually work better under pressure and are finishing up things a few days before the due date - wish I could do that, but I think I would be majorly stressed out.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It was also hard to get through this term because my mind was often elsewhere (i.e., you know what I'm talking about - if you're not sure, look at what I mentioned in the above parantheses). I grew apathetic, and I questioned myself many times.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hopefully this next term will be a good one. I am taking two classes again: 1) Theories and Concepts in Primary Care, and 2) Physical Assessment: Interviewing, Documentation, and Decision Making.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I haven't looked at the syllabi yet. Trying to enjoy every minute of my break. :)</div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-586795733185400702011-04-01T10:06:00.000-04:002011-04-01T10:06:24.045-04:00Scholarship<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There is a scholarship opportunity for nurse-midwifery students in my state, and I applied for it. Just dropped it in the mailbox this morning, in fact. :)<br />
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The scholarship application itself was very straightforward and it involved writing an essay about how I would use my future career to further the nurse-midwifery career in my state or how I will affect maternal-child health issues in a positive way.<br />
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I - of course - mentioned the desire to work with teens/younger mothers.<br />
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I've been wanting to include this in a post for some time. Here is an excerpt from my diary, dated June 9, 2004 (yes, you are quite privileged to be allowed to read such personal content!):<br />
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<i>So many times I wish I were <u>just</u> a Psych major and nothing else - how much pressure would be gone. Like I said, *SIGH*. What to do? As I wrote on my webpage, I started a book called <u>You Look Too Young To Be a Mom: Teen Mothers Speak Out on Love, Learning, and Success</u>. As I started it, I had a burning desire to help pregnant teens. To work in a special home for pregnant teens. Btw, I finished the book less than an hour ago. It was great. I know what my interests are, but I can't seem to put them together into a career. I have several options, but I can only choose one. I'll see what happens.</i><br />
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I didn't really go into detail about this topic, but this is proof that the desire to help teens started almost seven years ago. Not sure how it would work as a CNM, but I would still welcome the idea of working in a special home for pregnant teens. :) </div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-44248332965257971212011-03-16T18:28:00.003-04:002011-03-16T18:32:08.128-04:00Unofficially done :)<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am done with winter term. It doesn't truly feel official though because I don't have all my grades yet (i.e., for my second midwifery paper and my Patho ending reflections paper). I did complete the course evaluations, though. I also have to go to a workshop later this year as a part of my midwifery course.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
It will feel so nice to have a couple of weeks off. Seriously. I am so thankful to have gotten through this term. It wasn't that it was <i>impossible</i> (though at times I did worry about my grade in Patho). I think it was hard for me personally because my mind was focused on other things (i.e., the job search and everything attached to it). I became apathetic for the latter part of the term, and that made it hard to stay motivated to do much. I pulled through (thank You Lord).</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am still searching for a RN job (8 months and 11 days since I've been unemployed). That's given me a lot of time to think about it. I figured I have so many thoughts about it floating around in my brain that it would be a good idea to get them out in a long blog post. A private one, though because a) I don't think the public needs/wants to hear about it, and b) there are a lot of details I want to write down, and I don't want the possibility of people from my former workplace to find it.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I know a job search may not seem like the most awful thing compared to what others go through. But one thing you should know about me is that I am not a fan of comparing people's problems. My thoughts on this is that everyone goes through trials in their lives, and what they share in public may not be all that is or has been going on in their life. And pain is pain is pain - whether it is a cut or a stab wound. That's a paraphrase from Dr. Allender.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have a lot to say about this unemployment situation and all the feelings that have been going through my mind since it happened. Many feelings that stem from when I was even in nursing school. I can recall several situations that occurred (from then until now) that were a blow to my confidence. I feel like I have a long way to go before I can build it back up again. But hopefully not.</div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1817976500137495023.post-83136193568934621222011-03-08T22:17:00.000-05:002011-03-08T22:17:08.564-05:00Week 9 Update<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I never wrote about how my midwifery presentation went. It went well. I presented to some mothers after a LLL meeting at the beginning of last month. Afterwards, the leader told me that I was a good public speaker. That was very uplifting to hear.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I honestly didn't feel nervous, but that's probably because I've been attending the LLL meetings for over a year now, and I knew some of the people in the audience. Like I always say (to myself, I guess) I like public speaking, as long as I have notes to help me.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm in Week <b>9</b> of 11 of school, and things are going smoothly. I have two Patho exams left to take, an ending reflection paper to write in Patho, and I hear we have course evaluations to do at the end of our classes. Re: the paper I was struggling with in my last post - I submitted it 5 days after that post. I must have gotten a burst of motivation or something and decided to JUST DO IT. It wasn't easy. I had to do it little by little. I just can't work on things for long stretches at a time. I take so many breaks. I am a big procrastinator, but I do get my work done.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have a lot more books to buy for next term than I did for this current term. The good news is that there is one book I don't have to buy, and that is <u>Physical Exam & Health Assessment</u> by Jarvis. This is a book that I actually <i>kept</i> from nursing school because I thought it would come in handy in the future. And it will. :)</div>Journey_Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01348834394727130299noreply@blogger.com3