One Point Five Months In/Ten Point Five Months to Go

I've decided to start a blog to recount my experiences in nursing school. Everyday, so many new and interesting things happen (well, most days). But I've found that as the days pass, these experiences fade into my bad memory, and are lost and gone forever. So I want to share as many as I can with those who are willing to listen. If you're willing to listen, I'm excited to share! And I'm going to share everything, so be prepared for some "interesting" stories (i.e. gross, sad, happy, frustrating...everything).

As of right now, my daily activities in the hospital include providing bed baths and taking vitals. While these may sound like easy tasks, they are rather difficult for novices like me. My first few patients were all unable to do anything for themselves, so bathing each and every one of them was a learning experience. And I still look back and worry about the patient whose teeth I forgot to brush, or the catheter that I didn't clean properly, or that blood pressure that I had to take 3 times and still didn't get an accurate reading. But all the patients have been patient with me (they have also all had dementia, so it may just be that they weren't fully aware of what was going on).

I have been able to do some more interesting things though. Like follow a body down to the morgue, and spend a couple hours shadowing an ER nurse. At this point, I've remained upright and conscious through the insertion of IV's and PIC lines, and the dressing changes on at least three amputated toes (we are on a floor with many diabetic patients).

Thusfar, it's been a good, motivating experience. I have had frustrating days, but I am still excited for the day I can call myself a nurse.

Hopefully I will keep this blog updated. There will be many busy days, but there will also be many experiences to share. And I look forward to sharing them with you all!