Nursing School – Week 1

Dear Diary:
Week 1 of nursing school is over. I’m phyiscally tired. These are long days and I’m just not used to it, though I know in a few weeks it will be better.

Monday: 
First night of classes. We didn’t do much but get the introductions out of the way and some preliminary stuff. Pharmacology talked about the metric system and the conversions.  Basic skills class just gave an overview, let us ask questions and everyone got to introduce themselves.

Tuesday: 
Patient asssessment class was pretty basic and quick. Basic skills lecture was on legal and ethical considerations.

Wednesday:
Skills lab. We had to wear our uniforms which was a bit embarrassing as we walked through campus in a solid white uniform. You could feel the stares from the other students. We learned how to make a bed with a patient in it and an empty bed, how to properly wash our hands, how to use restraints and when to use them, how to do oral care and how to give a bed bath. The bed making with the mitre corners was the hardest thing for me.

Thursday: 
Skills lab. We did vital signs and how to move a patient in and out of bed to/from a wheelchair. My biggest issue is that they teach you to palpate the brachial pulse, then blow up the cuff until it’s gone and then wait 30 seconds and go 20-30 points higher than where you lost it on palpation. I’ve never done it that way and a brachial pulse is not easy to get on everyone. I’ll get through it and make it work.

I’ve heard nightmares about my professor. That she comes across as really nice in the beginning but that she is the "Devil incarnate" from what I’ve heard. Two level 3 nursing students that we spoke to last night after class said that if you can get through her class and pass, you can make it through the rest of the nursing program with ease.  I’m not sure if I should be worried about that or not.

Well, tonight I’m taking a break from reading and studying and am just going to relax.