Sunday, August 31, 2008

Nursing 101

August 25th started a MOST interesting week in my life. After all the waiting and testing, and classes and certification requirements, I finally began my nursing program. I have to say I was extremely nervous, but once I got there and met everyone and my 2 teachers (this semester) I was able to relax. I forgot how much I enjoy a school setting. My teachers are awesome; both down to earth, cool, understanding, and extremely helpful; excellent teaching techniques. Monday, my first day, was pretty much Orientation, getting different class info, syllabuses, etc. I got my photo I.D, which I wear to school and MUST have around my neck on all Clinical days, which begins Sep. 23rd in extended care facilities, which I will will enjoy, as I love the elderly. This semester, well technically, through October, I have A&P I, Nursing Fundamental, and Math & Medical Admisitration. End of Oct I start 4 new courses which go through January, then another 3 through April, then 2 more through July. At this point I will be in a hospital 3 days a week, so there is less class time. I was told I will get to witness and help with a live birth (which I am over the moon about) and pretty much anything else I can imagine. YES!!!!!

Tuesday I had a great first day of Nursing Fundamentals. We get a 10 minute break almost hourly for restroom and drinks, and an hour lunch Tues-Fri and a 2 hour break (11-1) on Mondays. I like this a lot. As my school is less than 8 miles from home, I was able to run home one day and make some lunch.

Tuesday on my way home from school, I was rear ended pretty badly and the back of Jeep pretty much destroyed. Police came, took reports, and sent me off. I went home immediately called the claims dept. and got the ball rolling. Ruthi took me to enterprise to pick up my rental. On my way home from there, I realized I left my school book bag in their building. I immediately drove back; they were closed and I literally "lost it" mentally. I had none of my school work, my homework, etc. I was in a lot of pain from accident, had splitting headache, was still shaking, and the night just got progressively worse. The only thing worth mentioning was I got home, and realized I was locked out as my house keys were also in my book bag. TG for friends who live close...Thanks again for letting me in :) I rented a new Dodge Charger and I LOVE it. I don't think I want my Jeep back....

That day was pretty much a wash. I was able to somewhat explain to teacher why I didnt have my 10 pgs. of written homework and she worked with me. As our books had not yet arrived, we did that Wednesday furing lunch (which is when I was supposed to finish my late homeowrk) and then again after school. That afternoon I took my smashed up Jeep to the autobody shop, and guess what I saw??? The guys car (BMW X5) who slammed into me. He beat me there and we ended up at the same place. Pretty funny. Very interesting process as we both have Allstate. Hoping to hear from them early this week as to how long they will have my car.

The homework load has been everything I was told to expect and then some. Reading 3-4chapters a night per class, and usually 5-10 written worksheet pages per class. They were not KIDDING when they said this was an accelerated Program. I have met some great people and have exchanged several phone #'s for study groups etc. Hoping This week is just as exciting, minus the car accident. I really didn't need that. It's difficult having to go through something like that alone, no family here for support, but in the end the people I've chosen to have in my life are my family here. I love you and thank you for all you do for me. Thank you for rides for Tanner from football practice, thank you for getting faxes from doctor documenting my immunizations, ,thank you for coming to my accident site to make sure I was ok. Thank you for rides back and forth to help me with what I needed as far as my Jeep was concerned. Thank you for hot cooked dinners and for the company. Thank you most of all for helping me with my 500 medical terms flashcards. If I pass this test on Tuesday, I owe half of it to you. You made my week so much better than it would have been. I miss my kids so much, but it was really great having this first week alone to dive in and get a routine going. I cannot wait to see my babies again.

Despite the accident, this has been a great week. I am super excited for the direction my life is now going in. I am learning something I love and I cannot wait to be able to implement my skills.

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