3rd Semester

I am now halfway through nursing school!! Recently, I finished my OB rotation. This clinical took place on Fridays and Saturdays, for 12 hours each day. The departments we were able to work in consisted of Labor and Delivery, Postpartum, Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and The Emergency Department. I was able to accomplish so many new clinical skills. This semester I have experienced the most growth in my nursing skills that I have seen thus far. It was a lot of hard work between clinicals, studying, exams, and extracurricular activities. The clinicals were also a whole new emotional experience. I had never witnessed live births, cesarean sections, or cared for babies who are sick. As a nurse, one of the most important skills is knowing how to support your patients and to be there for them. Different types of patients need different types of support. I really enjoyed learning how to support mothers and babies. During this semester, we also have an Obstetrics, and a pediatrics class. Along with this, we have our medical-surgical class and our 8 hour medical-surgical clinical. Last week, I had my first day in the OR department. I was able to assist with preoperative care and watch a procedure. I am also still involved in the Pre-Nursing Club. It is a new year and I just met my new mentees. I will provide guidance and advice on how to apply to the nursing program, as well as be there to support them through the process. I just signed up for my 4th-semester clinical and we also have a Simulation class next semester. This is where we go to a facility that has manikins and we simulate scenarios that can occur in the hospital. Next semester will be a busy one, but I am so excited! It felt exciting, but weird signing up for 4th-semester classes, it still feels like I just started. Time flies, and I am just trying to appreciate every moment while I can!

Summer 2019

I finished my second semester of nursing school this past spring and now it is summer. In August, I will be moving into my third semester, time flies! My last semester was surely a success. Second semester made me grow a lot as a nurse. My pathophysiology course was my favorite so far and helped me understand the science behind certain diseases. I feel like I just began nursing school. It is incredible how much I have learned, the relationships I have formed, and the ways that nursing school has impacted my life thus far. This summer I am working as a caregiver, as well as on campus, and some other small side jobs. I wanted to spend this summer working and also being able to explore. I want to spend my second to last summer in college exploring the place that I spend the majority of my time in. The school year becomes so hectic and I don't always have time to adventure, so I felt this would be the perfect opportunity. I also have one big trip being planned that will be a road trip with one of my best friends! We will be driving down the coast, exploring Los Angeles, San Diego, and towns in between! I wanted to make sure that I work this summer, but also take some personal time to relax and have fun! Throughout college, I learned how important it is to work hard and stay motivated, but in order to do that, you must take time for yourself. Also, the fun times are the ones I enjoy the most and always remember. In relation to the school/work aspect of my life, I want to also spend some of my time researching new graduate programs and places to apply after college. Of course, I am still finding my role as a nurse throughout school, and what area I want to work in. I know this will take time, and I also feel very open to a lot of different areas of nursing. This will be a huge and scary step in my life, but very exciting. New places and changing from what is familiar is always frightening, but it is how I grow as an individual. I am always embracing new opportunities.