Student Nurse Teacher

As the school year draws to an end, many college students look forward to graduation. Finally, classes are over, no more projects, no more clinicals, no more tests--well, unless you are a nursing major. In that case graduation is only one step on the path to being a nurse. The final step still looms: the NCLEX. One of my nursing friends demonstrating the proper way to study The day I graduated from college was an exciting day, but I didn't feel the sense of finality because I knew that dreaded NCLEX was still ahead. I had turned in my application and all the needed paperwork to my state. My school would send my final transcript to the nursing board, the board would send me my att (authorization to test), and I could finally schedule the NCLEX. So I went off to my summer job at a camp and waited for that att. And I waited, and waited. I continued to study through the Kaplan material and take practice tests, but I wanted to spread it out and leave the long practice tes...

Earlier I shared what I take to work in my nursing bag . Today's post is for all my nursing student friends. Hopefully, your school has given you some suggestions on what to take to clinicals. But if not (or even if they have), consider this some added encouragement from me to you. I was in your shoes...not too long ago! So without further ado, here is my nursing bag: student nurse edition. Chap Stick That dry hospital tho. I love eos coconut lip balm Clipboard with room for papers This one is super helpful for storing clinical paperwork. Makes it easy to remain professional and not have papers spilling everywhere, while still having everything you need close by! Always take an extra piece of paper or a small notepad for jotting down vital signs, meds, or questions you have. Pens, highlighter, pencil Get you a couple of each and be the nursing student who is prepared!! Drug reference book Your school probably has a required drug reference book for your classes. But, if...

For every shift I have a few essentials. You know, things like scrubs, my stethoscope, comfortable shoes, my cell phone charger, water and coffee, a positive attitude, my brain etc. 😉 I also always take my nursing bag and I thought it would be fun to show you what I pack in it! So here is my nursing bag: RN edition. The Bag. I love Vera Bradley bags . This one has several pockets for pens and small items. The shoulder strap is comfortable and it is just the right size to be manageable but hold what you need with ease! 😊 For Reference. For the first several months on a new floor I like to keep my basic orientation information with me to review. My floor provided me with information on common procedures and medications, EKG rhythms, and more. It was super helpful to be able to review details and brush up on things when I had some extra time in the middle of the night. After I was more comfortable on my floor I compiled a lot of this information onto little cheat sheets that I ...

Whether you are a nurse or a nursing student, chances are you feel overwhelmed, and stressed, at least a few times a week 😄 We work in a demanding field with a high level of responsibility. No one, no matter how seasoned or how smart, is immune from the pressures of healthcare. So how do you deal with the stress of the your classes or job? There are many avenues of #selfcare and hopefully you have already learned your favorite ways to unwind. Here are a few of mine! -- Hang out with friends, especially those who remind me I am not alone in this journey -- Play the piano (love me some Rachmaninov  if it was an especially stressful shift 😉) -- Get outside and enjoy nature So what about you? How do you find refreshment after a tough day? Cheering you on, Laura Follow me on Instagram

Growing up, I didn't want to be a nurse. Never even considered it. I liked science and math, but I also liked English and history and all my other classes (I was a bit of a nerd). I was going to be an elementary school teacher. And then, 8th grade hit and my life changed forever. First was the tumor, and visits to the surgeon, plastic surgeon, and oncologist. Then my surgery and subsequent recovery. A few months later, I dislocated my knee and was in physical therapy for months. And after that, I got mono and was sick for several months. One health problem after another and hours upon hours in doctor's offices and hospital rooms. These months gave me a greater understanding of and appreciation for the medical community, nurses in particular. The nurses were always there, taking care of me as a person. They were the ones who answered my call light, and most of my questions. They were the ones who took my vital signs, gave me my medications, and brought me an extra blanket. The...

Student. Nurse. Teacher.  Perhaps each of those words conjures up a different picture in your mind. But, all three of those words describe me. Here's why.  Student. I am first a student of the Bible and seek to live my life by It's principles, resting in my relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This is the most important thing about me, and I would love to share more with you. ❤ From 2012-2016 I was a nursing student. Those years were difficult yet rewarding and laid the groundwork for my current credentials: RN, BSN! I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in counseling so that I can help others work through difficulties they may face. We are all students, even if we don't sit in a classroom all day. We learn from the people around us and the situations we encounter every day. Nurses should be continually learning and growing in their field. I plan to share lots of nursing school tips and tricks so let me know what kinds of things you would like to hear...