There are few things that feel better than being prepared for an exam + starting the semester strong. Don't cram for exams. Anxiety isn't fun. Give yourself enough time to actually retain the information. Why would you want to cram or memorize when you're dealing with someone's life?
We had our first Fundamentals exam this week and I'm glad it's over. There was so much hearsay about what to expect. I was getting tired of people hyping it up.
I love that we immediately get our scores and that we're given rationales for the correct answers.
Because who doesn't love instant gratification?
Pro-tip: Never change your answer on a nursing exam. ALWAYS trust your gut.
It's really hard to separate what you actually practice in the hospital from textbook knowledge for the exam.
I realized this week that every week for the rest of the semester I have an exam.
Woof.
14 weeks until good sleep!
If there's anything I'm worried about it's this PathoPharm exam.
I've heard consistently bad reviews about PathoPharm.
I'm still going to study like crazy and go to review sessions + tutoring.
This week I felt like I hit a roadblock. I'm exhausted, physically and emotionally. Exhausted to the point where I'm dozing off every 7 seconds while taking a quiz tonight and only waking up because the weight of my head jerking startles me. Those long blinks are dangerous.
I was joking with my friends and told them that I need a really long hug and a vacation. Even if it's just a staycation and eating room service + takeout in bed while watching random things like Iron Fist or Ozark on Netflix (Ozark is amazing!). Or maybe some mushy chick flicks.
I was instructed to read and watch "Me Before You".
That's my idea of fun these days.
I think I might do a staycation, once I get settled.
I feel like I've missed out on so much in the last week or so. So many concerts just took place.
- Beyonce
- Masego
- Childish Gambino
I was invited to all of these and decided to study.
This self-control + discipline thing is hard.
Temporary sacrifices that will be more than worth it.
Isolating myself + studying without music is really hard but so effective.
Setting goals + rewards helps.
Example: rewrite this powerpoint + answer all the chapter objectives and summary questions and you can spend 5-10 mintues on Pinterest.
Snacks help too.
Tuesday I forgot snacks and studied for 8ish hours, smh
Rookie mistake.
This week in clinical we went over sterile technique + the sterile field, personal protective equipment, restraints, colostomy bags, enemas, patient assessment and supplies for various wounds.
It was a short clinical day which allowed me more time to study, pack and most importantly, power nap.
Measuring for my first colostomy bag!
I've seen this done at work and I've even been asked to do a few but I'm always very nervous.
It's much easier than I thought.
We learned all about stomas and what to look for when assessing them.
Stoma #4 (The one that looks like a Cherry Life Saver, next to the black liquorice) is a healthy stoma!
Another pro-tip: Move into your apartment before the semester starts. Rent a U-Haul. Find strong reliable men to help you move.
Moving without any help is probably the real reason I'm this tired. I will say, I've done a pretty good job of getting rid of clothes and random trinkets of mine.
Times I wish I had gotten an SUV instead of my current car: NOW
I'd be making fewer trips and I'd also be able to move a floor length mirror that I own.
This week felt so off.
I guess I'm not a fan of 4 day weekends, for now.
Hoping for a restful weekend and time to watch one super mushy chick flick.
Happy Weekend!
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