Nursing School: An Update

Things have been hectic. I have class Tuesday- Friday and we cover 2-3 different topics each day. We end up with about 15 different topics per test ranging from Legal/Ethical aspects of nursing to Pharmacology. Its a lot to absorb in just 2-3 weeks. Plus instead of just regurgitating information like on every other test I've ever taken, the questions make you apply and actually use the information. Instead of "The definition of antibiotic is..." we have to answer things like "A patient has a temperature of 102.3 and has an elevated white blood cell count. The medication most likely to benefit this patient would be..." Of course this is a simplified example but you get the idea. It makes it harder. Memorization doesn't cut it anymore. I have to know it and be able to process it and use it in real life situations. On top of lecture we also have skills check-offs. These cover things like hand washing, vital signs, physical assessment, and giving shots properly. We are given a list of steps and must perform them and explain them in front of an instructor. And of course there is clincals. My first day was Friday at a nearby hospital. First of all I parked in the wrong spot and had to go move. After that it went pretty well. It was only orientation though so I will know more about how I'm going to like it next week when I will actually be giving care.

I've done fairly well so far. I'm not used to making B's but I can deal with it. Its definitely tons of work but I think when its all over with and I can get a good job and keep working towards my IBCLC, it will be worth it.