Almost through the first semester

Well, it's been an interesting 10 weeks. Hard to believe it's already been that long. Two courses are already over - Basic Physical Assessment and Nursing Perspectives. Managed to pull As in both courses. Now the real challenge begins - my first clinical rotation.

We started on Wednesday this week at a nursing home. There are 8 of us in the clinical group. Our instructor is awesome...so laid back and supportive. The nursing home really seems pretty nice, compared with some I've seen (and smelled). The staff are friendly and helpful. My first patient was an 80-year-old man with a multitude of problems, including a C. diff infection. Yuk. But I'm actually looking forward to going back next week and seeing if I can't be more organized and confident. There is so much paperwork...feel like I'm drowning in it...but it's all for the good and to help us organize and prioritize. I've got some sore muscles from turning my patient during the bath and bed change. He was totally unable to help. Need to get myself in better shape!

My young classmates are awesome. So little experience of the world, yet so focused and eager to learn and help their fellow human beings. As always, I'm inspired by young people. They are wonderful.

This is such a challenge and so rewarding; so glad I am able to do it.