Becoming a Nurse

[yolandadominguez]

I couldn’t help myself, lol! Use your critical thinking skills guys.

[yolandadominguez]

Even though I miss going to clinicals on weekends; I am happy that we are done with them. This past few weeks have been rough with the amount of assignments, quizzes, and exams that we have had to do. And even even though now we have “extra” time to study, I feel like there are not enough hours in the day to catch up with everything we need to do before the semester is over. I am trying to stay motivated, as we are more than half way through the semester; however, I was getting way to stressed. This past weekend I decided to disconnect and enjoy at least one full day off with my family. Today, I feel so much better! it is amazing what taking some time off to be with your family can do. I highly recommend taking some time off to recharge, or at least getting a good night’s sleep, as this is very important to maintain your motivation.  

[carlyelwell-blog-deactivated202]

It’s okay 💛

It’s okay to be frustrated at the endless amounts of homework and Prep U’s you’ve done. It’s okay to cry after failing an exam you pulled an all nighter studying for. It’s okay to feel left out when all of your friends are going out on a saturday night and you’re home surrounded by textbooks and notes. Take a deep breath and stand still for a minute. Forgive yourself and show yourself patience, because YOU’RE STILL LEARNING. I know it may seem impossible right now but your determination, perseverance, and dedication are what are going to get you through this!

[yolandadominguez]

It is ok to feel this way. School can be exhausting; however, we just need a little patience and perseverance, and soon the semester will be over, and we will be one step closer to our goal!

[amandawagnerr]

and we’re done!!! thank you dupont for all the opportunities and experience you gave us!!🤍

[rachellhorn-deactivated20250120]

Lab Simulation

Over the past few weeks, each clinical group went up to Widener to do both a MedSurg and a Pediatric simulation. Our MedSurg simulation involved a patient with COPD, and our Pediatric simulations involved a patient with suspected abuse and another patient with a concussion. We were working on those life-size medical dolls that are interactive and come with all sorts of conditions.

It was an interesting experience to say the least. It is a whole different experience when you are the nurse in the simulation versus a sideline observer - definitely a lot more stressful! It was helpful to discuss what happened and what happens in real application after we completed the simulation. It’s much better to may mistakes on a doll than on an actual patient!

[olivias12]

I found discussing the simulation afterwards really helpful as well! Even though it was a simulation I was still a bit nervous to be the nurse there but found it a great learning experience

[yolandadominguez]

Rachel, I know what you mean. During the first simulation, I got to be a sideline observer, and I remember having all of these “great ideas” about what I would do if I were the nurse, but then when it was my turn, I froze, lol. It is hard to react fast when you are under such pressure, and I cannot imagine going through the same scenario with a real patient! It is nice that the university prepares you for what to do in these type of cases. Like you said it is better to make mistakes on dolls than on actual patients. Fortunately, this is why they have us do this, so that we can learn from our mistakes.

[yolandadominguez]

I cannot believe we are almost halfway through the semester! It has been a hard semester, but also a fun semester. We were all nervous and had no idea what to expect during our clinicals; however, I am grateful that we were able to experience at least some of the clinicals in person. Going to clinicals in person has given me more self confidence. It is nice to see that other people may be feeling as nervous or as scared as I am, and that makes me feel like I am not alone when it comes to  feeling overwhelmed by school demands. I feel like over the course of a few weeks we have all grown so much, and little by little we are being shaped into the professionals we hope to become. 

I loved going to clinicals. It was awesome to be able to apply all of the concepts we have been learning in class, and even though the semester is far from over, I can honestly say that this semester for me has been a turning point, as I never knew how much I would enjoy the profession until I started going to clinicals. I will continue to work hard because at this point, I cannot see myself doing anything else, and I hope everyone else in the program feels the same way.

[yolandadominguez]

Last Sunday, during clinical, I had the privilege of shadowing to nurses in the pediatrics emergency department. It was such a great experience! I loved the fast pace of the emergency department. While there, I got to put into practice many aspects of what we are currently learning in class. I saw the nurses interact with a toddler, a preschooler, and a school-aged child. This made me understand the importance of knowing every developmental stage. It was fun to be able to observe and interact with the kids and use the skills that I have learned in class. The doctor was also wonderful, she was nice enough to allow me to help her with a patient while she sutured his head. This was definitely one of the best clinical experiences I have had so far. 

While I started nursing school being nervous and not being sure of what to expect, little by little, I am becoming more and more comfortable in my role as a nursing student, and even though it is going to be a hard journey, now I know that it will all be worth it in the end. 

[yolandadominguez]

Peds exam coming up, lol

[yolandadominguez]

[rachellhorn-deactivated20250120]

A Delayed Clinical Day #2

It felt great to be back at duPont yesterday after a month of solely remote learning due to a snow cancellation. Finally having the opportunity to practice our skills is a harsh reminder of how much hands-on experience we are missing out on this year. Hopefully hospitals will accept nursing students for clinical as more people get vaccinated.

Regardless, I was able to shadow in duPont’s Emergency Department for clinical yesterday. As an aspiring trauma nurse, this was quite a educational and interesting experience. I find that I enjoy the flow and setup of emergency/trauma/ICU units more than a typical floor unit. Keeping an open mind and exposing yourself to as many experiences as possible is important, so this could always change with time!

[yolandadominguez]

Rachel, I love your curiosity! I can tell that you are always curious to explore and learn more. I also think it is very important to expose ourselves to as many experiences as possible, so we can figure out where we can be at our best. I am glad to be in the same group with you. Your curiosity inspires me!

[iamkatrinathomas]

First day at clinical

Hello beautiful people,

I am so happy to be back on here. Guys I had my first on sit peds clinical on the 1/24/2021. I was so nervous going into clinical but the movement I got there and saw those beautiful little angles my whole nervousness went away. I had so much fun doing the stuff I love to do, the movement I started interacting with my patients I felt so good and proud because I feel like I was born to be a nurse; and I enjoy everything about my clinical and I can’t wait to go back on sit. Please comment and let me know how was your first day at clinical?

[yolandadominguez]

Hi Katrina, I love how passionate you are about the nursing profession! During our med-surge simulation, I was able to see how comfortable you were in your role as a nursing student. I also remember you mentioned how you started working in the medical field at a very young age. I think that your passion for medicine and for learning will make you a great pediatric nurse! Keep up the good work!

[yolandadominguez]

last Friday we had or Med-surge simulation. Everyone was very nervous when we first went in since we did not know what to expect. It was not as bad as I expected, though, maybe because I only got to be an observer! I do not think Amanda and Rachel can say the same, lol. Even though Amanda and Rachel were very nervous, they did great!, as it is hard to work under pressure, but they made it. The rest of the group did great as well!

 During the simulation, we incorporated all of the concepts we have learnt so far, for example, medications administration, taking vitals, and therapeutic communication. I learnt a few things about myself as well. For example, I was able to identify my areas of strength as well as my weaknesses. This is very important because now I know the areas were I need to focus more. 

Even though, this experience was nerve- racking at first, it was a great experience, not only did we get to learn more about ourselves, but we also had so much fun during the process once the hard part was over. It was great to see some of my classmates in person! 

[skylarb22]

First Clinical Experience!

Before nursing school I new that eventually I was going to be a Pediatric Nurse, or a NICU Nurse. Kids/babies have a special place in my heart. Being able to care for them, watch them reach little yet amazing milestones is breath taking. I love the imagination of kids, I think that it keeps adults hearts young. I am so grateful that I get to experience a clinical at Dupont, a pediatric hospital. I spent the day shadowing such a kind nurse. We were able to learn about the patients on the floor, why they were there and little facts about each of them. We were on a Cardiac Step-Down unit, which consisted of most of the patients having Trachs, NG tubes and heart deficits. We were also able to observe and listen to the rounds done on each patient! This was awesome to see how in depth they go into each patient. Clinical experience is so different then sitting behind a computer, and it really gives me motivation to keep up the good work!

[yolandadominguez]

Skylar, I felt very intimidated as well, but eventually I started feeling more comfortable being around the nurses. I had a very good first day too. I though it would be hard being around sick kids, which it is, but it is also very rewarding. It is so good to see the kids’ faces light up when they see you, and it is a great feeling knowing that you can help them feel better. 

[francescamendes]

Being a nursing student****

[yolandadominguez]

hahaha, I agree with that! 

[yolandadominguez]

I am grateful to be a nursing student at Widener University, and even though our journey as nursing students will not be easy, I am sure in the end it will worth it.

 Last Sunday we had our first clinical. I was very nervous, but at the same time very excited to see what nurses do on a day to day basis. I had a great day! I got to see many of the concepts that we have learned in class, such as medication administration, therapeutic communication with patients, and interpersonal communication among nurses. It is amazing to see how much we have learned thus far. I am excited to see what new information we will learn this semester and apply it in our future clinical rotations.

[yolandadominguez]

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