Week 6...or is it Week 1?

My 5 week classes have officially ended. That last week was a doozy. All the work paid off, though. I managed to ace my Fundamentals lecture final and get an A in the class. Two weeks into that class I was certain I would only get a B. I was just starting to get the hang of that class and now it's over. Don't get me wrong. I will not miss 3 days of 3 hour long lectures in a row with a test each week.

I also got an A in Fundamentals Lab. It was a low A and I should be happy but I'm not because it should have been a breeze. I stunk at the weekly quizzes (Spell check tells me there are 2 z's in quizzes. I did not know that at the time, but it makes sense.) Each quiz had 10 questions and I always read the chapters ahead of time but I still managed to miss one or two on each. Whatever. It's done.

I am still in Pharmacology. I got an A on the last test so I do have an A in the class. However, I still have many more tests this semester, including one this week (week 7).

I have one week of Med-Surg lecture and lab done. I don't know how I feel about the lecture other than being glad it's only once a week. Lab is going to be interesting. The skills have stepped up a bit and my instructor is not intimidating as long as you pay attention to her...and I will. The quizzes are only 5 points and, true to form, I missed one on the first quiz. That's a stinking C. What is it about nursing questions? They're not normal. And we were already told they don't give A's in this lab. That's encouraging. If they only give B's, maybe I'll only do the work for a B. Nah, I'll still work my butt off for an A and then feel suicidal when I get that B. I guess it's good to know early on.

I also have a week of clinicals done. This semester I am at a long term care facility (nursing home). Thanks to HIPAA regulations, I won't be writing much about my experiences. This past week I basically followed a CNA around trying to help out and learn from what she did. It was a bit chaotic and depressing. I'm looking forward to having a partner and focusing on one resident so I can get a better feel for the entire process. Each week I should have a new resident and probably new CNA's to work with so by the end I will have wide range of experiences.

Wow. This semester is flying by. (Sarcasm is lost in type.)

Week 5

Today is the beginning of week 5. This is hopefully the hardest week of the semester. We are finishing Fundamentals and the Fundamentals lab. I have a regular exam Wednesday and a final Friday (yes that's two days apart). And nestled snugly in between those tests is the hardest Pharmacology test of the semester. So, if you are doing the math, that is a test Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The final on Friday is not only cumulative but it also has 5 brand new chapters. "When will you have time to study all the new material?" you ask. That is a good question. Thursday night will be very long.

I'm so tired. I sleep, but it's low quality sleep. I have nursing concepts swirling relentlessly around my head all night like fever dreams. I spend each day a bit more tired than the last. I spend almost every free minute studying. I go to bed and read an additional pharmacology book. I'm going to have to take off this weekend. No reading at all. Hopefully I will catch up on good sleep (and some cleaning).

Right now I have a B in Fundamentals. I got a B on the first two tests and an A on the third. It could go either way this week. In Pharmacology, I got an A on my first test, but it is the easiest test of the semester. I think I am just fine in lab, but I have no idea how this last week will play out.

People said the first semester goes by quickly. I don't know what they were smoking.

Has it seriously only been one week?

Wow, time flies when you're scared!

Tuesday
I had my very first class in the afternoon: Fundamentals Lab. Our teachers used the word "fun" a lot describing it. But I spent the whole time shivering cold and still sweating nervous. We did a very long but remarkably helpful game to learn everyone's names. Somehow I managed to do it and I'm very thankful for that. I feel like I can approach just about anybody in the group and start a conversation. We practiced washing our hands and dressing/undressing in personal protective gear. We watched some videos and took our first quiz. I over-analyzed two questions but came to the right conclusions and got my first 10 out of 10.

Wednesday
First lecture bright and early: Fundamentals. This class has a surprisingly laid-back atmosphere. I made some more friends and found several people who also have bachelors from USI and want to go back to their RN to MSN program like me. This classroom is also freezing. This class is only 5 weeks long like the lab. I discover that we have tests every Wednesday and our first one is over 10 chapters. The fact that my textbook that I ordered on December 31st has not arrived makes me nervous.

Back to Lab in the afternoon. We watched some very interesting videos where I had to make very sure I did not giggle in certain parts. We practiced bed bathing, putting on compression stockings, and making beds, occupied and unoccupied. I was still nervous, shivering and sweating.

Once home I called the textbook publisher about my missing book. They thought I already had the book even though they never shipped anything. Wow. So they plan to rush the book tomorrow and overnight it. I should get it on Friday.

Thursday
Lecture again. After class I meet with my advisor only to discover I technically have no math credits (my USI credits are too old). I was originally told if I got a 65 on my college algebra compass test I would not have to take math. I got a 99 so I relaxed. Now I have learned that compass does not award credits. It only places you. If I had been told that earlier, I would have taken math before entering the program. I was fuming mad. There is a CLEP test that awards credits so I think I will wait until the summer to prepare a little and then take that test.

Lunch time, no seats available and the food sucks. The bookstore does not have the drug guide I'm supposed to bring to class. I was mad and cold. I fumed a bit to some friends. I don't like being the complainer/drama queen of the group. They caught me while it was still raw. (Sorry about that, friends.)

In the afternoon I have Pharmacology. This class scares me, but sitting in lecture was not too stressful. I had several chapters read since I don't have my other book. We didn't really need the drug guide. Also, the tests are every 2 or 3 weeks since this class lasts all semester. This classroom is also freezing.

Friday
One more lecture of Fundamentals in the morning. We fly through the powerpoints and I'm done for the week. The sun was shining. I had some chick-fil-A. My book arrived and I did some yoga. I think I'll be okay.

It is time.

This week is the first week of classes. I have my first class tomorrow. It's a nursing fundamentals lab. This feels like ripping off a band-aid. I'm scared but the anticipation is worse. I just want to get it going. I've heard this semester goes fast. I'm sure that's easy to say after it's over. I have a feeling it won't feel that way while I'm in it. I'm afraid it's going to be too much at once and I won't learn anything. I'm sure I'll survive it, but will I know anything when it's over? Will I freak out for tests because it's too much to remember?

I've spent a lot of time designing a schedule that should in theory bring balance to my life. I've got plenty of study times incorporate throughout the week. I've got lots of exercise time and prayer time mixed in. I've got lots of free time on Friday and Saturday. I've even got yoga time scheduled in. This is all good if I have the discipline to stick with it. And I have to mention the benefits of friends. I have great friends helping me with Willow so she's not sitting around at home all spring. And I couldn't do this without Jason working from home and taking over virtually all of my responsibilities. Everything is in place. I have no excuses.

I'm adding a section for prayer requests. I have so many things I know God did over the past 2 years to get me through and I need Him more than ever now. I'm trusting this is where he wants me so I don't mind begging Him for help.

I'll try to update my blog more often now that things are about to get going. But it's possible I won't have time for more than once a week.

Updates Galore

Right after I posted my last...post, I decided to check the status of my criminal history. I'm not sure why I did it, but it was complete! I then called the school to set up an appointment to register. This was Thursday around 3pm and they need 24 hours notice for an advisor appointment. The administrative assistant said I could not see my actual advisor yet. I needed to meet with Mrs. Lindsey. She was one of the women at the initial meeting I wrote about earlier. (On a curious side note, I was assigned to my advisor over a year ago, and despite several attempts, I have yet to actually meet her.) She said I could meet her Friday at 3 or the Monday after Thanksgiving. Friday, please! I also found some paperwork saying I was registered for the CPR class. So I took that with me. Before I went up to her office I decided to check in the department that held the CPR class to see if by chance they had my certification card. They did! So I was able to turn everything in to Mrs. Lindsey. I chose the schedule I wanted and she said that it was a popular plan. I'll discuss my schedule on a later post.

The following Monday I got a call and an email from someone at school telling me my chicken pox titer number implied I was not immune. Now I know I had chicken pox when I was a kid and my doctor said the titers are inaccurate and that I was good to go. I should have been overly cautious and said give it to me anyway. Lesson learned. I was told I had to get the chicken pox vaccine by December 3rd or my registration would be pulled. Mrs. Martin (the one who called) suggested I go to the Warrick Health Department for a free shot. When I called them and said I needed it by the 3rd, she laughed. Apparently they are busy. So I called the nurse at my doctor's office. Carrie (or Kari) has been very helpful through all of this and she said she could get me in that afternoon but the shot is $160 if insurance doesn't cover it. Fortunately, it was covered. Keep in mind that this is right before Thanksgiving break. The school would be closed starting Tuesday at 5. I knew I could wait until the next week but it was driving me crazy to have this big thing undone. So that Tuesday afternoon I hurried in to Carrie, got the shot and the paperwork and hurried over to school. I made it by 2:30pm and it was a ghost town. The whole office was locked and deserted. They do have a drop box but I was scared to leave my original copy there. I made a copy of it in the library and dropped it in. When I got home, I emailed Mrs. Martin telling her what I did. I hope to hear back Monday. Hopefully that is all done.

Also, I checked Amazon again for my stethoscope. It was there! I ordered it right away and received it Wednesday! I've always wanted one of those.

And did I mention Jason "surprised" me with a laptop? It's like he's in my brain. I finished my office area with a lamp and actually took my medical terminology final at my desk with my laptop. I like it. I can see myself working well there for the next two years. I will try to get that picture soon.

Almost ready to register

I am almost ready to call for an appointment with my advisor. I successfully passed all of my TB tests and had my final physical exam this morning. All of that paperwork is signed by the doc and ready to go. I've signed all of my other papers (all 2 of them). Last Monday I ordered and paid for a drug test and a background check. On Tuesday I peed in a cup at LabCorp. This was a bit more dramatic than I had anticipated as I showed up with Willow and they wouldn't let her be there. I had to get a babysitter last second (thanks, Kayla) and get back there quickly. Then they locked up my stuff and wouldn't let me wash my hands or flush until they had checked everything. I even had to use the pen to sign my name before I was allowed to wash. That's fine except for the many who had gone before me. Yikes. Today I printed off the results (negative, that's a load off). My criminal history check is still "in process" but all the other parts of my background check are done.

I completed an all day long Professional Rescuer course (last Friday). I'm waiting on the official card for that, but I think in order to register all I need is proof that I took the class. I assume the school will have my card from Red Cross somewhere around the 24th but I hope to be registered for classes on Monday the 22nd...if I can figure out how to prove I was there. If my criminal history is done tomorrow, I will call and make the appointment for Monday. If not, I will just wait longer. Whatever.

I already purchased the pen light, stethoscope tag and scissors. Technically, I purchased the stethoscope, but the order was canceled when the one I ordered was out. I will get back on Amazon for another one soon. The one I want is around $65 on Amazon. I found the same one locally for $160. This is why local businesses go out of business.

I am creating my own office area in the house. I'm feeling a bit crowded mixing my school stuff with the kids' school stuff, bills, mail, crap, junk, and more crap that ends up in piles around my computer. It's in a dark little corner where I can't see the TV while Jason plays Call of Duty. I think having my own school area will be helpful. I may even take a picture of it when I get it organized. I'll need a laptop to make the picture complete. (That's a not so subtle hint for Jason, my personal IT director.)

The first meeting...

Last night was my first nursing orientation meeting at Ivy Tech. It was led by the nursing department chair and the dean of the school of nursing. I really liked both of them. They were both welcoming and down-to-earth. I believe, but I'm not sure, that I will have classes with them the first semester but not much after that.

At the meeting, I was able to turn in the "change of degree" form to be officially in the school of nursing. Then we talked about all of the health records I need to have turned in. I have to have MMR, tetanus, diphtheria, chicken pox, pertussis, hepatitis B,and TB stuff (= vaccines, boosters, disease or titer). I also have to have my doctor approve that I have the physical and mental abilities to do my nursely duties. I have already called the Vanderburgh County Health Department (I had some vaccines done a few years ago) and my childhood family doctor. Both places are already in the process of faxing my info to my current doctor. I have already made all of the appointments for my two TB tests and readings and for the final appointment to have everything signed. Not bad for less than 24 hours later.

Also at the meeting, I confirmed that my high school transcripts are on file. I also found out that the CPR class I applied for through the mail is already full. So I called to confirm that I am in that class on November 12. That's all good (I mean great).

I have more paperwork to fill out saying that I am physically capable and an info release form. That's easy enough.

In December I will need to go to the Ivy Tech bookstore to be fitted for a uniform. It's basically pants, polos, some patches and a lab coat. The have us fitted to make sure we aren't dragging our pants on the ground. Being 5'4", my pants tend to drag. We also have to get some white leather shoes. Yikes. Oh yeah, there's a lot of other stuff, too. This is going to be an expensive semester and I haven't even heard about the books yet.

I have to have a drug test and a criminal history check after November 14. That should be okay, but you never know.

Once I have all of this information collected and completed (after November 14), I can make an appointment to meet with my advisor to register for classes. For the first semester only, we have some options. I have a list of 6 different plans that I need to look through. At first glance they all look the same so I'll have to spend some time with them to figure it out.

And that's that. I have done just about all I can, other than shopping, until my first TB test on the 27th. I am so ready to get this started.