Around the Hospital

Here is a neat picture of the hospital lobby. It is one of the few nice areas of the hospital, since it was remodeled after the storm.

I heard news today that Jim Carey is filming a movie on the fourth floor. I think that's really cool. I need to scope it out so I can be an extra. The fourth floor is abandoned on the weekends, so it won't interfere with patient care.

Bored

I am finishing up my preceptor hours in the Pediatric ER at Tulane. I just peeped out the door, and the sun is blinding. Of course Chairity is across the street, so I had to get a picture while it is still standing. It is a beautiful day, and the ER is slow. I wish I could be outside.

Completion

I have been insanely busy, and I have not had the opportunity to post. The day has finally come. I am finished with nursing school!

The reality of the fact has not set in yet, but it was nice to wake up (this afternoon...hehe) without anything weighing on my shoulders. I don't think that nursing school is as tough as people try to make it out to be. I did it all in 9 months. Until that level of stress and exhaustion is felt, I wouldn't suggest complaining about a traditional program.

Final

The clock is ticking, and I'm blogging. My motivation is non-
existent. Our previous test in this class was Thursday, and the final
is tomorrow. Clinicals all day yesterday prevented me from studying.
I have a severe case of the "don't wants."

I hope the motivation will arrive shortly. I'll find a way to make it
work.

Medical Library

From intense studying over the past few months, I found myself getting a touch of cabin fever. I took that as a sign, and I decided to take my studying elsewhere. I wish that I could abandon it for a few days, but even if I did, I would follow me like a ball and chain. Then at the same time, less than excellence is not an option.

These pictures are from the med school library. It is a change in atmosphere for me, but long-term commitment in this setting cannot be good. This study area is located downstairs in the basement. No windows, no sunlight, and no life. It was good for me. It helped me concentrate, instead of being stuck between the same ole walls of my apartment.

I will probably return here. I think another good thing about it is no cell phone reception, which decreases distractions further. As I take my studying on the road, I will write about my experiences, boring as it may be. It is the only stimuli that I get these days. If you think it's boring, how do you think I feel?

Waiting For Access

It is somewhat early, and no faculty has arrived at school yet. I'm sitting in the waiting room waiting for the doors to be unlocked so that I can begin my day.

The door pictured is the main door to our "school," a term that I now use loosely.

I hope today flows smoothly. Although, I hope I do have a confrontation with Freckalicious. I will try to get a picture of her (and a story) for future postings.

Student Lounge

At clinicals, in my down-time, I have become obsessed with our newly appointed student lounge. At first, it was a junk reservoir, but with some searching, some previously abandoned items have found a new home.

I like studying in here in the mornings before class. It's quiet, and no one bothers me. The majority of the class, which now consists of 25 students, thinks that it is out of the way. I'm glad they do because it provides me with more privacy.

I have a quiz today, which I believe will be incredibly simple. I hope I feel the same way about the test on Wednesday. This is a new class. We hope that it is not set up completely different.

If I have any readers left, I hope everyone is doing well. I may not post regularly, but I will try to put something up here and there to show I'm still alive.

School Pictures

Here's some pictures of the folks I see 5+ days a week. I got these pictures from a lady who walked around the first 2 weeks of school constantly snapping photos. I need to get some pictures of the people I make fun of...they are very interesting.

Clinicals

Tomorrow is my first day of clinicals. Keep me, and my patients, in your thoughts and prayers!

Early, but not so Bright

I arrived at school a little early today. I study best in the mornings. Here is a view down Canal Street prior to sunrise. I enjoy views of the city. Well, I should rephrase that. I enjoy views of New Orleans.

Now I'm just sitting in the lobby anxiously awaiting for the cafeteria to open. It can't come soon enough for my stomach.

Studying

I have been studying all day. Here is a look at some of the things that I have been doing. I like to catagorize things. It makes more sense to me that way. It would be nice if the information on my test were as basic as what is written on this board.

The View

When we are on short breaks from class, we go out into the hall for coffee and socializing. Here is the view I look into everyday. There is always something going on outside. We usually entertain ourselves with the cars parked on the top floor of the parking tower across the street. There is always one and only one. Interesting, huh? We're taking notes. Now this is only a hunch, but we think it is a drug deal. Don't worry, we're on it.

Early For Class

I'm early for school today. Actually, I'm early everyday. Today, I just don't have anything that I MUST do. When I get to school, I usually sit here, in the lobby of the hospital. I don't like to go to the class, sit on the hard chairs, and listen to the women cackle. I like to sit here on a padded seat. Those chairs in the classroom take a toll on a brutha after 6 hours.

Orientation

I had orientation today at the hospital that I will be working for after I graduate. I learned many new things about the program, but they are all good. Whew!

School starts on Tuesday. I'm nervous. We are going to be in class from 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday. It's going to be tough as nails, but I'm determined.

We were advised far ahead of time that we would not have time for much of anything besides school, especially for the first 3-4 months. If I become MIA, that's why.

Wish me luck!