Last week in clinical, I was the "medication nurse,� so my job was to give the medications for the patients that students had. While that may sound like a very easy job, I was expected to look up EVERY medication that I was giving and be able to explain to the patient what the medication was for. I had over 50 medications to do. It took me almost the entire clinical day. As soon as I finished the 0800 and 0900 meds, I had to start the lunch time meds. I was able to give 3 injections, which was exciting!! I was also able to insert a foley on a patient, the hardest patient possible, but it went really well!

Last week, we also had the cardiac test *insert scary music here.* Let's just say it was not pretty, and that is all I want to say about that.
My little brother's senior night for basketball was last week too! He is growing up so fast! His team is at the state tournament this weekend. I'm excited for them!! *Good luck Panthers!!!* It was nice to see people from high school, I miss it so much!!

And.... the snow is finally melting!!!
until next time =)
bre knapic

Posted by Bre Knapic at 6:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Only 2 weeks until Spring Break!! This week was very draining. In clinical, I only had one patient, but he was very time-consuming. He had a trach, J-tube (that was almost pulled out when I got there Monday morning), 5 wounds that needed dressing changes, a huge incision with staples, a colostomy, a foley, and I’m sure some other things I am forgetting. I was excited I got to see the resident stuff the jtube back in and stitch it to the pts abdomen. Monday and Tuesday were longgg days. I can barely remember Wednesday and today we had the "math test." I don't know how it went yet, but I have a good feeling about it. Next week is the Cardio test and everyone has been freaking out about that for weeks, so it should be interesting. I have A LOT of studying to do this weekend, along with a basketball game, hockey game, and Valentines Day party! And then it starts all over again next week.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!
until next time =)

bre knapic

Posted by Bre Knapic at 8:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

On Monday, instead of going to my normal clinical, I came to campus to participate in a research project. I had a packet of papers that followed a patient from the pre-op phase to post-op recovery. I had to look up information on a computer program. It was set-up like a nurse’s station, and I could click on the chart, Kardex, or MARS and get information on my patient. My patient was one of the simulated mannequins. While I was on the computer getting my pt information, it was lying there breathing and blinking. It was really creepy, but it was fun to get to use it. The research project is to compare students who learn the subject using the simulated mannequins, versus students who just do book/computer learning.

Tuesday, my clinical went well. I had 2 "easier" patients, so I got more experience with the computerized charting and hospital policies. I had an exam this week in every class possible. I did really well on my Transition to Nursing exam, and I did not do as well as I wanted, but still okay, on the NSG exam. And, of course, there is another NSG exam to look forward to this week.

until next time =)
bre knapic

Posted by Bre Knapic at 8:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)