Week 4 as a Level 2 Nursing Student

This week flew by because of the long weekend, so essentially, I was at school for 2 days and then in the hospital for 2 days. Sweet! On Tue, we learned how to do blood glucometers, 4.9! Normal range 4 -7, no diabetes! Knock on wood...that was new and exciting. Something I learned from that is to stick the strip on the drop of blood straight on and not on an angle, otherwise you'll just get a smear. I hope none of you will ever have to practice on yourselves or loved ones. If you're coming into nursing, then this'll help A trick passed on to me by my colleague who is a paramedic!

In PBL this week, I had a presentation on labs which didn't go as well as I'd hoped. My instructor wanted me to be the first person to try and walk around while speaking, which I hadn't intended on doing at all. So there were some difficulties there, especially with a smaller room setting. I definitely laugh when I'm uncomfortable, something I'll need to work on. Actually, it's something I've been working on for a while, but a smile just so easy to hide behind sometimes. I was also not fully prepared for this one (completely my fault) so I didn't do as well. But it's ok, because it's a learning process.

Thurs was a very low-key day because my pt was discharged very early on in the day. I did, however, get to remove his saline lock! A new procedure for me! I felt pretty disorganized and worried, though, so definitely room for improvement. I got to follow through discharge procedures with my pt, so that was neat! I got to talk to him about his diet plan, home situation, etc, etc and taught him about his new prescriptions! Ah! Me! Imparting knowledge, who'dathought?! Granted, some of those drugs I had just looked up myself, but still!

So because my pt had been discharged and there weren't many new admissions, my classmate and I were able to go down to the eye surgery clinic!!! It was AMAZING! I never thought I'd be so excited to do OR nursing, but I'm thinking it's pretty cool. I got to watch 3 eye surgeries! I got to see a trabulectomy (for glaucoma, increased pressure within the eyeball caused by hypertension, diabetes, heart disease) and a phacoemulsification (for cataracts, which is when part of the eye becomes opaque, distorting vision). I am amazed by the precision of surgery, the flow of an OR, and the teamwork that goes into it. I was also lucky enough to shadow a number of very knowledgeable nurses who were willing to explain the procedure and what their jobs were.

This week will be less busy, but it's the calm before the storm. Two midterms on the same day next week! Woohoo for pathophysiology and microbiology! Yayyyy I'll make it through. With a smile, too!