Back To School!

So on June 13th I began the Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Nursing Education curriculum at Grand Canyon University. I am extremely excited to be actively working toward one of my goals as a nurse. 

We have reading assignments, discussion questions and a paper already! Groups have been assigned and it will be interesting getting to know my fellow classmates.  Trying to curve my enthusiasm and post once daily so I stay on track with the requirements. 

The chapters we have to read have been engaging and inspiring.  I've always liked school and I am glad to be back to working toward not only being a staff nurse and a future nurse educator.

New Blood

No, I’m not trying to create a title for a new paranormal romance novel but I thought the title was appropriate for my comments.  Blood is the river of life that surges within us, transporting nearly everything that must be carried from one place to another in the body (Marieb, 504). 

The blood is composed of various elements, leukocytes, platelets and erythrocytes that are suspended in a fluid called plasma.  Erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs) develop in 5-7 days and live for 100-120 days.  Leukocytes or white blood cells (WBCs) that make up our body’s defense against disease has five types: the granulocytes family has neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils.  The agranulocytes have the lymphocytes and monocytes.   Neutrophils develop in 6-9 days and live 6 hours to a few days.  Eosinophils also develop 6-9 days and live 8-12 days.  Basophils develop 3-7 days and the life span can range from a few hours to a few days.  Lymphocytes develop over days to weeks and have a life span of hours to years (boy is immunity important!).  monocytes develop in 2-3 days and have a lifespan of months.  Platelets develop in 4-5 days and have a lifespan of 5-10 days (Marieb, 511).

Each cell type has a specific function and satisfies a specific need.  So now that I have completely lost your interest and bored you with the exciting world of blood you want me to ask me why am I talking about blood.  No new romance story between the eosinophils and the monocytes.

As you can see from the days there is a time for replenishing.  As blood cells age, new ones develop and take their place to keep the body functioning and healthy.  We monitor WBC, RBC and platelet levels, among other important lab results, to assess our patients’ health.

As a new nurse I know I am a new blood.  I am developing and preparing to be launched out into the plasma and work where I am needed.  A new grad can hope to work with matured blood, experienced nurses that have been on the front lines of patient care.

We have all read or heard about the nurses shortage and how there is an extreme need.  As a new graduate registered nurse yet to receive her first position, I am ready to help alleviate the need but getting in the door is proving challenging.

I posted on Twitter how my wish: A place where new nurses can keep their skills current while waiting for their first nursing positions.  I think hospitals and medical centers are hurting themselves but reducing the availability of new grad positions and nurse residency opportunities.

If the body does not have a replenishing of blood, it is put at risk.  Our hospitals are at risk for having a large influx of well-trained but inexperienced nurses.  This of course could affect patient centered care efficiency.

A smart solution would be to make sure all new graduate nurses were under the proctorship of an experienced nurse.  One this would make sure that the new nurse learns the healthcare system’s culture and two, this provides an appropriate avenue for the transfer of vital information.

The economy and just the way the capitalistic culture of our country doesn’t always allow for what would be “smart.”  For example I would love to be on a unit right now working with a nurse who is planning on retiring in the next year or so.  To be able to glean his/her vital knowledge would not only be a benefit to me but it would be an asset to the healthcare institution.

I am thankful for my mentors.  I utilize every opportunity to ask them questions and have them share their experiences.  I volunteer on a regular basis to help keep my skills sharp and I try to read about a  new patient centered care implement every week.

I do hope that my fellow new graduates will continue to remain hopeful and ready for the new opportunities coming our way.  As we move along in our careers as nurses I hope we will make sure to implement passing the touch and keeping the infusion of new blood into our organization so we can stay on the cutting edge of evidence based practice protocols and patient centered care changes.  May we impress upon our future employers and the people who spend a great deal of time thinking about “the money” will recognize experience is important but also new graduates will bring important assets to the table as well.  May the next generation remember that a mixture of new and matured is vital to providing the best health environment for our patients and anything less means we’re failing not just ourselves, our profession and industry but also our patients.

Reference:

Marieb, E., & Mallatt, J. (2003). Human anatomy. (3rd ed.). San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings.

If My Stethoscope Could Talk

IF MY STETHOSCOPE COULD TALK

by Kimberley Ensor, RN, BSN

If my stethoscope could talk what would it say about me today?

Would it say that I rushed through my assessment so I could scope out a place at the nurses’ station?

Would it say that I was thorough or going through the motions?

Did I just kill time until break? Lunch? End of my shift?

What would my stethoscope say?

If my stethoscope could talk how would my listening skills be evaluated?

Did I actually hear my patient?  When medications were refused or when the patient expressed they had enough, would I actually listen?

As my stethoscope moved across their body, did I notice a change that needed to be addressed in the plan of care or did I just do business as usual?

Was I listening to my patient and their family members’ concerns or did I just perform lip service as from a script.

What would my stethoscope say?

If my stethoscope could talk would it say that I had my eyes open as I took care of my patient?

Did I completely understand the physician’s orders?  When my patient addressed me did I provide eye contact or was I too busy looking at monitors and equipment?

Did I notice something and speak up as an advocate for my patient or did I leave it for the next shift to handle?

What would my stethoscope say?

If my stethoscope could talk would it say I half-heartedly gave education and explanations about medications?

Would what I speak actually come from a desire to be a help to my patient or just to look good as an authority figure?

Did I form my words to be culturally sensitive or did I disregard my patient’s views, beliefs and preferences?

When I spoke to colleagues or interacted with the multi-disciplinary staff was I a source of encouragement.

Did I include my unit assistants in the plan of care for the patient?  Did I recognize my charge nurse as a valuable resource?  Did I appreciate my unit clerk for their invaluable help?

What would my stethoscope say?

If my stethoscope could talk, would it say that I am an example of patient centered care?

Did my care come from my passion to be a nurse or am I just hanging around for a paycheck?

Did my body language speak I care about you or was I stand offish and couldn’t be bothered?

Was I first to the room when an IV or bed alarm sounded or did I say ‘that’s not my patient and turn a deaf ear and go about my day?

Did I make myself available to my colleagues, to my patient or was I nowhere to be found during busy periods?

Did I take a moment to step outside and let the sun touch my skin, reminding me of why I wanted to be a nurse in the first place?

What would my stethoscope say?

My stethoscope would say,

I bring my joy and positive spirit with me each time I step on the unit.

It would say I strive to listen with open ears and see with both eyes.

It would say I try to be an asset to my unit and an instrument of excellent care.

It would say I utilize evidence based practices when answering patient questions and use simple languages.

It would say I work daily to be an advocate, a hand to hold, and an empathetic ear.

My stethoscope would say I am a nurse and I put my heart into everything I do.

I wear my stethoscope with pride.

CrossRoads - 10 Things You Must Do Before That Successful Interview

CrossRoads - 10 Things You Must Do Before That Successful Interview

This Nurse is Ready!

Okay I've got 6 applications out there in Hiring World. A lot of hard work and concentration went into each one.  I worked very hard in researching each of the different healthcare companies and each that I finally applied to I believe I would be a right fit for them and them for me.  Portfolios are ready and I've got the questions I want to ask of my interviewers ready.  I am excited about the forthcoming phone calls I am soon to receive.  Watch, they are all going to call on the same day!  First come, first serve!

Countdown to Graduation!

Happy Nurses Week!
With 10 days until Black Baccalaureate and 11 days until Commencement I've been glad to keep busy with various projects.

For NGNA I'm part of the Chapter Resource Committee.  I'm checking with the chapters assigned to me and offering assistance as needed.  It is very interesting to see what's working for some chapters and what's not.  Some aren't functional yet, I hope to rectify that in my area.

For STTI, Gamma Gamma I've running for secretary-elect for the new fiscal year.  I'm the only one running for that position so as long as everyone votes, I do believe I'll be elected.  I plan to learn as much as I can from the current secretary so I can continue to help the organization move forward.

 For SDBNA, I've participated in our Annual Luncheon (April 13th) "You, Me & Us Working and Living in a Healthier Community." It was a lovely event and I was honored to have my poem "If My Stethoscope Could Talk," featured in the program.  This Saturday (May 11th) I'll be attending the "Empowering Minority Nurse Leaders, Breaking the Concrete Ceiling," presented by the San Diego National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Philippine Nurses Association of San Diego and the San Diego Black Nurses Association.

On the job front, I've had one really good interview and I've applied to another hospital where I know I would do very well.  I look forward to starting to work and stir up all the wonderful information/skills/talent I have in me and do my best. Maybe its going to happen after summer vacation so I can spend some more time with my hubby and kids.  Either way I know it on its way.

Currently I'm working on my speech I have to give on Thursday May 16 on the theme "Breaking the Chains, making the invisible, visible."  Its a challenge trying to get all my thoughts down to just 3-5 minutes.  Since I won't be speaking to a "nursing" audience I have to make sure not to be too technical when I am giving my examples.

Just when I'm ready for things to quiet down, they get busy. I don't mind, keeps me out of trouble.
Alright, cue Pomp and Circumstance please!!!

While I Continue To Wait

Nobody like waiting. Pick in time period in history and the human condition is the same, we are an impatient lot. With that said, I laugh at how busy I am while I am waiting.  With school and NCLEX behind me, all the things I wanted to do then are not filling my days as I wait for my first nurse position.  I believe that is how it is supposed to be. Just because we're done with school doesn't mean we should just sit around and wait for a job.  You have got to be busy.

Why?

Well for one, it will help keep you "distracted" while others are seeming to walk into positions and no one seems to be offering you anything.  Nurse position hiring is a cyclical creature that goes round and round with highs and lows.  As we're are getting dizzy waiting, we also understand that our profession in different areas of the country are very competitive and tight.  Unless you're the daughter of the CEO or department chief, it's very challenging, even for internals already working at their chosen hospital but can't find open positions for what they now have a degree in.

Fret not.

We know that this is not forever.  Use this as an opportunity to learn about a topic in nursing that either the program wasn't able to cover or go more in deeply into.  Show potential employers that you are eager and/or willing to learn and be a self starter.

I've taken additional certification classes, while reviewing my nursing school notes to keep my skills and information current.  You never know what you might be asked at an interview, best not to forget why oxygen is important and the numbers you are looking for.  Since I have a "great relationship" with math I pull out my drug calculation book just to keep myself sharp. 

No I'm not showing off, but I want demonstrate that I will be an asset to my future healthcare network home and the time and money they will invest in me will not be wasted.

Another project I have in the works is getting my "natural padding" under control.  I swear I've put on more weight in nursing school than all my pregnancies combined! So to make sure that I can give credibility to what I will be teaching my patients I need to make sure I am on the road to good health. (You girl is working on it, down 10 pounds already.)

So as I continue to wait I am excited about all I am getting done, started, planned and moving. Who knew I could have so much fun before the real fun starts?!  Hee-hee, ya I knew, since I always try to bring the fun with me.

What will you do while you wait? Be sure to take out some time to have some fun too! Happy and Healthy Waiting!!