When we unfold the road map of our life and look at all the twists and turns, detours, mountains and valleys that we have travelled it is truly fascinating to try and see what the next section of the map will look like.  Will it be a steep peak to climb, a delta with many lakes and rivers to cross or a long flat boring prairie drive?

As I approach 45 and I look at my road map I see a life filled with adventure, twisting roads,  surprise road blocks, gravel roads and speed free zones.  What I do know is that all of these roads eventually met and led me here to Stenberg and to the Special Education Assistant Program.

Making a decision at my age to go back to school is considered by some to be crazy – “But you have a degree already”, “Why do you want to do homework?”,

“Aren’t you going to be older than everyone else?” are just some of the more common questions I get asked.

My answer:  “Yes, I do have a degree, which, with my SEA diploma, will make me an even greater asset for any Special Needs program.  It’s not “homework” if it’s something you love learning, and at my age I have the luxury of going back to school to only take something I really want to learn – and no, I will not be the oldest in the class, and even if I was, it wouldn’t matter because, today, in 2010, classrooms are filled with people of all ages going back to school to increase their level of education.”

I have always wanted to work in the area of Special Needs, but the road wasn’t open for me when I was younger – I had chosen detours that led me to other destinations.  Last year I saw the opportunity, and the timing was right, and I knew it was my turn to go through the green light and grab onto my dream.  In a matter of a few months I will be starting to apply for a job in the field of work I have always wanted to be in, and thanks to the society we now live in, it’s not too late to be doing this – even at 44!!

Most of you are probably aware of the raffle basket fundraiser some two weeks ago at Stenberg; it was just amazing. The fundraiser was for one of our fellow classmates diagnosed with breast cancer, and it turned out to be very successful. Almost $4,000 was raised in the end! We all hope that the money raised will help her in some way, but what’s more important is that we all want her to feel our care and support for her.

I came across this awesome nursing joke online the other day, and thought I would share with all of you for a little laughter. Enjoy!

A nursing assistant, floor nurse, and charge nurse from a small nursing home were taking a lunch break in the break room. In walks a lady dressed in silk scarfs and wearing large polished stoned jewelry.

“I am ‘Gina the Great’,” stated the lady. “I am so pleased with the way you have taken care of my aunt that I will now grant the next three wishes!” With a wave of her hand and a puff of smoke, the room was filled with flowers, fruit and bottles of drink, proving that she did have the power to grant wishes before any of the nurses could think otherwise.

The nurses quickly argued among themselves as to which one would ask for the first wish. Speaking up, the nursing assistant wished first. “I wish I were on a tropical island beach, with single, well-built men feeding me fruit and tending to my every need.”

With a puff of smoke, the nursing assistant was gone.

The floor nurse went next.”I wish I were rich and retired and spending my days in my own warm cabin at a ski resort with well groomed men feeding me coccoa and doughnuts.” With a puff of smoke, she too was gone.

“Now, what is the last wish?” asked the lady.

The charge nurse said,” I want those two back on the floor at the end of the lunch break.”

Source: http://www.nursingfun.com/jokes/nurses/3nurses.htm

I have truly enjoyed the last 4 months blogging for you! I am glad was able to share pieces of advice and inspiration for you all. Well, at least I hope I did!

I know the long, hard journeys you are all on in school. But, as you see there is a light at the end of the tunnel that leads to many great opportunities and experiences!

You made the best decision to start by attending Stenberg. Enjoy the time there that you have! Also, enjoy the people around you. In a few short months, you will all head out your separate ways. Of course, you will keep in touch, but will not be spending the many hours a day together.

Be confident in your abilities once you leave. The education you received is top notch, and has set you up to succeed. I wish you all the best in your upcoming adventures on the job!

So, I say farewell for now. You never know when I may run into one of you around the hospital (if thats where your career has taken you) I am always asking what school colleagues attended. So, I will be on the look out for all you super successful Stenberg Students.

Best Wishes and Good Luck!

Andrea

This is what I am meant to do…

I remember a time when I truly knew nursing was my calling. It happened while I was still in school. I knew I had made the right decision, to go back to school and become an LPN. As a mother, it was very hard to leave my children at a young age without feeling guilty. But, I followed my heart and my preschool drawing of what I wanted to be when I grew up….a nurse lol.

I am not allowed to share much, due to confidentiality, but I can share some things. I was called out of class by my teacher and the first aid instructor/firefighter/paramedic (yes he is them all)…at first I was scared, thinking I was in trouble..haha…

It turned out a girl in another class was not doing well, and they wanted to someone to help out. I stayed with her for an hour, I was able to help her out medically and emotionally. She confided in me and together we were able to figure out a cause and plan. I was commended by my instructors and the paramedic. He is even going to write a letter for me for my portfolio, as he was impressed. When I left for the day, I almost cried. It was my first one on one (no clinical instructors or other nurses) to use my nursing skills. And I was trusted to do it. I helped someone. I made a difference. This is what I am meant to do. I will be a great nurse. I can improve a situation for someone. I can be a mentor, I can listen, and I can be trusted.

What made you take your program? Is it your passion as well?

I love sitting back and reflecting on WHY I am doing this. I love thinking about each moment that has shaped me into the person/nurse I am today. Each little bit has made me stronger.

Self-reflecting is a huge part of nursing. It strengthens your abilities but also makes you see areas needing work. Take the time to do this every so often, believe me it’s almost a stress release and ego-booster all in one.

So, the big question with Nursing is “Is it okay to cry when our patient is terminally ill or dying?”

Personally, if I was a patient (heaven forbid), I’d rather have a nurse who is not afraid to cry during my sickest time, than to have one that just stands there coldly without any emotions. Of course, crying uncontrollably and breaking down in front of everyone else in the room when a patient passes away certainly hurts your professionalism, but shedding a few tears? I don’t think so. As human beings, we all have emotions, even if we are well-trained health care professionals. A lot of times, if a patient is hospitalized for an extended period, it is normal for nurses and doctors to build up a relationship with the patient over time. To sob when the patient has passed away, what it means to the patient and the patient’s family is that you care about them. Being professional is certainly a huge part in Nursing, but it’s not ALL about Nursing. Not only do  I think it’s okay to sob, I think it’s also okay to give the family a pat on the shoulder, share a hug or a heartfelt prayer with them afterwards. Sometimes these simple acts can connect both you and the patient and those who have left behind, and make you a more empathetic nurse.

For the last two weeks all of the students and staff at Stenberg became united to help a fellow student.  We were all so shocked when we heard that one of our fellow classmates, at the incredibly young age of 23, had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  This happens to moms, aunts, grandmothers and older women, not a young woman just starting out life and going to school to begin her career.

Immediately there was the want by everyone at Stenberg, students and faculty alike, to reach out and help this incredibly strong and courageous fellow student.  It was decided to hold a raffle on baskets that would be created by the individual classes at Stenberg.

All the classes had one week to come up with their irresistible raffle prizes.  By the time the baskets had been stuffed and wrapped I don’t think, by the looks of them, that there was a single person on campus who had not contributed to the baskets.

These prize baskets would have made any professional corporate gift company jealous – there was every theme and size imaginable, from a Staycation basket to picture frames stuffed with lottery tickets and a beach basket to a movie basket – really amazing and beautiful tributes to just how much a student in need means to the Stenberg community.

After the raffle tickets were all sold, it has been said that we raised just over $1400 – an incredible feat considering the timeline and the size of our community.  Then the piece de résistance  – the College matched the amount we made.  The final amount including  donations was close to $4000!

After all was said and done, we all united, came together as a community of students, friends, teachers and caring people and helped out a wonderful young woman who will be able to face her upcoming battle knowing that she has an entire College supporting her and sending her all of their prayers, positive energy and well wishes.

This semester is going by fast – it’s already mid-July and that means we’re on our way for more exams and projects! How I wish there are more than 24 hours a day! Sometimes I’m amazed how much information our brain can hold – so treat your brain nicely! Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to prepare yourself physically and mentally for exams! I remember those times that I did poorly on exams were the times that I didn’t eat properly and didn’t have enough sleep. So instead of focusing on answering the questions correctly…my focus was on my growling stomach and fatigued body! Not such a good idea, eh?

So aside from exams and projects, has anyone been enjoying our nice hot weather here in Vancouver? If you’re out of other ideas except going outdoors for a barbecue, a hike, a run, or lunch at a patio and want to do something different…here is a suggestion: How about going to the Richmond Night Market? The Richmond Night Market is one of the hottest summer activities – with its assortment of chinese home-style snacks, cooked-to-order small dishes, discount merchandise, it surely captures the interest of many people. You will also find accessories, clothing, home decorations, household items, designer-brand inspired accessories, music and videos, toys, most at a bargain price. So if you’re one of those people that love Chinese cuisine and want to spend some time with friends on the weekend, you may want to consider this summer event. The hours for this event are: Saturday (7 pm – 1 am) & Sunday (7 pm – 12 am) and it is located at 12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond, B.C.

This week I’ve decided to tell you all about the latest assignment we are working on in the Special Education Assistant (SEA) class.  It is called Task Analysis, and it is one of the key components in Applied Behavioural Analysis (“THE” technique for teaching children who have autism).

So what is Task Analysis you ask?  Well believe it or not, we use task analysis everyday of life in every activity we do.  When reading a recipe the instructions are a form of  task analysis, reading a map would be another form – it is the technique of taking an activity and analysing it into small very detailed tasks that are simple to understand and easy to perform.  With the help of an instructor, prompts and reinforcers the task will get completed.

Children with autism very often need to have even the simplest tasks broken down into small precise instructions, that can be learned as progressive steps,  such as brushing teeth. 

Our assignment is to take an activity and break it down into all of the steps. So here we are in class all running around trying to think of interesting ideas, but then realising that something as simple sounding as drawing a rainbow could actually be about 700 steps …. believe me, being in this class makes one have  a much greater appreciation for the things we all take for granted in life.

I decided to try doing Brushing Teeth. Well all of a sudden, trust me, brushing teeth is no longer as simple as I thought.  Sit back right now and imagine yourself about to brush your teeth.  Where is the toothbrush?  How do you grab it?  With what hand?  Is it in a drawer and how do you open the drawer?  What about the toothpaste?  Where do you put the toothpaste?  On the bristles or the plastic part?  How much do you  put on the brush and where do you squeeze the tube.  Twisting the cap off the tube alone is a whole other lesson.  This is going to be tough!!

Once I have all the steps written out I must then get a classmate to be my guinea pig … she will have to be the child with autism and follow my Task Analysis steps in order to learn the skill of brushing her teeth, and the best part – in front of the class!!

You know that the three days we all have for oral presentations are going to be amazing.  Watching each of us break down these everyday skills into hundreds of simple instructions is going to give us all a different outlook on what it like to work with children who have autism, and to also experience the patience and dedication that it will take to be an SEA in the classroom.

Well, my little guy is sick this week and to be honest I have had little time to sit here and think of my blog for this week. So, I thought I would share one of my favourite nursing funny’s!

These are actual notes found written in patient’s charts!

1. The patient refused an autopsy.

2. The patient has no previous history of suicides.

3. Patient has left white blood cells at another hospital.

4. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.

5. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.

6. On the second day, the knee was better, and on the third day it disappeared.

7. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.

8. The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.

9. Discharge status: Alive but without permission.

10. Healthy appearing decrepit 69-year old male, mentally alert but forgetful.

11. Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch.

12. She is numb from her toes down.

13. While in ER, she was examined, x-rated, and sent home.

14. The skin was moist and dry.

15. Occasional, constant infrequent headaches.

16. Patient was alert and unresponsive.

17. Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.

18. She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life, until she got a divorce.

19. I saw your patient today, who is still under our car for physical therapy.

20. Both breasts are equal and reactive to light and accommodation.

21. Examination of genitalia reveals that he is circus sized.

22. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.

23. Skin: somewhat pale but present.

24. The pelvis exam will be done later on the floor.

25. Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities

I love this. For all you nursing students and unit clerks, I am sure you will come across some interesting things along the way!

I remember when I first started charting. I tried to sound all smart, and that I knew what I was saying. When, really, I am sure some of the things sounded like this haha.

Hope this made you smile. I will have to come up with something insightful next week

Hi readers! Welcome! This blog will share with you my journey to become a practical nurse…

School is a big stress – no doubt – especially nursing school. There are a lot of materials you have to remember, learn things that you have never seen or done before. But I believe if you’re devoted, determined, and dedicated – not only will you be successful, but you will also enjoy being in nursing school! Here are some simple tips that may help you (and me) to walk this road easier:

Some tips:

- Other people in the class are just as scared as you are. Remember to keep positive thoughts!

- Be prepared to learn and work hard. Yes, you will have to do a lot of reading, and it will be confusing at times. Write down any points that you don’t understand and clarify with the instructor. Highlight things that the instructor says is important!

- Have a support group. Believe me, you will need a supportive group to give you advice and encouragement when you feel lost and lacking motivation to study.

- It is normal not to know everything. This does not mean you’re stupid! Also, when you are nervous and stressed, you will tend to forget how to do things (even if they are the most simple tasks). So try to relax – especially during your Lab exams! Take a deep breath and always rationalize why you’re doing this specific task for your client.

- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. When you go on practicum, a nurse tells you to do something on a patient that you are not familiar with it or feel uncomfortable doing so, ask for help. Remember, you have the right to learn and clarify any uncertainties, and your patients have the right to receive safe and competent care.

- Find time to relax and recharge yourself. This means prioritize your time and organize your week. Set aside one day just to catch up with friends and family, watch TV, or just do whatever you want. In that way, you will have your “scheduled day-off” to look forward on the days when you feel unmotivated or lacking the energy to move on.

Hope this helps! Stayed tuned for the next blog!