4.23.2009

Lately, it's been about finals

I am so pleased that our university ends school redunkulously early for the spring semester. Finals started today with Psychiatric Nursing. In nursing, for each class there is a final and a comprehensive HESI exam, which is standardized. So, more Psychiatric Nursing tomorrow with the HESI. The HESI scores are particularly important for grading your national ranking, and are reviewed at the end of next fall to establish a placement for spring preceptorship.  

Which brings me to another point....next Thursday I will be considered a senior. And not just any senior - a senior in the nursing program. A senior that after passing the NCLEX will be a licensed nurse professional.

(Er. Is it weird that I'll be a practicing nurse before I am of legal drinking age?

Yeah it's weird, and it's kinda awesome.)

What has surprised me while learning the profession of nursing is how the role is very multifaceted. There is no topic or client centered conversation that is taboo. We're expected to be the go-to person on any physiological and psychological concern the client may have, and to answer in an honest, therapeutic, straight-forward manner. If we don't have the answer, we find the answer. We comfort, console, listen to, challenge, enforce unit rules, minister to basic life needs and facilitate medical recovery. Up til now, I have studied fundamentals, assessment, health promotion, pharmacology, medical-surgical, and psychiatric nursing. I have experienced clinicals on the medsurg floor, nursing home, home care, oncology unit, and psychiatric unit. I can tell you about heart problems, medication complications, how to prevent superbugs, check O2 stats, resuscitation, SBAR reports, sexual dysfunction in males and females, fall safety, manic intervention, using a drug book, and how to have sex when paraplegic. (I know, I'm still scarred from that one.) 

Anyways. I did not want to do this, and I've been completely honest on that account. College was not what I wanted - a degree had no interest to me. When it became clear I had to attend, and was probably being immature about school, I picked nursing and that was final. Why did I pick nursing? I have no clue. Or, maybe just ideas...I wanted a challenge, I know that...I wanted variety...and the thought of being a nurse like my grandmother and best friend's mom was just cool. In the rough spots of my life and early college experience I clung to nursing school like a lifesaver, because with all the uncertainties, I could know I was going to graduate a nurse. I did not even care if I ever practiced. It simply became something I had to accomplish. Even though I still lie awake wondering why I'm doing this...during the day I can focus on pushing ahead and setting goals for future success.

And speaking of future success, I need to study. For the psych HESI. Which is early tomorrow morning.....

:)

4.22.2009

Goodwill lovin'

I've always been an avid thrift shopper since the days of toddlerhood. I'd wander the dirty yet organized aisles of plastic toys with my grandmother, and then the clothes section when I was older. Nothing makes me happier than a good find! Anything funky, vintage, designer, can't-pass-up-it's-too-awesome item is what I go for. Of course, I contribute as well with donating all my gently used items. Today, the southeast Goodwill made my year with it's awesome Target donations and a cute black dress, all in my size. Today, for $42, I acquired.......

-1 Express knee-length little black dress
-2 Target by Richard Chi dresses
-1 Isaac Mizrahi blue and white sundress
-1 strapless one piece swimsuit in sunshine yellow, 1 triangle bikini set in cyan green
-1 pair of gaudy silver heels by Siggerson Morsen for Target that are a perfect fit
-1 pair of black short-shorts Target by Richard Chi to pair with tights and above said heels

I'm glowing in victory.

<3

4.19.2009

Don't tell me I can't

It's borderless, this life we live!

The parameters we construct aren't divine, boxes weren't in the plan

There is the judgment of missing-the-mark
we shouldn't do that
So, there's no border, but there is a mark.
Okay, sin or don't sin

Fathom the borderless cosmos.
Fathom it being borderless in the hands of a God.

Whoa. 

We were not created to experience a box, or rules, or laws
We were created to glorify a borderless, uncontainable God
But we missed the mark.
He knew He had to give us a choice
or it wouldn't be free will -
it'd be a box
of slavery

Now, we make the choice every moment
as a redeemed child!
The freedom of living without borders...

Fathom God's divine plan.
Fathom the borderless life gained from living in it.

...whoa