Mrs. Lochridge ~ Blog

So, it has been months since I have even logged on to my blog....I have been so busy with RN school that it's hard for me to even think about blogging! Well, school is fantastic! For those of you who see me on the rare occasion....you know what I've been up to. But, I'll update you anyway! M first semester is almost done....just 3 weeks left which is so incredibly hard to believe! I have learned a lot...let's just say I have gained just enough knowledge to be dangerous! Scary, huh?! I can perform full body assessments, take vital signs, legally pass medications, insert urinary catheters, nasogastric tubes, hang IV solution, and perform wound dressing changes and there is still a lot more to learn! Anyway, we started our clinical rotation in Long Term Care. I was at a great facility! Although it was not a really happy place to be...I managed to stay happy and embrace all that I learned. I went into nursing school with little knowledge of the healthcare field...so, everything from changing linens to showering a patient who needs total care was very, very new to me. I learned all my basic assisting skills while in this rotation. I learned proper hand hygiene (a biggie in hospitals), basic vital signs such as taking blood pressure with a good ol' fashion BP cuff, full body assessment from head to toe, as well as total care...from bed baths to brief changes. Sounds funs huh! Let's just say I managed very well; I kept up with fellow students with way more experience. From Long Term Care we transitioned into Acute Care! Finally....time for a real hospital. This rotation was in the Medical/Surgical unit of French Hospital in San Luis Obispo. In Med/Surg we help the mildly to severely sick, orthopedic and cancer patients, patients with minor to major injuries who are stable but may need total care, patients with GI issues, pre and post-operation patients, and the list goes on...I saw 1 death and eased the nerves of many! Can you believe I still have 3 semesters of this left! I have one week to go until Thanksgiving! Then on to finals! I can't wait for Christmas Break!!!! I hope you all have a great turkey day!! I am headed to Reno to see my lovely mom, sister and family! xoxo!