I'm An RN

So I think I forgot to tell you, I passed the NCLEX.  I'm an RN.

I took it last Tuesday at 2pm.  My Daddy drove me up there.  We left our house at 10am.  It only took us like 45 minutes to get there.  The building was really hard to find, but after we found it we went to Subway and got lunch.

So we sat in Subway for about an hour and a half just hanging out, sort of looking over my notes.  Then we went back to the testing center parking lot and walked around for a while.  Then we went to the bathroom.  And I went in to take my test about 1:15pm.

They checked me in and let me start early.  Which was really, really nice.

I started the test about 1:30pm and was out of there about 2:30pm.  I was done only half an hour after I should have started.

75 questions.

I can say this now that I've passed and have my license: It wasn't as hard as I expected it to be.

Yep.  I said it.  I mean I studied like a maniac.  But I didn't think it was that hard.  I heard that if you felt like the questions got progressively harder as you went along in the test then that was a good thing, but I do not feel like the questions got harder, they were all hard, but not as hard as I expected.  There was a bunch of select all the apply questions, aka the worst kind of question.

There were about 12 computers there to take exams on, and I was the third one to sit down.  When I left, all the seats were filled.  I don't know when they came in, but apparently they did.  I don't know if I was just that focused or they were just that quiet, but I only heard one person come in.  I sat at computer #8.

It was an exciting day.  I'm glad it's over.  I'm so tired of studying.

Just call me Katie, RN.

"Children in whom was not blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans." Daniel 1:4

The Last Exam

So the very last exam in nursing school was crazy!

My class would insist on the teacher telling us exactly what would be on the exam, like what chapters, how many questions, what type of questions, etc.

The teacher told us the exam would be 20 questions.  15 questions from the last several chapters we went over and 5 questions from the movie we watched the week before the final.

We all opened the exam on Blackboard, and there were 35 questions!

35 questions is 15 more than expected.

15 more.

One girl called the teacher out on it.

Girl: There are 35 questions on this test!?

Teacher: Yes, yes, there is.

Every single exam question since I've been in nursing school is multiple choice, multiple answer, or rarely a fill in the blank question.

Never an essay question.

This exam had 5 essay questions.  5.

You know when the last time I answered an essay question?  Me either.  I guess maybe back at the community college.  Like 3 years ago.

It was crazy.

"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." 1 Corinthians 15:33

All I Wanted Was My Picture Taken

That's it.  Simple.

No.  Nothing is ever simple.

Imagine this room:

This is called the "Grad Bash."  Sounds like a party doesn't it.  It wasn't.

I walk into the room, I see the photographer to the right of the room, pictured in the green.  I go up to him and tell him I want my photo taken.

Photographer: Ok! Just go over here to my right and get your gown and I'll take your picture.
Me: Ok, thanks.

I walk over to the graduation gowns table and try a talk to the ladies at the table to request my gown.
Lady: Eh, no. You have to go through all the other tables before I can give you your gown.

Deep breath.  Okay.  Just play the game.  I know that I have only have a limited amount of time before I have to go to Pittsburgh later that afternoon, but I'll play along.

I got to the first table on the left.

Me: What do I have to do to get my picture taken?
First Table Lady: It's easy.  Take this card and go around to each table and have them fill it out as you walk around to do everything you need to do at each table.  At the end, after everyone fills out your card, drop it in the box and you will be entered for a prize.
Me: Ok, fine.
First Table Lady: What's your student ID number?
Me: 0987654.
First Table Lady: Is this how you want your name on your diploma?
Me: Yes, I filled that out like two weeks ago.
First Table Lady: Okay. *checks my card*

Off to the next table I go.

Man At The Second Table: *blank stare*
Me: Hey.
Man At The Second Table: Oh, did you fill out the graduation survey?
Me: Yes, like 3 weeks ago.
Man At The Second Table: *checks my card*

To the third table.

Women At The Third Table: Student ID number please.
Me: 0987654.
Women At The Third Table: You do not have any outstanding charges on your account right now.  Unless you get a parking ticket, or a library fine, or Wellness Center fees, you are good to graduate.
Me: Uh, ok. Cool.
Women At The Third Table: *checks my card*

To the next table I go.  But let me preface this next table with something.  This table was the Alumni Association table.  They wanted everyone to sign up on their website to keep in contact with the school.  Seems perfectly reasonable to me.  Except for the fact that the women in charge of the Alumni Association came to our class on Monday and was rude.

And when I say rude, I mean I wanted to go all Stephanie Tanner status on her, How Rude!  In class she was just ugly to one of my friends, and then she asked everyone to raise their hands if they used Twitter, which I do, and she the proceeded to make fun of Twitter.  So this is how the conversation at the went.

Rude Alumni Association Director: Just sit down here and fill out the information online and you will be signed up for the Alumni Association.
Me: Do I have to?
Rude Alumni Association Director: You do if you want me to check off on your card for the prize.
Me: Fine. What do I have to do?
Rude Alumni Association Director: Sit here and type your name in this box.
Me: But I don't know if I want to be apart of the Alumni Association.  You want to much information.
Rude Alumni Association Director: *blank stare*
Me: Fine. *types name* My name is in here twice. (Of course it is)
Rude Alumni Association Director: Oh, well, it's probably the first one then.
Me: *clicks on the first one, fills out the copious amount of needed information* All done.
Rude Alumni Association Director: Good. *checks my card*

Next table.  They are asking for money.  Yeah, at this Grad Bash, they are asking for money.

At the next table I have to harass the poor lady selling class rings and graduation announcements to get her to check off my card because I've already bought my class ring and announcements, but I need her to check off my card.  I didn't realize until later I could have just checked off my card myself without going to all the tables...

Finally, I'm to the graduation gown table.

Me: Hi.
Gown Lady: Hey.  What's your name.
Me: Katie Bestnurseever
Gown Lady: Ok. *looks though some boxes* Your gown isn't here.
Me: What?!
Gown Lady: Let me call downstairs.
Me: Okay.


Phone call.

Gown Lady: Your gown is downstairs.
Me: Okay.
Gown Lady: I'm going to go get it.
Me: Can you get my friend's gown too while you are down there?
Gown Lady: Sure!!

She goes downstairs giving me enough time to sign my name really big on the banner that was in the middle of the room.  Katie, BSN.  The line for the gowns in backing up with about 7 people behind me.  She comes back.

Gown Lady: I'm sorry, I don't have your gown.
Me: What!?!?!?!!!!?????!?!?!  All I wanted was my picture taken!!
Gown Lady: It's okay, I got another gown for you to wear.

I get my picture taken.  Very nice pictures if I do say so myself.

Then I go back to apologize to the Gown Lady.

Me: Thank you for your help.


It took me almost an hour to get my picture taken.  Next time I graduate with my bachelor's degree, and have to go to the Grad Bash to get my picture taken, I won't be annoyed with everyone.

I want to know who won the prize.

"And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

Countdown To Pinning In Hours!

I'm so overwhelmed with excitement right now that I can't sleep.  So what do I do?  Blog.  Duh.

I cannot believe that it is May 12th, 2012.  It seems so unreal.

I've been actively working on getting my nursing degree for 4 years and going to college for  5 years now.  It feels like a long time, but it really isn't in the grand scheme of things.

My family came up today so they wouldn't have to drive the hour and a half to get here at 0830 in the morning. I'm glad because they bought me dinner... And they are fun to hangout with!

I'm so filled with emotion I'm not really sure what to do with it.

This morning all I felt like doing was crying.  For oh so many reasons, but I think it was just a way to let some emotion out quickly.

I'm ready.  Finally.  Yesterday, I wasn't ready to graduate.

I'm done with the tests, the papers, the deadlines, and the library.  I'm excited for the future and ready for a real big girl job.

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

PS 8.5 hours to go until Pinning begins!

Why Has No One Told Me This Before?

So my friends told me today that I'm a loud test taker.  I was not inclined to believe them, but I let them tell their side of the story.  I mean, they are the ones that hear me when I take tests.

They said I fiddle with candy wrappers (several teachers give out chocolate before an exam!), sigh loudly when I get frustrated, and pound the table with my fists.

Oops.  I'll try harder not to be annoying next time.

What annoys me during a test is sniffling.  Just blow your nose already!

19 days until graduation!!!

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:7

Getting Closer

I was on the phone with someone yesterday, and told them that I had 12 weeks until I graduate with my Bachelor's of Science in Nursing.

Then I was like wait.  Ten weeks.

Then I was like, goodness girl, you cool.

(It's easier to count days - 74 until graduation!!!)

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

There, I Said It

So I just turned the big 2-3 last week.

It's been tumultuous week, mostly because I wasn't ready to be 23.  That number just sounds so old, doesn't it?

What have I done in my 23 years?

I think my problem might be that I don't have any goals right now.  Or that my goals are very ambiguous, like "get a job."  What kind of goal is that?  Gosh.

My goal was to graduate nursing school, but now that it's so close I'm scared.  There, I said it.  Scared.

And now that it's out, I can get over it.

"Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not." Isaiah 44:2

Twelve Hours Down

I had my first 12 hour preceptorship shift in the hospital yesterday.  It was good!

I loved not being under the tutalage of a clinical instructor.  They are always in the student's business, telling you what to do all the time.  In a regular clinical, each student is assigned one patient, and you have to write a careplan (aka paper) on your patient, and my careplans ended up being between 10 and 12 pages every week.

In preceptorship, students follow one staff nurse around the hospital for 96 hours in a semester, and write journals about how it made us feel, oh, and a presentation on an interesting patient.

12 hours down, 84 more to go.

My preceptor told me I was almost an expert in giving Lovenox shots.  I think I probably gave 8 of them in one shift.

I'm getting excited about graduation!

Only 104 days!!!

After 12 hours on my feet, I was aching.  I've been doing yoga with a DVD with my friends the past couple of weeks, and decided that even though I was tired, it would be a good idea to do some yoga.  After 20 minutes doing yoga, I felt sooo much better.  Definitely going to do that again.

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." Ephesians 6:15

Look At All The Pretty Colors

Finally got up the gumption to color coordinate my 3-ring-binders and notebooks for school.

Mondays are green/blue.  Tuesdays are purple/flowered.

As OCD as that sounds, it really is a step down from my normal craziness.

Usually, the weekend before school starts, I color coordinate, print syllabi and outlines and Power Points, then put everything in stacks according the what day I will need them.

I don't go as far as to color coordinate highlighters though, that's just too crazy for me.

But the first week of classes is over, and I just now put my stuff together.

I almost thought that I wasn't going to color coordinate the binders, but I decided that it is too early in the semester to be lazy, and organization will be helpful later.

111 days until graduation!!!

I'm tired of school already though.  I'm ready to graduate.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

It's Almost The Beginning Of The End

School starts Monday.  My last semester of undergrad.  My last semester of nursing school.

The culmination of the past 4 or 5 years comes down to passing these 4 classes.

Nervous?  Dramatic?  Who me?  No...

I found out where my preceptorship (the clinical where I follow one nurse around all semester) is going to be, but I'm not going to post it as to not make everyone jealous of me.  It was not what I requested but I prayed for favor and for the Lord's will to be done, so it's gonna be banging.

Oh, and, I scraped my elbow the other day, and it hurts, and it makes me look like a 8-year-old who just got inline skates.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." Psalm 37:23

Let's Review

Last year I post some New Years Resolutions.

1. I think I did okay writing funny blogs.  I could definitely do more.  Here's one.  And another.
2. I have one song that I'm working on.  So I guess I should get moving with that.
3. Exercise is again going to be a New Years Resolution.
4. I read a few pages out of my MedSurg book this semester.  Does that count? No.
5. This I did.
6. I had people over!
7. I got the grades!! But I'm not gonna post them.
8. Success.  Usually.
9. During Finals I did study at the library.
10. I pray I see Father God move in big ways this year.

That's the review.

Now for new some new goals:

1. Be patient with myself and others.
2. Finish nursing school/get my license/be a great nurse.
3. Remember that God is in control.

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8

I Need To Relax

Just took a bath.

Trying to relax.

It's hard to relax when the teacher didn't post the grade yet.... Okay, well, I know what grade I got in the class (a great grade!!) but she didn't post it in the appropriate place yet.

It's also hard to relax when I keep thinking how much I need to relax, because after this break, there will be no more breaks.  I'm graduating nursing school in May, and then I have to get a real job.

I told you I was a tad bit crazy right?

So I'm going to go work on my photo album that I'm making for my missions trip to the South Dakota Indian Reservation I went on a year and a half ago.

Anddd I need some extra cash to go to the nursing conference this semester, so if you know me personally, hit me up to babysit.  Think of it as an investment in my future.

What else can I do to relax?

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of rightousness for his name sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23

UPDATE 12/28/11 1355: The grade is posted!!! Now all I have to worry about is how this is my last break before becoming a real adult.

Trust Issues

Have you ever thought about whether you really trust God?

Yeah, you hear in church that you have to trust Him.  But do you really?  Do I really?

I think it takes baby steps.  Learning to trust God not just as a whole, like you trust all chairs to hold you up, but in individual instances, in different everyday circumstances, is what I need to work on.

Of course I trust to to protect me (Psalm 18:2), make my path straight (Isaiah 45:2), and that he has a plan (Psalm 37:5).  But do I trust him in the little things?

No matter what?  "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him," Job 13:15.

When I'm afraid do I trust Him?  "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee," Psalm 56:3.

I think I'm learning.

Today I'm singing this song:

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus

Just to take Him at His Word

Just to rest upon His promise

Just to know, "Thus saith the Lord"

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him

How I've proved Him o're and o're

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus

O for grace to trust Him more

O how sweet to trust in Jesus

Just to trust His cleansing blood

And in simple faith to plunge me

'Neath the healing cleansing flood

Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus

Just from sin and self to cease

Just from Jesus simply taking

Life and rest, and joy and peace

I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee

Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend

And I know that Thou art with me

Wilt me with me to the end

Two finals down, two to go.  152 days until graduation!!!

Me, A HCP?

Signed up for a CPR class yesterday.  It's CPR for Health Care Providers.

Health Care Providers.

I don't think of myself as a Health Care Provider.  Yet here I am taking my second Health Care Provider CPR class.

Two years ago when I had to take CPR for Health Care Providers, it was before I started nursing school, I didn't see myself as a Health Care Provider.  But now, two years later, I still don't feel like a Health Care Provider.

I wonder when I will feel that way.  It's got to be soon right?

Apparently CPR has changed a lot in two years, I hope the learning curve isn't too big.

Haha, joke.

Today was my last MedSurg 3 clinical.  I feel like I learned a lot in this clinical.  It might have been the best clinical ever.  It's sort of the end of another era, done with number 3 of 3 MedSurg clinicals.

The teacher made me laugh so hard today.  The other student said that the patient was dressing.  The teacher said: "Dressing?  Patients don't get dressed.  He isn't a turkey.  He is getting changed."

I'm looking forward to the end of the semester.

It's time to start praying for next semester already.  Specifically for my preceptorship and my preceptor.  Then pray for a job.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

16 Day Until The End Of The Semester!

So I didn't have class today, I don't have class on Wednesdays. =P

Anyway, it's almost the end of the semester and I don't know what to do with my time.  I slept in late, took a shower, then got on the computer to do homework.  But I don't have a paper to write, no case studies to sweat over, and can't work on my last careplan until after clinical tomorrow.  So here I am, all dress up to study, and don't know what to do.  I do have a group presentation next week, but I finished my part already.

I wrote in my planner.  I figured out what I could get on two of my finals to make sure I get A's in those classes - something I don't usually do, but I did it because I was bored and curious.  Then I realized that here are podcast lectures to listen to.

Podcast lectures.  One of them is an hour and a half long, and at this time there is half an hour left.  Then for another class there are five lectures all in decreasing lengths starting at 15 minutes.  I am not a fan of podcast lectures, but it's mostly because I almost forgot about them and because my internet is really slow and they took forever to download.  And why can't the teacher go do a lecture on Candidiasis in the classroom in 5 minutes 6 seconds, but can do it on a podcast?

I have a Pediatric ATI test next Monday, a presentation in Leadership Tuesday, and a Final in Palliative Care on Tuesday.

Then finals week.  We are getting them all out of the way on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, but then I have to take CPR on Thursday.  Then it Christmas break all the way!!!

164 days to graduation!  Holla!

By the way, this was a request for prayer blog post.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

There Was This One Time

I have to write a journal for my class about an incident that happened while I was in clinical.

The other day I was thinking about having to do this journal and had a bunch of stories.  But now that I am sitting down to do it, I can't think of any good ones.

Well, I can think of stories, but then I have to identify a leadership concept and say how I would handle this situation differently next time.

I thought about writing about one of the first times I ever had a clinical.  We were in the hospital and my patient was getting physical therapy.  The physical therapist and her assistant came in the room and got gloves.  Except one of them dropped their gloves on the floor and picked the gloves up and put them on, and did the PT with the patient.  I was horrified.  The floor is dirty and nasty.  Nothing that touches the floor should ever be used to help a patient.  I didn't know what to say to the physical therapist.  So I just stood there, mouth gaping open.  Now if I saw someone drop gloves on the floor, I would say, "hey let me have those dirty gloves, and I'll get you a new pair."  In a nice voice.  This is a patient safety issue by the way.

But I've already told that story a bunch of times.  So I don't want to write about that.

So I have to think up another story.  I must have many, because I come home from clinical and think about how incompetent people are, or I think "when I'm a nurse I'm not going to...".  So here's to brainstorming.

"Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation." Psalm 24:3-5

What Happens At The End?

What is quality of life?

I'm doing my careplan on my patient this week, listening to sad music, and wondering what I would want if I was 100 years old and had a stoke, and innumerable other problems.

Would I want to be kept alive when I don't know what is going on around me?  What if I can't eat or drink?  If I'm forced to wear a brief?  Or if someone has to come in a turn me over every 2 hours because I can't even move to get in a more comfortable position?

Sometimes I wonder about quality vs. quantity.  The more I'm in the hospital for clinicals, the more I think about it.

I'm not afraid of dying, because I know I would be with Jesus, but I'm afraid of getting old and being unable to care for myself.  I like to care for people, not have to depend on others to do basic things for my hygiene needs.

I'm not depressed, just thinking about getting old scares me.

Maybe it's time for me to do my Five Wishes.

"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." Psalm 48:14

Intimacy Versus Isolation

Earlier this week I was upset because I realized that on my next birthday I'm going to be 23 years old.  23.  That number just sounds old, doesn't it?  What have I done in these 22.75 years of my life?  Okay, I've done lots of cool stuff, but still.

Then I was thinking about how I don't feel like an adult.  And that by 23 I thought I'd have life figured out.  But no.  The more I know, the more I know I don't know.

Which brings me to my next point.  Apparently I am not a teenager.  I don't think that I know everything anymore.

I seem to have more questions than I have answers.  Philosophical questions.  Relationship questions.  Nursing questions.  Religious questions.  Just questions.  I guess I should be asking God (the maker of the universe) the questions instead of mulling them over in the head and going crazy on the inside.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" Matthew 7:7

"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good: and what does the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with they God?" Micah 6:8

Make Up Your Mind Katie

I once posted that I wanted to get grades that I would be proud to post on by blog.

And now I have gotten that grade!!

But now I don't want to post it because I don't want everyone knowing my business.

Thanks for everyone who prays for me.  I need your prayers.

"The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew him his covenant." Psalm 25:14

We're #1!!!

For clinical this week, instead of going to the hospital, my clinical group got "volunteered" to help with an open house for high school students.

We had to be there at 0730.  An hour later than clinical would have normally started, so that was nice.

The teacher who was in charge of the open house, whom I'll call The Boss, told us what was going on that day.  The Boss said the 8 of us nursing students would have about 4 students each hour to talk to, teach, and inspire.  We would have a pretend patient/scenario that would help us make the point and connect the dots for the high school kids.  One of the things we would do with the high school students was do an IM injection on the dummy.  I'm sorry, SimMan.

The Boss said over and over, Don't let them stick themselves!  And if they do come and get me right away!

I'm thinking, I get it, no needle sticks.  Okay.  Let's get this moving.

The students started showing up at 0800.  We started talking about drugs and injections at 0801, and was ready to inject the SimMan at 0802, then she stuck herself.  The first girl stuck herself.  My first student.  The first one.  At like 0802.  Like they had only been there for a few minutes, and she is already hurt.

Yeah, and she didn't even know it.  She had gloves on and there was blood in her glove, but she didn't realize she had stuck herself until I pointed it out.

Did I say it was the first girl?

Me: Hey Boss, she stuck herself.
The Boss: What? Your're kidding.
Me: I don't kid.

I was tired when I got there, but I really perked up after that.

The only good thing was that her mom had attended this field trip so she saw the whole thing go down and said she wasn't surprised because she was "accident prone."  Poor girl.

It was good to get the stick out of the way first thing in the morning.

"But the tongue of the wise is health." Proverbs 12:18