October 20, 2002
Ok, so here is where I'll vent, when venting is absolutely necessary
I'm currently enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in their illustrious School of Nursing. This will be my second degree. Let's just say that I never thought I'd return to school and I highly dislike classwork, BUT I am rewarded by each day of clinical. It is amazing what an observant student nurse can accomplish. Mostly, it is companionship, but AnnMarie convinced her patient that eating would help her heal faster. Working with people again is simply great. I am trying to stay focused. I have the empathy part nailed. I know a lot of "medical stuff" from my transplant and subsequent problems. Now I need to practice with guidance (thank God).Posted by erin at 21:14 | Comments (1)
October 24, 2002
Amazing Fortitude
Recently, one of our "favorite" lecturers said something without the exact amount of tact one might expect from an instructor, and my friend Jessica gritted her teeth and smiled as she walked out of the classroom.I know of one person, who will remain nameless, who stood up to this lecturer. I guess I'm just weak when it comes to that arena OR maybe I'm just really proficient at seeing the other viewpoint. Anyway, the reason this makes this to my lit'lo page is because during clinical this week Jessica not only finished her worksheet in like 30 minutes (heck, so did Neely), she also managed one of the tougher cases on the floor. Jessica Jones, you will make an awesome nurse!!
In case anyone sees this before the exam tomorrow, it is time to put your armor on. Tonya and Keisha, I really like the motivation and determination you both exhibit before a test.
Posted by erin at 22:59 | Comments (0)
December 10, 2002
EXAM= sleep deprived
Well, so here I am at the end of possibly the worst and best semester of my college career. I came to the UNC Nursing School with the thought that if I can do chemistry, I can do anything. "This will be cake!" Riiiight. Well, it isn't, but it is the best thing I think I have done with my time and for my future.I have never studied so hard or lost more sleep over exams before, and, yes, during my first degree I pulled all- nighters. The difference is then I slept and felt comforted. Now, I sleep and feel guilty for losing time to study more. Arg. Oh well, I am learning that these two years, whereas exciting and full, are going to alter my state of consciousness on more than one level. I am beginning, yes just beginning, to think like a nurse, but I am also beginning to think that nursing school is not the healthiest thing for me to do. Liver numbers look ok, only slightly elevated, but three checks in one month, shesh! I just realised that this entry has no flow and is just stream of consciousness blerb. Well, maybe I'll stop writing...ha!!!
Although nursing school may end up hospitalizing me, it is still awesome. I still love chemistry, don't get me wrong, but I LOVE NURSING!! I see old patients of mine in the hospital for return check-ups and their relatives. They are all so appreciative of the time I spent with them and the fact that I remembered them too. I'm currently trying to get someone on the transplant list even though he thought he could not afford it. It has really changes his outlook on life, and I helped!! It just feels good to be doing something good for once. Love to all, Erin
Posted by erin at 22:07 | Comments (0)
December 13, 2002
Married with children...
I discovered something today: married women rock!! Today, we hung out, drank margaritas, and shared womanly advice.Did you know that women are multi-orgasmic during pregnancy. Wow!!
Bastions of knowledge are they. Ladies, my hat is off to you. Congratulations on completing perhaps the most difficult cirriculum at UNC!
Posted by erin at 00:06 | Comments (0)
September 13, 2003
Virtual Clinical Excursions
At first, I thought I'd like to pretend like I was having an extra clinic day, but I was wrong.Virtual clinic is not my friend. It took 15min of my experience time to figure out how to turn around. Then, we have to answer questions while doing the experience, YEESH! I must say, I do not wash my hands before I go into my patient's room every time because sometimes you do not touch the patient or anything in the room. I should still be allowed to enter the room even though I did not click on the sink.
The end of the program was equally frustrating because I have yet to memorize NANDA, and they test you on the diagnoses. YUK! That was a lot of guess work and completely doable, but then afterwards they tell you how they feel your overall experience went. I felt a little dumb. I could not believe I had performed as awfully as they said I did especially since I didn't DO ANYTHING. The nurse does everything and I watch. Just yuk. It took four of us around 5 hours to complete 6 assignments. I'm glad we didn't have class with this.
Posted by erin at 16:55 | Comments (0)
June 24, 2004
REGISTERED NURSE
I am, RN!!!!!!I was changing a diaper when my pager/phone rang. It was Mom. She said, "Erin, you are a nurse." I started crying and gave the person helping to change the diaper a high five.
Later that day my Daddy showed up at work. I was soooooo happy. He gave me a big hug and changed my name badge with his Flare pen. I told him that Mom had sent me flowers, which turned out to be my favorite, daisies. Yea!!!!!!!!!!
I am still walking on sunshine now.
To celebrate Dan took me to the pizza place (at my request) and rented Runaway Jury with me, which we couldn't watch because the DVD player broke again. I had a couple of sips of my non-alcoholic O'Doul's Amber and called it a night.
That is all from the now registered nurse.
Erin Cox, BSC, BSN, RN
Posted by erin at 10:49 | Comments (2)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6)
