The semester is winding down, and exams will be upon us very shortly...in fact, as early as this coming Friday. Friday's exam is a lab exam, which I truly love doing. What a welcome change to be graded on "how" I do procedures and explain what I'm thinking and doing, rather than how well I can memorize facts and figure out how not to be tricked on multiple-choice questions. Those types of exams will come in about two weeks time...
In the interim, I prepare and study. Critical components of Friday's lab exam includes proper hand washing techniques, cleaning our stethoscope bell, and ensuring patient privacy -- and doing them at appropriate times. We can fail the exam (and hence the entire course, which involves a significant theory component, too), if we forget to simply show proper hand cleansing during the simluation exam. Ouch.
Here's an interesting list I came across, on an amazing nursing forum, called AllNurses.com. If you click on the title below, it is a link that will take you to the actual site.
I'll probably be thinking of this list from now on, when I push elevator buttons at a hospital. UGH!!! (Even more reason to take the stairs, and work in a bit of exercise!!!)
Kate
(870 more days to go....)
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Great New Reasons to Wash Your Hands, Often! - General Nursing Discussion
We as Nurses know this one. We even know little cute ways to know how long to wash them(i.e. alphabet song, happy birthday, etc.). A new study conducted by our University Hospital's Medical Tech Program reminded me that Bacterial Colonies, Fungal Spores, and Viruses love the things we touch the most!
Here is the list of the top 10 "most infected" surfaces according to 10 Students swabbing 218 Inpatient Hospital Items.
10. Toilet Flush Lever
9. Soap Dispenser Button
8. Salt/Pepper Shaker in Staff Cafeteria (see #6)
7. Rim of sink (cleaned daily)
6. Cafeteria Cleaning rag
5. An Elevator button (Ground Floor)
4. Water Fountain Handle
3. (TIE) A Patient's Bed's TV Button and Handle of a Patient's Thermos
2. A Stethoscope's Bell (Owned by Infection Control RN)
1. Nursing Desk Phone..."best(Worst?) in show"? The "S" key of one of the "Staff Only" Computers. Now I think "Staph Computer" may better sum it up.
"Dishonorable" Mentions:
Some surfaces' ranks that didn't make the top 10 included a toilet seat (#88), a hearing aid (#31), a BSC (#47), an Emesis Basin (#20), a used tube of Wound Gel (#11), and an abandoned pair of Dentures left in moist Zip-Lock bag (#12)!!!
Do you have any advice for Infection Control Methods?
What are some disturbing things you have seen, that, if given the authority to change, it would be safer/more sanitary?
Do you wash your hands in patients' room for them to witness?
Is enough hand hygiene taught at your facility, and if so do you see it being followed?
Showing posts with label studying. Show all posts
Showing posts with label studying. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
One continuous mid-term exam
Honestly, this semester has been drugery.
All the mid-term exams were spread out weekly, one after another. When I initially saw the term schedule, I thought how nice it would be this term, having the exams all spread out. Ideally, it is nice to have only one exam per week to study for. The down-side is that it makes for a semester that feels like one l-o-n-g exam, with most weeks having one.
We just finished first set of mid-terms two weeks ago, finally, and now are finished the next round (second midterm exams), which were again spread out over two weeks.
This past Tuesday was the toughest day, with two exams on the same day. I haven't had that since I have no idea when, although I'm sure I must have had that experience when I did my BSc, many years ago.
Now we have a bit of a 'breather' for the next three weeks, until classes end. Then there are four final exams to write (nicely spread out, so no multiple exams in one day, whew!), and the first year of nursing school is done.
Despite the feelings of having endless exams and so much learning, I must say that this year has flown by. Hopefully the rest of the program will fly by too, and before I know it, I'm working as an RN. YIPEE!!!
All the mid-term exams were spread out weekly, one after another. When I initially saw the term schedule, I thought how nice it would be this term, having the exams all spread out. Ideally, it is nice to have only one exam per week to study for. The down-side is that it makes for a semester that feels like one l-o-n-g exam, with most weeks having one.
We just finished first set of mid-terms two weeks ago, finally, and now are finished the next round (second midterm exams), which were again spread out over two weeks.
This past Tuesday was the toughest day, with two exams on the same day. I haven't had that since I have no idea when, although I'm sure I must have had that experience when I did my BSc, many years ago.
Now we have a bit of a 'breather' for the next three weeks, until classes end. Then there are four final exams to write (nicely spread out, so no multiple exams in one day, whew!), and the first year of nursing school is done.
Despite the feelings of having endless exams and so much learning, I must say that this year has flown by. Hopefully the rest of the program will fly by too, and before I know it, I'm working as an RN. YIPEE!!!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Random thought for today - spare time
My random thought for today is regarding spare time, as I am spending almost all my free time today (and the coming weekend) studying for two upcoming exams on Tuesday.
When I look back at what I was doing a year ago , before I went back to school, I wonder what I did with all my spare time?
I mean, I did the obvious, went to work full-time, did family stuff, chores around the house, errands, etc. etc. I clearly had some free time, despite being busy with 'life'. But I'm still doing all those things (minus working FT, but then again, school and studying is like a full-time job, and then some!). So that hasn't changed. Actually, it has changed in that now I get to do more family stuff, particularly with my youngest child, who is still home half days, given my class schedule was chosen in a way to maximize my time at home with her. That is a very, very good thing!!!
These days, however, it just seems that every spare moment is taken up with either studying, or thinking that I should be studying. This is the "should" cloud that hangs over (almost) every student's head. There is always something more one could be learning.
The only obvious difference in how I spend my free time now, that I can figure out, is that now I'm barely watching TV at all. Not that I watched a lot of TV before I was a student again, but there certainly were those after-dinner, post-getting the kids to bed-kitchen tidied up-getting ready for the next day-exhaustion that I would simply crash on the couch and channel surf. (These days, I crack the textbooks open instead - how 'relaxing' is that!?) I still watch my beloved Gray's Anatomy when I remember it's on, but otherwise, the TV is pretty much off for me.
That's a good thing, I guess!
When I look back at what I was doing a year ago , before I went back to school, I wonder what I did with all my spare time?
I mean, I did the obvious, went to work full-time, did family stuff, chores around the house, errands, etc. etc. I clearly had some free time, despite being busy with 'life'. But I'm still doing all those things (minus working FT, but then again, school and studying is like a full-time job, and then some!). So that hasn't changed. Actually, it has changed in that now I get to do more family stuff, particularly with my youngest child, who is still home half days, given my class schedule was chosen in a way to maximize my time at home with her. That is a very, very good thing!!!
These days, however, it just seems that every spare moment is taken up with either studying, or thinking that I should be studying. This is the "should" cloud that hangs over (almost) every student's head. There is always something more one could be learning.
The only obvious difference in how I spend my free time now, that I can figure out, is that now I'm barely watching TV at all. Not that I watched a lot of TV before I was a student again, but there certainly were those after-dinner, post-getting the kids to bed-kitchen tidied up-getting ready for the next day-exhaustion that I would simply crash on the couch and channel surf. (These days, I crack the textbooks open instead - how 'relaxing' is that!?) I still watch my beloved Gray's Anatomy when I remember it's on, but otherwise, the TV is pretty much off for me.
That's a good thing, I guess!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Latin Names
The textbook still holds my attention, the evening before the exam. I am currently reviewing the brain, and its various protective features.
Among several, there are two coverings of the brain called the dura mater and the pia mater. I always try to understand the meaning of the Latin words, as often they are very descriptive of that the body part in question is (scientists are not generally known for their creativity!).
In this case, dura mater means "tough mother". In contrast, pia mater means "gentle mother". I find these names beautiful, in that they so accurately describe their roles in protecting the brain -- without which, living ceases.
The "tough mother" is the outer, tough sheet of connective tissue that surrounds the brain. Even though the skull has the principal protective feature, as well as the cerebrospinal fluid the brain is bathed in, the dura mater is yet another protective layer. And it is tough, because moms have to be tough sometimes, to best protect their little ones.
Then there is the "gentle mother". This is another sheet of connective tissue, but this time a delicate one. It clings tightly to the brain. The pia mater is filled with blood vessels, and its primary role is to provide nourishment to the brain. This is the gentle mother fulfilling the needs her little one needs to survive and thrive.
On the other hand, cerebral peduncles makes me laugh. That literally means "little feet of the cerebrum", so naturally, I visualize a little cerebrum with feet sticking out of it, running around....
Hey, if it works, all the better to help learn this mountain of material!!!
Signing off,
"Future Nurse" aka "pia mater", and "dura mater", as necessary!!!
Among several, there are two coverings of the brain called the dura mater and the pia mater. I always try to understand the meaning of the Latin words, as often they are very descriptive of that the body part in question is (scientists are not generally known for their creativity!).
In this case, dura mater means "tough mother". In contrast, pia mater means "gentle mother". I find these names beautiful, in that they so accurately describe their roles in protecting the brain -- without which, living ceases.
The "tough mother" is the outer, tough sheet of connective tissue that surrounds the brain. Even though the skull has the principal protective feature, as well as the cerebrospinal fluid the brain is bathed in, the dura mater is yet another protective layer. And it is tough, because moms have to be tough sometimes, to best protect their little ones.
Then there is the "gentle mother". This is another sheet of connective tissue, but this time a delicate one. It clings tightly to the brain. The pia mater is filled with blood vessels, and its primary role is to provide nourishment to the brain. This is the gentle mother fulfilling the needs her little one needs to survive and thrive.
On the other hand, cerebral peduncles makes me laugh. That literally means "little feet of the cerebrum", so naturally, I visualize a little cerebrum with feet sticking out of it, running around....
Hey, if it works, all the better to help learn this mountain of material!!!
Signing off,
"Future Nurse" aka "pia mater", and "dura mater", as necessary!!!
Friday, December 2, 2011
Classes ending
So the first term of nursing school is slowly winding down. Seven more to go! Two classes finished yesterday, and anatomy and physiology still left to finish. Then I'll have just over a week off, to prepare for final exams.
I must admit, that the past few months have felt very long, in terms of how much work I've been doing and in all the new experiences and life changes involved in leaving a career/workforce and being a student again, yet in hindsight, the time has truly flow by.
My second round of "midterm" exams went exceedingly well. I am very pleased to see that my brain is not only still working very well in the world of academia (at other times it is questionable!), and that I am maintaining an A+ average, something that didn't happen in my science degree, the first time 'round at university.
A friend recently told me of a study (I have no idea which one, have no idea if it is 'valid', but for once, I don't care), saying that "they" discovered that the human brain tends to peak at age 45 for academic success. I'm not there yet, I'll even be done school before then, but it's a nice feeling to know that I am still on the upswing of academic brain power! LOL!!!
While it is a great feeling achieving results like these, it does add extra pressure to maintaing these marks during final exams. On the flip side, I am already in the program, and just passing the courses is all that is really required. That, however, is not me. I may not always get A+, and that's OK, but I do need to feel that I tried and did my best.
It is just hitting me, exactly how much studying (or more precisely, memorizing), will be involved for these finals. Ouf!!!
I must admit, that the past few months have felt very long, in terms of how much work I've been doing and in all the new experiences and life changes involved in leaving a career/workforce and being a student again, yet in hindsight, the time has truly flow by.
My second round of "midterm" exams went exceedingly well. I am very pleased to see that my brain is not only still working very well in the world of academia (at other times it is questionable!), and that I am maintaining an A+ average, something that didn't happen in my science degree, the first time 'round at university.
A friend recently told me of a study (I have no idea which one, have no idea if it is 'valid', but for once, I don't care), saying that "they" discovered that the human brain tends to peak at age 45 for academic success. I'm not there yet, I'll even be done school before then, but it's a nice feeling to know that I am still on the upswing of academic brain power! LOL!!!
While it is a great feeling achieving results like these, it does add extra pressure to maintaing these marks during final exams. On the flip side, I am already in the program, and just passing the courses is all that is really required. That, however, is not me. I may not always get A+, and that's OK, but I do need to feel that I tried and did my best.
It is just hitting me, exactly how much studying (or more precisely, memorizing), will be involved for these finals. Ouf!!!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Exam marathon begins
Today will be the first exam of 3 in the next 48 hours.
I feel good, albeit nervous (of course -- as per usual for any exam!). My cold is mostly over, I've been sleeping again, and have actually managed to have some info stick in my brain. Hopefully it is the correct info that I will need later today. Lol!
Now I just have to remember to breathe. Breathing is always good! :-)
I have a lot to write here, but it will have to wait until this set of second 'midterms' is over. Midterms three weeks before finals??? I'm not sure what is going on with that, but that is simply the way it is.
Best of luck, strength and stamina to anyone writing exams (and extra patience to anyone living with somebody writing exams)!!!
Onward and upward.
I feel good, albeit nervous (of course -- as per usual for any exam!). My cold is mostly over, I've been sleeping again, and have actually managed to have some info stick in my brain. Hopefully it is the correct info that I will need later today. Lol!
Now I just have to remember to breathe. Breathing is always good! :-)
I have a lot to write here, but it will have to wait until this set of second 'midterms' is over. Midterms three weeks before finals??? I'm not sure what is going on with that, but that is simply the way it is.
Best of luck, strength and stamina to anyone writing exams (and extra patience to anyone living with somebody writing exams)!!!
Onward and upward.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Back to blogging
What a long 'weekend' my blogging break turned out to be!!!
After the week of midterm exams, I did indeed take a weekend breather off studying. Then I attended class for another week, and then went on a little holiday...a trip to this place...you might recognize the castle...
Doing things like this as a student is a definite advantage of being a 'non-traditional student'! Lol!
Our week at Disney was incredible, the days full to exhaustion given that we were at the parks when they opened, and we stayed to see the spectacular fireworks shows in the evenings. The kids were almost beside themselves in wonder as we tried so many of the rides (our 5 year old LOVED Space Mountain -- methinks we may have a bit of a daredevil on our hands!!!), and attended many shows...and of course...met the princesses (the girls loved that) and my son fought Darth Vader on stage (yep, saved the universe from the dark side, everyone can rest easy).
Now back to reality. Sigh. Luckily the weather has been OK here, sunny and reasonably warm (and not snowing yet!!!). However, I do so miss the palm trees...
I think I left part of my brain in Disney, as I haven't yet gotten back into the full swing of life at home. I am studying, I finished another physiology assignment (100% this time - wahoo!!!), and have another round of exams gearing up in a week and half (gulp). But here I am, still basking in the post-vacation relaxation feeling. Which is a good thing, generally speaking, but not so good for maintaining academic performance! Lol!
However, this weekend is seeing me get back on track somewhat, and I know that things will all be back on track where they should be this coming week.
After the week of midterm exams, I did indeed take a weekend breather off studying. Then I attended class for another week, and then went on a little holiday...a trip to this place...you might recognize the castle...
Doing things like this as a student is a definite advantage of being a 'non-traditional student'! Lol!
Our week at Disney was incredible, the days full to exhaustion given that we were at the parks when they opened, and we stayed to see the spectacular fireworks shows in the evenings. The kids were almost beside themselves in wonder as we tried so many of the rides (our 5 year old LOVED Space Mountain -- methinks we may have a bit of a daredevil on our hands!!!), and attended many shows...and of course...met the princesses (the girls loved that) and my son fought Darth Vader on stage (yep, saved the universe from the dark side, everyone can rest easy).
Now back to reality. Sigh. Luckily the weather has been OK here, sunny and reasonably warm (and not snowing yet!!!). However, I do so miss the palm trees...
I think I left part of my brain in Disney, as I haven't yet gotten back into the full swing of life at home. I am studying, I finished another physiology assignment (100% this time - wahoo!!!), and have another round of exams gearing up in a week and half (gulp). But here I am, still basking in the post-vacation relaxation feeling. Which is a good thing, generally speaking, but not so good for maintaining academic performance! Lol!
However, this weekend is seeing me get back on track somewhat, and I know that things will all be back on track where they should be this coming week.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Weekend breather
I had forgotten how intense writing exams is. The focused concentration for 90 minutes is extreme, and then when the paper is handed in, there is such a flood of relief and relaxation in your body, that one seems completely unable to concentrate on anything else in the immediate future. That's how last Friday afternoon felt, when my first set of midterm exams was over.
The past weekend was great, and I didn't touch my books.
Today classes resumed, and I am feeling good both about the midterms being done, and about the next batch of learning that is beginning.
We have a new prof in my physiology course, who is exponentially more intense than the previous prof. Not that there was anything wrong with the other guy, he was very good and I enjoyed the lectures. But today's new prof is dynamic, clearly l-o-v-e-s the material and simply exudes passion for the topic. AND she managed to cover an entire chapter during one 90-minute lecture. (which may not seem as much to some, but perhaps a quick peek at a physiology textbook will explain why this is a TON of material...and it all has to be memorized!)
I felt so great at the end of today's lecture, given how intense and interesting it was. I went home and straight to the books, to re-learn, re-inforce and start memorizing the details of the chapter. In my past university experiences, it is with profs like this one that it is imperative you stay on top of the material. Catching up later is possible, but very, very difficult.
I'm starting to prep for my other lectures this week too, so it is all good. I am happy.
As far as results go, I've heard back from two of the three exams. So far I've gotten an A+ and an A. The latter result was on the exam I studied the least for, so hopefully that will be the lowest mark of the bunch. Like I said, I am happy. I am satisfied. I am learning much. Things are going well.
Oh, and I should mention, that the S&V studying snack food has been replaced with air-popped popcorn....a much, MUCH healthier alternative!!! Lol!
The past weekend was great, and I didn't touch my books.
Today classes resumed, and I am feeling good both about the midterms being done, and about the next batch of learning that is beginning.
We have a new prof in my physiology course, who is exponentially more intense than the previous prof. Not that there was anything wrong with the other guy, he was very good and I enjoyed the lectures. But today's new prof is dynamic, clearly l-o-v-e-s the material and simply exudes passion for the topic. AND she managed to cover an entire chapter during one 90-minute lecture. (which may not seem as much to some, but perhaps a quick peek at a physiology textbook will explain why this is a TON of material...and it all has to be memorized!)
I felt so great at the end of today's lecture, given how intense and interesting it was. I went home and straight to the books, to re-learn, re-inforce and start memorizing the details of the chapter. In my past university experiences, it is with profs like this one that it is imperative you stay on top of the material. Catching up later is possible, but very, very difficult.
I'm starting to prep for my other lectures this week too, so it is all good. I am happy.
As far as results go, I've heard back from two of the three exams. So far I've gotten an A+ and an A. The latter result was on the exam I studied the least for, so hopefully that will be the lowest mark of the bunch. Like I said, I am happy. I am satisfied. I am learning much. Things are going well.
Oh, and I should mention, that the S&V studying snack food has been replaced with air-popped popcorn....a much, MUCH healthier alternative!!! Lol!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Studying...
...while snacking on my beloved "S&V" (aka salt and vinegar) chips and drinking ginger tea. Hmmm, not exactly a healthy habit. (I guess the ginger tea would be considered OK!) S&V chips are my main junk food addiction (I don't have a sweet tooth, but make up for not eating sweet junk food by eating salty junk food!) Funny how some habits re-surface years later. I always used to snack while I studied, mostly chips or salted sunflower seeds. Now it just seems to be chips. Probably time to nip this bad habit in the bud, as I want to stay fit and healthy!!!
This morning's exam was OK. I think I did well, but it wasn't that really good feeling like last week, when I know I did well (or at least I think I did, as I am still waiting for the results!). I am not at all worried about not having passed the exam, but it is a question of whether it will be a high A or a lower A. I really didn't know what to expect from today's exam, as there were no sample questions given out, and the course material was rather general. I will know for next time to memorize all the details in the textbook.
Now I am studying for tomorrow's physiology exam. I have mixed feelings about it -- I've done all the sample and practice exams and quizzes on the on-line version of the textbook, and gotten mostly 100% on all of them, so that is definitely encouraging and confidence-building, but, always a but, that doesn't mean the exam will go that well.
We shall see tomorrow -- in the meantime I review as much as I possibly can, and eat more chips!!! (I think the dog will get an extra walk today, and I may even visit my old friend the treadmill in the basement, for a quick run...or I could just put the chip bag away...)
This morning's exam was OK. I think I did well, but it wasn't that really good feeling like last week, when I know I did well (or at least I think I did, as I am still waiting for the results!). I am not at all worried about not having passed the exam, but it is a question of whether it will be a high A or a lower A. I really didn't know what to expect from today's exam, as there were no sample questions given out, and the course material was rather general. I will know for next time to memorize all the details in the textbook.
Now I am studying for tomorrow's physiology exam. I have mixed feelings about it -- I've done all the sample and practice exams and quizzes on the on-line version of the textbook, and gotten mostly 100% on all of them, so that is definitely encouraging and confidence-building, but, always a but, that doesn't mean the exam will go that well.
We shall see tomorrow -- in the meantime I review as much as I possibly can, and eat more chips!!! (I think the dog will get an extra walk today, and I may even visit my old friend the treadmill in the basement, for a quick run...or I could just put the chip bag away...)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Am still studying...but taking a quick break to blog...
Two more mid-terms await me this week, one on Thursday and one on Friday.
I've worked my way through various population health models, and will need to do more physiology still tonight.
Maybe next week I will attempt to re-surface socially for the first time since school and this huge lifestyle transition started. I owe so many people phone calls and emails! But I am optimistic about this re-joining of civil society, given that I'm almost back to normal with the latest round of family viruses, and I am truly getting into a studying groove. And most importantly, I'm adjusting to being a student again and wrapping my head around the fact that this stage of life is my current reality (leaving a desk job to be a student again was a major shock to my system)! I'm guessing I should be fully mentally adjusted to being a student by the time I return to my desk job in May 2012...
I really must get back to the books, but one last item I want to share tonight is a quiz I took recently, from the text book on "Life's Transitions: The Aging Process", from my Determinants of Health course.
It is a simple quiz, one that estimates your life expectancy (based on various health behaviours and heredity factors).
The good news is that I'm going to live to be 101 years old!!! I guess I'll get be a nurse for many more years than I thought, given that I plan to never fully retire from this job. :-)
The quiz can be found at: www.livingto100.com (oh yeah, and eat right, don't smoke and get your body moving, even if it is just a daily walk around the block!!!) Best of luck!!!
OK, OK...am really going back to studying now...
I've worked my way through various population health models, and will need to do more physiology still tonight.
Maybe next week I will attempt to re-surface socially for the first time since school and this huge lifestyle transition started. I owe so many people phone calls and emails! But I am optimistic about this re-joining of civil society, given that I'm almost back to normal with the latest round of family viruses, and I am truly getting into a studying groove. And most importantly, I'm adjusting to being a student again and wrapping my head around the fact that this stage of life is my current reality (leaving a desk job to be a student again was a major shock to my system)! I'm guessing I should be fully mentally adjusted to being a student by the time I return to my desk job in May 2012...
I really must get back to the books, but one last item I want to share tonight is a quiz I took recently, from the text book on "Life's Transitions: The Aging Process", from my Determinants of Health course.
It is a simple quiz, one that estimates your life expectancy (based on various health behaviours and heredity factors).
The good news is that I'm going to live to be 101 years old!!! I guess I'll get be a nurse for many more years than I thought, given that I plan to never fully retire from this job. :-)
The quiz can be found at: www.livingto100.com (oh yeah, and eat right, don't smoke and get your body moving, even if it is just a daily walk around the block!!!) Best of luck!!!
OK, OK...am really going back to studying now...
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Midterm #1 - that was OK!
Actually, I'm thinking better than OK. I think it went really well.
I wanted to write a quick post this morning, before the first exam, but I just ran out of time. What I wanted to write was that I had this incredible feeling of calm, before the exam...not something I was used to having before exams! I was trying to figure out if this feeling came from A- being well-prepared for the exam, B- being a 'mature student' and having lots of univeristy exams already under my belt so this is not a new experience, C- studying in a field I LOVE, which makes learning easier, or D- still feeling that this whole 'going back to school for nursing' experience is still a bit surreal. (YES, can you tell I was preparing for a mostly multiply-choice exam!?!? -- LOL!) Well, I think the answer was E- all of the above.
It was multiple choice, the bane of my test taking existence, but I felt quite confident about the vast majority of the 55 questions. There were two I just skipped to return to later (which I did!), and about 3 more that I think I answered correctly...but the rest, I think I just knew all the info. There was also a long-answer essay question about the inner workings of the eye and vision, essay style, which I could have explained if awoken from a deep sleep. So that was good too.
Now, of course, thinking I did well on a multiple choice test, and actually having that confirmed, are two very different things. I think results will be posted on our student course-specific websites, so I'll be checking that in the coming days. I remember, "back in the day" when I was first an undergrad, our results were typed up, pinned up on a bulletin board on the wall, and we'd all crowd around, elbowing each other as we jostled for a better view of the sheet of paper, looking for our student number and the corresponding mark! Those days have most definitely gone the way of the dinosaur!!!
Now it is full-steam ahead for my two mid-terms next week, one of them being my beloved anatomy and physiology. So much to prepare for there. And this weekend will be busy with our celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving, and a out-of-town wedding we'll be attending.
Happy Thanksgiving, happy studying to any and all students, and happy weekend!!! :-)
I wanted to write a quick post this morning, before the first exam, but I just ran out of time. What I wanted to write was that I had this incredible feeling of calm, before the exam...not something I was used to having before exams! I was trying to figure out if this feeling came from A- being well-prepared for the exam, B- being a 'mature student' and having lots of univeristy exams already under my belt so this is not a new experience, C- studying in a field I LOVE, which makes learning easier, or D- still feeling that this whole 'going back to school for nursing' experience is still a bit surreal. (YES, can you tell I was preparing for a mostly multiply-choice exam!?!? -- LOL!) Well, I think the answer was E- all of the above.
It was multiple choice, the bane of my test taking existence, but I felt quite confident about the vast majority of the 55 questions. There were two I just skipped to return to later (which I did!), and about 3 more that I think I answered correctly...but the rest, I think I just knew all the info. There was also a long-answer essay question about the inner workings of the eye and vision, essay style, which I could have explained if awoken from a deep sleep. So that was good too.
Now, of course, thinking I did well on a multiple choice test, and actually having that confirmed, are two very different things. I think results will be posted on our student course-specific websites, so I'll be checking that in the coming days. I remember, "back in the day" when I was first an undergrad, our results were typed up, pinned up on a bulletin board on the wall, and we'd all crowd around, elbowing each other as we jostled for a better view of the sheet of paper, looking for our student number and the corresponding mark! Those days have most definitely gone the way of the dinosaur!!!
Now it is full-steam ahead for my two mid-terms next week, one of them being my beloved anatomy and physiology. So much to prepare for there. And this weekend will be busy with our celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving, and a out-of-town wedding we'll be attending.
Happy Thanksgiving, happy studying to any and all students, and happy weekend!!! :-)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Mid-terms!
Mid-term exams start this week...my first university exam in many (many!) years will be on Thursday. Two more will follow next week. Can you believe the term is practically half over already???
Must get back to the books. I also think we will have a surprise quiz in class today, in physiology. On a good note, I spent the weekend working on a physiology assignment, and managed to get 99% on it! Wahoo!!!
Here's to hoping the physiology quiz is on the same topic as the weekend assignment, 'cause I know that stuff inside and out!
Must get back to the books. I also think we will have a surprise quiz in class today, in physiology. On a good note, I spent the weekend working on a physiology assignment, and managed to get 99% on it! Wahoo!!!
Here's to hoping the physiology quiz is on the same topic as the weekend assignment, 'cause I know that stuff inside and out!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Am still so sick...caution...complaining/venting post...
It was a week ago last Thursday, that I sat through a full day of lectures shivering, even though I think I was wearing about 4 layers of clothing (never a good sign!!!). A few days later, the head cold emerged. By Wednesday (2 days ago) I was feeling better, but then yesterday it seemed to mutate into a chest cold. I spent most of yesterday's marathon lecture day (I really don't like Thursdays) coughing (much to the 'appreciation' of my classmates, I'm sure) and it zapped me of all energy and brain power.
Today I'm a bit better, but did NOT have the energy to even think about driving to class, and then listening attentively. OK, maybe I did think about going, but that expended and depleted my energy stores!
Luckily, very luckily, I now have friends in class, whom I can lean on for info for the missed class.For this, I am extremely grateful. Merci, merci, merci. :-)
I just want to feel like myself again.
For the first week of class, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement, given that it was the actualization of so many years of thinking about doing this and wishing it.
During the second week of classes I was mostly a shivering heap, knowing full well I was in the early phase of fighting a nasty virus.
This week I am lethargic and coughing my lungs out.
Oh yes, and on top of all this, I feel that I have fallen so far from where I wanted to be in my studies. And add to that, that my first mid-term exam is in less that two weeks...not a good feeling.
I just want to be my energetic, enthusiastic, 'normal' self again, who exercises on her treadmill most mornings, walks the dog before the kids leave for school and (mostly) meets the daily challenges head-on with energy to spare.
Here's to next week. There's always hope, that much I know!!! Here's also to a full weekend of studying, to catch up on my studies.
Today I'm a bit better, but did NOT have the energy to even think about driving to class, and then listening attentively. OK, maybe I did think about going, but that expended and depleted my energy stores!
Luckily, very luckily, I now have friends in class, whom I can lean on for info for the missed class.For this, I am extremely grateful. Merci, merci, merci. :-)
I just want to feel like myself again.
For the first week of class, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement, given that it was the actualization of so many years of thinking about doing this and wishing it.
During the second week of classes I was mostly a shivering heap, knowing full well I was in the early phase of fighting a nasty virus.
This week I am lethargic and coughing my lungs out.
Oh yes, and on top of all this, I feel that I have fallen so far from where I wanted to be in my studies. And add to that, that my first mid-term exam is in less that two weeks...not a good feeling.
I just want to be my energetic, enthusiastic, 'normal' self again, who exercises on her treadmill most mornings, walks the dog before the kids leave for school and (mostly) meets the daily challenges head-on with energy to spare.
Here's to next week. There's always hope, that much I know!!! Here's also to a full weekend of studying, to catch up on my studies.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
2 weeks down...only 94 more to go...
On Thursday it will be two complete weeks of school. It feels like about two months have passed, not just two weeks.
There have been so many new experiences and changes in these past two weeks, that my head is still reeling somewhat. I have felt such a range of emotions too, from wishing so much that I was still sitting in my safe, comfortable, familiar office, to wondering how I will ever read and learn everything I have to read and learn, and even to thinking that I'm finally, really, truly doing this! I actually am a nursing student, I am going to finish this, and I am really going to work in a hospital or clinic as a L&D nurse.
The amount of reading I've been doing has been a shock to the system. I love to read, and I did read on the bus on my daily work commute, and whenever else I found some time. Now it is a scheduled read, and not just reading for pleasure, but reading to learn and memorize. Definitely more intense reading is going on!!!
On the positive side, one thing that I was told to expect (thanks T!), and that has indeed happened, is that all the studying I have to do does not seems like a chore that grudingly needs doing. I am so enraptured with the medical stuff I am learning, after so many years of wanting to learn it, that I actually look forward to my studying time. Granted, this may not last, but for the time being, I am grateful to be able to crack open my anatomy book and start learning it for real (I say 'for real', because there have been many times over the past years that I've opened a physiology or anatomy book 'for fun', to glance over and wish I had chosen to study this for a career.) Now that time is here, and it is 'for real'.
A bit of a routine if finally developing, although I still feel far from being settled in one. I've been taking our kids to various medical and dental appointments that I had 'saved' up for when I knew I wasn't going to be at work, to save from being absent from work too much. Now it seems like that's what I've been doing for the past two weeks, and thankfully, the end of those is in sight.
The other thing keeping me from fully getting into a real routine just yet is that I am already fighting the first %^&* virus/cold of the school year, brought home by one of my kids. Our oldest is 10 years old, so I thought I'd already built up a half-decent immune system from so many years of school germs coming home, but nooooo. Dear husband and I are both battling an awful head cold, sore throat, sinus infection, absolutely no energy or appetite... Not fun at all, but I am slowly getting better. I detest being sick and having no energy. Yesterday, I was yearning for a 'sick day' from work. Alas, they don't exist right now. On the flip side, I was able to keep my youngest home from school, as she was also sick, and not feel bad for taking time off work to be home when my child is sick.
Here's to hoping everything will be back on track by next week. Now, back to the books (actually, back to the computer, as that's where most of the studying and reading happens!)
There have been so many new experiences and changes in these past two weeks, that my head is still reeling somewhat. I have felt such a range of emotions too, from wishing so much that I was still sitting in my safe, comfortable, familiar office, to wondering how I will ever read and learn everything I have to read and learn, and even to thinking that I'm finally, really, truly doing this! I actually am a nursing student, I am going to finish this, and I am really going to work in a hospital or clinic as a L&D nurse.
The amount of reading I've been doing has been a shock to the system. I love to read, and I did read on the bus on my daily work commute, and whenever else I found some time. Now it is a scheduled read, and not just reading for pleasure, but reading to learn and memorize. Definitely more intense reading is going on!!!
On the positive side, one thing that I was told to expect (thanks T!), and that has indeed happened, is that all the studying I have to do does not seems like a chore that grudingly needs doing. I am so enraptured with the medical stuff I am learning, after so many years of wanting to learn it, that I actually look forward to my studying time. Granted, this may not last, but for the time being, I am grateful to be able to crack open my anatomy book and start learning it for real (I say 'for real', because there have been many times over the past years that I've opened a physiology or anatomy book 'for fun', to glance over and wish I had chosen to study this for a career.) Now that time is here, and it is 'for real'.
A bit of a routine if finally developing, although I still feel far from being settled in one. I've been taking our kids to various medical and dental appointments that I had 'saved' up for when I knew I wasn't going to be at work, to save from being absent from work too much. Now it seems like that's what I've been doing for the past two weeks, and thankfully, the end of those is in sight.
The other thing keeping me from fully getting into a real routine just yet is that I am already fighting the first %^&* virus/cold of the school year, brought home by one of my kids. Our oldest is 10 years old, so I thought I'd already built up a half-decent immune system from so many years of school germs coming home, but nooooo. Dear husband and I are both battling an awful head cold, sore throat, sinus infection, absolutely no energy or appetite... Not fun at all, but I am slowly getting better. I detest being sick and having no energy. Yesterday, I was yearning for a 'sick day' from work. Alas, they don't exist right now. On the flip side, I was able to keep my youngest home from school, as she was also sick, and not feel bad for taking time off work to be home when my child is sick.
Here's to hoping everything will be back on track by next week. Now, back to the books (actually, back to the computer, as that's where most of the studying and reading happens!)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
I love A&P!!!
A&P stands for anatomy and physiology....and I simply love it. I'm hoping my (ahem, older) brain will still be able to memorize the way it did once upon a time, as there is a ton to (re)learn.
I wrote (re)learn, because my first university degree was a science degree, specializing in biology. More precisely, physiology and ecology (I really liked both topics, so ended up taking lots of courses in both). So I am very happy to be able to say that almost everything I've learned thus far, and what I've seen in the physiology textbook, is not new material for me.
The biggest difference, however, is that with this degree I am focusing on physiology of the human body and nothing else. Whereas when I took the various other physiology courses, it was always a mix of various animals (and even plants - gasp!) that were studied. For example, we would be studying respiration and focus on gas exchange in a lecture, but in addition to learning about gas exchange in the lung, then we also focused on gas exchange in a fish gill, and then the particulars of gas exchange in a salamander. Interesting, but to a much lesser degree. My previous anatomy classes were also similar -- usually 'comparative anatomy' of a variety of animals.
So here I am now, FINALLY studying the anatomy and physiology of the human body and nothing else. What a treat, for me...frankly, that's all I ever wanted to study and learn about.
As I mentioned above, it is simply an overwhelming amount of material and details -- some details can be more easily learned given that they are part of a system and the way 'x' functions can be explained like a story. Other areas, however, are pure memorizing. So at times as I'm studying this topic, I oscillate between thinking, "Oh yes, I remember this!", to thinking, "How on earth am I ever going to learn all this for the exams!?!?!"
I should also mention that the learning resources available on-line to today's students are incredible. The textbooks now come with special codes that allow the student to access on-line study materials, animated explanations, quizzes, videos, etc. etc. I hope I have the time to take advantage of all these resources!
Yesterday evening (as I was studying after the kids were in bed), I was actually thinking about how exactly did I fill my post-kids evenings as recently as two weeks ago, before school started? It seems that I'm still doing the same house-hold chores and work, and yet here I have all this extra time in the evening to study.
It seems to re-affirm my theory that the busier I am, the more I can get done.
Break is over now -- back to studying my beloved A&P...
Happy Future Nurse :-)
I wrote (re)learn, because my first university degree was a science degree, specializing in biology. More precisely, physiology and ecology (I really liked both topics, so ended up taking lots of courses in both). So I am very happy to be able to say that almost everything I've learned thus far, and what I've seen in the physiology textbook, is not new material for me.
The biggest difference, however, is that with this degree I am focusing on physiology of the human body and nothing else. Whereas when I took the various other physiology courses, it was always a mix of various animals (and even plants - gasp!) that were studied. For example, we would be studying respiration and focus on gas exchange in a lecture, but in addition to learning about gas exchange in the lung, then we also focused on gas exchange in a fish gill, and then the particulars of gas exchange in a salamander. Interesting, but to a much lesser degree. My previous anatomy classes were also similar -- usually 'comparative anatomy' of a variety of animals.
So here I am now, FINALLY studying the anatomy and physiology of the human body and nothing else. What a treat, for me...frankly, that's all I ever wanted to study and learn about.
As I mentioned above, it is simply an overwhelming amount of material and details -- some details can be more easily learned given that they are part of a system and the way 'x' functions can be explained like a story. Other areas, however, are pure memorizing. So at times as I'm studying this topic, I oscillate between thinking, "Oh yes, I remember this!", to thinking, "How on earth am I ever going to learn all this for the exams!?!?!"
I should also mention that the learning resources available on-line to today's students are incredible. The textbooks now come with special codes that allow the student to access on-line study materials, animated explanations, quizzes, videos, etc. etc. I hope I have the time to take advantage of all these resources!
Yesterday evening (as I was studying after the kids were in bed), I was actually thinking about how exactly did I fill my post-kids evenings as recently as two weeks ago, before school started? It seems that I'm still doing the same house-hold chores and work, and yet here I have all this extra time in the evening to study.
It seems to re-affirm my theory that the busier I am, the more I can get done.
Break is over now -- back to studying my beloved A&P...
Happy Future Nurse :-)
Friday, July 15, 2011
Friday's words of inspiration
For today's entry, I am providing a link to a blog I stumbled upon. This is a blog that contains inspirational quotes, presented in a very nice format, and seems to be updated often.
I scrolled down the blog, and found so many great quotes.
Of the many that I really liked, one stood out. I wrote it down, and placed it on my study table (yes, I have my nursing school study desk already set up in our home office -- with 'strict' orders for the hubby and kids to keep their stuff off it! I want one clutter-free area in the house...but I digress! Lol!)
The quote I wrote out was, "Suffer the pain of discipline, or suffer the pain of regret." This is so true, in so many areas of life.
I'll be thinking about that in the coming years, when feeling like studying won't be too high of my list of priorities...yes, procrastination about studying can happen...
Here's the link to the site:
Enjoy, and happy weekend!!!
I scrolled down the blog, and found so many great quotes.
Of the many that I really liked, one stood out. I wrote it down, and placed it on my study table (yes, I have my nursing school study desk already set up in our home office -- with 'strict' orders for the hubby and kids to keep their stuff off it! I want one clutter-free area in the house...but I digress! Lol!)
The quote I wrote out was, "Suffer the pain of discipline, or suffer the pain of regret." This is so true, in so many areas of life.
I'll be thinking about that in the coming years, when feeling like studying won't be too high of my list of priorities...yes, procrastination about studying can happen...
Here's the link to the site:
Enjoy, and happy weekend!!!
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