tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139782932024-03-13T21:25:57.189-07:00Student Nurse, prnp.r.n.: Abbreviation meaning "when necessary" (from the Latin "pro re nata", for an occasion that has arisen, as circumstances require, as needed). One of a number of hallowed abbreviations of Latin terms that have traditionally been used in prescriptions.SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1155142964108186092006-08-09T09:34:00.000-07:002006-08-09T10:02:44.186-07:00Floating on cloud nine....<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Yesterday I received my results from the state board exam and I am elated to report that I...<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >PASSED!!!!!!</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Each day waiting for the results (4 weeks) seemed like torture but finally the envelope arrived. Then I was afraid to open it. My daughters were home so it was exciting to have them there. It seems so surreal to finally be able to call myself a Nurse.<br /><br />Ironically, it was 3 years ago this month I started my pre-requisite classes not even sure what nursing was all about but that I wanted to have a great career and a steady income.<br /><br />What is next to come?<br /><br />Well, I am still working at the facility (acute rehab) where I was a CNA. I moved to the nursing desk after I graduated and I am doing ward clerk type duties (processing Dr. orders, faxing the pharmacy, ordering xrays and labs in addition to other paperwork). I will continue in this capacity (slightly expanded but still no patient care) until my license (and #) arrives in the mail in another 30 days or so. Then I will begin my training on the floor. I chose to stay at this facility because they are offering a tuition reimbursement program for current employee's who move up and it will be a good to have at least a year of acute nursing experience in a med/surg environment.<br /><br />So, as my instructor used to say it's time her 'nurse-lets' fly from the nest.<br /><br />I do plan on going for my RN but at a slower pace I have about 6 pre-requisite classes left. I plan on taking them (mostly sciences) one night class per semester and then enroll in the upward mobility program that is 1 year full time. So, by maybe 2010 I will be an RN.<br /><br />A big thank you to everyone who has read the blog. I hope maybe some information was helpful to other student nurses. My original intention was just more of a journal but the feedback has been so encouraging especially on the rough days. The medical community is certainly a great one as well as all my other faithful readers.<br /><br />I have no plans to continue the blog at this time. I don't have an interest in writing about my work but I also don't like to say never. I did start another blog but I find I am not writing much there either maybe I will take a small hiatus and then reconsider. Best of luck and happiness to everyone.<br /><br />with love,<br /><br />Nurse Carolyn<br /></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1153721999763305932006-07-23T23:14:00.000-07:002006-07-23T23:19:59.793-07:00Joke....<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Ok I heard this today at work ...y'all have probably heard it before but it got a laugh from me.....</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Dr. says to his patient, "I have bad news and horrific news which do you want first?".</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Patient replies, "I'll take the bad news first". </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Doc says, " I am very sorry to tell you that you have only 24 hours to live". </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Then the patient asks, "What possibly could be the the horrific news?".<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Dr. tells the patient, "I forgot to call you yesterday".<br /><br />ba-da-boom!<br /></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1152585292960861832006-07-10T19:25:00.000-07:002006-07-10T19:34:52.976-07:00Critical thinking....<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >That's the name of the game with NCLEX. It's not a fact based exam, oh don't get me wrong, facts are mixed into the equation but it's all about judgment and critical thinking and a dose of common sense.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Is it possible to study? Sort of. Review terms, values, anatomy, meds and diseases. Do as many NCLEX style questions you can tolerate and call it a day. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >You either know this stuff by now or you don't. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />I have all day tomorrow to study. Then it's the day I have been preparing for for three years. (That felt odd to type did I punctuate it right? ...for for...)<br /><br />Anyways, no pressure, noooo (insert sarcasm).<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Results take 30 days to receive by mail after the exam.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I'm numb. Behave y'all. TTFN. <br /><br /><br /></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1151528561458736502006-06-28T13:15:00.000-07:002006-06-28T14:14:42.083-07:00Listless and calm....<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I was looking for the French word in card game I used to play as a kid called "Mille Borne" it's about an auto race and I thought one of the words was Coup de --?-- (graw?) kind of meaning the grand finale but alas Google has failed me or may patience ran out. Help anyone??</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />So, the title of today's blog describes my current state. I can't kick it --the listless part. I work part time from 1-9pm and on my days off I veg out. I am calm about my upcoming NCLEX-PN exam on July 12th. I know I should be a crazy woman about it but I took 4 days off of work prior and that will have to suffice for crunch studying. The feedback from classmates has been varied. But both had the exam turn off at 85-90 questions. One felt good the other completely unsure. One we heard nothing from. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Oddly, I thought I had posted since the pics. Does blogger eat posts entirely?<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Today is day 3 of three off. I am nursing a pulled muscle in my lower neck upper back. Can't move my chin towards my chest or lean it back. Slept in a bad position. Damn this getting older sucks.<br /><br /></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1149319164957052812006-06-02T23:53:00.000-07:002006-06-03T00:21:55.923-07:00PICTURES!!!! Can you believe it? ....I had to fend off the paparazzi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/1600/52006-Pinning25.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/320/52006-Pinning25.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >The bestest folks in the world and fellow Nurses. </span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/1600/LVN%20Class%20011%20%282%29.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/320/LVN%20Class%20011%20%282%29.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >The entire graduating LVN Class of 2006</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/1600/52006-Pinning24.2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/320/52006-Pinning24.2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Me and my best buddy Brenna after the ceremony, the proud new Nurses *awwww*</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/1600/52006-Pinning18.1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/320/52006-Pinning18.1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Waiting patiently ....</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/1600/52006-Pinning19.0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/320/52006-Pinning19.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Getting pinned by my all time favorite instructor :o)</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/1600/52006-Pinning4.1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/320/52006-Pinning4.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Here I am during my 'speech ' to the crowd</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/1600/NurseC.3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/320/NurseC.1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >This is my 'official' graduation picture with the traditional Nursing cap and all.</span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/1600/42006-CF-BVN-Pic1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4005/1250/320/42006-CF-BVN-Pic1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Me ...on a regular day</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Sorry this took so long. I know I promised it long ago (I had trouble with Blogger and the pics) I hope some of you are still hanging around... </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >with love, Student Nurse, prn<br /><br /><br /></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1147544092269984832006-05-13T11:02:00.000-07:002006-05-14T23:09:37.126-07:00*Beep, beep* back it up baby...Pinning Ceremony and Graduation<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Oh, how remiss of me not to blog about the <span style="font-weight: bold;">pinning ceremony/graduation</span>. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >It was sureal. All that anticiption, planning, anxiety then it went by in such a flash. Not unlike a wedding. I want to rewind and do it again. Partly, I think, because I was nervous that I was speaking (I hate to call it a speech) therefore I was not able to absorb and relax about the event.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >According to family and freinds I did well (do they EVER tell the truth?) ...well, actually I spoke too fast in the beginning then I calmed down, realized it (had a nice internal dialog) and slowed it down to finish quite well if I do say so.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Three students recieved awards from either one of the facilities we did clinicals at or from the faculty. And then the 4 remaining were also honored by the faculty ...because they could not agree on who deserved the award the most so we all got one!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Of course we all looked like a blast from the past in our nursing hats and white uniforms. Guess I'll use mine now to either loan out for Haloween or use for adult dress up *smirk*.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Afterwards, my family and a few friends went out for a nice dinner and I stayed out to have a few cocktails with some girlfriends. A nice way to end a great day.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >The future begins.............<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">update: </span>pics will be delayed a few days the ones my daughter took are <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">all </span>blurry, currently waiting for pics other family friends took.<br /><br /><br /></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1147413318083536022006-05-11T22:53:00.000-07:002006-05-11T22:56:58.480-07:00Schedule for Friday....<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Not a damn thing :o)<br /><br />(the sound you hear is the slow leak of stress from my brain and body)<br /><br />oh and *pssst* pics will be up Monday and for ONLY one day, for my dear sweet regular readers<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1147219868082003512006-05-09T16:59:00.000-07:002006-05-09T17:15:30.813-07:00Drum Roll, please..............<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >You are now reading the blog of a woman who has passed her last exam in the VN program!!! </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Woooot!!!! </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Today went well. We took the exam. Instructor ran the scantron. Informed us we all passed. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >We all went to lunch (and had a surprise wedding shower during lunch for our sole male class member who is getting married during summer) and then went back to class go over the exam. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Now I have to get everything prepared for tomorrow and the pinning ceremony. Gonna start with a manicure and pedicure while reading a entertainment magazine.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Time to........ get busy living!!!<br /></span><font><br />p.s. graduation/pinning ceremony pictures will be posted soon<br /><br /></span></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1147065384130404902006-05-07T22:16:00.000-07:002006-05-07T22:22:08.903-07:00Overwhelmed...<span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Ever get to the point you are so frazzled that you become ineffectively frozen to the point that you almost can't operate?</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Fear of failure should help me study more but it seems to just freeze me up. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">*ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh* </span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1146718151328134402006-05-03T21:42:00.000-07:002006-05-03T21:56:39.270-07:00My last clinical day .....<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I'd say I am speechless but that would be silly. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />One last day (1/2 day actually) and we get to chose a unit we want to be in (I think I'll be in ER or the OR) ....and then we meet our instructor for our clinical course evaluation followed by the traditional.... 'take-the-instructor-to-lunch' gig and then clinical is DONE.<br />Holy Foley!!!! (<--heheh) Pray for a smooth error free day. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Imagine, the next time I will be doing patient care will be when I am licensed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Edit:</span> Almost forgot the disaster drill went ok. We (the students) did great if I do say so (well the hospital staff did say so!) ...but there was a big lack of communication with the incident site (airport) in regards to the number of incoming patients and whether or not the had been decontaminated from the 'nerve gas'. All this is of course gone over in the debriefing so it can be corrected next time. Overall, it was great to get a feel what a true emergency would be like and how a nurse can contribute as well as all that is involved.<br /><br /><br /></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1146336882977076052006-04-29T11:45:00.000-07:002006-04-29T11:55:58.056-07:00Before disaster strikes...<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >..you have a drill.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >At the hospital they have a </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >HUGE</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > one. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >A county wide disaster preparedness drill.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >People volunteer to participate as both professional responders (MD's Paramedics, EMT, Law enforcement, Fire fighters, Nurses) OR victims. This one, I believe, will be a biohazard situation.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >So, on Wednesday of next week we get to participate as Nurses. So cool. Actually, being a victim playing the injured roll might have been more fun but this is going to be great experience from an educational point of view.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Tuesday is our very last lecture class (with a quiz on renal). The following Tuesday is our final exam. This weekend involves lots of studying....<br /><br /><br /></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1146336264656788332006-04-29T11:34:00.000-07:002006-04-29T11:44:24.670-07:00Update: Mom...<span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">She's home, after having to stay an extra night in the hospital due to a low grade fever. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">She did have a first semester nursing student (RN) assigned to her, which I thought was hilarious. I am sure she talked the guy to death. Poor fella was having a hard time just getting her BP (he couldn't manipulate the automatic machine). </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Treatment plan: Rest, q 6 hour Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen) </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">The only PT she received in the hospital was she was taught how to do a log roll to get out of bed. No brace or anything else. </span><br /> <br /><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">She seems in good spirits. Talking on the phone 24/7! Typical of my Mom. She also wanted to take a shower when she returned home but was referring to the shower as the </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">"den of doom...where the evil happened..."</span><span style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> --all in jest of course. I told her to get a shower chair just in case.</span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1146082643597327302006-04-26T12:57:00.000-07:002006-04-26T13:19:23.836-07:00Distance sucks....<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I don't normally blog about personal stuff but this crosses the line from personal to nursing/medical ... </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I just found out my Mom is in the hospital. *ugh* and My folks live 2 hours away (by car). Mom is only 60, very lively, spry, those seem like weird words to describe her let's put it this way ...she's the HIP Grandma, (as in COOL) get the picture? Totally close with my two daughters. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Well, she had the stomach flu. Was up all night before last with typical symptoms, emesis and diarrhea, etc....so yesterday she gets in the shower at 6pm-ish after my Dad had returned from some errands. He's watching the boob-tube and hears a crash. Calls out. Nothing. Gets up finds Mom in a crumpled pile in the shower (small square glass enclosure) ...not responsive, she has had a syncopal episode (passed out). He lifts her eyelids and her eyes roll back. Calls 911. Go Dad. She's unconscious for maybe total of 2 mins. Paramedic/EMT's come get her up and transferred to a gurney and to the local hospital. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Trip to the ER. Xrays, CT scan. Diagnosis: Cracked vertebrae L5 (Lumbar 5 the last one before your sacrum and coccyx) and low potassium level. Start pain meds. 11pm agree to admit to hospital. 2am in room. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Talked to her at 10:30am she had just gotten breakfast (WTF). Asked her the name of her nurse, she had no idea, no one had introduced themselves! (WTF) She's in a ton of pain and getting morphine IV and now Percocet PO (by mouth) and potassium PO. Dr. says rest you will go home tomorrow AM. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Her potassium (K+) was most likely low due to the emesis and diarrhea from the flu. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >It sucks to be far enough away I can't go and give her a hug but my bro lives close and my Dad is very capable. I just can't concentrate on anything right now. </span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1146035910097204402006-04-26T00:08:00.000-07:002006-04-26T00:22:30.356-07:00Welcome faculty, family and friends....<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >OK it really doesn't start that way but GUESS WHAT? ............<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I am going to speak at the pinning ceremony.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > ME. Little ol' me. A 'speech' and I volunteered to do it. My classmates do not know the content. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >It's a surprise.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > They do know I have something planned. But be assured it has lots of the word <span style="font-style: italic;">DREAMS</span> in it and required poignant moments.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I do not think I am a good speaker. I am NOT the type to want attention. A few weeks back I was in an especially emotional state (read: PMS'ing) and decided to start writing. This was the result of my 'moment'. I hope that the passion I felt at the moment shines through in my 'speech'.<br /><br />As the saying goes anything that doesn't kill us will make us stronger. I'm going to be one tough chick. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Pray for me. Please. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />This could get interesting.<br /><br /></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1145932561323409332006-04-24T19:34:00.000-07:002006-04-24T19:36:01.336-07:00I am *the* Enema Queen....<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Two more weeks of clinical time left and I never had to do this. Rectal medication, yes. Enema, no. But now I can say I have the had the joy of not only administering ONE but FOUR enema's in one day. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >#1 Mineral oil enema -- no results </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >#2 Saline enema -- no results </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >#3 Saline enema -- no results </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >#4 Warm tap water with Castile soap enema (gravity fed) -- no results </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Next step? Digital disimpaction -- results, unknown, I was headed to post-clinical wrap-up and the next shift gets to handle it :o) </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >*whew* </span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1145745667782533402006-04-22T15:18:00.000-07:002006-04-22T15:43:59.886-07:00Senior-itis ......<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial;">I have it bad. Here is the disease process.... <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Super Seven Study Guide</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > - </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Senioritis</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;" ><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;" ><o:p></o:p></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:Arial;" ><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Definition:</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > Acute inability to concentrate during class </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Etiology:</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > Pending pinning ceremony/graduation </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Pathophysiology:</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > Increased levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Symptoms:</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > Altered level of conscience, lack of concentration, persistent day-dreaming, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >tachycardia, blurred vision, restlessness, twitching, fresh manicures/pedicures </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Diagnostic studies:</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > Check blood level of euphoria, CT and MRI scans of the brain </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Medical Management:</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > Daily doses of common sense and reminders of final exam </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Nursing Management:</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > Patient education in regards to effects of not passing final exam.<br /><br /><br /></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1145310649970313052006-04-17T14:36:00.000-07:002006-04-17T14:54:16.300-07:00Fastest week ever...<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Just like a vacation week to zoom by so fast. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >But thinking back and I did enjoy it a lot and with tons of variety: </span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >paid bills (ok, it HAD to get done before I left) </span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >traveled to the SF Bay Area to visit with family for three days</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >saw "Ice Age; The Meltdown" and had dinner at a yummy Mexican Restaurant with a friend </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >lovely relaxing lunch with another friend </span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Sunday night dinner with family (and found out I will be an Auntie AGAIN!) </span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >went skiing twice at Lake Tahoe resorts (discovered I am TOTALLY out of shape, once while it was sunny and once while it was snowing (in CA in April!!) </span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >went to Easter church services on Saturday night (and volunteered for the First Aid Team)</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >worked two shifts, one on EASTER morning (possibly my last shift EVER as a CNA..whoohooo)</span></li></ul><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Now I am trying to get my house back in order, do some laundry and catch up on homework for tomorrow. We have lots of lecture material to finish before the end of the semester. Crunch time folks!! </span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1144473189895049952006-04-07T22:06:00.000-07:002006-04-07T22:14:15.016-07:00SPRING BREAK ..Whoooohooo!!!<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I will NOT be basking in the sun at some tropical location in a bikini BUT I will relax a bit, visit with family and good friends, enjoy my kids, ski/snowboard for two days, see a movie or two, eat out, work a couple of days and most of all NOT pick up a textbook/lecture note/etc.... </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >The weather is depressing in California. We expect rain for about a week (it's been raining non-stop lately) we have yet to have multiple days of sun. Very unusual spring. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >See y'all next week.<br /><br /><br /></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1144205452424087102006-04-04T19:22:00.000-07:002006-04-04T19:50:52.470-07:00Dress rehearsal ..."the HESI Test"....<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >So, today we took a test on the computer called a <a href="http://www.hesitest.com/">HESI Test </a>(we paid for this privilege in our tuition).<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >This test is supposed to be VERY VERY similar to the state board exam we will take after graduation. Yeah, remember, I may graduate but I can't be licensed until the great state of California says I know how-to be a nurse.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >The state exam is a bit tricky. Let me explain. Firstly, it's timed but I hear you have five hours and that is MORE than enough time. Secondly, it's all on computer. Next, once you answer a question you can not go back. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Also, there are several types of questions; </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />1) multiple guess (ops, I mean choice) </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />2) choose all that apply from a list of about 5-7 possible choices<br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >3) then a fill in the blank (either a number or word) </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />4) an anatomy marker (put an X on this body part, etc.). </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />And here is the real kicker...if you get a question wrong and for example it is a pediatrics related question, the computer says to its mighty self, <span style="font-style: italic;">"humm, Student Nurse is weak in the Peds area, HA!, let's give her more questions on Peds"</span> (insert devilish laughs). </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Can you believe it!!! That's just cruel!!!<br /><br />The test then continues until the computer just shuts off. At that point you have no idea if it shut off because you were doing well or because you were doing badly. Some folks can have theirs shut off after not too much time has passed and other sit for hours. Neither knows why. The results take approximately 30 days to be mailed to you. You are not issued a grade just pass or fail. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Anyways, today's test wasn't so sophisticated but it was 160 questions long and I got an 88%. Sweeeeeet!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*doing the happy dance* </span><br /><br />..... it gives me hope, that's all. </span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1144028386096352452006-04-02T17:55:00.000-07:002006-04-02T18:46:20.930-07:00You DON'T want to be the interesting patient....<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I was in the ICU this past week and I discovered one main theme. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >You never want to be the Doctor's 'interesting patient'.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > Trust me it just = bad news. And in the case of my patient it proved to be true. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >My patient -- 72, f, Diagnosis: Atrial fibrillation. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >History: She came through the ER over a week ago due to general malaise "I just don't feel well". She has a big history of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and is on 2 liters of oxygen at home (former smoker). Her quick diagnosis in the ER was Atrial fibrillation. She was in the ER for about a week having breathing problems in addition to the heart dysrhythmia. She had an NG (nasogastic) tube for feedings. Thursday AM in Telemetry she has an exacerbation of SOB (shortness of breath) while they tried to get her to sit on the side of the bed. Her O2 SAT's (saturation) goes down below 75 and they have respiratory therapy come and get her on a bipap machine to sustain the needed O2 level of over 90. So, she comes back to the ICU. Now she is being assisted by the bipap machine (</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >it's not</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > a ventilator, it forces the air in via a mask without a tube). </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Her in-house Doc orders a pulmonary consultation for that night which they do a bronchoscopy and can't "see much" due to some possible clots. They have to put her on a ventilator to sustain her breathing. So, they reschedule for Friday AM to repeat the procedure. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >They do this procedure in the room and I got to be there. Essentially they put a tube with a camera attached down the mainstem bronchial tube to look in her lungs. Well, what they find is a fistula in the mainstem bronch that the NG tube can be seen laying in. Keep in mind the NG tube is in the esophagus and the bronchoscopy tube is in the lungs (past the epiglottis <a href="http://www.massgeneral.org/cancer/crr/types/thoracic/illustrations/images/esophagus_front.jpg">the two never shall meet</a>). It seems the wall of her brochial tube has eroded due to a massive amount of cancer and the erosion goes into the esophagus. The Doc removes the NG tube at which point he moves the camera into the hole and looks into the esophagus! He also backs the camera up and shows the massive cancer spreading over her mainstem bronchial tube. He takes a few biopsy samples, photos from the camera and exits. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >And then repeats the infamous words,</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > "in 20 years of doing this type of procedure I have never seen this." </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >During the procedure many nurses from ICU and Tele are filing in for a look and I feel like I hit the student jackpot. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Unfortunately, for the patient, Doc says they can not remove her other lung because of the end stage COPD she couldn't function on one already compromised lung. This is a terminal diagnosis of lung cancer and this patient will never get off the vent besides the fact she can not eat unless a tube is placed into her stomach. Prognosis is to remove the vent and see how long until she passes.<br /><br />I also got to experience her Doc tell her daughter the prognosis. It was hard to keep my composure. Friday was an interesting day.<br /></span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1143511704710826922006-03-27T17:56:00.000-08:002006-03-27T18:09:18.973-08:00Care plans ....<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >We have two care plans to finish before the end of the semester.<br /><br />I just finished one from on of my last weeks patient. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I will do another this week, that relieves one major item to not think about over spring break. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Patient info, medical diagnosis, pathophysiology of disease, diagnostic exams, medications, assessment, patient problem, nursing diagnosis, nursing interventions, goal, evaluation, goal met.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >My instructors version of the scientific nursing process called </span><a style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADPIE">ADPIE</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >.<br /><br /><br /> </span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1143311228161405222006-03-25T10:26:00.000-08:002006-03-25T10:29:28.046-08:00The HAG yelled at me!!!!......<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >OK, I'll calm down now. Some people have no social skills at all. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Here's the scoop...I am passing by the nursing station and the unit secretary says to me, </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >"Patient in Room 100 needs something right now"</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > (it's not a stat I'm dying, just a get here ASAP). </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I make a quick bee line for the room. When I get in there the patient has pulled out her IV (I think her chair got caught on it) and her forearm is bleeding and the IV is spurting out saline fluid. The patient has her hand over the blood source. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I put some gloves on pronto, grabbed an unopened roll of curlex (rolled gauze) that happened to be sitting on her bedside table and placed the whole roll on her arm and then had her bend it at the elbow. Whew, <span style="font-weight: bold;">priority #1 </span>--stopped the bleeding. Then, I took the IV and placed it on the incontinence pad on the bed (I'm not allowed to touch the IV pumps yet) I did this so it wouldn't get the floor all wet. I told the patient I'd be right back and went to get the assigned RN. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >She was on her break, so I get her break-nurse and we went back into the room and took care of the issues. (Stopped the IV, properly put a small dressing over the site of bleeding) then I went back to my previously scheduled whatever I was doing. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >About a 1/2 hour later the assigned RN sees me at near the crowded nurses station and yells <span style="font-weight: bold;">loudly </span>at ME, </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >"no one ever told me about my patient's bleeding!!!!!!"</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Then at least 5 people in the vicinity say, </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >"shhhhhhh", </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >very sternly at her.<br /><br />Of course, I look like a deer caught in the headlights and stammer something like, </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >"the break-nurse (who's name I couldn't now recall) knew all about it"</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >.<br /><br />The assigned RN says something unintelligible and the break nurse looks dumbfounded, shrugs and we all walk away. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I was pissed off. People now think I am an idiot for something that I did correctly. It was the responsibility of the break-nurse to report anything she did while the assigned nurse was gone. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I stewed about it. Notified my instructor. Then my instructor talked with the HAG today and she said, (and I quote) </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >"Oh, I wasn't mad at your student I was angry at the break-nurse, I knew it wasn't your students problem" </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >WTF?</span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1143175026201538512006-03-23T20:14:00.000-08:002006-03-23T20:39:10.876-08:00Drug seekers...<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >Not sure I should have used that title after the one from a few days ago ...this blog has gone to the gutter. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />But seriously that is the subject today. I had a patient the last two days with a disease called </span><a style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crohn%27s_Disease">Crohn's</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > (click on the link for a detailed description) but in a nutshell it's a very painful chronic inflammatory disease of the large bowel. She, the patient, (47 y/o, white) was in for the diagnosis of GI bleed (symptoms were massive blood in her stool). Her discharge diagnosis was listed as exacerbation of Crohn's. She has been to the hospital many times before because the disease can flare up and have increased symptoms at any time. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />My RN that I was reporting to today was rather flippant that I chose her as a patient. Mumbling that there were better patients for learning experiences than a 'drug seeker'. Well, first of all when I chose her it doesn't exactly say on her chart/care plan "DRUG SEEKER". It lists her medical issues not the nurses perceived psychosocial ideas. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Now granted this chick was on massive doses of opioid drug derivatives but hey, she said she was in pain. The description of pain, we are told by our instructors, is exactly as our patients perceive it. Nothing more, nothing less. Pain is very SUBJECTIVE. And g</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >ranted I may have had my doubts but I certainly didn't treat this patient any differently because of her history. I mean has my RN today ever had Crohn's? --I don't think so.<br /><br />I can understand how in the ER they get fed up with folks coming in with pain issues on a constant basis but this gal was in the hospital for days with pain.<br /><br />I know I have lots to learn but I hope I never get jaded like my RN was today. </span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1142924398059067412006-03-20T22:53:00.000-08:002006-03-20T23:03:07.156-08:00Pimpin'....<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >When you got something good, share it. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />My good friend is brilliant. One of his most recent ventures is a company called VisiStat.com. Don't think medical STAT, think site visitor stats. His site is very user friendly and they send you a daily email with a re-cap of the previous day. I highly recommend it. And no he did not ask me to post this, I did i</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >t because I believe in his products. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br />But, of course, see for yourself here at </span><a style="font-family: arial; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" href="http://www.visistat.com/">VisiStat</a> <blockquote></blockquote>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13978293.post-1142831941424863072006-03-19T20:52:00.000-08:002006-03-19T21:22:08.966-08:00Just to clear things up...<span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >I appreciate all the nice comments from my most recent post. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />I blogged about this long ago (but briefly) on my career path. So, I just want to clear things up. </span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />I will be an LVN when I am finished with my current program.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" > For some folks they are thinking what's the difference? Other are thinking why would you do that?-- RN's make more $.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >So, first I'll explain the difference to non-medical folks. RN is Registered Nurse and LVN or LPN in some states is Licensed Vocational or Licensed Practical Nurse. I can only speak for the difference in California. An LVN can do all the same stuff an RN can do when licensed except for anything IV related. We can however take an IV certification course and do some of the IV stuff. To keep it simple. An LVN can NOT inject anything directly into an IV catheter (even if certified). After certification we can hang IV fluids and blood. Again this is the simplistic version. Procedurally there are some very technical and specialized things also but as far as routine tasks that is the difference. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Now the better question is why did Student Nurse, prn choose LVN and not RN? A number of reasons. First, I am changing my career mid-life. This is primarily because I am a single parent.<br /><br />I had a career before my divorce that I LOVED. It was the best job I ever had. I was a Corporate Concierge at HP in Silicon Valley. Catering to the elite HP executive guests in a high tech customer briefing center. I have always been in the travel/hospitality field and loved it. I am a people person and calm problem solver. My career path however did not pay well. Perks were off the charts--dining out comp, theatre in San Fran, wineries, you name it but I was never going to be able to raise two girls on that salary in the Bay Area. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />I also knew I never be able to handle the stress of school, working and my girls at the same time. So, logically the job went bye-bye. I moved to an more affordable area of California bought a house and started my pre-requisite classes at a local community college. I had budgeted that funds would be able to last the length of the program if I got in quickly but only for the LVN program because the classes required for the RN program are more of the harder sciences and etc. I didn't have time to wait to complete them while not working. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />I finished my pre-req's, worked for a while as a nursing assistant, and applied for the LVN program. I got in on the FIRST try (it's lottery based so luck is the only factor).<br /><br />So, here I am ALMOST broke (haven't touched my IRA yet) and applying for a student loan to get me through the last few months but the sanity base is the equity in my house is AWESOME, gotta love CA. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" ><br /><br />Once I finish this and I am licensed I will go back and take the remaining pre-req's for the RN program --one night class at a time. And then apply for the step-up program geared for LVN who want to be RN's so I will get there someday. </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:arial;" >For now I will earn a decent salary in the field I want to be in while I get to my ultimate goal, RN.<br /><br /><br /> </span>SVN, prnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325843689575448487noreply@blogger.com2