At one point in my life, I wanted to be a doctor. Nursing simply seemed like a good option to go into before applying to medical school. There was a change of heart at some point though. I guess I just realized I don’t really need to go into actual medicine. Nurses do so much more than doctors do in some cases. Maybe we can’t diagnose a patient, but we have the skills to do it. Maybe we can’t perform a surgery, but we’re trained in CPR HCP. We also make a tighter bond with patients. So I really think that people should stop thinking of a nurse as a side-kick to the doctor. We’re professional health care providers with an intimate structure of work. And like doctors, we can take our job anywhere! So to my fellow nursing students, remember that you’re working with the physician, not just for them.
Image taken from: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XQifVQaNL._SL210_.jpg
Doctors vs. nurses.
Posted by LauraCJS at 12:25 PM 1 comments
Off the topic of nursing for a second.
Has anyone been following the news lately? I've been so behind on politics I was going crazy when my friend mentioned this:
If you don't want to watch the video, in summary, collaboration between the Liberals and the NDPs to over throw conservative government is taking place. They've signed an agreement to form almost like a mini government lead by Stephane Dion within our pre-exsisting government lead by Harper. The Bloc Quebecois has also signed the agreement, but only as supporters. And of course, Harper is freaking out, and is threatening to shut down parliament to avoid all this. But how can he do that right now? Right NOW? The news is right, our economy is a mess. Harper is just going to have to take what he deserves. I don't know how he got voted into the position of prime minister in the first place. Conservative views are not what we need right now.
I've always been a follower of the NDP. I'm really hoping this coalition works out.
Posted by LauraCJS at 7:14 AM 0 comments
Cheer up.
Alright I have a question.
Why is it that I’ve heard so many horror stories about bad nurses?
I have never been hospitalized. In fact, the only nurse I’ve really come to know is the one at my doctor’s office, who gives me a vaccination every so often. However, people I know who have been hospitalized seem to come back with tales of disgruntle nurses, impatient nurses, or just plain bored nurses. The reason why I find this so strange is because mostly all of our studies so far have emphasized the importance of being kind and empathetic towards patients. It’s stressed so much, even when you’d think it would be common sense. So I’m wondering, did all these experienced nurses not get taught the way we’re being taught now? Perhaps over time you just lose all reason to care for patients? I’m really hoping that’s not the case. I’m not really sure how you forget that you’re patients are human beings, especially when they’re looking and talking to you, and rely on you for food and care. I suppose next semester when I’m in clinical I’ll be able to experience some angry nurses for myself. I, for one, plan to stay a happy nurse.
Nurse Ratched. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Photo taken from: http://i29.tinypic.com/2ykdxyo.jpg
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Posted by LauraCJS at 8:08 PM 0 comments
Something that really means a lot to me.
I want to say that I don’t think I’d be going into nursing if it wasn’t for my involvement in a club at my high school known as Zonta club. I was in Z-club for two years, and it opened my eyes to the sufferings of those in the third world. Our club raised thousands of dollars ($20,000 alone in 2008) for World Vision by hosting the 30 hour famine at our school. Never have I felt greater than when I knew I was making a difference.
I want to remind everyone that nursing opens the doors for us to work directly in areas such as Sudan, Zambia, Kenya, Sri Lanka, etc. Areas that are in desperate need of healthcare attention and education.
My ultimate goal is to join an organization such as Doctors without borders or WHO once I’m out of school and have had some experience in Canada. I really think that you should watch the video I have embedded into this post, because it really touches my heart. We are the future of nursing, and I think everyone should take a second to think and reflect on this.
Posted by LauraCJS at 9:50 AM 1 comments
End of semester! <3
It’s coming down to the end of the first semester here at UOIT.
In the nursing program, specifically, we’ve been doing a lot of reflective work on what we’ve learned so far and what we’re expecting for clinical. I figured that I may as well write one blog post about how I’m feeling, just as a summary.
To start, it’s been HECTIC. Especially at this moment, exams are less than a week away, and there’s too much information to take in! I know, though, that soon it will be over and I’ll have time to really relax. I’m looking forward to that. At the same time, I’m pretty proud of what I’ve learned so far. Especially from our Foundations for practicum class; you know, the hands on stuff. You kind of feel like a better person once you know you can check someone’s vital signs with accuracy. It’s such a small part of nursing too, so I can’t imagine how fulfilled I’m going to feel at the very end of it all!
Oh, I don’t know if anyone reading this is a fan of Mad TV, but you should take a look at this clip from the show. I think it’s funny just because it’s everything we’re NOT supposed to do as nurses. So next month when you’re in clinical, make sure to do the complete opposite of this:
Posted by LauraCJS at 9:08 AM 0 comments
Technologic
I believe that new technology in healthcare is helping communication barriers between nurses and other health care professionals, as well as improves communication between the nurse and patient. For example, things such as computerized health records make the task of relaying information between staff faster and more efficient. The less time it takes for a nurse to receive orders on how to care for a patient, the more time can be spent on the actual act of care. Nurses are also translators, becoming the link between the patient and the technology. Specifically, triage nurses work over the phone to assess individuals and link them to the care they need. For new nursing students, integrating technology into the nursing practice is an opportunity for new skills and ensures future success.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Posted by LauraCJS at 6:05 AM 1 comments
Starting off...
Hey everyone! My name is Laura, and this is my new blog.
What to say about myself? Well, I’m 17 (but I’ll be 18 next month) and I live on residence at UOIT. I used to be a regional arts student, but now I’m a nursing student. I love animals, and have had many pets come and go in my life. The newest additions to our family are two baby red eared sliders (turtles) named Jacob and Elton. Oh and I should mention, I’ve been a happy vegetarian for about eight months now.
It's been quite a while since I've had an online blog, so I’m kind of excited to start it up again! Comments are always welcome.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Posted by LauraCJS at 5:57 AM 0 comments