January 11, 2016

How's my favorite missionary?  Are you getting used to your new area?  I sure hope so!

So, this last week was very busy!!!  I started my week long class called Clinical Decisions.  It's a 3 credit hour class accomplished in 1 week.  It was at UCCS.  Julie next door was in the class with me (we drove together) and my friend Kim, I'm sure you remember her…maybe not…anyhow it was fun being in a class with those two.  There was a maximum of 16 students and it was full.  Most were from PPCC.  There were a couple from Fort Collins though.  Basically, we talked about learning, paying attention, thinking about thinking,  technology and healthcare…etc.  We did lectures in the morning (we were there from 8:30 - 5:00 with only a 1/2 hour lunch).  In the afternoon, we did simulation labs.  Their dummies were AWESOME!  They had heart beats, breath sounds, they talked, their eyes blinked (a little freaky), they sweat and the person running the sim would talk through the manikin.   I have to say it was a little freaky at first, but it was overall a GREAT experience.  My lab partner had only had 1 nursing class and it was not a clinical one--talk about a sweetie!  She really had no clue as to what to do. (for the most part, we went into the sims 2 at a time).  At first I was a bit upset because she knew NOTHING and I had to do everything.  Then I decided to change my outlook.  Before we would go into the sim, we would look through the "chart" and I would teach her what she should do.  I even called a few time outs so that I can teach her how to perform a skill.  I was amazed that when she asked questions, I could answer and teach her.  It actually improved my confidence.  I actually know the stuff.  At one point, she apologized for me having her as my partner.  I told her that I was grateful for the opportunity to be with her.  I told her that having her as my partner actually accomplished what I needed--getting more confidence in myself. 

We also did a simulation where we were divided in 1/2 (8 for each sim).  We did "code blue" codes.  This is when someone's heart stops.  It was very enlightening.  We were each given a role and we had to work together.  My group did AWESOME.  The other group had issues.  The lead nurse is about 4' 7".  When she started doing compressions, we could not stop laughing…I know this is inappropriate…but….it looked like she was humping the poor manakin.    The two students from Fort Collins are already RN's…one is an emergency department nurse, the other is an ICU (intensive care unit) nurse.  Since they do codes all the time, they got to play the part of the family.  Their job was to try to incorporate some of the family members they had encountered in real life.  So, back to the short nurse doing CPR compressions--the "family member" with a big smile on his face asked "What are you doing to him?"  It looked as if he was looking down her shirt the whole time…I was in tears laughing.  Oh, I forgot to say that each simulation we did during the week was recorded…one of our assignments was to critique how we did.  During the codes, our group sat in a room and watched what was going on in real time.   

We had to do several papers and a couple of presentations.  I got to do a presentation with Julie (next door).  Overall, it was an awesome class!!!!

So, good news and bad news…I will be taking my NCLEX (RN boards) on January 26th at 8 am.  I am a bit nervous, but it should be over soon. :)  Bad news…I was supposed to have a class this week (NCLEX review class).  Well, they CANCELLED the class.  The next class isn't until March.  Well, that won't help me!  UGH!  So, basically, this week and next, I need to be very disciplined and study! So, extra prayers for the next couple of weeks would be appreciated.  I get so distracted so easily!

So, Gpa and Mary are here again…UGH.  They got here on Thursday and plan to leave Wednesday--let's hope that really happens.   It isn't Mary, it is gpa that drives me nuts…and Tiffany and Dad too.  I think we have a little bit of "post traumatic stress disorder" when it comes to him.  None of us want him to stay for long, but we are all afraid that he will..ha,ha.  I am trying to change my attitude about it.

Oh, guess what…David Bowie died this weekend.  I don't know if you remember who he is, but Jordan had a massive crush on him.  He also sang one of my favorite Christmas songs…the one that has "The little drummer boy (sung by Bing Crosby) and Peace on Earth (sung by David Bowie).  Anyhow, I guess he died of cancer--guess we all have to go sometime!

Well, are you ready for pictures????

Tiffany’s new hair cut/color

My study buddy!

Sleeping Angel

Fun times

Your Pregnant sister :)

Yummy dinner :)

Your new neice or nephew (that does not say girl--it says CRL)

(looks like our sweetheart is wearing a mask..lol)

I hope you enjoyed the pictures. :)

I sure love you!  Always remember who you are!  Mind your p's and q's.  Be strictly obedient…start each new day with a new commitment to be better than the previous day.  Know that I lvoe you beyond measure!!!  We are all praying for your success! 

Have an AWESOME week!!!

Love ALWAYS

Mom