Cristina Yang you rock

Went to see my new Cardiologist today. She was very good and nice I liked her alot. I talked about my concerns of my current BP, which was actually not to too bad today 128/94, 130/90 - But considering I still have ankle swelling and the diastolic is still elevated I asked for Metoprolol and she agreed.

I have a stress test and an echo cardiogram tomorrow and then a follow-up next week and the official hurdles should be about over for WLS. (Give or take a few visits)

I am not looking forward to this though

Feeling hot hot hot...

I began taking Cayenne Fruit vitamin gel caps. So after a massive bought with heartburn,now I am having wicked hotflashes. Ummm... I think my Basal Metabolic Rate has been successfully increased.

Additionally, I am hoping to reap the benefits claim of this "super" herb to help with some anti-inflammatory effects.

Appointments Galore

#6 in the weight loss insurance hurdle in the books, of course there could be 3 more so we won't get our hopes up yet. Cardiology tomorrow morning, then it's in the insurance company's hands to approve or to require 3 more visits.

We shall see.. at this point it doesn't matter to me if its sooner or later, as long as we are getting closer either way.

Of course I am terrified of the actual surgery part, mostly because of all the bad memories from the past and the crappy feeling right after.

I also have an appointment with a LPN-RN program tomorrow to take a look-see and to get some information on their program. Just to have some options incase I need them.

Recommended WLS Reading

So my mental health consult appointment went well. I was cleared by him for surgery. So one more step down. Anyway he recommended I work my way through this workbook

I just bought it and expect it to come within the next few days. I am an emotional eater apparently and this is supposed to help with that.

Of course it's not like I have time for any more "school" type work to do, this Ethics and Patho class are already killing me. But I digress... point of this post, ANYONE ELSE HEARD OF THIS BOOK?

Pastaless Chicken Piccata

New favorite meal.

Sleep Interviewing

This is a first for me, especially since in no way am I currently looking for a new job. Except it was RN level hospital position interview. So anyway...

I am at the hospital on the floor, talking to a staff nurse. She seems very excited for me to work there and assumes I am the personal she is actually precepting for the day. I explain to her that I am still in the interviewing phase, for some reason right now I have scrubs on. Anyway I point out that it is actually a friend of mine she is precepting and she wishes me luck and off they go.

So then this interviewer comes out and introduces herself, does not shake my hand just looks up and down, crinkles her nose. and I can feel this sudden deflation in my own personal opinion of how things just went downhill very fast.

So it's a 1:1 interview with her, she says, "Do you not care about your appearance?" I look down and I am wearing flip flops, hummm, weird. So then I explain that yes I do, but I am going to my current position right from here... the interview continues. She says, " I won't tell you a lie this interview probably isn't going to go anywhere, but we will continue anyway."

So she asks me some questions, I give my answers. (I think these are posts I have just made in my Ethics class), anyway we are finished we walk toward this other room. It's now a group interview.
She says to me, " I am very surprised by your answers. I think you have given the best answers all day. You'll get the job if your questions are just as good."

So now I am thinking, "What questions should ask about the job?" Then I woke up.

Odd... very odd... lol

Don't tell me I am not working in acute care

Crazy scary shift last night. When you are working within a very tight margin of error, it is not ok for a pump to decide that it does not want to infuse at the correct rate, despite the indicators saying otherwise.

When you have a pump that is not adjustable and does not offer a bolus infusion of glucose it is not ok if it malfunctions. It can get get bad in a split second (aka < 15 minutes) and it did.

One more Hurdle

Jumping one more insurance hurdle today on the way to the Lapband. Today is psych consult day. Had this 180 question "test" to take. I hate those tests. True or false you... sometimes those are neither true nor false about me. Why was there not a sometimes?

I wonder if I can or should address my crazy anxiety and social phobia issue that seems to be getting worse lately? Or just wait to discuss it with my PCP? Probably wait :-)

I still have to get cleared from the cardiologist, I have another weight loss appointment this month on the 27th, which makes 6 total. Of course I could actually be forced to complete 3 more because of missing that one in November, but they are going to try and submit to the insurance company in the meantime anyway.

So we could be looking at a surgery date in March or clear out till June. We shall see.

Nursing Schools in Georgia

Before I start out with my evaluation on University of Georgia id just like to state that this school has received a lot of great critiques. I actually have a personal colleague of mine who studies here and she has a massive perception of satisfaction for this university. It was really hard to find anything at all negative with regards to this particular university. Most, if not all students in the nursing division truly take pleasure in studying with this institution.

Georgia is the biggest sized state throughout the eastern side of the Mississippi. University of Georgia is actually situated at the heart of Athens. On average the institution could expect to sign up over 22,000 undergrad candidates and around 8,520 grad applicants. The student to instructor ratio at this institute is absolutely amazing for a large school; the smaller sized classes help to make studying in Georgia State extremely satisfying. An individual can assume to see well over 8 different other institutions all-around the University.

University of Georgia has become a very competitive school to enroll directly into as a lot more students outside of Georgia have been applying. On Average 12, 000 individuals apply directly to this institution and only 9,000 will be admitted. The students that were approved to this institution had a SAT standing of 1100 to 1300 and an ACT score averaging 25. Basically put, if you're not in the top 20% of your school it can be extremely challenging to get in.

Georgia State University provides the standard bachelor's of science in nursing as well as a very good fast paced course referred to as ACE, Achieving the Curriculum Expeditiously. The prerequisites for nursing for the standard 4 year BSN program require the candidate to have a minimum GPA of 3, you also must study one summer term to maintain up with the curriculum. Should also currently have attained high grades in English, Math, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Before getting into the fourth and last year the student will have to have a C or better in all prerequisite courses taken. The student also must declare a major just before entering the final year of study. The ACE course will need the candidate to have a valid bachelor's degree within another discipline or hold a major nursing degree. The bare minimum prerequisites for nursing needed for the ACE program 3.25.

Fostering False Hope...

I stumbled upon a site requesting input from new grads regarding positive feedback only of how they landed their first job, even as a lowly new grad.

We know this is rare. The walk out of nursing school and land a hospital nursing job in acute care scenario. So if we focus on all of these new grads just waltzing into their field of choice, or straight out of school and into a new grad position, are we fostering false hope, like that great nursing shortage myth?

Discussion Board Classes

The problem with discussion board classes is that these people are all a bunch of liars! Okay maybe they don't mean to be, but it's an Ethics class and are you telling me that everyone has impeccable Ethics that they always do everything right?

Yeah my ass! Okay I know its a class and I know these people are pretty much just posting what they know they should do and what the book says to do, but if a friend got you front row tickets to a concert you have always wanted to go to, would you really tell your friend you couldn't go because you agreed to work an OT shift and that would be the end to it?

Yeah... that's what I thought. :-)

Whatever Day

I am not a fan of valentines day. Haven't been since it was ruined a few years ago. All this day does is bring back bad memories and feelings I repress the rest of the year.

Besides why should there be only one day that you celebrate love. I say celebrate everyday with tokens of your love.

So everyone, celebrate your love everyday instead!

What's good about Patho?

Nothing.

HESI HINTS

http://www.hesistudy.com/other_tests

Apparently even HESI agrees that it is harder than NCLEX. So I guess that's why they usually tell you their predictor is the best when it comes to readiness to tackle the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN

I have studied from and have recommended on many occasion the use of the

The first time I took the HESI-PN exit exam I used the HESI NCLEX-PN guide all semester and feel that is the reason I did so well. This last time I actually was using the RN books (Kaplan & Saunders) since I got them for free, and I think that is what helped me boost my score.

Best of luck to you all!

What Is the Most Prestigious Southern California School of Nursing?

For anyone who is interested in being a Registered Nurse, BSN or perhaps MSN, you should be familiar with a a trio of nursing schools in Southern California whose training programs annually rate with the very best anywhere. All of these nursing colleges offer the above mentioned varieties of nursing certifications and also consistently see more than 90% of their students pass the NCLEX-RN test on their initial attempt.

Best Nursing Programs in Southern California

The three top Southern California nursing training programs are UCLA, California State University, L.A. and SDSU. Every one of these schools delivers RN, BSN, and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) certifications, and is well known throughout the region for the superior quality and talent of their former pupils.

University of California, Los Angeles College of Nursing

Ever since opening its doors more than 60 years ago, the University of California, Los Angeles College of Nursing has grown to become one of the nation's premier colleges for nursing. Last year, the college was ranked seventh in the U.S. in research for nursing sciences and number one in research funding by various noted groups.

California State University, Los Angeles School of Nursing

It should be no big surprise to learn that the CSU L.A. School of Nursing is a heavily impacted program. When considering the fact its graduate students have successfully passed the NCLEX-RN with a 90% pace or higher annually since 2006, and that the school's higher degree courses in Nursing Education, Nursing Administration and School Health are among the best-regarded any place in the Western U.S., it is obvious why students are prepared to wait in line for admission.

San Diego State University School of Nursing

Among the excellent nursing colleges in San Diego, the SDSU College of Nursing is recognized for providing one of the state's greatest varieties of college degrees, and enabling students to study in a state-of-the-art simulated hospital. These two benefits, along with its tremendously-respected teachers, make SDSU one of the top nursing programs in California.

How About Some of the Other Nursing Schools in Southern California?

As referred to earlier, the three programs pointed out in this article are definitely not the only excellent ones in the region. Some other noteworthy institutions are San Diego's Hahn School of Nursing, and a couple of nursing schools in Los Angeles - Mount St. Mary's School of Nursing, and Loma Linda University's School of Nursing. A degree acquired from any one of those nursing universities in Southern California guarantees the recipient a long, financially rewarding career in whichever discipline of nursing she or he decides.

Perils of Homecare

Payday should not be under the idea of peril. But for some reason I did not get a paycheck this cycle. I submitted everything on time with all of the paperwork including a time sheet. WTF? I didn't bother to check it yesterday and the 1 day I don't and just assume that it is there is is MIA!!

I can not afford this and of course I bet the next time they'll be able to pay me is the next cycle which is the 24th~ Not good I have bills to pay you stupid bitches!

How on earth, where on earth do they get off playing with people's lives like this. I mailed it on Friday right after my shift. I should have been there on Saturday. If for some reason it didn't arrive until Monday, sorry if their mail doesn't come until afternoon. That is fucked up! Now I have to call them every time I mail something to confirm that they received it? Like I don't have enough to do.

End of month I even drove down there after a NOC shift the 30 miles to drop off my notes so they would be there by 8am for their billing.

It's a good thing I love my placement, otherwise these people would have been long since a reason to seek alternate employment as they have continuously messed up.

Sign of the Times?

There are a few LPN programs in my local area. One of which is no longer offering their LPN program. (Of course that program does not put out qualified grads in my opinion)

The big chain hospital no longer offers their Fellows Program. The RN-ADN program, has partnered with a University to offer a concurrent BSN program.

Is it a sign of the times, have they finally managed to start the phasing out of the LPN? Have they figured out a way to require a BSN as minimum entry for an RN?

Hummm.. furthermore... who are they?

Begin Again

So I have started to look at 1 more RN program. Yeah I know I know I flip flop a lot. Actually this is just for a back-up in case the other takes even longer than expected. Right now its bad side is that it costs more tuition wise.

But since this one will not cost me anything in application fees and additional testing fees, I figured it's worth a shot to at least go and meet with them.

Not that I have any real intention of going there but since I know my LPN route was my back-up plan, it can't hurt to have a back-up plan for this as well.

Or do I already have a back-up of a back-up? I honestly just need to stay off the internet search engines. LOL

Ethical Debate

Question: Suppose that you are chatting with someone who tells you that she is going to go into nursing (or any other health field) because she can get a good paying job and she won’t get laid off like she has been from other jobs. She goes on to say, “I think sick people can be whiny and demanding, but I can put up with that, smile and do my job." Based on your readings, how would you respond?


Everyone in the class pretty much said, she is wrong. Her reasons invalid etc.



My Answer was: I do not believe that someone going into a field that requires patient centered care should go into the field with a negative bias already. Negativity breeds negativity and eventually that attitude is going to wear off toward the patients or toward coworkers. I would however respect their choices. I try not to judge people strictly based on my opinions or even my personal values. I feel that some people who are not particularly fond of people as a whole, actually can provide sensitive personal care to their patients or clients without prejudice.
I would offer to educate them further on their misconceptions regarding the actual economic stability of a career in the medical field. In actuality the medical field has been hit with layoffs. In fact a large medical health network associated with a prestigious medical school in Massachusetts is set to begin the layoffs of 900 employees. (Globe,2012) In Arizona Carondelet Healthcare Network is planning to layoff 225 medical positions within their network. (layoff tracker, 2011)
Furthermore, I don't believe that it is correct to just tell a person that their plan or the reasons behind that plan are purely wrong. At the very least this person is probably misguided in their views and expectations of the nursing profession and the patients that they will see. After all not all sick patients are whiny. However, perhaps instead of looking at this person's views as merely wrong, maybe here is a place to gain a bit more information behind their motivations for choosing nursing. Maybe what this person meant was," I think the pay is great. I heard its recession proof from the media and nursing school ads, and my family really needs me to work. I can put up with some difficult people in order to do my job and have a smile while doing so." Is she still wrong?



What do you all think?

Admiration Exploration

Who do you admire and why? What characteristics make them admirable?

I really hate this question. To me its like pick some people and ponder why they should even be a part of your life?

I feel like I need to wax poetically or have some profound reason to admire someone.

If I call you friend, I admire you because you are you.

Does that answer the question?

Nursing Schools - Best Quality

The increasing demand for nurses to serve in different areas such as nursing homes, hospitals, clinics and other related industries, a steady increase in the number of people pursuing a nursing career has increased. This in turn has led to an increase in the number of nursing schools. However, before settling down to choose any of these schools, there are a couple of things every student needs to take into consideration and some of these include the following.

• Qualified teachers: This is one of the most important things you have to consider when selecting these schools. Ensure that they have a reputation of having the best teachers as this goes a long way to determine whether you reap maximum benefits from the venture. They should have the knowledge that is needed to guarantee students get all the necessary information that is needed to make them competent.

• Quality nurses can only be produced through proper academic training and hands on experience and for this reason, it is important to ensure that the selected schools have the ability of delivering on both ends. Sometimes, it is advisable to settle with an institution that has an affiliation with a nursing home or hospital because it opens the opportunity to get hands on experience.

• The type of lab equipment and classrooms in the nursing schools is also important. Therefore, when making your choice, make sure that the institution offers the best of both in order to increase the possibility of getting the best out of the same. This is important as it ensures by the time you are through with the training, you have the knowledge needed to act competently.

• A school that has the ability to accommodate student needs is also important and you should not overlook this fact when making your choice. In this regard, it should offer programs that measure up to the student's budget. What is more, the location and schedule of classes should also be designed in a manner that ensures the student is able to attend classes without any major issues or concerns.

• The best nursing schools should also have a strong and solid reputation. It should be well known in the industry and have a proven track record of delivering students who succeed in the field. It is easy to confirm this end by checking out references and talking to students who have pursued programs there.

All these aspects are extremely important and should never be overlooked when pursuing a career in this field.

An American Holiday

Are you ready for some football?

Things I wish I would have known...

That the Pathophysiology class this semester is pretty much all cellular related for the first 8 modules. ie... my midterm is going to suck, and this class is not even slightly interesting. Which of course makes it VERY hard to actually get motivated to do it.

Ethics: Well discussion board classes are dumb.

Philosophy: I have to retake this class to get the grade off of my GPA, because it really is dragging me down. I should have a very high 3.5- 3.8, but because I dropped the class after the midterm, I have an F on my transcript. So it brings my GPA down wayyy lower than I want. So needless to say I have to take a grade replacement for this class, even though I don't need the class overall.


I really should have hired a better divorce lawyer when dealing with my ex. Or should have been a huge bitch and dragged his ass into court a few times over the last 15 years, hell maybe even once in the last 15 years to prove my point. But I was nice he on the other hand is still a fucking dick!

Visitors

It's so cool to see the ticker at the side bar. I am surprised by the places people are that randomly stumble onto this blog. It's also weird when it's even a random flashback to a city I used to live in.

Shout out to the Worcester peeps! LOL

Have I mentioned...

I HATE cellular level biology!?! First few chapters in Pathophys. are all repeats of Micro. We all know how much I hated that class. Got a 87% on my first test. Have two papers left to write by tomorrow. One on the effects of the Human Genome Project and one on Counseling a patient who was dx'd with Huntington's Disease. I have three paragraphs written each and have no idea where I want them to go. Bleck.

Ethics first two weeks of class assignments are completed, she had not posted anymore assignments yet. Doesn't she know we like to get ahead in classes like this?

Nothing else going on right now.