tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-325441372514922022024-03-13T15:50:09.913-07:00Sleep.Study.Work.RepeatThe adventures of a Catholic, EMT, nurse aide as she makes her way to becoming an RN.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00164346798592281141noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32544137251492202.post-47381911745196197562012-07-29T06:20:00.001-07:002012-07-29T06:20:50.230-07:00What I've Learned So Far<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’m
<s>stealing</s> borrowing this from The Mom at <a href="http://shovedtothem.blogspot.com/">Shoved to Them</a> because it’s an
awesome idea and isn’t imitation the sincerest form of flattery?<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So,
this is what I’ve learned in 31 years of life, in no particular order:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When
in doubt, start anything in the microwave at 2 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Chronic
ditziness never, ever goes away.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
are usually three versions to a story of how someone got injured or sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One version told to the EMTs, one version
told to the ER nurse, and the real version told to the ER doctor.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
mess in the back of an ambulance after a squad run is directly proportional to
the seriousness of an injury or illness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The bigger the mess, the more serious the injury or illness.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Drama
kings and queens usually stink as workers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
more kids someone has, the more patient they are as nursing home residents.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Good
neighbors are worth their weight in gold!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Using
someone’s full first name or first and middle names together is bound to get their
attention, even if they are old enough to be your parent or grandparent.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A
good nurse always has alcohol wipes in their pockets.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you start an IV or remove an IV on someone on any type of blood thinner, even
81 mg of aspirin a day, you better be prepared with plenty of 4x4 gauze and
ready to put your entire body weight on your thumb to either stop the bleeding
until you get the tubing attached or a clot forms.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
best sound ever is a baby crying as you walk in the door of someone’s house
when you’ve been called out for a baby not breathing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Cream
cheese icing + Town House crackers = awesome snack!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Just
because you forgive and forget someone doesn’t mean you allow them to make the
same mistake again.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Lists
and schedules keep me sane.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">#14
saves my sanity for those times when every list and schedule has to go out the
window.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Inside
jokes are the best jokes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you fax any type of paper to anyone, you better call them and confirm they got
it as soon as you send it, or else it’ll be lost.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
amount of psychotropic medication someone is one is not proportional to their
level of sanity.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">No
soap can make you feel as squeaky clean as after you’ve gone to Confession.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
only church is the Catholic Church.<o:p></o:p></span><br />Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00164346798592281141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32544137251492202.post-61172309466761263832012-03-14T17:52:00.001-07:002012-03-14T17:54:07.895-07:00BellybuttonsYou remember when I started this blog I promised that my postings wouldn't be regular? Well, I lived up to that this quarter.<br />
<br />
This past quarter (I took and passed the final today!) was dealing with med-surg, as in caring for people before, during, and after surgery, caring for people with medical illnesses, and learning to care for the specific needs of the elderly. This quarter my clinical site was about 50 minutes away, which gave me lots of time for prayer and letting my mind wonder. (By the way, the iBrevary app is awesome!)<br />
<br />
During the quarter, we each had an opportunity to observe in a surgery unit. I was fortunate to be able to observe two gallbladder removals during my day in surgery. As someone who had their gallbladder removed at the tender age of 11, I was eager to see how this happened.<br />
<br />
While the patient was being prepped for surgery, my fellow student nurse and I observed the surgery team cleaning the patient's abdomen and paying particular attention to cleaning the patient's bellybutton, including pulling lint out that I'm pretty sure was older than me!<br />
<br />
My classmate and I were watching and silently trying to figure out why they were paying so much attention to the bellybutton, when, just as my classmate asked me if I knew what they were doing, it dawned on me.<br />
<br />
They were prepping it for an incision! <br />
<br />
Typically, this surgery involves four small incisions; one just below the breastbone, one on either side of the abdomen, and one at the very bottom of the bellybutton.<br />
<br />
The rest of the surgery was uneventful and the whole day, and quarter, went smoothly.<br />
<br />
God bless!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00164346798592281141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32544137251492202.post-14796041536692740802011-12-25T06:15:00.001-08:002011-12-25T06:15:56.021-08:00Merry Christmas!I want to wish everyone a very blessed Christmas season. Remember, today is the first day of the twelve days of Christmas!<br />
<br />
God Bless!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00164346798592281141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32544137251492202.post-58411253495300742192011-12-14T19:20:00.000-08:002011-12-14T19:20:52.504-08:00Christmas IdeasHaving a hard time shopping for your favorite EMT/STNA/RN student? Need a gift for your favorite cardiologist or ER doc? I present the defibrillator toaster!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRRxVpiBf6G5H_qrarX_ggIgtwg1lRfb0LTg8K8HaHv61Dac5MHnQa8WX0cOr32nrN_HKvwZ8GWCgJFsCaQPpwNnUHSdHCLgBMGmTegh7Z0nIJ8JBP9urIAzgLS51aweCAVrgKP5BSA/s1600/defib+toaster+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRRxVpiBf6G5H_qrarX_ggIgtwg1lRfb0LTg8K8HaHv61Dac5MHnQa8WX0cOr32nrN_HKvwZ8GWCgJFsCaQPpwNnUHSdHCLgBMGmTegh7Z0nIJ8JBP9urIAzgLS51aweCAVrgKP5BSA/s320/defib+toaster+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkVCxkijPkRWjpnWJiAnUv1nntgr9SpBh6rniOJOyZwQTLX1kAWmnK6YAotOUBDFLvpocvCpDnFAYick7JA1f8IdL31ITVXS6KKmQxQ-248zJhHLFPsBIRsJ8DXlMZD7xhvNXrM2-Pw/s1600/defib+toaster+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkVCxkijPkRWjpnWJiAnUv1nntgr9SpBh6rniOJOyZwQTLX1kAWmnK6YAotOUBDFLvpocvCpDnFAYick7JA1f8IdL31ITVXS6KKmQxQ-248zJhHLFPsBIRsJ8DXlMZD7xhvNXrM2-Pw/s320/defib+toaster+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One more picture is available <a href="http://www.shaycarmon.com/ideas/toaster/">here</a>. I found this initally on Dr. Grumpy's blog. While it is just a concept product, I think someone could make some serious cash making these and selling them at medical personnel seminars.</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00164346798592281141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32544137251492202.post-13627674646756553532011-11-19T19:20:00.000-08:002011-11-19T19:20:20.873-08:00Queenly EdictsIf I was Queen of the World for a day:<br />
<br />
1) Nothing Christmas related would be displayed at least until Advent started.<br />
2) If a person is sick and/or disabled enough to live in a nursing home, they are too sick to continue smoking!<br />
<br />
That's all for now. I'm still alive, nursing school is going well (A- average!), and in about 3 weeks I'll have break!<br />
<br />
God bless!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00164346798592281141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32544137251492202.post-4415530035090507062011-09-25T11:20:00.000-07:002011-09-25T11:20:06.721-07:00The Dress<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I found it at the second shop we looked at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the only dress with sleeves (a must!) in my size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I tried it on it fit perfectly, like it was made just for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked at a few other stores, but nothing compared to that dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew it was going to be my wedding dress.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The day of my wedding, I remember standing in shock, looking at my reflection in the mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then, I never saw myself as beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that dress I saw myself as beautiful.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I walked down the aisle in the dress and promised to love, honor, and cherish a man who I thought I would be with the rest of my life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After the wedding, I put the dress away and dreamed of the day I would use some of my dress to make a baptismal gown for a future little one, or maybe a future daughter would walk down the aisle in the same dress.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then, one day I woke up and I found out that my life wasn’t how it seemed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized that the man I married wasn’t who he presented himself to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I cried a little, took a breath, and started picking up the pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believed that things could still work and I would still have my happily ever after.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After awhile, I realized that instead of things getting better, they were getting worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found out that the man I thought I married was nowhere near to the child he really was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized that to stay in this marriage would mean spending the rest of my life not as a wife, but as a caregiver to a mentally ill man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I got angry, cried a lot, took a lot of breaths, and, with the help of God and a lot of amazing people, left that marriage and started rebuilding my life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">While rebuilding my life, I found out how amazing, strong, and beautiful I really am, even if I’m wearing an old skirt and t-shirt and repacking an entire house of stuff!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized that things with huge sentimental value, like wedding dresses, are just things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figured out a new definition of happily ever after and am working towards achieving that dream, with the new understanding that I must keep my mind open to God’s will for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite prayer is, “God, this is what I think you want me to do, if not stop me!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And the dress?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now it’s at a used bridal sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With any luck it’ll sell and I’ll use the money towards my new happily ever after.</span></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00164346798592281141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32544137251492202.post-89137400763363355062011-09-23T20:06:00.001-07:002011-09-23T20:06:58.295-07:00What I Did On My Summer Vacation<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">School started this week, so and I think I did pretty well on my break list:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I didn’t get to work any extra hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hours available were days I was either already working or had to be home as soon as work was over because I was on call with squad.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I made some decent progress on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Hidden Manna</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found the first hundred pages or so to be very tough reading, but once I figured out who were heretics and who were not, it became much easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve often wondered what exactly the Protestant “reformers” were thinking when they left the Church; after reading parts in this book, I’ve concluded that they weren’t thinking!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The car is clean!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Labor Day morning was spent washing, scrubbing (including hubcaps!), vacuuming, and waxing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It shines like brand new!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I was able to do 1.5 hours of CEUs on bath salts, as that’s all that was available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never completely understood why people would want to ingest substances that caused them to lose control of themselves, so abusing substances is beyond me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As you can see, I adjusted the blog layout and added as patron saints of this blog Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt and St. Michael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still not sure if I like it or what I should change; it seems more crowded now, but I’m not sure what to do about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any thoughts would be appreciated!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have a few blog pieces written ahead of time and a few more bouncing in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems when I get a few out, a few more come in!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The books are bought and, when stacked up, measure around 3 feet high!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazon and the college bookstore wanted my firstborn, but when I explained I didn’t have a firstborn, they were happy to take my debit and credit cards!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">God Bless!</span></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00164346798592281141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32544137251492202.post-36376517159109939792011-08-30T11:00:00.000-07:002011-08-30T11:00:43.661-07:00School's Out!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“School’s out, school’s out, teacher let the monkeys out!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yeah, I know, Labor Day is in a few days and the vast majority of students either have gone back or are getting ready to go back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I just completed my last final for summer quarter and have three weeks before nursing school starts!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Yep, I got in a year early!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yea me!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I way I see it, this is perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent the majority of the summer season in my air conditioned car, house, job, or classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I get three weeks to veg and prepare for fall while the weather is fabulous.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a list-maker; I always have a list either on paper or in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my list for the next three weeks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If possible, work extra hours to pad my savings account.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Finish one of two books I have been working on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been reading <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">St. Augustine</city></place>’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Confessions</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Hidden Manna</i> by Fr. James T. O’Connor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Confessions</i> is really interesting, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Hidden Manna</i> is on my Nook and that makes it more fun and more discreet to read.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Thoroughly wash my car, inside and out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do a pretty good job of keeping my car clean, but I intend to scrub off every bug that met an untimely fate on my front bumper and wax it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Catch up and get ahead on EMT CEU’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my state we have the option to renew our EMT certification by completing a certain number of continuing education credits in a three year period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My current certification won’t expire until April of 2014, but considering most of that time will be in nursing school, I’m planning on doing as many as I can whenever I can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully my county has access to a website with free (!!!) CEU’s.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Adjust the blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a complete overhaul, but I want to change the layout and add a few pictures.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If possible, try to write articles for the blog ahead of time, so it isn’t neglected for 11 weeks at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a few ideas bouncing around; I just need to get them on the computer!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Buy books and read ahead for fall quarter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not liking that idea right now, but I know in a week and a half or so I’ll be ready to dive in.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Have a fabulous Labor Day weekend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God Bless!</span></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00164346798592281141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32544137251492202.post-11756079613181789722011-08-27T16:31:00.000-07:002011-08-27T16:31:17.109-07:00Seizures and Popsicles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezPx8DMJ-Y_t7X9go8sFKYH31q4WtETupxwHRfd7dRQhAAk5Atn0HNBCQJ-C7CGkleFGbWSZ1hNjseUTiHAjeC7ts4rYHnE0D8sTqHXFZO-hcrjNt5CLZOQr2gBhW5y2QoJ9M1d0mqg/s1600/popsicles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezPx8DMJ-Y_t7X9go8sFKYH31q4WtETupxwHRfd7dRQhAAk5Atn0HNBCQJ-C7CGkleFGbWSZ1hNjseUTiHAjeC7ts4rYHnE0D8sTqHXFZO-hcrjNt5CLZOQr2gBhW5y2QoJ9M1d0mqg/s200/popsicles.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">At the nursing home I work at, we have a few residents who are, to put it mildly, a few fruit loops short of a full box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, but their perception of reality is not always correct. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Recently, one of my coworkers was caring for a resident when another resident came up to him in a panic, telling him that Ms. Hypo was having a seizure and on the phone with 911.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The aide ran down to the resident’s room and saw Ms. Hypo lying in her bed and talking to the 911 operator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My coworker grabbed the phone, and after letting the operator know that Ms. Hypo was fine and not having a seizure, hung up the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then had this conversation with the resident:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Aide: “What’s wrong?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ms. Hypo (in a panic): “I’m having a seizure!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want the nurse because no one out there (pointing out into the hall) will take care of it because all of you are crazy!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Aide: “Well, just relax for a minute and I’ll go get the nurse.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ms. Hypo: “OK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the way, can you get me a popsicle?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There you have it, someone in a seizure who not only can make some sense when talking, but can eat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a miracle!</span></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00164346798592281141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32544137251492202.post-91858747147476409512011-07-28T08:49:00.000-07:002011-07-28T08:49:47.744-07:00Thankful Thursday<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What I’m thankful for this week:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Statistics professors who let students borrow calculators when their calculator disappears somewhere between the science building and across campus.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">People who return very expensive graphing calculators to their owners.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Toenail polish that lasts forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I painted my toenails over two weeks ago and the polish is just beginning to chip, as opposed to completely off.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Strawberry candies with the syrup filling inside and moms who share them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Parents who go gallivanting all over a two state area, but bring home chocolates for their favorite oldest daughter to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I’m their only oldest daughter, which automatically makes me their favorite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also have a favorite son and a favorite youngest daughter.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What are you thankful for this week?</span></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00164346798592281141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32544137251492202.post-3179106043319068082011-07-18T11:00:00.000-07:002011-07-18T11:00:57.920-07:00Who is this person and why is she here?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Have you ever been in a situation where you walk in someplace that you’ve never been and know absolutely no one?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You feel like everyone is staring at you and asking themselves the question above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have two choices; you can either run away, or you can smile and introduce yourself to the first person you see.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Consider this first post me introducing myself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am a Catholic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe everything the Church teaches and I do the best I can to follow God’s will for my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love praying the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been know to ask for the intercession of the saints either under by breath or out loud as needed and not care who is around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I had the gas money and time I would go to the Traditional Latin Mass every week.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am an emergency medical technician (EMT).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I currently run with a volunteer rescue squad in my hometown and am certified as an EMT-Intermediate, which means I can start IV’s and give some really great drugs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I consider being an EMT the single most fulfilling thing I have done in my adult life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am a nurse aide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I currently work full-time in a nursing home and take care of 16 residents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal every shift is to care for them as if they were my own family members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am a student.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently I am completing the prerequisites to enter the nursing program to earn an associate’s degree in nursing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now I am scheduled to enter Fall 2012, but I hope to enter sometime during the 2011-2012 school year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a background in teaching, with a B.S.Ed. in early childhood education and almost a M.Ed. in special education; the path that led me from teaching to nursing is another post.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am creating this blog mainly to have a vehicle to express my thoughts about anything, but primarily Catholicism, prehospital medicine, and becoming an RN.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do a lot of driving going to work and school and that is when I do my best thinking about anything besides what assignment is next or what is going on at work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I will not promise that this blog will be updated with any regularity or frequency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life right now (for the next two years, depending on when I start clinicals) is sleep, study, work, repeat, hence the name of my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think of this as a fun thing, so it’s something that will be reserved for after my work is done.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I hope you read this blog for the reasons I read blogs, to learn, laugh, and experience a world different from your own.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">God Bless.</span></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00164346798592281141noreply@blogger.com3