It has been a hectic few weeks...February is almost over and I don't even think I have had a moments rest. I started out with my first online Microbiology test. It went well (94/100). I have gotten a few low A's and B's on lab quizzes, so I need to really watch my points so that I can retain an A in this one. We are studying nutrition and microbes right now..what exactly it is they eat to survive-both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It is not as interesting as the viruses I studied last week...but I think I will survive!
I had my first Advanced Physiology exam last weekend, too and was extremely happy to have gotten an A on that exam, too. Since this is the in class/lecture/closed book exam, I was hoping for a B and that is what I had thought I had gotten when I left...so I was presently surprised. We have moved on to the nervous system and are studying the nerve pathways and the physiological effects of damaged nerves (what part of the body will be effected and how). My professor suggests putting all the nerve pathways on the refrigerator so that you see them often and they are constantly in your face. I did just that and it really does help.
Last weekend, my son turned 3 and I hosted a big party for him with family, friends and neighbors. It was a tough Friday and Saturday! I had been shopping for weeks for all the ingredients for the party (at least the ones that would not go bad) and so Friday, I went out to get all the perishables. I checked and rechecked all my lists and had to go to 3 stores to get everything. Saturday morning, I woke up and made cupcakes, tiramisu, and mixed the meat mixture for my husbands favorite homemade meatballs. Then at 11am I went to AP and took my exam, then had lecture and lab and got home at around 4:30ish. Made all the meatballs and more cupcakes (my son had eaten 4 while I was at school!!! Where was his dad? :)) At 7:30 I had to head to the hospital to volunteer and then got home at 12:30am. I was exhausted!!! and still had Sunday and the rest of the cooking and party to go. I got up early Sunday and finished all the cooking and straightening up...felt like death! (Thank the Lord for good, strong coffee). The party was a huge success. Everyone loved the food and my son was so happy and couldn't believe that everyone had come over to celebrate HIS birthday. He really enjoyed it and went from crazy excited to hugging everyone because he was so happy. Even though it was tough to fit it all in and I was so tired, he was so happy and it was worth it. Now a week later, he is still singing happy birthday.
About 6 months ago, we tried potty training because he is starting preschool in the fall and needs to be totally trained and 6 months ago, it was a totally disaster. He was just not ready AT ALL! All he wanted to do was pee and poop all over the house. He has been a bit more interested lately and even has given himself a goal-if he pee pees and kakas in the potty he can get a geo trax. This was all him...I am not sure how I feel about bribery, but if it motivates him, I guess I am all for it. He says that geo trax are for big kids that go pee pee and kaka on the potty and so I said, "So if you go pee pee and kaka on the potty we can get geo trax??" And he said, "That's right!!" So, he still refuses to wear underwear, but he has sat on the potty 2 times this week (own doing) with no production, but we are moving in the right direction.
SO, that is what is going on in my life. I am also working on my career goals essay for my admissions essay for the ABSN program. It has really gotten me thinking about my ultimate goals in nursing. I know that I want to be a nurse, but what kind? I love the idea of teaching, but I don't know if that means clinical, or within the workplace or just community outreach. I also like the idea of research. I would love to be part of a study that advances nursing and patient care and can improve lives in some way. That would be so satisfying on so many levels. I am still thinking and will post it when I am through...
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sharklet - Does this stuff really work?
I just saw this product talked about on Sunday Morning on CBS and I had never heard of it before. It claims amazing things about resisting bacteria growth simply because of the raised design on the plastic product. Apparently, the bacteria do not like to grow on the bumpy texture. It was designed after studying the skin surface of sharks under the electron microscope. Shark skin is resistant to the growth of organisms and researchers found it is because of a special pattern of bumps and grooves that resists the growth.
They are saying that it could help the healthcare industry fight things like MRSA. I found it really interesting and timely because of my microbiology class. I even put this topic on our discussion board to see if anyone else had heard of it and to find out what my professor thinks.
Have any of you heard of this? Do you think it really works??
The product claims:
Sharklet SafeTouch for Healthcare enhances infection control by reducing bacteria on high-touch surfaces by 80%. Place Sharklet’s hygienic surface on hotspots to reduce dangerous pathogens.
Some examples of places to put this product is on nurse call buttons, bedside trays, patient ID bracelets, catheter tubing, doors, and bed rails. Will the hospitals of the future be covered with Sharklet?
If it works, it sounds like something that should be implemented. Their website claims that to "Sharklet" a patients room would cost $1 per day. If I was a patient, I would personally fork up $1 to know that 80% less bacteria are going to colonize my hospital room.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
the uncertainty of the nursing school admissions process
Anyone that is working on their pre-requisites for the admission to a nursing school program knows what it feels like to be uncertain about their future. What you do know is that you want to be a nurse and end up with that coveted RN behind your name (hopefully!). You really aren't sure what road will actually get you there or how long it will take. You know that you must keep working towards the goal, no matter what obstacles fall in your path.
I sent my transcripts last week to the ABSN program I am applying to next month. I received a courtesy letter today in the mail telling me that the transfers have been processed and can be viewed on their website etc etc etc. I don't even know if I want to be in that program. Maybe "want" is the wrong term. I want to be in their program. I also want to be sure that I am going to get a scholarship to go along with it...and we all know there is no sure thing in the scholarship business. If I don't get a scholarship, I don't want student loans, so I wouldn't pick the ABSN as my first choice because of the cost. Then there is my possible ASN program where the application is due April 1st. They said the applications would be available for pickup starting February 1st...so, I need to stop by the office to get one. The ASN program is so much more affordable, it makes me want it more from a cost standpoint, but I want a BSN ultimately, possibly more, and it makes those goals so much further off. But, it is the financially responsible option. With the American Opportunity Credit, my tuition only cost me $380 in 2010 for 15 credit hours. Not so bad!! I can handle tuition like that! I am not sure if they are planning on renewing the education credit for 2011, but if it definitely makes it more affordable to be back in school.
I am still not sure if I am going to attempt to take the TEAS test again for the ASN program. I haven't heard a lot of scores yet from other people, so I am not sure how I rank. People are really keeping to themselves about their points this admissions term. I can take it a max of 2 times in 2 years and I have taken it once, so this would be my last chance and if I do take it, I better get a better score!! I would be so disappointed if I wasted the opportunity to improve my score. My 90 is good, but is it good enough? I hate to have worked this hard to be short a few points and not be accepted...for possibly 2 years! The ASBN is straight GPA and I have a 3.85 now which should be good enough, but I have these 2 science classes right now that will be figured in at the end of the semester, so we shall see.
PLEASE PLEASE let me be admitted SOMEWHERE! I wish there was someone I could send cupcakes to that upon receiving them would say, "Congratulations, Anna! Those cupcakes put you over the top. We would be honored to have you in our nursing program."
Now that's just silly...I guess I should just go study.
I sent my transcripts last week to the ABSN program I am applying to next month. I received a courtesy letter today in the mail telling me that the transfers have been processed and can be viewed on their website etc etc etc. I don't even know if I want to be in that program. Maybe "want" is the wrong term. I want to be in their program. I also want to be sure that I am going to get a scholarship to go along with it...and we all know there is no sure thing in the scholarship business. If I don't get a scholarship, I don't want student loans, so I wouldn't pick the ABSN as my first choice because of the cost. Then there is my possible ASN program where the application is due April 1st. They said the applications would be available for pickup starting February 1st...so, I need to stop by the office to get one. The ASN program is so much more affordable, it makes me want it more from a cost standpoint, but I want a BSN ultimately, possibly more, and it makes those goals so much further off. But, it is the financially responsible option. With the American Opportunity Credit, my tuition only cost me $380 in 2010 for 15 credit hours. Not so bad!! I can handle tuition like that! I am not sure if they are planning on renewing the education credit for 2011, but if it definitely makes it more affordable to be back in school.
I am still not sure if I am going to attempt to take the TEAS test again for the ASN program. I haven't heard a lot of scores yet from other people, so I am not sure how I rank. People are really keeping to themselves about their points this admissions term. I can take it a max of 2 times in 2 years and I have taken it once, so this would be my last chance and if I do take it, I better get a better score!! I would be so disappointed if I wasted the opportunity to improve my score. My 90 is good, but is it good enough? I hate to have worked this hard to be short a few points and not be accepted...for possibly 2 years! The ASBN is straight GPA and I have a 3.85 now which should be good enough, but I have these 2 science classes right now that will be figured in at the end of the semester, so we shall see.
PLEASE PLEASE let me be admitted SOMEWHERE! I wish there was someone I could send cupcakes to that upon receiving them would say, "Congratulations, Anna! Those cupcakes put you over the top. We would be honored to have you in our nursing program."
Now that's just silly...I guess I should just go study.
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