Bubby’s Blog!

Jason | Cancer | He/Him🦉| 💙Happily Taken!!❤️Twitch streamer! Art By meow-parties / Cozy

[lattesandlearning]

✨3/8/2023, Week 9 of Final Semester✨

This has been the busiest past few months of my life but we are almost done with level 4!!!! 2 more months to go until I can say I’m officially graduated and on to pass my NCLEX and claim that RN!

I’m praying that with the amount of hard work and dedication devoted to this course that I’ll pass with no problems in our advanced concepts med surg course 🤞🏻 I just need 74s on the next two exams and we are golden, baby. I’ll still have a short leadership course and the ATI comprehensive predictor to pass, but our most lecture heavy class will be over with by the end of this month.

I can’t believe I have finished my final clinical rotations in the nursing program, which were in the ICU this semester! I thoroughly enjoy clinical so it’s bittersweet that’s it, but at least I have 84 hr of student nurse preceptorship to look forward to in April! I can’t wait to update you all on the final steps of this journey- fingers crossed I have what it takes to cross the finish line ✨

[lattesandlearning]

✨2/14/2023, Week 6 of Final Semester✨

Happy Valentine’s Day, my sweet friends!!! I hope that your day is filled with so much love and happiness. Do me a favor and tell someone dear to you that you love them and spread kindness on this day.

I will be spending my day studying with this lovely study group I’ve been grateful to be apart of and celebrating Galentine’s by having sweets while we study and finish assignments for the week because my partner will be working and the nursing program grind never stops hehe.

[lattesandlearning]

✨2/1/2023, Week 4 of Final Semester✨

I won’t lie. This semester has already been really really tough. I passed all of my final skills check offs and my final test off, but these exams are kicking my ass. My test anxiety has been miserable this semester and I am trying to work to get it under control. I feel pretty downtrodden right now and I know this post seems a bit more somber than normal because of that feeling, but I know I’ll just pick myself up and work even harder. We are going to make it through because we have to and we have gotten back up from worse. Running on pure adrenaline and determination now. Fingers crossed your studies are going better than mine and I’d love to hear what everyone’s favorite part of the semester so far is!

[lattesandlearning]

✨1/12/2023, Week 1 of Final Semester✨

Hello, my friends! I’m elated to share with you that I have begun my final semester of nursing school. I’m extremely giddy that I’ve only got 15 weeks and then I’m done with this chapter of my life, but I also find myself anxious because this is going to definitely be the most demanding level yet and our success will be hard-earned.

Today was our first day of lecture and it lasted 8hr. In short, I’m already a little drained. However, I’m thrilled with my instructor, she is an excellent lecturer and is rooting for our success. Her course has a 100% pass rate as well as our leadership course, but the ATI comprehensive predictor has proven that it will be our mightiest challenge yet. I cross my fingers that we will make it through with diligence as well as confidence in our abilities. I’m ready to put my all into this work and I look forward to seeing it pay off. I can’t wait to update you on everything as we make this final trek to becoming RN’s!!!

I hope you’re all doing so very well and I look forward to following everyone’s academic journeys this semester. I’m rooting for the success of each and every one of you! We’ve got this!!!

[lattesandlearning]

✨12/16/2022, Week 22 of Fall Semester✨

In a very exciting update, I have passed level 3 and will be proceeding to the final level of nursing school, level 4! I am over the moon because I mentioned in my previous post that I needed a 74 due to missing an exam and the final counting for both the final and my missing grade. So, after many study sessions including a 14hr group session, I waited over 24hr for my result to discover that I had not only succeeded, but that I had made an 84.9!!! I couldn’t believe my eyes and I refreshed the page a million times to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. May this prove to you all that with enough hard work, anything is possible! You guys can do it!!!

Above I present the realistic chaos from throughout my 2 weeks of studying leading up to the final. I am so happy and can’t wait to keep y’all up to date about interviews and preceptorship. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity and it’s so crazy I’m on my last semester of nursing should before I become an RN in May. Fingers crossed we make it through the chaos!!!

Like I said in my last post, I hope you are all doing well, and again, I’m very sorry for the unexpected prolonged hiatus! Best of luck to everyone with finals and to those who have finished, congratulations!! Treat yourself with kindness and celebrate your victories with a nice winter break. For those who keep going throughout December, I wish you all the very best in your studies and also encourage you to take breaks when you can even if it is just to enjoy a small cup of hot chocolate or to look at Christmas lights or study by the fire!

[lattesandlearning]

✨12/8/2022, Week 21 of Fall Semester✨

Phew! Where do I even begin? 😅 Hello, friends! I believe I should begin with an apology for my sudden lack of posts. I have been swamped with class work and just making it through day by day, week by week. We are currently 4 days away from the Adult health II final that is the last barrier between me and level 4! It’s incredible how fast this semester has flown by- I feel like we just started yesterday. I have learned so much and thankfully, I’ve been scoring mid to high 80s on the rest of the exams since that first one back in September that I posted about but I missed one because I became unexpectedly and extremely sick, so I need to make a 74 on my 100 question final, so I’ve been largely dedicated to refreshing on everything in the course- specifically cardiac because of that initial poor exam grade.

I have also been taking an additional course outside of the nursing program that has snatched up every morsel of spare time, but it has been extremely helpful in teaching me how to write a resume, cover letters, inquiry letters, and thank you notes. We have also been efficiently taught how to answer behavioral interview questions by our instructor having us write answers to common vague prompts so we have a story toolbox and are the best prepared for interviews, which will be perfect for me as a level 4 student next semester!

I hope you are all doing well, and again, I’m very sorry for the unexpected prolonged hiatus! Best of luck to everyone with finals and to those who have finished, congratulations!! Treat yourself with kindness and celebrate your victories with a nice winter break. For those who keep going throughout December, I wish you all the very best in your studies and also encourage you to take breaks when you can even if it is just to enjoy a small cup of hot chocolate.

[lattesandlearning]

✨10/14/2022, Week 9 of Fall Semester✨

Per my last post, it can be gleaned that I have been having difficulties in the second half of level 3, Adult Health II. After the success of passing my Mental Health course with flying colors, this was a bit of a slap to the face. However, just like I said in my previous post, we will just brush ourselves off and keep going! I did much better on this second exam and hope this trend continues as I take each exam. I look forward to starting my clinicals this week and I learned I’ll be doing 12 hr Saturday shifts on an oncology unit at my favorite hospital to do clinicals at and I’m excited to learn so much from these shifts.

I was feeling down after the low of my first exam and I stopped by a Starbucks I frequent often to take a drink home to keep me up so I could study. I went in with my nursing student badge on still and one of my favorite baristas there greeted me warmly saying, “There’s my favorite future nurse! I may be taking care of you now, but you may have to take care of me later so you better get to studying!” I perked up a little at this and I promised her I would do my best. What I didn’t notice or expect was this kind little motivator on my cup until I got home with it. This small gesture on her end effected me monumentally and I spent my entire weekend studying and working harder than ever. It is just an ever frequent reminder that your small acts of kindness can have the largest impact on those you spread it to. I’m ever so grateful for her sweet words and I will continue to work diligently to make her and myself proud.

[lattesandlearning]

✨10/5/2022, Week 8 of Fall Semester✨

Hi, my friends! I hope you’re all doing well! It’s a little unfortunate, but I didn’t do as well as anticipated on my first exam in Adult Health II despite all the studying I put in. However, if I’ve learned anything, the first exam in a new nursing course is always the hardest and you must never give up. You must carry on to do the remediation and then dive into the content for the next exam just as diligently as you did the last one (if not more) and strive to do better. We will just brush ourselves off, stand up, take a deep breath, and keep going- stronger than ever because we don’t give up. The mantra that will be carried for the rest of the semester is “the best I can do is the best I can do”. Let’s keep on going with this in mind and knock our courses out of the park.

I hope you’re all doing well and the semester treats you kindly! May this be a sign that with hard work and dedication, you will succeed in your courses! I have so much faith in each and every one of you 💕

[lattesandlearning]

✨9/21/2022, Week 6 of Fall Semester✨

Hi, my friends! I hope you’re all doing super well! I completed my skills test-off for both central venous access device dressing change as well as IV push! It was so fun to actually practice on the mannequins again and when I tested off, I was told by my professor that that I did well. She then went on to demonstrate to me a method she uses to perform IV push in a manner that was much easier and kept the iv catheter more stabilized throughout the procedure. I’m so grateful to have instructors who wish for my success and pass along valuable tips and information I can carry with me on the job once I graduate as a nurse. I am continuing to also review all of the new cardiac content being taught to me within this new course and any advice on reading ECG strips would be much appreciated 😅

Also should explain all the mannequin stuff in the lab photos are simulation materials and there was no real blood lot on the table or anything! Just a lot of kool-aid-like mix (I made sure to put a tw just in case for the fake blood). I always want to say that the photo of the dressing on the mannequin with the central venous access device dressing was there previously from a different student for me to practice removing, so if it’s not placed properly, that’s why!

I hope everyone’s fall semester is going well and if you could tell me what the most interesting thing you’ve learned so far this semester, I’d love to hear it in the replies or tags! Here’s to another week of studying and working hard. I’m wishing you all the very best & I’ll see you all next week❤️

[lattesandlearning]

✨9/13/2022, Week 5 of Fall Semester✨

We are officially into our second course of the semester, Adult Health II! I passed my Mental Health course with an 87.4 and I am officially level 3’s class representative. We have been busy at work practicing skills, such as central venous line dressing change, focused physical assessment and IV push, as well as studying cardiac for our first unit exam in this course. It has been a bit overwhelming, but I am at full strength now that my favorite season has arrived and pumpkin is running through my veins. We will make it through together, my friends ❤️

[lattesandlearning]

✨9/3/2022, Week 3 of Fall Semester✨

Hello, my friends! Life has been a little hectic hence my post being later than anticipated, but better late than never. I passed my 2nd unit exam and only need a 65.867% on the 3rd exam to pass this course! It has gone by extremely fast and I have done a lot better than anticipated. This has clearly been my favorite course because whether or not you become a mental health nurse, you will have to use this knowledge for any patient you have and it will make for better client centered care to get the full picture.

Another surprise announcement that no one may have anticipated is that I’m running to be level 3’s class representative. Shocker, right? I normally never take any position that involves leadership or social involvement, but I decided that I always try to best assist my peers whenever I may provide some help and this would just be the next step to becoming more helpful to my fellow classmates by stepping into this position. I am not sure who won yet, but it will be announced next week and I will keep you all posted!

Last but not least, I have attended my mental health clinical for the semester and I found it fascinating as well as devastating. It was a little tough with topics that hit close to home as well as a patient who broke down and cried on my shoulder. I always aspire to be the person who can hear everyone’s concerns and reassure them that they are heard and it’s valid to feel that way, but to also remind them they’re in a safe place with me and that I will do my best to assist however I can. It was only a 6 hour clinical, but maybe the most I have ever learned in one sitting. I hope with this experience I will better provide for my patients holistically.

[lattesandlearning]

✨8/20/2022, Week 1 of Fall Semester✨

By golly, we are jumping straight back into the fray. It has been a hectic first two days and it’s only going to get crazier from here!

We finished Unit 1 lecture content already and have our first test on Tuesday, August 23, and I’m nervous to say the least. Mental health has always been a topic that intrigued me, but this course only lasts for 3 weeks (it ends on September 8th), so it’s going to FLY by and there’s a TON of information to consume and assignments to keep up with. But, with my matcha latte/nurse fuel in hand, I feel like can accomplish anything.

The best of luck to everyone starting back this fall semester! I’d love to hear everyone’s stories and how it’s going so far 💕

[lattesandlearning]

✨8/8/2021, Week 14 of Summer✨

Today, I completed the online portion of my CPR course I am taking in order to renew my certification. Tomorrow, I will go in person on campus for the skills checkoff part in order to receive my BLS card. I honestly really enjoyed refreshing on the subject and all of its aspects in order to be a better rescuer if the situation ever arises for one of my patients.

This week will be spent wrapping up the few things I need to update/do before the semester starts, such as my UDS, as well as continuing to review meds for the upcoming course. It’s starting to really dawn on me that we start class next Thursday and I’m honestly really anxious about it, but, fingers crossed, it goes well. I always get the worst back to school anxiety, but it always goes away after the first week ends and we are back into the grind. Just know that if you’re also starting to feel the semester scaries, you’re not alone and we will get through this together! 💕

[lattesandlearning]

✨8/3/2021, Week 13 of Summer✨

After a very long, and may I say, well deserved vacation, I am back into the grind in preparation for Level 3 of the nursing program, which starts with Mental Health. Just like maternal child, the course is only 3 weeks long and extremely fast paced so I’m nervous, but I made it through the first one and I know I can make it through this one!

Following up the last post on my blog on June 15 (phew has it really been that long??? 😅), I am happy to announce I successfully passed both my CNA written and skills exams. Therefore, I have been officially added to my state’s nurse aide registry; I AM A CNA AHHHHHHH! Since receiving my CNA certification, I was a bridesmaid at a wedding for a friend who I actually met in the nursing program and became very close with, I went on a lengthy vacation with my partner to visit his family, and once I got home, I have been doing mental health medication templates in my free time to get a head start for Mental Health between school and personal errands leading up to school starting on August 18th! In terms of academics, I’ve been avidly applying for scholarships, accumulating letters of recommendation, and trying to branch out and build a good professional network with my nursing instructors as well as instructors from previous courses. All in all, I got a nice long relax period after studying hard for my CNA exams and I am now jumping back in full force for the fall semester.

I hope you’re all doing well and that you’ve enjoyed your summer break. If you’ve been taking summer classes, I salute you because ever since joining the program, summer has to be my break or I’m going to go bonkers because by spring, I’m so burnt out I barely function. Love you all and happy to be back from hiatus! ❤️

[lattesandlearning]

✨6/15/2021, Week 6 of Summer✨

2 days until my scheduled written and skills exams and I’m nervous. I went to campus to practice skills in our lab and felt a little more confident actually doing it as many of the skills for the demo portion of the test are things I’ve been checked off of in the nursing program already and just needed a quick refresher. I’ve done some more practice questions, but I still feel nervous and would appreciate some good vibes. I’ll continue to practice skills with what equipment I have available to me at home and just hope for the best. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻 ❤️

[lattesandlearning]

✨6/5/2021, Week 5 of Summer✨

12 days until my CNA written and skills exams! I’m a little anxious because time has been FLYING a little faster than I would like for it to be, but I’ve still been taking practice questions and doing well on them, as well as reviewing and practicing skills material. Aside from all that, it has been a wonderful time soaking up some summer sun and going on wonderful adventures with my friends! I’ve seen new places, tried new yummy foods, met some incredible people, and shared tons of fantastic memories amongst friends- I’ve also played so much Stardew with one of my best friends every evening after she gets off of work and I am obsessed! I hope everyone’s summer is going well (especially for the ones taking summer courses!!!) and that you all make memories that will last you a lifetime!

[lattesandlearning]

✨5/22/2021, Week 2 of Summer✨

I finally got the chance to meet with Jennifer Moffet, the author of Those Who Prey, which I reviewed in this post last year! It was my favorite summer read and I have driven my friends crazy talking about it and recommending it every-time I see it in any bookstore we visit. She was extremely kind and thoughtful when talking to me while signing my copy of her book and I literally teared up a little. I had missed her at a previous event and so when I saw she’d be at this event, I immediately RSVPed for it and was so grateful for the chance to meet her. 100% a core memory for me. If you haven’t yet, give this book a read because I guarantee you won’t regret it. For a more in-depth review, be sure to refer to my post I wrote here! 💕