Independent Component 1 Check In

     For my first Independent Component I decided to take an intro class for nursing at Citrus College. I had taken a couple General Ed. classes up at CalPoly so I thought I could easily handle the class. It wasn't until I actually joined the class that I realized just what I was getting myself into.

     The Intro to Health Occupations course turned out to be a prerequisite for the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program. Multiple classes take the same course taught by several teachers on Pharmacology & Anatomy/Physiology. The total number of students at the beginning of the semester was about 150 students. As soon as the first day finished the students were dropping like flies to get out of the class after realizing how much work it would take. This is how I finally got into the class after waiting over the summer for spots to open up. With about 130 remaining, we are currently vying for the top 15% which is what you need to get in order to pass the class while the other 85% will have
another attempt to take retake the course next semester.

     The class has a very rigorous schedule with tests every day. I have to review up to 20 pages for each period. Although it is a challenging course, I've learned a great deal of information thus far. The class has helped me develop a better sense of medical terminology, familiarize myself with the human body, and what nurses do. I've learned how to examine patients, determine pathological conditions, possible treatments, calculate dosages, and properly document a Medication Administration Record (MAR).

     It's been difficult trying to make time for my college class, as well as my high school classes and volunteering, but I think it's helped me work on learning time management. This is only a taste of what to expect when I go to college for nursing full-time and it's a very daunting thought indeed. On the other hand, I believe that the class will only benefit me in the long run and make me better prepared for the senior project and possibly a future career.

Blog 8: Research and Working EQ

1) EQ: What factor is the most important for a registered nurse to provide the best quality care?
2) Possible EQ answers:

• Focus on person-centred care; this helps nurses deviate from treating only the problems but the patient as a whole.   
• Continuing education, such as obtaining a baccalaureate degree, which will result in a better prepared and more knowledgeable nurse.

3) Most important source: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing is the only website I have found containing free, scholarly nursing articles so far. They have numerous articles on different issues that are currently happening within the nursing field. One specific article that has helped is "Measuring Compassion in Nursing " by D. Sturgeon. It's about patient satisfaction and how nurses can work towards it.
4) I am volunteering at San Dimas Community Hospital in the Medical-surgical unit for inpatients. Since I just started I stay at the main desk of that area taking calls from patients in their rooms that need anything. It is important to my EQ because the focus of my project is on nursing and patient care. I get to observe first hand what is happening in the field. Even though I'm at the desk I have an important role to play in patient care. I relay information about what a patient needs to the specific nurse that is assigned to them. As I continue to volunteer, I hope I will be able to go to patient rooms and help assist nurses in their work with what is permissible.

Found My Mentorship

Finally! After more than a month of searching, calling, and emailing hospitals I found my mentorship. I'll be going to San Dimas Community Hospital. I attended the orientation/training last week, had a TB test, turned in all my paperwork and as of today I am now an official volunteer. I even received a uniform and badge :D

By getting everything necessary completed ASAP I was able to pick my top choice for the department I wanted to volunteer in, which is Med-surge. Med-surge is an inpatient unit where you can see a broad variety of patients with medical and surgical cases. I'm really excited to start next Thursday!

Blog 7: Independent Component 1 Approval

1. I am currently taking a Nursing 100 class at Citrus College.
2. I will provide evidence of 30 hours through a transcript.
3. The class goes over the basic info I should know about nursing. I get to learn what nursing students need to learn in order to become nurses. There is also a whole section on terminology that will help me to better understand the scholarly articles I read for research.

Blog 6: Second Interview Questions

1. Who is your mentor and where do they work?

     I'm not exactly sure who my mentor will be, but they will work at San Dimas Community Hospital. It depends on what area I am placed in. I just had my volunteer orientation there yesterday.

2. What five questions will you ask them about their background?

• What experience do you have in nursing?
• Where did you go to school?
• What made you want to become a nurse?
• How long did it take you to finish your schooling in order to become a nurse?
• What other requirements besides school are needed to become a nurse?

Blog 5: Project Reflection and Working EQ

The Pentagon: 
(1) Positive Statement: What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?
     I'm actually really excited about delving deeper into the world of nursing. Every step I take in the senior project makes me realize how much I am interested in the topic I chose. I love how it's a busy hands on job and I won't have to sit at a desk all day. Nursing has now become my top choice for a future career and I can't wait to learn all about it!

(2) EQ Content:  
     My interview with Deza Avelino allowed me to get a better understanding of what it means to be a nurse. She told me her first hand experiences and helped me see the job through her eyes. She told me about the harsh realities of the job as well. Nursing is a serious profession that can be very stressful at times. However, the satisfaction from helping people and knowing that she can make a positive impact on their lives is worth it for her.

(3) What has worked for you so far in the senior project?
     Getting a head start on what needs to be accomplished for my senior project has been beneficial. I got into a Citrus College class on Nursing which will help me fulfill my first Individual Component.

(4) What hasn't worked so far?  
     I haven't been able to get in contact with a mentor so far. Over the summer I had tried to contact several hospitals in my area for volunteering opportunities with no luck. I decided to go to the San Dimas Community Hospital and they gave me an application that I've filled out and will hopefully be contacted soon.

(5) Finding Value:  

•  What is a potential question you would like to study this year?                              How can a nurse provide the best quality patient care?
•  What do you plan to do for mentorship?                                                                       I plan on mentoring at San Dimas Community Hospital. I currently do not have a mentor. My mother works in the lab at the hospital and can help me find a mentor there.  

Blog 4: Interview Preparation

Content:

1.  Who do you plan to interview?  Why?

I plan to interview Deza Avelino. I decided to interview her because she is a nurse that has experience working in the field.

2.  You have to ask 5 questions.  What additional questions do you plan to ask? 

How did you get into nursing?
What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
How has nursing shaped you as a person?
What measures should be taken to raise the standards of patient care ?