Today I welcomed the ever dreaded exams of finals week. How fitting as it’s nurses week. I am currently still recovering from the first final I took today for my pediatrics class.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom have you ever taken a final and just felt defeated and exhausted? Well, that was me at about 10:15 this morning as I exited the classroom to sulk back to my car and drive home to wallow in my own self-pity, only to begin studying for tomorrow’s exam.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Conquering the inevitable stress of finals week is something I continually struggle with semester after semester. However, I have found a silver lining.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the completion of this semester is especially special as it is the end to my first year of nursing school. What a whirlwind this past academic year has been.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I couldn’t be more exhausted, but I also have never been more proud of myself. I have made such gains in my knowledge of the nursing profession.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I still have lots to learn, but I am well on my way.

As I sat in my car today after my final, I reminisced about how excited I was when I first started the nursing program in the summer of 2018.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I was excited, nervous, prepared, and didn’t have a single strand of grey hair in sight. I can now say I still prepare but that initial excitement and nervousness has been replaced by sheer will and determination to get through the program to be the best nurse I can be for my future patients, regardless of the strands of grey hair I have accumulated along the way.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom nursing school has taught me a lot of things, however, no textbook ever said that stress would start to turn my brunette hair silvery grey. Sacrifices are made in nursing school.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I sacrifice time with family and friends. I sacrifice self-care from time-to-time. I sacrifice sleep and free-time. While these past few statements may sound selfish of me, sacrificing time with the important people in my life to pursue a career, but it’s far from it.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in my mind, pursuing a career in nursing is more self-less than selfish. You sacrifice for the betterment of your skills so that you can take better care of your patients.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom yes, you need self-care to take care of others, but you do give of yourself while pursuing the education and I have done that this past year.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom just one more year before I can put RN, BSN behind my name.

This past week I finished my second med-surg clinical rotation. Finishing up the acute hospital setting is both good and bad.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom it’s good because I no longer have to prep wednesday, create medication sheets, and complete mounds of paperwork over the weekend. It’s also bad because this means no more hospital time for the semester.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom while the paperwork is a drag, the experience you get in the hospital is valuable and precious time. I was lucky enough to get 3 consecutive weeks in the hospital setting on the same floor.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom this was lucky because I was familiar with the floor, nurses, nurse aids, and even some patients. I became more efficient each week as I got into a routine.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

For each of these 4 points I will elaborate a little. First off, communicating is an important part of being a nurse. There are multiple people involved in the care of each patient.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom you will be speaking with other nurses, nurse aids, doctors, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and so on. Most importantly you will be speaking to patients and their family.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom this comes into play when getting a history of the patient, being sure their needs are met, and using this time to also assess level of consciousness.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom specifically to this rotation I made it a priority to work with nurse aids and learn patient care from them. I was able to use a stand assist to help move a patient.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I learned that SA400X2 means that you get the stand assist that holds up to 400lbs to move a patient with the help of 2 nurses or nurse aids.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I have found that basic patient care gets slightly overlooked or put on the back burner because there is so many other things to cover, so using clinical down time to become efficient in basic patient care is a great use of time.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Over this rotation I have taken care of a multitude of patients, I have seen palliative care (comfort care, in this case, end of life care), heart murmurs, expressive and receptive aphasia and so much more.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom this is where assessment comes into the picture. Having good assessment skills and knowledge and being sure to implement them into your care are an absolute must.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom you need to know what is going on with your patient and always have a baseline to compare your most recent assessment with.

One of the hardest things I have had to do as nursing student is to come to terms with end of life care.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom as a nurse, it is our job to keep our patients safe, healthy, and alive. In nursing school thus far, we have discussed and learned about all the ways to keep our patient alive.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom we have only had one lecture on death and dying. So, this was a learning experience for me. To withdraw care and to provide comfort was a new concept to me.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom being sure to keep the patient comfortable was my duty and I did not take that responsibility lightly. As nurses, we take care of other people’s family members every shift.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom every patient is someone’s mom or dad, sister or brother, grandma or grandpa, or friend, so it’s essential that we treat them as such. Treating each patient with care, compassion, and respect is different from letting the emotional stress get the best of you.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom my parents have said, “you can’t take it all home with you,”. To a degree they’re right. I have begun to develop empathy and continue to use these experiences to take life in and appreciate what time I have while being the best nurse I can be.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Today is the beloved or loathed holiday known as valentine’s day. A day where those who are single most likely dislike, while those who have a special someone feel pressure to make the day special.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom whether you will be living in normalcy today ignoring the ever infinite chocolate and flowers or will be celebrating with a special someone, take a quick read below about my valentine’s day.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

My boyfriend will most likely tell you that I’ve balanced our relationship well. I make time for him and our relationship, but that I also have to make time for my school work.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom just as anyone does, I prioritize on a daily basis. One thing I’ve learned is that I do not have to sacrifice relationships regardless of my busy schedule.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I instead, work diligently, schedule precisely, and prioritize. I know that my own mental health is important, as well as my relationships and school work.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom making time for everything in your life can seem daunting and difficult, but with a trusty planner, phone reminders, and support from friends, family, and significant others, life is a little easier.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

To be honest, it’s hard to always find positive words to write when you feel defeated, exhausted, and at a loss for time. However, I have decided to revamp my schedule and find time to write.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom this time, I plan to write the good, the bad, and the ugly. After all, nursing school isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. In between the sunshine there’s a storm and at the end of that storm is a rainbow.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom many times throughout these past 3 semesters I have felt inferior, sub-par, overwhelmed, stressed, and tired. On the other end of the spectrum I have felt accomplished, proud, ecstatic, amazed, and grateful.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom upon reflection, I have come to realize that I rise to the occasion each semester and that if I would approach each semester knowing I will make progress I would have a more positive outlook.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

I am about to finish up my medical-surgical clinical rotation of my spring semester of my junior year. I will then start my specialty clinical sites like ICU, cardiac cath.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom lab, surgery, and mental health. I am taking 4 courses this semester: the adult client, pediatrics, mental health, and family nursing. By the end of this semester I will be a year away from graduating!Cognitive learning theory in the classroom this summer I hope and plan to have an internship, start working in the hospital setting, and enjoy some sun before school starts back up.

Week 3 has come to an end and week 4 begins tomorrow morning.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I have taken my first exam for this semester! The first exam was pathophysiology. I studied a little under a week for this exam and it was all well worth it.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom labor day weekend was spent with family and my textbooks, studying for upcoming exams. Holidays are now quite different, where I must balance school and my personal life, like never before.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom when my family goes to bed for the night, I stay up in my room studying before finally getting to go to bed. It has all been about dedication and determination.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

As for the past two weeks, I have passed the practical component of medication administration, injections, and starting an IV. The highlights of these practical skills include applying the many rights of medication administration, like right medication, dose, route, patient, and frequency, along with how to give medications (oral, extended release, elixir, trans-dermal, buccal, sublingual, inhaler, etc).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom when learning injections, it’s important to note the same rights in addition to knowing the appropriate location for the injection on patient, needle gauge and length, technique (Z-track, intradermal, intramuscular, subcutaneous) which include the different angles associated with each type of injection.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the IV portion of practical skills was exciting and nerve-racking. I have learned an immense amount of information in the past three weeks and continuously learn more each and every day.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Tonight, I’m in the living room with my fall candles burning and the door to my apartment’s deck is open letting in the coolest air we’ve had in a long time.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom of course, in the midst of this I’m studying for health assessment and pharmacology. Tomorrow begins week 4. Week 4 will consist of 2 exams, 1 practical exam, work, and more studying.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

My first job that I accepted at my university was in financial aid. I was a nursing major, but they still hired me! All my years of business clubs and public speaking in school paid off in getting me this unique job.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom my official title was financial literacy ambassador. Sounds fancy, right? It wasn’t as fancy as it sounds, but it was a job that made me grow as a person, while benefiting my peers.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the position required that I give financial aid presentations to freshman courses that were required for all freshman at the university to take.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I learned the content, found a way to get students involved in the presentation, and began presenting. I quickly fell in love with teaching others the new knowledge I had learned at my job.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom when entering college, the financial aid side can be scary or at least it was for me. People threw out words like: loan servicer, mastery promissory note, and subsidized or subsidized loans.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom this job allowed me to gain knowledge in financial aid while helping others do the same thing. During this time, I also helped with an event the program I worked for was holding.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the event was scholly. Scholly is an app that matches students with scholarships for school that christopher gray founded and appeared on shark tank the TV show.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the event consisted of christopher gray coming to the university to speak about his app. It was a great event and I am honored to say that I got to be a part and help with the event.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I stayed at this job until the end of the academic year, when the grant money for the program ran out.

My next job consisted of tutoring first generation college students at the university through a program that paid for tutors for these students.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I tutored students individually in science and math courses. It was a unique experience to tutor these students, as was working for such a great program on campus.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom nearing the end of the semester though, I was contacted about another job opportunity that would require getting a recommendation and it was a job I just couldn’t help but apply for.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

My latest job here at the university has the job title of PASS leader. PASS stands for peer assisted study sessions. It was founded by another university and my university has adopted the same program.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I currently am going on my second semester as the anatomy PASS leader. I facilitate and lead study sessions for students currently taking anatomy.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom I attend the anatomy course, meet with the course faculty, and create materials and ideas for study sessions. Once again, I’m helping students that are just like me.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

I have a real thirst for knowledge and enjoy giving back and helping other students who feel the same way that I do about learning. It’s something that helps others, keeps me improving my anatomy knowledge and public speaking skills, and helps me pay for groceries too!Cognitive learning theory in the classroom it’s a win-win-win situation and I highly recommend that you see what jobs are available on your campus.