United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Woohoo! I survived my first Nursing theory exam... start in hospital in mid october... my next hurdle!
Had a Bio exam as well last week and have a lab exam this week... fun huh???
But I am still really enjoying being in Nursing! Cannot wait to meet my first patient.
That's my news for now!
Marieke (LOBPI)

Congratulations on choosing a very rewarding and demanding career! I too am a nurse and love everyday of it, even when it's not going so well. Don't sweat the small stuff is my nursing advice and take those boards right away!

Here's a little story about my first day of clinical experience...my task was to change the bed and bath an elderly lady who had nausea and vomiting. She was ornery (whether that was her personality or because she felt ill, I don't know). She yelled at me that I was taking too long to bath her therefore making her too cold and when I tried to set up her lunch tray for her, I knocked one of the dishes off the overbed stand and it broke on the floor. I then proceeded to cut my finger on the broken glass while picking it up to put in the sharps container, then practically cried in the hallway among my other nursing student colleagues. Well, as I was fretting over what I could do now since I hadn't finished the bath because the patient refused due to her being cold and not feeling well, my nursing instructor overheard it and said..."hey, don't sweat the small stuff...go bath someone else." Priceless advice that I utilize to this day. Listen to your patients and enjoy it.

Tanya in NY
(Amber's Mom, ROBPI, almost 3 years)

Hehe, Thanks Tanya! I was a PT before so I remember my first clinical for that! Man was I terrified! It was a big, tattooed, dressed in leather, long hair guy... intimidating??? I am 5'4" and weigh about 115lbs all wet! I was convinced he wouldn't listen to me... (he didn't, but not b/c of me, he just wanted meds to "fix" his back...).

I now have an extra challenge as 18 months ago I came down with a rare autoimmune disorder, Transverse Myelitis, I was paralyzed from mid-chest down. I now walk with a cane and a long leg brace on my left leg... have bowel and bladder problems and spasticity... BUT I don't let anything get in my way! Erb's Palsey never stopped me (I was a competitive figure skater) and this won't either.

I love your advice about not sweating the samll stuff... I have to keep reminding myself that lately.

Marieke

Marieke, congratulations on your progress! I have decided to change careers and pursue nursing too (though I won't be attending nursing school until Makenna (robpi) starts preschool in a few years, but I am planning on using my EMT cert to start working in the hospital in the Spring). Makenna's OT had mentioned that she was considering going to nursing school so that she can start seeing home patients who also require a nurse. Good luck to you!

Marike
Wow that is great so glad your tests went well.

I would say that you have chosen a great profession but I feel nursing, for most nurses, is a Vocation.

I know when my daughter choose to study for her BSN I wanted her to be a doctor.
I thought she was brain washed by her text books.(girls= nurse, boys=doctor).

She was so upset with me and said they were two separate chosen professions.
She told me when she was 7 she wanted to be a Nurse and never changed her mind.
She has three children and just started back to work part time she really missed nursing.

Good luck with the rest of your studies. I am sure with your drive you will do well.

Kath ( adult/obpi)

Congratulations Marieke!! You are on your way to being a great nurse.....YES, we can do anything we put our minds to. Not sweating the small stuff will get you alongggg way.
Hugs all around,
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI

I am happy to announce that I got back my marks from my first 2 tests (biology and nursing theory) and have done very well! I was very worried, as they were both complex exams and I felt stressed out while studying for them.
Thank you for your good wishes and all!
Marieke