After another long 12 weeks, I finally have a week long break (Spring) from school; and it could not have come at a better time. I am exhausted. This pace is hard. Sometimes I feel like I'm barely standing. It is still so exciting and exhilarating though. It helps keep me motivated.
I completed my Psychiatric cLinical rotation. We did 3 weeks @ 3 days/week. I was lucky enough to be at my local hospital Somerset Medical which is a 10 minute car ride. I spent the first 4 days of my 9 in the EDU (eating disorder unit). I was quite surprised and amazed at the things I saw. I was able to sit in on therapy sessions and extensively read pt charts. I learned a whole lot, that I won't go into. Let's just leave it at....it was a real eye opener!
Last 4 days were spent upstairs in the locked psych unit. Didn't see anything terribly discomforting up there. Mostly some Bipolar fits, paranoia, and severe depression w suicide attempts. Also quite the eye opener. I learned a lot.
The last day we took our scheduled ATI proctored Psychology exams. I scored right where I should have. I was happy about that, as they moved the date up by 2 days with no notice. I should be getting my final grade for Mental Health Nursing in the next week or so via mail.
With the 3 days/week clinical rotations right now, we are only carrying 2 classes at a time. I am in Medical Surgical Nursing II and Nutrition Essentials for Nursing Practice. Two very complicated, rather difficult courses, especially with 1 day of lecture between exams. I just took my cardiovascular test for MS and did well. I take the 2nd part on my first day back after break. Working on Nutrition now. We took home a huge packet full of papers to fill out. It has been challenging thus far.
I start my Med Surge II clinical rotation Mar 17th. We do a 3 week run at nursing homes. I am located out a ways by where Rex lives. It's about 25 minute ride. Don't know what site I will switch to @ week 4. I keep the same instructor though.
