Last week was our final week at home for the Release of Information course.  It was very different to be at home instead of a set time at school.  I know for me I think being at school would have been easier just so I would have that set time for school work.  It was a very informative course which has now led us into Health Records.  Now I can see how the two courses go hand in hand.

This week we have just started Health Records.  We are at Surrey Memorial two days a week to work in the computer lab there.  This also ties in with our admitting section we worked on.  Health Records is a bit more involved than I thought, though I am not sure what I thought it involved (laugh). 

I am starting to get a little nervous about my typing.  Our typing tests are at the end of this month.  I just hope and pray for 50WPM, for me and my classmates.  I just hope that I don’t get nervous during the test; it is sort of scary to know that my typing skills affect my job prospects.

We have also just wrapped up Stenberg’s Biggest Loser Contest. Twelve weeks of free fitness was great, plus so much fun.  I am so proud of everyone, the transformations were amazing.  I know everyone worked so hard to even fit in the workouts between school, home life, homework and any other demands.  I am happy to say that all three winners were in my class, and I was one of them, yippee!

Completion of bootcamp!

Reality has started to hit us all.  The Special Education Assistant 0410 class has 60 more days before practicum.

Walking into the classroom every morning has a whole new feeling to it.  It’s a little more electric. We have all become so close – really and truly like a big, crazy, lovable, slightly dysfunctional group of sisters.  We have laughed together, cried together, worried together and even argued together, but one thing has stood strong and true throughout;  our constant commitment to each other to bring our whole selves to the classroom and  to honour and respect each other as unique individuals with unique thoughts and beliefs.

In sixty days our little cocoon that has nurtured us and fed our hungry minds with the knowledge we will need to know for our future careers will open.  We will emerge as fully educated and informed SEAs ready to spread our wings and explore our new career opportunities.  Unfortunately with this new independence also comes the knowledge that the warmth and safety of our cocoon will be gone.  It will soon belong to some fresh eager minds – minds that have yet experienced the positive life altering and emotionally awakening lessons that the SEA course will teach them.

Over the next sixty days we will be experiencing many more new and exciting concepts, strategies, facts and statistics  - America Sign Language, Food Safety, Alternative and Augmentative Communications and so many others.  During this time you can be rest assured that the 13 of us will just become even stronger and more supportive of each other.  The electricity in the classroom will become even more noticeable as we work to ensure the success of each and every one of us.

We came up with a Coat of Arms the other day in class that we believe represents what our class stands for.  In medieval times the Coat of Arms was used not only as a form of protection for the knight charging into battle, but it also pronounced to the world who his family was and their beliefs.  Our “SEA0410 family” motto is “Educate & Advocate”  – this is what we do for each other and this is what we will do for the students in the classroom once we leave our cocoon.

I cannot believe we are more than half way there.  I never thought I would make it this far and still be smiling.  I never thought I would be a student again at 32, let alone one that requires studying and focus. Now that the time is running out, I am starting to worry about graduation and finding that special job. 

Currently as a Hospital Support Specialist student, we are  working with an online course for Release of Information.  I have never done online studies before, and I know for myself I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage my time, especially with the summer in full swing.  We are on our last week of the three week course and it has been interesting.  I have been a bit overwhelmed at times because there is so much information to cover and it is mainly done in legal language which can be a bit tedious to read.  I just try to focus each day to what the online course suggests for focus.

Currently, I am also participating in Stenberg’s Biggest Loser Contest.  I participated in one through the Peace Arch News two years ago, so I was excited to see that Stenberg offered it as well.  It is a free twelve week program with a boot camp instructor which takes place Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  I love the variety of the workouts and the spirit and encouragement of all of the girls who participate in this event as well. This is the final week so I am so excited to see how everyone did and how they have changed their lives.  I know for many it has been hard to make the one hour commitment with school, family, homework and just life in general.  The winner will receive a gift certificate for the mall, and I am sure after this twelve weeks they will need to buy some new clothes with all the inches lost.

Next for me is to really focus on my typing accuracy and speed since we have our typing tests arriving soon, September to be exact.  I know I am not the only nervous one, but we are a class of worry at the best of times lol. I know we are all going to do well because we have practiced so hard and for so long, but it is always that what if. So next month I will know with my typing speed, what area, or capacity my practicum will be. 50wpm means a hospital which we all want; 40wpm to 49wpm could mean a clinic or lower position within the hospital and anything less than 40wpm means a medical clinic. Only a short time will tell, so I will let you know how it goes.

Hang in there class, we are only one week away before the exams are over! I must say these 3 weeks have been the toughest weeks in school for me so far – final exams, case scenario testing, 2 medication lab exams coming up next week. With no doubt, the case scenario testing was the one that gave me the most stress. In an hour’s time, we were tested on all the knowledge that we need to know for a particular case scenario, as well as being able to apply the related practical skills in a mock clinical setting. It was something that I find really difficult to be fully prepared for.

In order to do well in case scenario testing, I believe you have to prioritize your care for the patient, and always rationalize why you are doing the specific tasks for a patient. Even though most students (including myself) tend to find this kind of testing to be the toughest type of exam, it really prepares us well when we go on our practicum. At practicum, we wouldn’t be performing our practical skills on a manequin anymore, but instead, we will be taking care of “real patients”. To put it another way, other people’s lives are in our hands, so it is important that we are well-prepared and have a “patient’s first and safety’s first” mindset. The case scenario testing itself is a big challenge, but it is only to prepare us for bigger challenges ahead. I know it’s the toughest time of the year, but it’s also the time of the year when positive thinking really kicks in for us to move forward.

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!!

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

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!

It seems like only yesterday that I was starting the Special Education Assistant Diploma Program and here I am now – my journey being a Stenberg student has come to an end. Today, I have completed my full practicum which is the last part of the program requirement. As I’m writing this blog, I still can’t believe that it is over. Well, technically, our last day is tomorrow. We will meet our instructor along with our practicum monitors and of course, our classmates for the last time in the campus.

I remembered how uncertain I was when I started the course. I thought it would take me great lengths to adjust. But the opposite happened. I enjoyed returning to school, actually more so than when I went to college many years ago. This is because our class was so amazing and fun. Our teamwork is evident in all the activities we have done. We certainly could not make it this far without our extremely wonderful instructor who never ceased to believe in us, guide us and share with us her knowledge, skills and experience. Her learning strategy helped us have a deeper understanding of our lessons. Her constant positive feedback gave us confidence in our abilities.

I am overjoyed in attaining my aspiration and at the same time, feel sad as I will miss everyone in our class. This is one of lifes realities – changes takes place. But one thing is for sure; tomorrow will be a momentous day for all of us in class.

Since this is my last blog as well, I might as well share a little view of how I made it this far. Please know that anyone can be great. You just have to have that heart of willingness in everything you do. Willingness to learn, to sacrifice and to work is important. Have a goal and stick to it. If you stumble into any kind of hardship during your studies, take it as a necessary ingredient to succeed. Enjoy learning J

…you desire to do, can be found working on a Surgical unit. I have to say of all the places I have worked, this has to be my favourite. The best part of nursing in my eyes, is all the hands on skills.

In Surgery, you see many types of incisions afterwards. It is a great place to practice all the dressing changes you learned. You get to use your critical thinking when it comes to post-op complications and learn the things to watch out for. What’s the number one thing?! Infection!!

Almost every shift you can learn something new. Whether it be a new surgery or specific care for a type of recovery. I never felt like I was done learning. It is nice to work in a place where you can continue to expand your knowledge and become a more experienced nurse.

On a unit like this, it is important to remember that things can change in a instant. A person who has just had surgery is at risk for many complications. You need to be on the ball, watching vital signs to make sure the person remains stable.

Yes, this unit may not be for those who are faint of heart. You will see a lot and need to be able to hold it together Remember what wound Evisceration is? Yes, it really does happen!!

Some of the surgeries are sad. People who are palliative. I found myself many times becoming emotional. You can’t get away from it no matter what unit you work on. Surgery to me is an amazing thing, it saves many lives and it makes life easier for many. Most of the time on this unit the end result is SO positive. 

So, if you want staple or suture removal, catheter insertion, and dressing changes, surgery may be for you. Don’t be afraid to jump in there and get your hands dirty so to speak

It has all come down to now. The day you are to write your LPN licensing exam. The year’s hard work has lead up to this moment. You have spent countless hours reviewing medical terms, diseases, and nursing interventions. You are ready!

How do you study? Do you work best alone or in a group?

I found it easier to study on my own. I found I was able to learn at my own pace and concentrate on the areas I felt I needed more work in.

One thing I found to be very helpful was the LPN exam predictor test. Yes, it does cost you money but it is well worth it! Anything you can do to increase your chance of passing is worth it. Or else you may be paying to take the exam again and missing months of work where you could be making money.

The test gives you a couple hours, and I found it to be plenty of time. Make sure you have the time to yourself and that there are no distractions. For me, I had to make sure NO kids were around.

You want to get as much out of the exam as you can.

Once again, it is structured like the real deal!

I had one trick I used while taking the exam, but it is my secret You will have to comment if you want to know

Besides that, have a pad of paper with you and take down notes on important topics that were covered. This will give you areas to study.

I will never forget the one question that kept popping up on the exam….It was regarding patients who have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and how you would teach them to make swallowing easier. SO look that up.

I wrote my exam in May. So, if the times are still the same, best of luck to the upcoming writers.