November 1st – I am thankful for an amazing Level IV clinical group. These are 11 of the most patient-centered, thorough, compassionate people I have ever met. I am blessed to have done my last ADN school rotation with them and would be happy if any, or all, of them were my, or a loved one’s, nurse.
November 2nd – I am thankful for my Husband and Zeke, Hannah Bean and Charlotte (aka. Charlie), my K9 kids. They are all keeping me company as I study for my Level IV Final Exam and I am feeling the love.
Yesterday I celebrated getting through Nursing III and Psychosocial/Mental Health Nursing. Nursing III, at my ADN program is a combination of Medical Surgical Nursing and Pediatrics. The other component is Psychosocial Nursing, or what I like to call, “MY PEOPLE!” My celebratory drink of choice was a Sangria, with copious amounts of red wine.
Before starting the program I knew I would be most attracted to Psych Nursing. After all, my B.A. and graduate work was in Criminology and Public Administration. So, not only am I already interested in the subject matter, I am fascinated at how our minds work. The complexities of the brain are endless.
I had the honor of being placed in the clinical rotation at our local Veteran’s Administration hospital, a place I am familiar with, as the wife of a Gulf War-Era Veteran. The experience, as a Student Nurse, did not disappoint. In fact, it has been, bar none, my best clinical experience in Nursing School. I live in an area with outstanding teaching hospitals. And, I attend the ADN program with the best local reputation, for preparing students well. Better than the four-year colleges.
The VA was a dream clinical assignment. Everyone, from the Veterans and their families, to the nurses and doctors were welcoming. I was asked repeatedly, “When are you graduating? Are you coming to work here? We need more nurses, here, you know?” All I wanted to say was, “I WANT to work here!!” Because I do. Specifically with mental health and/or PTSD patients.
Next Semester, my final semester, I have the opportunity of going back to the VA. In fact, there is a strong possibility that I can go back to the same unit I worked on this semester. Not only will I already know the charting and MAR systems, I will know the nurses and may likely select a Nurse Preceptor from that group. My other option is to select a different clinical site, to learn another system and expand my professional circle.
For now, however, I am enjoying some much needed time off! My pedicure is scheduled for tomorrow and I am volunteering at the Pinning Ceremony for the Spring 2013 graduates. I will bid them good luck and Godspeed and prepare myself for Level IV.
November 1st – I am thankful for an amazing Level IV clinical group. These are 11 of the most patient-centered, thorough, compassionate people I have ever met. I am blessed to have done my last ADN school rotation with them and would be happy if any, or all, of them were my, or a loved one’s, nurse.
Reading, Drinking and Dancing with a Chaser of Snark 