Why am I up at 4am on a night I'm not doing the night shift on the OB unit? I'm a nervous wreck about my teaching debut today!
I accepted an offer to teach OB clinicals for half a semester at my Alma Mater. So, now I am the nervous instructor where once I was the nervous nursing student.
The source of most of my anxiety comes from the fact that I am doing my clinicals at a hospital that I do not work at. I have to use their pyxis/electronic medication computer system, etc. and learn their protocols, etc. I just wish it were at the hospital I am already working at where those details were not a source of stress to me and I could just focus on mentoring the students.
Another source of stress is in the details. As a practicing nurse on OB, when I assess a postpartum woman's fundus, I feel it and can automatically tell if it is appropriate or of concern without really thinking much about it. But, now I have to go back to my textbook days and be able to site that at X number of hours postpartum the fundus should be midline, firm and at X-finger-breaths below/above the umbilicus, etc. etc. Another example: when I listen to bowel sounds on a post cesarean section mother, I put my stethoscope on her abdomen and can tell relatively quickly what we are dealing with. But, that will not be good enough. I will have to now instruct student to listen to each quadrant in a clockwise motion before palpation for X number of seconds and count the number of bowel sounds heard and their characteristics in order to successfully assess the patient. See what I'm saying?
And, as I former student who lived for the DETAILS, I know there will be a student or two who are just waiting to test the new instructor and deem her fit/unfit to instill knowledge into them.
Anyway, dispite all of my fears, I am looking forward to it. I used to do doula work at this hospital, so I am hoping to see some of the doctors and nurses I used to work with years ago. And, it is a new experience. One I am thankful to have.
Wish me much luck, please!
Showing posts with label nursing school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nursing school. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Education Overload
I've been studying a lot lately. My nursing research class has taken a lot out of me. I ended up with a 20 page integrative research review (IRR) with the title: " A Systematic Review of the Literature About the Incidence of Screening for Intimate Partner Violence in the Maternity Patient."
To summarize my 20 pg paper in one paragraph: Intimate partner violence (IPV) can have serious sequelae including premature birth and infant death; and, IPV is more prevalent than both PIH & Gestational Diabetes. However, the screening for IPV in pregnancy by healthcare workers is sporadic and inconsistent at best. Despite screening tools being available to healthcare workers, most institutions simply do not integrate them into their practice. Additionally, more research is needed to determine the most effective screening tools and interventions.
In addition to finishing up my nursing research class (WHEW!!!), I just finished up my health assessment class today. I can now assess you head to toe in 30 minutes flat! Good to know, I suppose. I also finished a 1 credit kinesiology class as well last month.
On top of all of the school work, my work has been crazy busy - and I'm in the middle of recertification and special trainings there, too.
Tomorrow I get recertified in neonatal resuscitation, so I've been trying to re-read the neonatal resuscitation text book and review materials for that. And, our hospital is super focused on continuing education. They design special educational days where you have to go and participate in mock drills and take tests on certain situations/skills like postpartum hemorrhage and shoulder dystocia, etc. So, I've been in the middle of that this month as well.
Overall, I'll be ready for a break from all of this studying soon!! I'm super glad I'll be done with school in August!! Then, I can just focus on getting obstetrical experience and continuing education for my RN license.
To summarize my 20 pg paper in one paragraph: Intimate partner violence (IPV) can have serious sequelae including premature birth and infant death; and, IPV is more prevalent than both PIH & Gestational Diabetes. However, the screening for IPV in pregnancy by healthcare workers is sporadic and inconsistent at best. Despite screening tools being available to healthcare workers, most institutions simply do not integrate them into their practice. Additionally, more research is needed to determine the most effective screening tools and interventions.
In addition to finishing up my nursing research class (WHEW!!!), I just finished up my health assessment class today. I can now assess you head to toe in 30 minutes flat! Good to know, I suppose. I also finished a 1 credit kinesiology class as well last month.
On top of all of the school work, my work has been crazy busy - and I'm in the middle of recertification and special trainings there, too.
Tomorrow I get recertified in neonatal resuscitation, so I've been trying to re-read the neonatal resuscitation text book and review materials for that. And, our hospital is super focused on continuing education. They design special educational days where you have to go and participate in mock drills and take tests on certain situations/skills like postpartum hemorrhage and shoulder dystocia, etc. So, I've been in the middle of that this month as well.
Overall, I'll be ready for a break from all of this studying soon!! I'm super glad I'll be done with school in August!! Then, I can just focus on getting obstetrical experience and continuing education for my RN license.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Courses
Procrastination over - and with the help of my tech savvy hubby, I finished my power point presentation and am now done with the Fall 2008 semester and Nursing Informatics, thank goodness.
I'm doing the accelerated RN to BS program that is new to PSU this year. It provides an opportunity for an Associate degree nurse to complete all requirements for her baccalaureate degree in one calendar year. The program makes it possible by making courses run only 7 weeks in length and stacking them all on one day of the week, so an already employed nurse needs only to take one day off a week to attend classes. So, I'm on track to graduate in August with a BSN. We'll see how it goes, but right now I'm scheduled for 11 credits in the Spring, all classes on Tuesdays.
I'm scheduled for:
Nurs 200W: Nursing Research, writing intensive. The study of the methods and philosophy of empirical inquiry as applied to research in nursing (Yes, Caressa, I'll be calling you for help with proof-reading my papers - Get the red pens ready!).
Nurs 417: Family & Community Health Concepts. Study of the concepts of family and community based nursing care emphasizing multicultural influences on health practices. This course includes 40 hours of clinical practice.
Nurs 351: Health Assessment. Goals for the course include: Identify psychosocial, cultural and developmental factors affecting the health assessment process; utilize appropriate communication and interviewing techniques to facilitate the health assessment; gather health history and current health status in a thorough and systematic manner, document the health history and current health status, and the physical exam according to the accepted standards, utilize inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation effectively, recognize normal parameters of the health assessment, demonstrate competency in performing the physical examination; and demonstrate critical thinking in the analysis of physical findings.
Kinesiology 013: CPR, First Aid and Personal Safety. This is truly a "Fluff" course. It is only one credit. I took it because I was lacking one "GHA" credit towards graduation... There are very few one credit GHA courses to pick from. I'm already CPR certified.... But, I need one GHA credit... And, it is only 2 days long... So, no biggie... I'll take it. Whatever.
Onward & Upward.
I'm doing the accelerated RN to BS program that is new to PSU this year. It provides an opportunity for an Associate degree nurse to complete all requirements for her baccalaureate degree in one calendar year. The program makes it possible by making courses run only 7 weeks in length and stacking them all on one day of the week, so an already employed nurse needs only to take one day off a week to attend classes. So, I'm on track to graduate in August with a BSN. We'll see how it goes, but right now I'm scheduled for 11 credits in the Spring, all classes on Tuesdays.
I'm scheduled for:
Nurs 200W: Nursing Research, writing intensive. The study of the methods and philosophy of empirical inquiry as applied to research in nursing (Yes, Caressa, I'll be calling you for help with proof-reading my papers - Get the red pens ready!).
Nurs 417: Family & Community Health Concepts. Study of the concepts of family and community based nursing care emphasizing multicultural influences on health practices. This course includes 40 hours of clinical practice.
Nurs 351: Health Assessment. Goals for the course include: Identify psychosocial, cultural and developmental factors affecting the health assessment process; utilize appropriate communication and interviewing techniques to facilitate the health assessment; gather health history and current health status in a thorough and systematic manner, document the health history and current health status, and the physical exam according to the accepted standards, utilize inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation effectively, recognize normal parameters of the health assessment, demonstrate competency in performing the physical examination; and demonstrate critical thinking in the analysis of physical findings.
Kinesiology 013: CPR, First Aid and Personal Safety. This is truly a "Fluff" course. It is only one credit. I took it because I was lacking one "GHA" credit towards graduation... There are very few one credit GHA courses to pick from. I'm already CPR certified.... But, I need one GHA credit... And, it is only 2 days long... So, no biggie... I'll take it. Whatever.
Onward & Upward.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Question
As part of my nursing class, this week's "Question of the Week" and my answer is below. The class is over next week! And, I'll be 3 more credits closer to my next degree. I then start the next nursing class the following week. Keep plugging away....
Question:
List 2 topics that you personally would like to research. This can be a clinical topic, management issue, or any topic in nursing that you feel the need for additional research to be completed. Give the reasons why you feel strongly about the subjects and who you might link with in order to complete the research.
My Answer:
The first topic that would be of interest to me to research more is "Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy." I believe obstetric nurses neglect this topic during ante & intra - partum care. We ask the standard "Do you feel safe at home" question but rarely is this answered affirmatively. And, current research shows that intimate partner violence during pregnancy reaches 20% - That is a higher percentage than both pre-ecclampsia & gestational diabetes - Both of which maternity nurses obtain much training and knowledge with which to address these problems. But, we do not receive specific training about how to more effectively screen for and intervene in cases of intimate partner violence. I think we tend to "give our practice away" by simply referring the abused or suspected abused woman to social services, then washing our hands of the situation. While I think social services is an excellent resource and a good place for me (or us as nurses) to start to look into this topic more, it should not be our only resource.
Secondly, I would like to do some more research on the topic of "The Autonomy of Midwives." Currently midwives are frequently denied practicing privileges in many area hospitals - the decision to allow midwives to practice is often put to a vote by THE DOCTORS! The doctors, who are in direct competition for the patients midwives would potential serve, have the final say in whether midwives are allowed to practice in a hospital. I would like to explore this topic more. While I understand midwives must work in collaboration with physicians, I believe there should be a certain degree of autonomy as advanced practice nurses, which is not there currently. A good place for me to start would be to talk to the local midwives and see how they have addressed this issue. And, I could contact ACNM as they have a special division just for such topics about restriction of practice.
Question:
List 2 topics that you personally would like to research. This can be a clinical topic, management issue, or any topic in nursing that you feel the need for additional research to be completed. Give the reasons why you feel strongly about the subjects and who you might link with in order to complete the research.
My Answer:
The first topic that would be of interest to me to research more is "Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy." I believe obstetric nurses neglect this topic during ante & intra - partum care. We ask the standard "Do you feel safe at home" question but rarely is this answered affirmatively. And, current research shows that intimate partner violence during pregnancy reaches 20% - That is a higher percentage than both pre-ecclampsia & gestational diabetes - Both of which maternity nurses obtain much training and knowledge with which to address these problems. But, we do not receive specific training about how to more effectively screen for and intervene in cases of intimate partner violence. I think we tend to "give our practice away" by simply referring the abused or suspected abused woman to social services, then washing our hands of the situation. While I think social services is an excellent resource and a good place for me (or us as nurses) to start to look into this topic more, it should not be our only resource.
Secondly, I would like to do some more research on the topic of "The Autonomy of Midwives." Currently midwives are frequently denied practicing privileges in many area hospitals - the decision to allow midwives to practice is often put to a vote by THE DOCTORS! The doctors, who are in direct competition for the patients midwives would potential serve, have the final say in whether midwives are allowed to practice in a hospital. I would like to explore this topic more. While I understand midwives must work in collaboration with physicians, I believe there should be a certain degree of autonomy as advanced practice nurses, which is not there currently. A good place for me to start would be to talk to the local midwives and see how they have addressed this issue. And, I could contact ACNM as they have a special division just for such topics about restriction of practice.
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Image of Nursing
As part of the nursing class I am currently completing, I have to answer opinion based questions. Here is this week's question and my response.
Question: What is the current image of nursing in society?
While the media may devalue nursing as a profession in shows such as "Gray's Anatomy" by portraying nurses as mere "helpers to doctors," this is not the overall, actual accepted perception of nurses in the public.
Nurses are consistently described as honest and ethical in gallop polls year after year. The public sees nurses as caring - for individuals and the community with hands on help and healing with an ability to make a positive difference (Roxane, 2004). This is in part because, fortunately, an individual's perception of nursing is not singularly shaped by popular prime time television shows. Rather, people are exposed to nursing in a variety of ways including their own personal experience with professional nurses. And, the average person's experience with nursing is that of a positive nature. Additionally, people consistently receive positive images of nurses assisting with disastrous situations in news stories .
In fact, one 2008 Nursing Economics study revealed that "The public sees nursing as combining knowledge, skill, and professionalism with caring (Donelan, Buerhaus, Desroches, Dittus & Dutwin, 2008)."
Therefore, the image of nursing in society is influenced in various ways resulting in an overall positive view of the professional nurse.
Donelan, K., Buerhaus, P., Desroches, C., Dittus, R., Dutwin, D. Public Perceptions of Nursing Careers. (2008). Nursing Economics, 26(3): 143-150.
Roxane, S. Restoring caring back into nursing (2004). Nursing Administration Quarterly, 28(4): 255-257.
Question: What is the current image of nursing in society?
While the media may devalue nursing as a profession in shows such as "Gray's Anatomy" by portraying nurses as mere "helpers to doctors," this is not the overall, actual accepted perception of nurses in the public.
Nurses are consistently described as honest and ethical in gallop polls year after year. The public sees nurses as caring - for individuals and the community with hands on help and healing with an ability to make a positive difference (Roxane, 2004). This is in part because, fortunately, an individual's perception of nursing is not singularly shaped by popular prime time television shows. Rather, people are exposed to nursing in a variety of ways including their own personal experience with professional nurses. And, the average person's experience with nursing is that of a positive nature. Additionally, people consistently receive positive images of nurses assisting with disastrous situations in news stories .
In fact, one 2008 Nursing Economics study revealed that "The public sees nursing as combining knowledge, skill, and professionalism with caring (Donelan, Buerhaus, Desroches, Dittus & Dutwin, 2008)."
Therefore, the image of nursing in society is influenced in various ways resulting in an overall positive view of the professional nurse.
Donelan, K., Buerhaus, P., Desroches, C., Dittus, R., Dutwin, D. Public Perceptions of Nursing Careers. (2008). Nursing Economics, 26(3): 143-150.
Roxane, S. Restoring caring back into nursing (2004). Nursing Administration Quarterly, 28(4): 255-257.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Paper #1
With Mark and the kids out of town for the day to a family birthday party, I had plenty of time and quietness to work on the papers I have to write for my nursing class. My goal was to write both, but realistically, getting one paper done will help in getting a head start so the course will not affect our family's sanity - too much.
So, I'm happy to say I wrote one of the papers today and the reference list for the second one. The topic I chose for the first paper ended up being "Preventing MRSA in neonatal nurseries."
Oddly, though, our professor is having us submit our papers online at Turn In In dot-com. I've never used it before, so I'm curious about how it works. Apparently, it is a site that helps professors judge the originality of the paper. My question is, What if you are just a good writer? Will the site judge you "non-original" if you have blatantly copied script from a published source or will having a significantly scholarly paper sound off the alarms?
I'm not saying my writing will be "significantly scholarly" --- But.. what if?
I submitted the paper and we will see, I suppose...because I know that I wrote that darn thing here today....sitting on the couch while taking some breaks to zoom through a recorded Y&R or two.... you know.
So, I'm happy to say I wrote one of the papers today and the reference list for the second one. The topic I chose for the first paper ended up being "Preventing MRSA in neonatal nurseries."
Oddly, though, our professor is having us submit our papers online at Turn In In dot-com. I've never used it before, so I'm curious about how it works. Apparently, it is a site that helps professors judge the originality of the paper. My question is, What if you are just a good writer? Will the site judge you "non-original" if you have blatantly copied script from a published source or will having a significantly scholarly paper sound off the alarms?
I'm not saying my writing will be "significantly scholarly" --- But.. what if?
I submitted the paper and we will see, I suppose...because I know that I wrote that darn thing here today....sitting on the couch while taking some breaks to zoom through a recorded Y&R or two.... you know.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Choices
I have to write two papers for my current nursing class. I'm having some trouble deciding on the topic. I have a few topics I've been researching lately and would be happy to write about. Which two will fit the assignment best? I don't know.
Here is my short list:
- Nursing screening and interventions for intimate partner violence during pregnancy
- Risk factors for and prevention of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreaks in neonatal nurseries.
- Professional autonomy for midwives
- Watson's theory of human caring
- Strategies to prevent medication errors.
Here is my short list:
- Nursing screening and interventions for intimate partner violence during pregnancy
- Risk factors for and prevention of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreaks in neonatal nurseries.
- Professional autonomy for midwives
- Watson's theory of human caring
- Strategies to prevent medication errors.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
A "Profession"
As part of the class I am taking towards my BSN degree, I have to answer opinion based questions with adequate support for those opinions.
I will share with you here question #1 and my response.
Question:
What are the characteristics of a profession? Does nursing currently fulfill the characteristics of a profession?
My Response:
As explained in Nunnery, a profession is a skilled occupation that has received socially granted authority. Knowledge within that profession is achieved and passed on through an established, academic route. The profession is governed by laws and socially established standards and codes. The resulting professionals are included into and guided by the established professional culture manifested by collaboration and support as needed through groups, formally and informally.
I believe nursing does fulfill these characteristics. Socially, nurses are viewed as ethical and honest; and, they are esteemed with respect (Jacobs, 2005). In fact, nurses are consistently ranked among the top professionals who are deemed most trusted by the general public, according to gallup polls. Additionally, the path to becoming a professional nurse is soley through clearly defined academic programs. Then, when one does become a nurse, they are bound by a Code of Ethics and must practice within the nursing scope and standards of practice.
Finally, there are many formal professional nursing organizations that nurses may join for support and collaboration throughout their career.
Nunnery, R. K. (1997). Advancing Your Career: Concepts of Professional Nursing. F. A. Davis Company. Philadelphia, PA.
Jacobs, A.K., MD. (2005). Rebuilding an enduring trust in medicine. Circulation 2005; 111:3494-3498. Retrieved September, 2 2008, from http://www.circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/111/25/3494
I will share with you here question #1 and my response.
Question:
What are the characteristics of a profession? Does nursing currently fulfill the characteristics of a profession?
My Response:
As explained in Nunnery, a profession is a skilled occupation that has received socially granted authority. Knowledge within that profession is achieved and passed on through an established, academic route. The profession is governed by laws and socially established standards and codes. The resulting professionals are included into and guided by the established professional culture manifested by collaboration and support as needed through groups, formally and informally.
I believe nursing does fulfill these characteristics. Socially, nurses are viewed as ethical and honest; and, they are esteemed with respect (Jacobs, 2005). In fact, nurses are consistently ranked among the top professionals who are deemed most trusted by the general public, according to gallup polls. Additionally, the path to becoming a professional nurse is soley through clearly defined academic programs. Then, when one does become a nurse, they are bound by a Code of Ethics and must practice within the nursing scope and standards of practice.
Finally, there are many formal professional nursing organizations that nurses may join for support and collaboration throughout their career.
Nunnery, R. K. (1997). Advancing Your Career: Concepts of Professional Nursing. F. A. Davis Company. Philadelphia, PA.
Jacobs, A.K., MD. (2005). Rebuilding an enduring trust in medicine. Circulation 2005; 111:3494-3498. Retrieved September, 2 2008, from http://www.circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/111/25/3494
Monday, August 25, 2008
Hitting the book (singular)
Tonight I start another leg of the Journey.... Working towards my baccalaureate nursing degree.
The school I graduated from has just started an accelerated tract where an associate degree RN can complete all further requirements for the Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree in one calendar year.
I'm not sure if I'm actually going to do the accelerated tract... I don't have a lot of classes left that I need to complete... So, I'm just taking one class at a time, chipping away at what's left. If it gets done in a year, great, if not, I'm not in a hurry.
My main focus is on gaining experience right now and completing the next degree is secondary. While I do not want to stop working towards it (because the temptation not to "go back" will be greater the longer I wait), I am not in a rush to get it all done, either.
When Madeline heard that I was going to class tonight, her eyes got wide and she said, "What? I thought you were done with your degree." I told her yes, but there are two more degrees I want to get. But I reassured her that doing one class at a time is going to be a world away from the craziness we all lived during nursing school. This class is one night a week for seven weeks, then it's over. Nothing like the 20 hours of clinicals followed by the classes and exams, etc. that was endured the last two years.
It will all be good. As long as I live, I hope I am learning new things.
The school I graduated from has just started an accelerated tract where an associate degree RN can complete all further requirements for the Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree in one calendar year.
I'm not sure if I'm actually going to do the accelerated tract... I don't have a lot of classes left that I need to complete... So, I'm just taking one class at a time, chipping away at what's left. If it gets done in a year, great, if not, I'm not in a hurry.
My main focus is on gaining experience right now and completing the next degree is secondary. While I do not want to stop working towards it (because the temptation not to "go back" will be greater the longer I wait), I am not in a rush to get it all done, either.
When Madeline heard that I was going to class tonight, her eyes got wide and she said, "What? I thought you were done with your degree." I told her yes, but there are two more degrees I want to get. But I reassured her that doing one class at a time is going to be a world away from the craziness we all lived during nursing school. This class is one night a week for seven weeks, then it's over. Nothing like the 20 hours of clinicals followed by the classes and exams, etc. that was endured the last two years.
It will all be good. As long as I live, I hope I am learning new things.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Nutrition
I'm not sure if you are loving these questions or hating them... But it is pretty much what my days are full of... So, today I focused on Nutrition NCLEX questions. If you want to give them a go, here are a few below. I'm taking a break over the weekend and hoping to plant some beautiful pansies that I found with my sister last weekend. But for now:
1) Patients with problems with liver function will have difficulty:
a. Emulsifying fats
b. Digesting carbohydrates
c. Manufacturing red blood cells
d. Reabsorbing water in the intestines
2) Which is a good source of Vitamin C?
a. Milk
b. Beans
c. Yogurt
d. Potatoes
3) Which situation results in ketosis in a normal person?
a. Inadequate intake of carbohydrates
b. Increased intake of protein
c. Excessive intake of starch
d. Decreased intake of fiber
4) What nutrient must be ingested for vitamin K to be absorbed?
a. Carbohydrates
b. Starches
c. Proteins
d. Fats
5) What should the patient be encouraged to eat to facilitate normal blood clotting?
a. Fish oils
b. Enriched grains
c. Green leafy vegetables
d. Fortified milk products
6) How many calories per day would need to be eliminated from the diet to lose 3 pounds in 4 weeks?
a. 450
b. 575
c. 300
d. 375
7) Four grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat furnish how many kilocalories?
a. 73
b. 83
c. 48
d. 88
8) A client with acute glomerulonephritis requests a snack. Which snack is most therapeutic, providing the specific vitamins needed for this patient's healing.
a. Orange Juice
b. Banana
c. Applesauce
d. Warm Broth
Questions from Fundamentals Success A course Review Applying Critical Thinking to Test Taking
Answers: 1) a 2) d 3) a 4) d 5) c 6) d 7) a 8) c
1) Patients with problems with liver function will have difficulty:
a. Emulsifying fats
b. Digesting carbohydrates
c. Manufacturing red blood cells
d. Reabsorbing water in the intestines
2) Which is a good source of Vitamin C?
a. Milk
b. Beans
c. Yogurt
d. Potatoes
3) Which situation results in ketosis in a normal person?
a. Inadequate intake of carbohydrates
b. Increased intake of protein
c. Excessive intake of starch
d. Decreased intake of fiber
4) What nutrient must be ingested for vitamin K to be absorbed?
a. Carbohydrates
b. Starches
c. Proteins
d. Fats
5) What should the patient be encouraged to eat to facilitate normal blood clotting?
a. Fish oils
b. Enriched grains
c. Green leafy vegetables
d. Fortified milk products
6) How many calories per day would need to be eliminated from the diet to lose 3 pounds in 4 weeks?
a. 450
b. 575
c. 300
d. 375
7) Four grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat furnish how many kilocalories?
a. 73
b. 83
c. 48
d. 88
8) A client with acute glomerulonephritis requests a snack. Which snack is most therapeutic, providing the specific vitamins needed for this patient's healing.
a. Orange Juice
b. Banana
c. Applesauce
d. Warm Broth
Questions from Fundamentals Success A course Review Applying Critical Thinking to Test Taking
Answers: 1) a 2) d 3) a 4) d 5) c 6) d 7) a 8) c
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Pharmacology NCLEX ?s
Ok, did we have fun with pediatric nursing questions yesterday?
Today I'm focusing on Pharmacology NCLEX questions. Try your hand at it!
1) Which instruction should be given to the client taking alendronate sodium (Fosamax)?
a. Remain upright for 30 minutes after taking this medication.
b. Force fluids while taking this medication.
c. Take the medication before arising.
d. Take the medication in conjunction with estrogen.
2) An elderly diabetic who has been maintained on metformin (Glucophage) is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. Which instruction should the nurse give to the client.
a. Take the medication as ordered prior to the exam.
b. Limit the amount of protein in the diet prior to the exam.
c. Discontinue the metformin prior to the exam.
d. Take the medication with water only prior to the exam.
3) A client with leukemia is receiving oral prednisolone (Prednisone). An expected side effect of this medication is:
a. Weight loss
b. Decreased appetite
c. Hirsutism
d. Integumentary bronzing
4) During the rehabilitation phase of a burn injury, the client's burns become infected with pseudomonas. The topical dressing most likely to be ordered for the client is:
a. Silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene)
b. Poviodine (Betadine)
c. Silver nitrate
d. Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon)
5) A client is admitted for treatment of hypoparathyroidism. Based on the client's diagnosis, the nurse would anticipate an order for:
a. Potassium
b. Magnesium
c. Calcium
d. Iron
6) A client with a seizure disorder is to receive phenytoin and Phenobarbital. The nurse knows that when she administers Phenobarbital and phenytoin:
a. A larger dose of Phenobarbital might be required because of an increase in metabolism.
b. A smaller dose of Phenobarbital might be required because of a decrease in metabolism.
c. There will be no need to alter the amount of Phenobarbital given.
d. The two drugs cannot be given together.
7) A client in labor has an order for Demerol to be administered 10 minutes prior to delivery. The nurse should:
a. Wait until the client is placed on the delivery table and administer the medication IV push.
b. Question the order.
c. Give the medication IM during the delivery to prevent pain from the episiotomy.
d. Give the medication as ordered.
Questions from Exam Cram NCLEX RN
Answers: 1) a 2) c 3) c 4) d 5) c 6) a 7) b
Today I'm focusing on Pharmacology NCLEX questions. Try your hand at it!
1) Which instruction should be given to the client taking alendronate sodium (Fosamax)?
a. Remain upright for 30 minutes after taking this medication.
b. Force fluids while taking this medication.
c. Take the medication before arising.
d. Take the medication in conjunction with estrogen.
2) An elderly diabetic who has been maintained on metformin (Glucophage) is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. Which instruction should the nurse give to the client.
a. Take the medication as ordered prior to the exam.
b. Limit the amount of protein in the diet prior to the exam.
c. Discontinue the metformin prior to the exam.
d. Take the medication with water only prior to the exam.
3) A client with leukemia is receiving oral prednisolone (Prednisone). An expected side effect of this medication is:
a. Weight loss
b. Decreased appetite
c. Hirsutism
d. Integumentary bronzing
4) During the rehabilitation phase of a burn injury, the client's burns become infected with pseudomonas. The topical dressing most likely to be ordered for the client is:
a. Silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene)
b. Poviodine (Betadine)
c. Silver nitrate
d. Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon)
5) A client is admitted for treatment of hypoparathyroidism. Based on the client's diagnosis, the nurse would anticipate an order for:
a. Potassium
b. Magnesium
c. Calcium
d. Iron
6) A client with a seizure disorder is to receive phenytoin and Phenobarbital. The nurse knows that when she administers Phenobarbital and phenytoin:
a. A larger dose of Phenobarbital might be required because of an increase in metabolism.
b. A smaller dose of Phenobarbital might be required because of a decrease in metabolism.
c. There will be no need to alter the amount of Phenobarbital given.
d. The two drugs cannot be given together.
7) A client in labor has an order for Demerol to be administered 10 minutes prior to delivery. The nurse should:
a. Wait until the client is placed on the delivery table and administer the medication IV push.
b. Question the order.
c. Give the medication IM during the delivery to prevent pain from the episiotomy.
d. Give the medication as ordered.
Questions from Exam Cram NCLEX RN
Answers: 1) a 2) c 3) c 4) d 5) c 6) a 7) b
On the Book Shelf
I've been doing a ton of reading. My list consists of mostly NCLEX study books. In fact here is a picture of all of my study books - These are strictly for review and practice questions... these are not text books I used in class.But, aside from that, I've been reading a couple books about teaching myself how to crochet! That was one of my goals for myself this year. I'm still really clumsy with the hook and the stitches leave a lot to be desired...but it's a start!
I came across a a report I am going to read. It is called, "The Falling Age of Puberty in U.S. Girls."
It is available to down load free at this site.
Looks intriguing. I am fascinated with all things woman: menarche, pregnancy, birth & menopause. I just can't learn enough about these topics!
Ok, today's procrastination over. Off to study.
Monday, May 19, 2008
NCLEX review
Last week I went to a 4 day review course for the NCLEX exam. The review course was designed to give a broad overview of what we've learned over the past two years in nursing school and highlight important points to remember about specific areas covered.
It did a pretty good job of doing that, actually. Initially, though, I was a bit annoyed on the first day because we were told to be there at 7:30 am so being 1.5 hours away I woke up at 5am and was there promptly at 7:30am. The class didn't get started until 8:15! I was tweaked, to say the least.
Anyway, I was able to work past the initial set back and regain some respect for the tardy teacher and benefit from the course. I was able to identify areas of personal weakness that I need to work on before sitting for the boards.
The biggest area of weakness, I think, personally is pediatric nursing. I took it about 1.5 years ago and it was full of signs, symptoms and treatments that have long since left my immediate recall.
In the next few weeks until I take the NCLEX I will be reviewing everything I ever learned in nursing school....which means I will also be doing a lot of procrastinating (aka my family will be eating good these next few weeks - today already I've made a crock-pot full of chicken corn soup and homemade golden corn bread). :)
My official goal today is to start reviewing pediatric nursing, so to that end, here are some NCLEX style questions on pediatric nursing:
1) The nurse has completed some child and family education for a child diagnosed with thalassemia. The medical plan of treatment includes blood transfusions when the anemia reaches a severe point. Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further education?
a. Because of the anemia, my child will need extra rest periods.
b. My child inherited this disorder from both of us.
c. We should be alert to periods when our child seems paler than usual.
d. My child needs an iron supplement.
2) A 14-year old boy is brought to the ER with a diagnosis of rule out appendicitis. He is complaining of right lower quadrant pain. The nurse's most appropriate action to assist in managing his pain would be to:
a. Insert a rectal tube.
b. Apply an ice bag.
c. Apply a heating pad.
d. Administer an intravenous antispasmodic agent.
3) A nurse performs triage in a pediatric orthopedic clinic. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as a symptom of slipped capitol femoral epiphysis?
a. Pain in the hip of a pre-adolescent child
b. Acute onset of knee pain
c. Presence of a limp in a school-age child
d. Painful external rotation of the affected leg
4) The nurse is providing client education for a family whose child has cerebral palsy and is receiving baclofen epidural therapy to control spasticity. Which of the following is most important for the nurse to include in the discussion?
a. The drug acts to inhibit the neurotransmitter GABA.
b. The child should be able to run with normal gait after insertion of the pump.
c. Parents must bring the child back to the clinic on a regular basis to have more medicine added to the pump.
d. Parents can be taught to regulate the dosage on a sliding scale
5) A toddler with Kawasaki's disease is ordered to receive aspirin therapy. The nurse anticipates that medication therapy with aspirin will follow which principle?
a. High doses of aspirin will be given while fever is high.
b. Length of aspirin therapy is related to child's response.
c. Aspirin dose will be increased after fever is gone.
d. Aspirin dosage is unrelated to platelet count
6) A 2-year old child has a known cardiac defect and is in congestive heart failure. Which assessment findings indicates to the nurse a toxic dose of digoxin?
a. Tachycardia & dysrhythmia
b. Headache & diarrhea
c. Bradycardia & nausea and vomiting
d. Tinnitus & nuchal rigidity
7) The physician orders amoxicillin (Amoxil) 500mg IVPB q 8 hours for a pediatric client with tonsillitis. What is the appropriate nursing action?
a. Question the order because the route of administration is incorrect.
b. Give the medication as ordered.
c. Question the order because the dosage is too high.
d. Question the order because the dosing frequency is incorrect.
8) The mother of a 6-month-old infant is concerned that the infant's anterior fontanel is still open. The nurse would explain to the mother that further evaluation is needed if the anterior fontanel is still open after:
a. 6 months
b. 10 months
c. 18 months
d. 12 months
Questions from : Child Health Nursing Second Edition Reviews & Rationales
Answers: 1) d 2) b 3) a 4) c 5) b 6) c 7) a 8) c
It did a pretty good job of doing that, actually. Initially, though, I was a bit annoyed on the first day because we were told to be there at 7:30 am so being 1.5 hours away I woke up at 5am and was there promptly at 7:30am. The class didn't get started until 8:15! I was tweaked, to say the least.
Anyway, I was able to work past the initial set back and regain some respect for the tardy teacher and benefit from the course. I was able to identify areas of personal weakness that I need to work on before sitting for the boards.
The biggest area of weakness, I think, personally is pediatric nursing. I took it about 1.5 years ago and it was full of signs, symptoms and treatments that have long since left my immediate recall.
In the next few weeks until I take the NCLEX I will be reviewing everything I ever learned in nursing school....which means I will also be doing a lot of procrastinating (aka my family will be eating good these next few weeks - today already I've made a crock-pot full of chicken corn soup and homemade golden corn bread). :)
My official goal today is to start reviewing pediatric nursing, so to that end, here are some NCLEX style questions on pediatric nursing:
1) The nurse has completed some child and family education for a child diagnosed with thalassemia. The medical plan of treatment includes blood transfusions when the anemia reaches a severe point. Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further education?
a. Because of the anemia, my child will need extra rest periods.
b. My child inherited this disorder from both of us.
c. We should be alert to periods when our child seems paler than usual.
d. My child needs an iron supplement.
2) A 14-year old boy is brought to the ER with a diagnosis of rule out appendicitis. He is complaining of right lower quadrant pain. The nurse's most appropriate action to assist in managing his pain would be to:
a. Insert a rectal tube.
b. Apply an ice bag.
c. Apply a heating pad.
d. Administer an intravenous antispasmodic agent.
3) A nurse performs triage in a pediatric orthopedic clinic. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as a symptom of slipped capitol femoral epiphysis?
a. Pain in the hip of a pre-adolescent child
b. Acute onset of knee pain
c. Presence of a limp in a school-age child
d. Painful external rotation of the affected leg
4) The nurse is providing client education for a family whose child has cerebral palsy and is receiving baclofen epidural therapy to control spasticity. Which of the following is most important for the nurse to include in the discussion?
a. The drug acts to inhibit the neurotransmitter GABA.
b. The child should be able to run with normal gait after insertion of the pump.
c. Parents must bring the child back to the clinic on a regular basis to have more medicine added to the pump.
d. Parents can be taught to regulate the dosage on a sliding scale
5) A toddler with Kawasaki's disease is ordered to receive aspirin therapy. The nurse anticipates that medication therapy with aspirin will follow which principle?
a. High doses of aspirin will be given while fever is high.
b. Length of aspirin therapy is related to child's response.
c. Aspirin dose will be increased after fever is gone.
d. Aspirin dosage is unrelated to platelet count
6) A 2-year old child has a known cardiac defect and is in congestive heart failure. Which assessment findings indicates to the nurse a toxic dose of digoxin?
a. Tachycardia & dysrhythmia
b. Headache & diarrhea
c. Bradycardia & nausea and vomiting
d. Tinnitus & nuchal rigidity
7) The physician orders amoxicillin (Amoxil) 500mg IVPB q 8 hours for a pediatric client with tonsillitis. What is the appropriate nursing action?
a. Question the order because the route of administration is incorrect.
b. Give the medication as ordered.
c. Question the order because the dosage is too high.
d. Question the order because the dosing frequency is incorrect.
8) The mother of a 6-month-old infant is concerned that the infant's anterior fontanel is still open. The nurse would explain to the mother that further evaluation is needed if the anterior fontanel is still open after:
a. 6 months
b. 10 months
c. 18 months
d. 12 months
Questions from : Child Health Nursing Second Edition Reviews & Rationales
Answers: 1) d 2) b 3) a 4) c 5) b 6) c 7) a 8) c
Friday, May 16, 2008
At Peace
I read the obituary today of a gentle, tired man.
May he find rest in God's arms after his long journey.
May he find rest in God's arms after his long journey.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Graduation Pictures
What did I say a couple posts ago about spending a month relaxing? I obviously forgot that I had a whole week NCLEX review course to go to this week. It's been a little crazy. I have more to say about the review course but it will have to wait until another post.
Meanwhile, here are a few pictures from graduation weekend:
First group are from the pinning night followed by graduation.
The first one is me receiving my honor cords from the director of nursing.
Here is one of me and my personal cheerleaders (If you look close, you can see my nursing pin on the blue ribbon):
Here is one of my mom:
And Baby Berkeley:
My sister and I:
My oldest son at graduation - Not fond of pictures - OR - graduations , hence the Ipod...But at least he was there!!
Me receiving my degree:
Status: Post Degree (AKA: Big Smile!):
Meanwhile, here are a few pictures from graduation weekend:
First group are from the pinning night followed by graduation.
The first one is me receiving my honor cords from the director of nursing.
Here is one of me and my personal cheerleaders (If you look close, you can see my nursing pin on the blue ribbon):
Here is one of my mom:
And Baby Berkeley:
My sister and I:
My oldest son at graduation - Not fond of pictures - OR - graduations , hence the Ipod...But at least he was there!!
Me receiving my degree:
Status: Post Degree (AKA: Big Smile!):
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Graduation Weekend
We're smack dab in the middle of what our family has loving dubbed, "All About Myra Weekend." With the Pinning Ceremony Friday, Graduation today and Mother's day tomorrow... I'm feeling a little under the spot light. In a good way. I appreciate all of the ways my family has shown support and love to me - and I will be in no need of attention any time soon.
I'll post pictures soon.... But, will just comment right now that this has been an awesome weekend. All of my family was there.
The Pinning ceremony was just beautiful. Mark came up and pinned me. The slide show was tear-jerking and touching. Then, I got awarded my Honor Cords!! It is insane how much I was stressed out about graduating "with distinction." But thanks to some hard hours with the books and a little pressure from my sister (!!!) I was able to get the Honor Cords!
I was glad my children were able to be there and see all of our efforts pay off. My fondest memory of graduation was when I was walking into the gymnasium during the processional and I was scanning the audience for my family and there they were up in the bleachers - a smiling group of waving family!! Just wonderful! I will re-play that scene many times in my mind. I love them all so much.
It was a great weekend.
I'll post pictures soon.... But, will just comment right now that this has been an awesome weekend. All of my family was there.
The Pinning ceremony was just beautiful. Mark came up and pinned me. The slide show was tear-jerking and touching. Then, I got awarded my Honor Cords!! It is insane how much I was stressed out about graduating "with distinction." But thanks to some hard hours with the books and a little pressure from my sister (!!!) I was able to get the Honor Cords!
I was glad my children were able to be there and see all of our efforts pay off. My fondest memory of graduation was when I was walking into the gymnasium during the processional and I was scanning the audience for my family and there they were up in the bleachers - a smiling group of waving family!! Just wonderful! I will re-play that scene many times in my mind. I love them all so much.
It was a great weekend.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Adult Student Thoughts
Some differences that ran through my mind about being a non-traditional/adult student this time around in college. This time I sat in the front of the class - all the time. I wasn't afraid to ask questions. I valued it a lot more - especially since I was paying for it straight out of my own pocket.And, finally, this time around I ironed my own gown.....
.....and my kids think the cap is outrageous! :)
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Calm after the Storm
It is nearly indescribable the peace I feel right now. This is only one step in the journey, but all of us (me, my husband and my children) have worked so hard to complete this step.
I know this will turn into more than just one post...it will surely be a series of posts that I write as I remember yet another aspect of my life I am grateful for.
I woke up this morning with literally NOTHING that needed done. For the past 4 years, since I decided to follow my dream and begin my journey to becoming a midwife, there was always something I should be doing... Playing a game with the kids or watching a television show with my husband always had the canopy of guilt overshadowing it - that I should be reading that next chapter or doing the online assignments or studying for the upcoming exam.
But not today!!!
The first thing I did after I got home yesterday after my last final was to take a nap. My body literally was tired.... I gave in to the urge and slept peacefully yesterday afternoon.
*Warning: it gets even more sappy below*
I am so grateful to live in a country where one can have a dream, set goals and achieve them with hard work, determination and support.
I was blessed with a family that didn't just talk the talk, but walked the walk when it came to showing support to me in chasing my dreams. My husband showed support in countless ways. We were a team. I went to classes and did the work, sure. But he came home after working all day and made dinners when I wasn't there, took the kids to karate and theater, the library, etc. He totally filled it wherever it was needed. The kids were part of the team as well. They knew that they could help mom get through school by doing their part around the house and not making mom feel guilty when she was at home. They always showed an interest in what I was studying and never failed to remember to ask me how each and every exam went. They really stepped up.
My hope is that my children, especially my daughter, will be able to see me working hard for something I believe in and then be able to carry with them the truth that anything is possible. To have inner strength, courage and endurance is the gift I hope to leave with them because of this experience.
I am not at the end of the road yet. But boy do I feel like I have made a serious dent into it. I have one month off before I start working in L&D. My plan is to appreciate the little things around me and center myself more. I've really been strung out lately with stress and responsibilities. It will be good to find the inner calm in my self again.
I will write more later - tomorrow is the pinning ceremony and Saturday graduation!
Peace
I know this will turn into more than just one post...it will surely be a series of posts that I write as I remember yet another aspect of my life I am grateful for.
I woke up this morning with literally NOTHING that needed done. For the past 4 years, since I decided to follow my dream and begin my journey to becoming a midwife, there was always something I should be doing... Playing a game with the kids or watching a television show with my husband always had the canopy of guilt overshadowing it - that I should be reading that next chapter or doing the online assignments or studying for the upcoming exam.
But not today!!!
The first thing I did after I got home yesterday after my last final was to take a nap. My body literally was tired.... I gave in to the urge and slept peacefully yesterday afternoon.
*Warning: it gets even more sappy below*
I am so grateful to live in a country where one can have a dream, set goals and achieve them with hard work, determination and support.
I was blessed with a family that didn't just talk the talk, but walked the walk when it came to showing support to me in chasing my dreams. My husband showed support in countless ways. We were a team. I went to classes and did the work, sure. But he came home after working all day and made dinners when I wasn't there, took the kids to karate and theater, the library, etc. He totally filled it wherever it was needed. The kids were part of the team as well. They knew that they could help mom get through school by doing their part around the house and not making mom feel guilty when she was at home. They always showed an interest in what I was studying and never failed to remember to ask me how each and every exam went. They really stepped up.
My hope is that my children, especially my daughter, will be able to see me working hard for something I believe in and then be able to carry with them the truth that anything is possible. To have inner strength, courage and endurance is the gift I hope to leave with them because of this experience.
I am not at the end of the road yet. But boy do I feel like I have made a serious dent into it. I have one month off before I start working in L&D. My plan is to appreciate the little things around me and center myself more. I've really been strung out lately with stress and responsibilities. It will be good to find the inner calm in my self again.
I will write more later - tomorrow is the pinning ceremony and Saturday graduation!
Peace
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Nurse's Day
We interrupt this silence to wish you a.....
Happy Nurse's Day!
Today is International Nurse's Day, which is the start of National Nurse's Week that runs from May 6th -May 12th (Florence Nightingale's Birthday).
National Student Nurse Day is Thursday, May 8th.
My graduation is May 10th.
Overall, this sounds like a pretty exciting week! :)
Update: One final down, One to go.
Peace
Happy Nurse's Day!
Today is International Nurse's Day, which is the start of National Nurse's Week that runs from May 6th -May 12th (Florence Nightingale's Birthday).
National Student Nurse Day is Thursday, May 8th.
My graduation is May 10th.
Overall, this sounds like a pretty exciting week! :)
Update: One final down, One to go.
Peace
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