out of sight, out of mind...

I rarely think about this blog. I mean, its been ages since something of worth was even written. You may have noticed a few dumb posts about nursing and such - they were from an assignment from one of my instructors. But today, after having to go to this blog to navigate to some of my links, I decided it was time to get something, anything, on here...

(I proceed to sit here, staring blankly at the computer screen for a topic of substance or a funny anecdote. My mind is quite empty.)

Maybe I'll share an interesting fact with you (don't judge me - I've been away for a long time).

According to Dr. Oz (as retold by my mother): If you start your morning off each day with a glass of really cold water, you will lose a pound a year from this ritual alone.

Ha, okay, now that I've broken my barrier of silence, I will come back soon and write something of deep importance. Like baseball.

goals

Discuss how the clinical objectives and personal goals for the experience were met.

Before I started clinicals, I wrote down some goals on items I wanted to accomplish from this preceptorship.

Goal 1: By the end of my preceptor experience become competent and comfortable in setting up IV bags and programming the pumps. (I haven't had much exposure and don't feel very comfortable in this area.)

I had many opportunities to set up IV bags and also to set up the pumps. Before, the pumps seemed a bit confusing. But my nurse took the time to make sure I understood them, and now I feel much more comfortable.

Goal 2: Learn to adequately use the system HELP to chart all patient care with minimal help from preceptor by the end of my preceptorship.

I grew very accustomed to the charting system and was charting full assessments on my first day. As more time went on, my nurse gave me more leeway, and I was able to chart on most everything.

Goal 3: Research all the drugs my patients are receiving and be prepared to explain reason for use and potential side effects each time I pass meds to patients.

I made sure to look up and know all the drugs I was giving. I wanted my patients to be educated on what they were receiving.

Goal 4: Be able to give complete and concise change of shift report to the oncoming nurse by the 4th shift.

I gave shift report to oncoming nurses. This used to seem a bit scary because I wasn't sure if I would have the answers needed, but as time went on, this became easier.

Goal 5: Look up labs for each of my patients daily and make sure I do the research required to understand what the values mean.

I would look up labs right after shift report. If I wasn't sure of a value or what a test meant, I took the time to look it up. I would always research out what this lab meant for this patient, why it was drawn, and for patterns (if going up, down, or staying same).

I initially made these goals because I felt I was lacking a bit in these areas, but I focused on these things and feel that I accomplished them.

the impact

Describe how your learning will impact your nursing career.

I feel that my preceptorship has impacted me for the positive. I have mentioned before that I was feeling super confident before because I just didn't feel like I had continuity before. I would learn something, and then the next week I was on another floor with different rules. It's hard to keep it all straight. Being on the same floor with the same nurse did wonders for me. I felt like I could just keep building more and more on the information I was retaining. Because of my experiences here, I feel much more ready to actually start working as an RN.

My nurse was pretty awesome. I was continuously impressed with her work ethic. She didn't cut corners like some others that I had observed. She did things right. It was a good example to me to be ever-vigilant. I'm glad I was trained by her because that will impact how I approach nursing. Adopting that dedication, along with solidifying a lot of my nursing skills, I feel like I will be much more competent when I'm really out there.

what i learned

Describe what you actually learned through this clinical experience.

The third floor at UVRMC is known as the "Progressive Care Unit". The cases are a bit more critical than typical MedSurg, but not as acute as ICU. On this floor dialysis is also provided.

I feel like I gained a substantial amount from my experience on this floor. I was paired with an awesome nurse who really knew her stuff. I feel like I really pulled it all together during my time there. My nurse got me into a routine that really didn't seem as scary as it did before. Before, I felt like my thoughts were a bit jumbled, but staying in one place with the same nurse was extremely helpful. I was finally able to retain information more easily; information that would be pertinent the next time I was there. Specifically, I become more competent in placing and setting IV pumps, placing catheters, interpreting telemetry strips, performing and charting complete assessments, changing central line dressings/removing central lines, etc. After each subsequent clinical, I felt more and more confident.

Clinical Area

Describe why the clinical area was selected and what you initially expected to learn.

We have made it to the fourth semester of Nursing School - the final semester of the Associate's Degree requirements. Typically in your final semester before taking the licensing exam, the NCLEX, we finish complete a preceptorship with a nurse for 90+ hours in one location. On November 18 last year, all the students in my semester gathered for a "lottery" to draw where we would go. I initially had ideas of the ER or ICU in mind. But when I arrived and drew one of the last numbers that would be allowed to choose, I knew that I was going to have to take what was left.

Naturally the ER and ICU slots went first. Finally they got to my number near the end, and I scanned the overhead projector for any remaining spots. I just wanted something during the day. I saw the third floor at UVRMC open, so I took it. I really couldn't remember what floor that was or if I had even been there before. At that point, I was just hoping for the best.

Not being exactly sure of what kind of floor I was going to, I didn't have too many expectations. I knew that I wanted a nurse that would challenge me a bit, but who would also take the time to make sure I was really getting it. My main goal or expectation was that I would finish my preceptorship feeling more comfortable with the prospect of actually being an RN this year. I expected to learn to become a better problem solver and to solidify my nursing skills.

remember me...?

So, it's been a while...

I've been busy. But is that a good enough excuse? Everyone is busy.

I'm on the brink of finishing my third semester of nursing school. They're gonna let me be a nurse next summer if I pass my NCLEX exam (insert vomit and feelings of inadequacy).

I've had an ulcer since the end of July that I can't seem to shake. I know what you're thinking - it's not a stress ulcer (a myth by the way, but stress makes them worse). It's caused by a bacteria in the stomach called H. Pylori. But to be honest, the stress I've accumulated knowing that it's not going away is probably contributing to it. So how about that? It's not caused by stress, but knowing that it's there is stressing me - making it worse. Life.

I am an FHE group leader. During my calling interview some weeks back, I was thinking in my head 'anything but FHE'. As soon as the Second Counselor said, "Oh, you'll like this. It's a 'fun' calling." I knew I was in for it. I said aloud, "Don't tell me it's FHE." A visible shudder crossed my face. He laughed and said I'd be okay. He was right. It's been fine.

I'm in a rock climbing class. And I love it. After my pass at the Quarry expires on December 18th, I will be getting a family pass. It really is a great passtime to get some exercise and relieve some stress. I have accumulated my own shoes and harness so far.

Pretty much all boring stuff, I know. But I just keep plugging along until Christmas break. Then I'll have time to do things that I want to do again. Like read. Read real books and not feel guilty that it's not a textbook.

Keep on keepin' on.

Walk On The Ocean

At work I like to listen to a little thing called Pandora. Today, as I was listening to my "Counting Crows" station, a song entitled "Walk On The Ocean" by Toad the Wet Sprocket started to play. I was suddenly taken back four years in time...Pictured above is Amy Goffin Robison and myself at Anini Beach in Kauai. It was our last day on the Island, and we spent it with Debs Jacobberger scouring the beach for tiny Anini shells. As we drove from the north shore of the island back to the west shore where we resided, "Walk On The Ocean" started to play in the car. Read the lyrics closely and imagine yourself leaving an island paradise; not knowing when you'd be able to return:

"We spotted the ocean at the head of the trail
Where are we going, so far away
And somebody told me that this is the place
Where everything's better, everything's safe

Walk on the ocean
Step on the stones
Flesh becomes water
Wood becomes bone

Half an hour later, we packed up our things
We said we'd send letters, and all of those little things
And they knew we were lying, but they smiled just the same
It seemed they already forgotten we came

Now we're back at the homestead
Where the air makes you choke
And people don't know you
And trust is a joke
We don't even have pictures
Just memories to hold
That grow sweeter each season
As we slowly grow old"

When the song started, we came around this bend in the road and the ocean was in full view. The car got quiet as we listened to the lyrics. When I finally looked around to the car's occupants (Amy and Debs), tears were streaming down their faces - just like me. There were so many lines in the song that seemed hold some meaning at that moment.

After we were done crying, we started laughing - laughing because it was completely ridiculous that this song sent all of us into spontaneous sobs. It was all pretty embarrassing.

So now when I hear this song, I feel a small tinge of sadness. And then I remember how silly it all was. Listen to this song for yourself. You won't regret it.

dos anos

Anyone remember this kid? Today marks his two-year mission anniversary. But due to some mission zoning changes, he was asked to stay on another month. He is set to come home on July 23rd.

More pictures and updates to come when he actually graces us with his presence next month.

faux paws

How could I not pass this story on? Oscar lost his back two legs in a farming accident, and what was the obvious solution? Well, make him some new ones of course.

Read the article for yourself at http://www.ksl.com/?nid=169&sid=11313947.

Oh, the wonders of science.

the alchemist

I have been meaning to take some time and read this book. It wasn't until last night that I finally got around to it. I started and finished in one night (granted it's only like 170 pages).

"The Alchemist is subtitled 'A Fable About Following Your Dreams.' Fables are cautionary tales that have a point to make. The universal point this story makes is that everyone has a special destiny, and yet not everyone resolves to attain it because it takes hard work. Reaching one's destiny requires leaving behind familiar surroundings. It also demands persistence, the ability to change when appropriate and the willingness to respond to omens that point the way."

My conclusion: loved it. It is packed full with nuggets of wisdom.

Here are some of my favorite excerpts:

"When someone sees the same people every day, as had happened with him at the seminary, they wind up becoming a part of that person's life. And then they want the person to change. If someone isn't what others want them to be, the others become angry. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own."

"People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don't deserve them, or that they'll be unable to achieve them."

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself."

"Most people see the world as a threatening place, and, because they do, the world turns out, indeed, to be a threatening place."

Get your hands on a copy of this and read it. You won't regret it.

death-bed repentence

The night before I go in for a dental cleaning, I tend to have a certain bit of remorse, or as I like to call it death-bed repentence.

I start thinking things like I really should have flossed more during the last six months or did I really have to eat so much sugar?

A certain amount of anxiety starts to build within me as I think about all my past dental transgressons.

I really hate going to the dentist. It probably stems from a mixture of pain and money. Both of which I don't want to dispurse.

I arrived at Barry Family Dental at 8 am sharp this morning. As the dental assistant walked me back to the dreaded chair, she attempted to make small chit-chat, as they always do. She asked how I was doing. I replied, "Well, I wish I was having a filling so I could have some of that gas." She laughed at me and said, "Oh we can totally give you some of that anyway."

I stared at her in disbelief. Really? You would dispense nitrous oxide to me for a simple cleaning? A million thoughts raced thru my head (am I a baby for getting the gas for a cleaning? would my insurance find this legit? am I in heaven?) in a matter of the 1 second it took for me to say yes, I would love that.

Turned out to be a delightful morning. For the most part.

Dr. Dave informed me that everything looked good except for this one tiny tooth. Years ago (when they still did silver fillings) I had my #5 tooth worked on for a cavity. Underneath it's silver filling, is a bit of a problem that needs to be worked on. A build-up, crown and $400 later, the tooth should be in good shape (well, what will be left of it, of course).

Oh, the pleasures of the dentist's office.

ain't no thang

Since my last post was ages ago (sorry, but not that sorry), I will give you all a quick recap of my last few months. I hope to put this all behind me and start fresh.


So this night was a really long time ago, but it was definitely a highlight. One night I was driving home from work and I heard an announcement on the radio for an upcoming Utah Jazz contest. All you had to do was either text or email an entry, and you could win movie tickets to Avatar in 3D with Ronnie Price, Ronnie Brewer, and Paul Millsap. So naturally I texted in my entry (when I got home of course - don't drive and text my friends.) A week or so later I got a phone call from a suspicious number. It was some lady from the Utah Jazz saying that I had won the contest. I was at work when I got the call - so needless to say I kinda made a big scene in the office. There were some 5000 or so entries, and only 50 winners, so I was feeling lucky. Anyway, as you can see I went with BF Tito. The event was at the Jordan Commons. We showed up and they took this professional photo of us all and then sent us on our way for some free hotdogs, popcorn, and drinks. Afterward we were ushered to the huge 3D theatre. I always told myself I would never pay to see Avatar; it just didn't appeal to me. It was a very visually stunning film, but the storyline was nothing to write home about. But if I did see it, I'm glad it was for free with the Utah Jazz.

I had my clinical rounds this semester at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. I had some good experiences and learned quite a bit. One point of interest was when I learned how to use leeches (you heard me right) for medicinal purposes. When someone is at risk of losing a smaller body part like a finger or ear because of poor blood circulation, leeches are used to get the blood flowing thru the tissues again. I got to personally pick a leech out of a jar (like shown above) and place it. It was awesome.

My mom turned 50 on February 18th! It's kind of weird because it felt like yesterday when we were having her 40th birthday. Anyway, the night before the big day, we stole her keys to Canyon View and broke into the school. We filled her office with 50 black balloons and placed these classy posters on her door. She got to school the next day with not only that surprise, but we also had her office wear that brown t-shirt shown above without her knowing (we later gave her a copy for herself). So we pretty much got her good! You may also notice the quilt she is sitting on. I made her this birthday quilt. She shed a tear; a real honest to goodness tear. Happy Birthday Mom!

Hannah celebrated her 1st birthday on March 20th. I can't believe it's been a year since her birth - which I incidentally missed because I was in Washington DC with Tara and we didn't expect Hannah for eight more weeks. Although she was two months early, she had a very good and healthy first year.

I received my first boot on my car while watching LOST at Kristine's house. I thought I was in a visitor spot, but my mistake - I was one spot over. It was an empty parking lot, but that didn't matter to the stupid provo jerk. I may have called him an inappropriate name to his face in my flight of anger. I have since repented.

Let's be honest, I haven't ran a mile since my Triathlon last May. So what possessed me to just up and run a 5k a few Saturdays ago is beyond me. But it was actually a good run! I was determined to run the whole way without walking, and I did. Sometimes the body just feels good! I ran it with Krista and Ally. Thanks for getting my bum in gear Krista!

Instead of attending the Festival of Colors this year, I went to the Elite Eight game at the ESA with my bro, Brandon. It was the Kansas St v Butler game. It was awesome! (Aside from the fact that my brother left my ticket at home (oops) and I had to go thru all these hoops with Ticket Services to get myself thru the door.) I totally joined the Butler Bandwagon. I was really rooting for them to go all the way.

I recently celebrated a birthday. I am now 23ish. My birthday, if it's on the weekend, will always fall on General Conference. So since my birthday was on Saturday, my day went like this: Woke up and watched GC. Went to lunch with Heather, Lindsey, and the Katie's at Olive Garden in Sandy. Then I came back and, you guessed it, watched the afternoon session of GC. Afterward I went out to dinner with Meg, Lara, Kristine, and Tara to Texas Roadhouse. My day was full of spiritual and physical feasting. Shown above is a picture of a sweet tent my bro Jordan got me. It made up for 23 years of missed presents. I also got a new pair of black Chaco's from the parents. Good day!

Last Saturday was a nice spring day (finally). I went with Brandon, his wife Stacey, and Hannah to the spring practice for BYU. It was cool to see a few of the new guys, and just sit out in the warmth. Hannah got these star glasses the day before at a birthday party. It was hilarious because she loves wearing them. Wish I had a pair big enough for this head...

Well there you have it. I'll try and be better.

welcome twenty-ten

Admittedly, it's been too long. But I have reached the point that too much time has passed to write about anything like Christmas parties or Christmas gifts (but who really cares about reading about anyone else's Christmas anyway? We all had one didn't we??) Mine was a good one, however.

I suppose I'll tell you what I've been up to anyway for the last month or so because most of you are dying to know...

For starters, I've given up sugar. I came to the realization lately that I am a sugar addict. I like to too much, and have decided to do without it for a while. For how long, I don't know. I'm thinking for spring semester. I'll keep you all posted about my progress - but I will tell you it hasn't affected me like I thought it would. I figured by day 2 I would be curled up in a ball somewhere sucking my thumb until someone inserted an IV with glucose. But I'm doing okay and have learned about myself that I don't need sugar. I just really, really love it.

I've started my second semester of nursing school. That's right folks, they passed me last semester. I'm just as surprised as you are. But now on to the next. I started classes on Wednesday and was feeling fine after school. But the panic and anxiety set in about 10% the way through my Common Disorders class yesterday. My professor handed out a pre-test containing scenarios of what I would do as a nurse in such situations. Needless to say I had one of those "what the heck are you doing here Tawny?" moments. I'm feeling better today, but still recovering. I have a feeling second semester's going to be a killer.

I read the book by Glenn Beck called A Christmas Sweater. Now, I'm not really a cryer. To this day, I really have ever cried during the movies Simon Birch and Charly. But as I read this book (all in one night, have you) I found myself sobbing repeatedly. I'm serious. I'm not quite sure what was going on with me, but I would contain myself - and then read something else that would make me lose it. Read this book. It's a story about forgiveness and hope. I love Glenn. My brother gave me his newest book Arguing with Idiots for Christmas. Look forward to hearing more about it from me.

We talked to Chad on Christmas Eve. And yes, he still sounds like Pedro. But he did inform us that he should be home on July 2 or 3. It's weird that I'll see him this year.

And lastly, I won a sweet contest recently. Look for an upcoming post about it.

pictures for chad

Sorry, once again I am placing random pictures on here so I can email them to my brother.

bah, humbug

Listen, I love Christmas. I love the Christmas season. Just not in November.

A long time ago when I worked at a certain Robert's Arts and Crafts, I was the Seasonal Department Head. This meant I was rummaging through Christmas shipments in July. They also would turn on the Christmas music in September as a ploy to get people to shop earlier. It turned me off, to say the least.

Now, I work at Legacy OB-GYN. I thought I was free of the early Christmas stuff. But to no avail, my co-workers love listening to Christmas music early. Last year it was October-early, this year it's only Novemeber-early.

I have stated my objections, but they all seem to laugh and turn the music up louder. The last straw came today when I arrived this morning to find this:

In an effort to get me in the Christmas spirit, they decked out my desk. Thanks guys.

Why isn't there Thanksgiving music?

wolverine green

I've received numerous requests (okay, just Deelisa), to write a little something about my adventures in nursing school. First off, take notice of this classy uniform. We are required to wear hunter green scrubs, a UVU white patch sewn on left sleeve, a name badge, and clean white shoes. Not adhering to these demands will land you in trouble (aka being denied clinical rounds).


I took this picture today after my second clinical at Orem Nursing and Rehab. If you've never worked or visited a nursing home, you're missing out. It's quite a treat.

Some highlights thus far in Semester 1:

>Coming to class with swimsuits under our scrubs so we could give each other bed-baths.

>Learned how to catheterize male and female dummies. Real life.

>Laid on a table-top with my entire abdomen exposed for a good 20 minutes while a complete stranger stared at it.

>Cleaned fake wounds on the "Seymour Butts". Seriously, that's the name of the fake bum.

>Wrote a three-page paper on rectal suppositories. Good read if you're interested.

I really have enjoyed this first semester. But I am already on a graduation countdown. I am now telling people that I have 2.5 years left instead of 3. April 2012 is a bright goal in my future. In any event, so far, so good.

start spreading the news

It's been a heart-wrenching nine years since my Yankees have been on top. It's a myth that Yankees fans have life easy. On the contrary, it tends to be rough. Imagine, having a team that comes with such high hopes, only to fall short each post-season.

But 2009 brought us new fortune. Finally we could see a team that really had chemistry; something that had been lacking in recent years. All the money in the world can only go so far - you need chemistry in the end.

Even more exciting, I was able to witness my first Yankee's game in person. This has been years in the making. Seeing them in August only made me that much more excited for the post-season. I knew that the Yankees had something special this season.

And so it was, on Wednesday November 4th, the Yankees beat out the Phillies to win their 27th World Series. That's right folks, I got to see 2009 World Champions live and in person. I'll be telling this one to the grandkids.

Disclaimer: If you're not familiar, after each Yankees game they play Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York". Hence the title, "Start spreading the news..." Listen to it; it's a good song.

i want to be a part of it

Exactly a month ago I was in the Big Apple. I thought I better finally post a bit about it.

I'm the only one in family who hasn't been to New York. So one day I pulled up the New York Yankee schedule and found a weekend where they were playing the Red Sox. I told my mom that was the weekend for us, and we started the planning.

On Wednesday August 5th, my mom, Ally, Kellye, Kathy, Tara, Coy and I headed out on the red eye to the City-So-Nice-They-Named-It-Twice.

Tara and me in front of a NYPD cruiser. I have an odd fascination for the NYPD. It must be all the TV I watch. Also, me at Central Park. Because I didn't have my Chaco's on, I was not able to scale this rock.

Unfortunately Dave was on a hiatus during our stay or we would have seen his show. Also, refer to the previous post about Glenn Beck. Radio City, as shown above, is where he broadcasts.

Wallstreet Bull. Also, Tara, me, mom, and Ally in front of a tiny Statue of Liberty.

Are you all familiar with the movie "National Treasure"? The church where they find the treasure is pictured above. Trinity Church. I love that movie.

We took a ferry to Staten Island. We sailed out at sunset and got a good look at the Statue of Liberty.

On our way back to the City, it was dark (not pictured) and the Manhatten skyline was awesome.

My love for the NYPD apparent again. Also, Tara, my mom, and I got up early one morning and walked Central Park and found the Good Morning American concert series. It was IDOL morning. We saw in concert Adam Lambert, Kris Allen, and David Cook.

They weren't kidding about those giant NY rats.

A nice sales woman at Tiffany's let me try on this diamond ring. Any guesses at it's price tag?? Only $400,000!!!

Now, to the main event. I am a lifelong Yankees fan, and a lifelong Red Sox hater. As I got off the Subway to the Yankee Stadium, I felt as if I was making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The feeling in the air amongst all the other fans was electric. I had goosebumps and felt like I had finally come home.

We caught the game on Friday night. It turned into an old-fashioned pitcher's duel. The game was completely scoreless until in the 15th inning, Alex Rodriguez hit a home run bring Derek Jeter in. We won with a score of 2 - 0. It was amazing.

This was a really awesome trip. New York really is a cool place to visit. Refer to post Only In Dreams and you see just how long I've waited to make this trip. And to have my Yankees sweep the Sox was just icing on the cake.