Bump-Date and More

Life…it’s like a carousel that is always in motion! Thankfully, mine has reached a little slower pace.  Spring classes are complete! I’m very thankful to have made it through the semester with 1 A and 2 B’s!! Now only one more semester stands between me and sitting for my RN boards :)

I love my job! While going to school, I never gave much thought to working for a hospice organization.  So when the opportunity came up, I really had to think and pray about it.  Was this really an area of nursing that I wanted to pursue?  It definitely isn’t what I had pictured, but it just felt right.  So that is where I am…and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.  I LOVE my job.  It is fully of challenges, and at times heart-breaking, but at the same time it is rewarding.  Will this be my forever job, I’m not sure.  But I know that it is where I am supposed to be at this moment in time.

So how ‘bout a bump-date?

How far along: 23 weeks today! I can’t believe it is going by so quickly.  Only 119 days until her due date!!

How big is the baby: At my last ultrasound (at 20 weeks), Maddie was 13oz.  Just shy of a pound.  She should now be just over a pound and about 11 inches long.

Total weight gain: Ugh…I don’t even want to think about the scale.  It seems like the scale jumped over night! Total weight gain as of today is almost 20lbs.  Hopefully I will stay at my goal of gaining no more than 35lbs. 

Sleep: Aside from multiple trips to the bathroom, I’m sleeping pretty good.  I do find myself rolling from side to side quite a bit though. 

Maternity Clothes: Oh yeah…pre-pregnancy clothes have long been pulled from the closet.  I still have a few shirts that I can wear, but my belly is quickly out-growing them.  And I just had to buy round 2 of maternity pants! 

"Note-worthy" moments:

1. All checked out fabulous with Maddie’s genetic screening! And I checked out fine in all lab areas as well. 
2. Maddie definitely looks like her Mommy! I compared her latest ultrasound picture to one of my newborn pictures and I couldn’t believe my eyes!! Now we have to wait to see if she will have my red hair and blue eyes :)

Food cravings: Nothing in specific really…just food! 

Food aversions: No real aversions thankfully.  The only true no go for me is a milkshake.  It must be something in the mix used to make them, but every time I get one it makes me sick.  Homemade is fine though!

Symptoms:

• Leg cramps.   So not my friend when the strike at night!
• Swelling. I’ve had to remember not to sit with my feet hanging! The result is cankles and sausage toes!!

Movement: She is a little acrobat! Her movements are getting stronger by the day and she definitely likes the early morning hours.  We will work on those hours when she gets here ;).   

Gender: Girl!

What I’m looking forward to: Continuing to work on her room…which is also my room.  I will stay in my current home for now, which is 1 bedroom.  She would be in my room for a while regardless, so no biggie.  Pinterest has given me many cute ideas that I am about to start working on.  And trust me, there will be pics to come as they are completed! 

What I miss: A night of uninterrupted sleep…though I guess I should get used to that!  I also miss my energy!!  Aside from having less energy, the humidity here in FL is horrible!!

Next Appointment: May 24th

Picture: I was going to take a new shot, but instead decided to post her ultrasound.  She put on quite the show for us too! Even kicking herself in the head several times!!

Behind

Yes…my blogging has been on the back burner here lately.  And my camera neglected once again!

So much has been going on though.  School is back in full swing and way busier than I had imagined it to be! Work…well, that is a topic all by itself.

I started working back in the beginning of August.  But things in this position were not exactly working out.  Mainly, it was a huge conflict with my school schedule.  That was no good at all. So, I resigned my position there and started at a different facility.  This position is weekends only! I work a double on Saturday and a double on Sunday and my work week is finished.  So that equals 32hrs in 2 days.  That gives me plenty of time during the week to work on homework and catch up on sleep! While I hated leaving the first position, this was a much better option.

Other than that, not much exciting is happening.  The weather is getting cooler and I hope to get my camera out and show it some love this week!

The Call

I finished the LPN program in June, then took and passed my boards in July.  The next step was finding a JOB!

As soon as I had my letter from the Florida Dept. of Health authorizing me to work as a graduate nurse I started the long, tiresome process of updating my resume. And then the hunt for a job ensued.

I’m not really sure what happened to all the LPN jobs, but they were all of the sudden far and few between.  Literally there would be only one or two new listings a week! That my dear blog friends was a little stressful to see. 

I had just finished school and now there are limited jobs for 3 graduating programs to fight for! So I did only what I knew to do…PRAY! God had gotten me this far, so I was sure that He wouldn’t leave me hanging.

I applied to a total of nearly 10 positions.  So I then get a call for an interview.  And was really excited about the possibilities it had to offer.  After a month of going back and forth, an offer came.  But it wasn’t what we had first discussed and I knew that it wasn’t going to be the right place for me. 

And then…at 7pm one evening I get a call from my TOP CHOICE of where I said I wanted to work.  I was ecstatic! But at the same time knew it would be next to impossible to go to work there.  They aren’t known for hiring new grads.

But they gave me an interview…and guess what!?!?!?!

They decided to take a chance on me and started running my background checks. I then had a conditional offer on the table.  I had to pass my reference checks, background screening and a few other small things. 

And today, exactly 2 weeks later, I get THE CALL.  The position is mine if I want it!  Well, that was a no brainer!!! Yes I want it…and I am still pinching myself to make sure that I’m not dreaming.

This whole process, along with the last year of school, has taught me so much.  God has an AMAZING plan for each of us! But we have to be willing to listen, be stretched, and sometimes be willing to walk by faith alone. The road to this point wasn’t easy…and at times I could even see a glimmer of light at the end.  But God walked me through it, holding me up when I didn’t think I could take another step! And in the end, I am right where He wants me to be.

A big plus is that they are willing to work with my school schedule! Yep…school isn’t over for me yet.  I have applied to start the RN program in January.

Oh…and I guess you would like to know where I am going to work at, huh?!?!?

I will be working at a VA Nursing Home. We did many clinical hours at this facility during school and I absolutely fell in love with not only the facility, but the residents as well.  What an honor to be able to give back to those that have given so much to serve in our Armed Forces!!!

The “Unofficial” Results…

Yep…it says PASS!!!

Patience

“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” –Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Tonight I am trying very hard to have patience.  Although I don’t know that I am being all that successful!

I took my NCLEX-PN exam today.  Thanks to lots of prayers, I went into the test feeling very calm.  I was ready for what it would throw my way!

The test doesn’t have a certain number of questions.  It can be anywhere from 85-205 questions in length.  It is a CAT test, which means:

CAT successively selects questions so as to maximize the precision of the exam based on what is known about the examinee from previous questions.^[1] From the examinee's perspective, the difficulty of the exam seems to tailor itself to his or her level of ability. For example, if an examinee performs well on an item of intermediate difficulty, he will then be presented with a more difficult question. Or, if he performed poorly, he would be presented with a simpler question. Compared to static multiple choice tests that nearly everyone has experienced, with a fixed set of items administered to all examinees, computer-adaptive tests require fewer test items to arrive at equally accurate scores.^[1] (Of course, there is nothing about the CAT methodology that requires the items to be multiple-choice; but just as most exams are multiple-choice, most CAT exams also use this format.)

The basic computer-adaptive testing method is an iterative algorithm with the following steps:^[2]

1. The pool of available items is searched for the optimal item, based on the current estimate of the examinee's ability
2. The chosen item is presented to the examinee, who then answers it correctly or incorrectly
3. The ability estimate is updated, based upon all prior answers
4. Steps 1–3 are repeated until a termination criterion is met

Nothing is known about the examinee prior to the administration of the first item, so the algorithm is generally started by selecting an item of medium, or medium-easy, difficulty as the first item.

As a result of adaptive administration, different examinees receive quite different tests.

(above info can be found here)

Once the test makes a determination of passing or failing, it shuts off.  And when I say “shut off” it does just that.  I answered the minimum number of questions, 85, and my screen just blacks out!

Talking about feeling queasy and sick to you stomach! That is a gross understatement to describe the way I felt and STILL feel at this moment. 

Many have asked me today how I thought I did.  Really…I cannot answer that.  I know it is hard to believe that one could take a test and not have a feeling one way or the other.  But ‘tis true. 

I now must try to have a little patience as I await my test scores.  I’m praying the are posted tomorrow morning.  As soon as they are available I will post them and hopefully get a little sleep.  I have a feeling it will be a very restless night tonight!

And a BIG thank you to all you for your thoughts and prayers today…that were greatly appreciated!!!

So…

My camera hasn’t been out at all this week!  Miserable fail for my 365 Project!!!  But that’s the way it goes sometimes. 

Earlier this week I learned that the review class that I was taking for my boards was cancelled.  This meant 2 things:  I had to ramp up my own study time and I could change my test date.  So my test is now scheduled for JULY 13th!  That is just 11 days away and I am so ready to get that thing behind me.  The really big upside to the date change was a change in testing time as well.  My original test day time was 8:00am, but with the date change I had more flexibility in the time.  So I will test at 12:15pm.  This is awesome because I am so NOT a morning person and function better in the afternoon to evening hours. 

In other news, I am putting the photography biz on hold for now.  There is just too much going on and I simply cannot juggle it all.  I will soon be working full time and will still be going to school full time to finish up the next portion of my nursing journey.  It was something that I didn’t want to do, but just felt it was necessary for now.  I will still take some photos for friends here and there when the itch hits me and to keep from getting rusty!  This time gives me the chance to also see where I want to take my business when I start back up and make a few branding changes as well.  One being my logo.  I wanted something that would be fun and that I could incorporate into my blog.  This is what I came up with…

And finally, since there are no 365 pics for this week, I will leave you with my shot of the day!

This and That

So what is happening in my world???

Lots and lots of things.  With the most important being studying for my state boards.  I received my letter from the state that allows me to work as a graduate nurse until I take/pass the NCLEX.  YAY!!!  Along with that letter came my Authorization To Test (ATT).  The ATT is what I was waiting on to schedule my NCLEX.  And the BIG day will be July 21st! 

Oh my…I don’t think I have ever been this nervous!  On the last day of class we took the NCLEX predictor.  It was a 150 question exam that is based off the actual NCLEX.  Upon hitting the submit button on the predictor I felt as though I was going to be physically ill and knew for sure that I had bombed it.  But much to my surprise I didn’t.  Based on that predictor I have a 99% chance of passing on my first attempt.  But any extra thoughts and prayers are welcomed :)

I am also getting back in the swing of job apps and interviews.  So far I have interviewed at one facility and have a call-back interview with the Director of Nursing.  And then on Thursday I have another interview at an Oncology office.  So we shall see!!!

Aside from that, I am attempting to restart Couch 2 5K again.  I hope that this time I will be able to stick with it all the way to the end this time.  Anyone want to join me???

And finally…I leave you with this adorable little guy!

Taking A Look Back

It’s really over…LPN school that is! 

I took my final test on Monday.  I also took my predictor exam.  This is a test that gives students an idea of what the NCLEX (licensing exam) will be like.  It also scores your performance to let you know areas to work on and what your percentage score is to pass on the first attempt. 

As I was taking the exam (all 180 questions!!!) I knew for sure that I was completely bombing out on it.  That thing was no joke!  I was actually to the point of wanting to yak by the time I hit the submit button.  Sorry of that is TMI!

But I hit submit and waited…the test then gave me a survey before I could see my results.  REALLY???  I just wanted to see my score! 

Finally…I get my score.  It was WAY better than I thought it would be.  I made 80%, answering 150 of 180 questions correctly.  Had this been my NCLEX, that would have been a passing score. 

I then go out and look up what my score means.  Based on my performance on the this test, I have a 99% chance of passing the NCLEX on my first attempt.  So I am really happy…but there are still lots of nerves!

If all goes as planned I will take the NCLEX on July 18th and be fully licensed as an LPN.  The next step is starting the RN program, which will hopefully be January!!!

And now…a look back at the past year! 

365-147

I think I totally jinxed myself when I previously said it would be easier for me to stay caught up with blogging!

As of today, I am 13 days away from our LPN Pinning Ceremony!!!

I’m Back…

From the land of no time that is!

I just started my final course of the nursing program and suddenly find myself having a little bit of free time!  I’m still not quite sure what to do with this time though!!!

So me and the camera were able to spend a little quality time together after a long separation…and that was so nice to get reacquainted with her.

Photos coming soon :)

64 Days & Counting

Countdown to what?  My LPN Pinning Ceremony!

I cannot believe that this chapter is nearing its end.  And what a year this has been.  As a class, we have learned so much.  We have learned the necessary skills to care for those whom we come in contact with.  But more importantly, we students have formed a bond that is unlike any other. 

You fellow nursing students really become your family in a certain sense.  This are the individuals you see more than anyone…including your family.  You share many ups & downs…and there are those priceless moments that you will never forget.

And now in just a few short weeks, we will set out on our new career path.  A scary thought that you will hold other’s life in your hands.  Are we ready?  I believe the correct answer would be yes and no!

{365-71}

{The Difference}

Yesterday I was reminded of why I have chosen the profession that I have.  Nursing is not a career that one just wakes up and decides to take on.  It is more than just provided a person with physical care.

There are definite areas of nursing that I have fallen in love with.  Which area I will choose to specialize in remains to be seen.  One area that is not my favorite is geriatrics.  I know that is not my calling.  Throw me in with the ankle biters please! 

My clinical rotation for the last 2 weeks has had me on a medical/surgical floor.  These are patients that are in for various medical reasons.  And most of the time, these patients are much older.  And present you with many challenges!

I got my assignment on Tuesday and had a feeling that one patient would not be a cake walk.  This patient was not all that happy about being there…but really, who is?  So I proceed through my day.  Said patient is not overly talkative and answers to questions are brief.  Day ends and I expect to move on to different patients for Wednesday. 

Surprise!  We are keeping the same patients from the previous day.  My immediate thought was to just make it through the day.  So I get started with my morning routine.  And even though I am far from being a morning person, put on my happy face and smile.

Little did I know that the happy face and smile had made a difference.  The patient was a little more talkative, but not by much.  So at the end of the day I go in to take care of a few things and tell the patient bye.  That is when he commented to me that it is nice to see a smiling face and an overall happy person.

I have always known that our actions speak louder than words.  And our expressions are included in that as well.  But to actually hear how our actions affect someone will really make you stop in your tracks!

This is why I have chosen nursing.  It is much more than giving medications…it is care that involves all aspects of physical and emotional well being.  I know that the words of this patient will stick with me for many years.  And little did I realize that while I was taking care of him, he was changing my outlook as well!

{Summing It Up}

So this pretty much sums it up.  I am so over 4am mornings, care plans and nursing diagnoses!  June 9th 2011 cannot get here soon enough!!!  That is 129 days to be exact. 

{Underwater}

Well, not literally, but metaphorically speaking I am.  I promise my blogging will resume to normal very soon!  We have started 3 new classes and have been gasping for air all week.  This week is no different.

So, please be patient with me for a few more days!!!

{Nursing Student Humor}

 And I must say that I agree!  This week we finish up with 2 classes only to begin 2 more.  It is the vicious cycle of nursing school!!!

{Nursing Humor}

 

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!!

Bring It On!

Bring it on, Bring it ALL on…

Bring on the endless studying,

The crying jags, the all-nighters,

The lack of money, the weight gain,

The abandonment of friends & family,

The careplans, the heavy books,

The clinicals & loooong lectures,

The terrifying skills tests,

The feeling of total incompetence,

Bring on Nursing School!

You Know You’re A Nursing Student If… Part 2

Remember this post?  If not refresh yourself…and if you do, please read on!

You know you’re a nursing student if…

1. Your backpack is on wheels because it weighs more than you do.

2. Your arms are toned from pulling your backpack.

3. You have nightmares you forgot to chart your assessment findings and clinical instructor gives you a big fat U!

4. You diagnose yourself with whatever ailment you're studying at the time.

5. You study until 1:00am and get up at 5:00am to study some more.

6. You live off of coffee!

7. When two of the four test answers are correct but you have to pick the most correct answer!

8. When Maslow's Hierarchy and Davis's Drug Guide becomes your Bible.

9. Your laundry pile is competing with Mount Everest.

10. You witness someone wash their hands and turn off the faucet without a paper towel and you CRINGE!

11. Your classmates start to know you better than your own family.

12. You forget what it's like to have free time....what's that?

And now…

The long weekend is coming to a close.  It has been fabulous to have a super long weekend.  A chance to enjoy friends and family.  And yes, to catch up on sleep as well!

But life returns back to my new normal tomorrow!  So bring on that assessment and test :)