Just when I was getting comfortable...

First semester is coming to a close. I have three exams and one week to get through and then it’s over, my first semester of university. I feel like I was just settling in to routine and comfortable with all my teachers and classes; now I will have an all new schedule, with all new teachers, with the addition of clinical. I’m glad I have a little time over Christmas to reflect on first semester, review some of my new skills and prepare for next semester. I feel like first semester, although valuable in the information learned, was a trial run. I learned advanced studying techniques, and things not to do. I really felt drained after midterms and fell behind on my readings at this time. I felt like I was taking one day at a time, not able to move ahead or adequately prepare for my classes. I will be aware of this pitfall for next semester and will hopefully avoid the same result. My room, while tidy and clean at the beginning of this semester is now a hovel of papers and books. Over break I will need to tidy and organize it again, as I know I always work better when it’s clean. Overall first semester has been a positive productive experience in which I gained valuable information and skills that I am excited to use next semester in clinical practice. I just hope I remember enough!!!!!!!

The Role of the RN

I am going through nursing school to become an RN, a registered nurse. There are several different types of healthcare professionals in hospitals and clinics, so what defines the RN role in compared to a registered practical nurse (RPN)? According to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO, 2008), an RPN treats patients with conditions that are well defined, stable, established in a care program and with support systems in place. When a patient’s condition fluctuates the RN is then consulted and may need to intervene in the patient’s care. The RN will also be consulting with the doctor or physician in charge of the client, helping to develop an action plan, while the RPN will be consulting a RN for assistance. In many situations the RN will delegate jobs or patients to the RPNs for care as well. The reason I decided to become a RN is that I wanted more responsibility as a professional. I also am considering becoming a Registered Nurse Practitioner, (RNP), who would have more responsibility and the ability to prescribe medication and open family practices. These privileges come with another 2 years of schooling on top of your 4 years in the Bachelor of nursing program. Overall, although the job varies between the different levels of nursing they all have the same goal; the treatment and care of patients.

College of Nurses of Ontario, (CNO). (2008). Utilization of RNs and RPNs. Retrieved November 28, 2008, from, www.cno.org/docs/prac/41062_UtilizeRnRpn.pdf.

Caring in Nursing

I decided to become a nurse as it is a profession that is diverse and can be used in almost any country. I have always loved to travel and nurses are in such a high demand worldwide, it would be quite easy for me to get a job while traveling. Through this semester however I have gained a far greater appreciation for the caring aspect of nursing. Although I was fully aware that caring for patients and their families was a large part of being a nurse, I did not realize the intricacies of caring. We have learned caring nurse to client relationships, therapeutic communication, caring theorists, and caring practice. What I once thought was a simple human emotion is now an intricate puzzle of body language, tones, actions, and results. I don't know if this caring complexity is a good thing or not, perhaps it is taught in an attempt to teach caring to those who lack in it. This raises the question however...can caring be taught?

Technology Advancements in Healthcare

Communication barriers seem to be the leading cause of errors in the healthcare system. Missing documentation, illegible scribbling and miscommunication are all factors within patient charts and information. Technology such as electronic health records (EHR) allow for all of a patient’s information to be in one location and available across Canada. The electronic records make it easier to read and organize client information as well. Personal Digital Assistances (PDAs) are very useful bed side tools to remember client information, look up terms and information, and share and transfer important information between nurses and healthcare professionals. Technology such as these are revolutionizing healthcare communication and allowing for great strides in organization, regulation and communication.

Welcome to My Blog

Hi,

My name is Torrie, I'm 18 years old and currently in a first year Bachelor of Nursing program. This is my blog which will reflect on my experiences as a student nursing. I created this blog as part of an assignment; however I also think that blogs are a great way to share personal news and events. My peers and friends can visit my blog and compare my personal news and events to their own. Blogs are about sharing not only experience and news, but successes, and failures also. In the nursing program and field, a blog can be used as a support system for nurses and student nurses. I look forward to sharing my experience in my BScN program and my overall Nursing Journey.