A lot of people may not know about University of the Philippines Open University and may think of it as a “fly by night” University of the Philippines school but it definitely ISN’T.

UP Open University is a National Center of Excellence in Open Learning and Distance Education that offers education opportunities to individuals aspiring for higher education and improved qualifications to for Filipinos who are unable to take advantage of traditional modes of education. In fact, my mum and brother is a UPOU graduate. For more information, click here.

Distance Education means you can learn at your own pace. You have to be disciplined in reading your modules, participating in online discussions and doing your assignment. I don’t expect it to be easy but then, thinking of what it will bring to my career after finishing this degree definitely inspired me a lot. On the bright side, I now have a reason to extend my online hours… JK. :]

Enrolling and receiving my 2.5 thick modules and having to maintain a GWA (General Weighted Average) of 2.0 brought me to a tachycardic state but I a person of determination. I won’t turn back. This is it!

This is a big step for my nursing career and I hope I can make it out ALIVE. Haha!

—Student Mode [ON] —

P.S
I tore my module just so I can read the chapters when I am on duty.
I don’t want to carry those big books at work :]

I have been a volunteer nurse for almost 2 months already and I am just gonna say, I am loving it. I am not allowed to tell you where I am assigned but it is such an honor to be where I am now.

At first I was like, “What will I going to learn there?” but then, as I go on duty, I am learning not on the nursing procedures etc but on how to care for the patient, how to be emphatic, how to be therapeutic and practice those 3 letters that we always say… TLC— Tender, Love and Care…

I will be assigned there for 3 months and then we’ll see where will I be assigned next.

P.S
Where I am now is very comfortable, I receive allowance (Not all volunteer nurse in Dr. Fe Del Mundo Medical Center is receiving allowance) and enjoying free food. LOL :]

At Dr. Fe Del Mundo Medical Center, I have met a lot of people… I have expanded my network of friends and colleagues. Through them, I was able to hone my skills and realized that theory is very much different from the actual setting. I know I sound a little negative but that is reality. You will never learn just by books. You really have to go to a hospital and practice on how to be a NURSE.

In books, they don’t tell you on how to deal with patient’s questions, complaints, requests, violent behaviours etc but in the hospital, you will learn the style or shall I say the ART of Nursing… from the smallest details to the complicated ones.

Having my training for 3 months, I was able to appreciate everything that I have learned for 4 years at my nursing school. I gained confidence though at times I question myself… Anyway, before I start the drama, just read my previous blog posts here and here.

3 months is not enough but here comes Graduation… We have to bid goodbye to the hospital/ward routines… the staff nurses… MDs… Co-trainees… and my new found friends…

During our graduation, certificates were given and the top trainees of our batch will be promoted as Volunteer Nurses AKA Junior Staff Nurses (Wooaah?) and luckily out of 40 trainees (I think?) I was one of the chosen ones… LOL!

Congratulations FDM Batch 9 Trainees! God Bless Us All!

(and Good Luck to another chapter of LittleNars’ life as a Volunteer Nurse. Stay Tuned. :]])

Thank You Dr. Fe Del Mundo Medical Center for such an AWESOME experience! :]

P.S
Group Outing you’re up… (I miss you Team De Panes :])

The fact above is very alarming. Thus, it also increases the competition among Filipino Nurses here and abroad. It makes me think, “What is my edge among any other nurses?” then, that is when I thought of enrolling myself in a Master’s program. I know subjecting myself to a post-graduate study can be very demanding but I believe, with my strong motivation and dedication, I can claim my degree without me realizing that it is already done. I envision myself as a successful nurse with this degree as a tool in hand on dealing and promoting my patients’ well being.

As a fresh graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I feel that I need to expound my knowledge, skills and attitude with regards to this profession. With my status now, I must admit that I have yet to discover the wonders of this profession. This degree will be an aid in boosting my confidence in walking the path through my chosen field. In addition, it will also mold me into a well-rounded, mature person who can face any challenge this profession has to offer.

Most people think that a master’s degree is for “old” people but I believe that starting young will enable you to achieve more than you could have ever imagine yourself to attain. With my age, I know some will doubt my maturity as this program will progress but I believe I possess a firm adaptation and coping skills that will help me as this program goes in the long run. I have the energy and most especially, my unwavering faith in God that reigns above all.

I have come to choose UP Open University because the classes are offered via distance education. With that, I can earn my degree and at the same time gain experience in relation to my profession. I can certainly appreciate the things that will transpire because I can directly apply it in the real life setting. I strongly believe that this post graduate program in this institution will enable me to increase my competence in a major field in nursing, enhance my understanding about different nursing theories, principles, methodologies and its application, develop my critical thinking on certain nursing issues, and most especially, establish my own contribution in our health care delivery system through this career advancement.

Finishing this program will be my best achievement so far because this will serve as my transition from a novice to an expert nurse. After getting this degree, I plan to teach college-nursing students probably in lecture or in clinical set-up as my means in helping our country produce quality nurses.

I would be very pleased to join the distinguished class enrolling at University of the Philippines, Open University in the academic year 2010. Overall, I feel that UPOU can help me achieve my goals by preparing me to fulfill my obligation to myself, to society, and to the nursing profession.

Dianne Kristin G. Peña, R.N

Pediatric ward was very much different from the Adult Ward though they both are a very busy area of the hospital. For an obvious reason that they cater different patients with different needs. Pedia Ward is the largest area in the hospital since it is the former, Children’s Medical Center. It consists of 3 wings, Floral, Middle and Medical Service wing. Plus, the fact that they also have, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

During my first week at Pedia Ward, I was having difficulty in adjusting because they have different manner in endorsing since they have 3 wings, they have several Pediatric Resident on Duty and very strict Input and Output monitoring. Good thing as weeks pass, I was able to establish homeostasis and I was able to go on my duty with ease and confidence.

Pedia Ward was my last rotation for my Professional Nurse Training Program at Dr. Fe Del Mundo Medical Center. I must savor each moment… What did I learn?

• I learned to do suctioning on Mouth and ET tube
  I practiced calculating D/Q x S
  I was able to do Blood Transfusion with or without Infusion Pump (And I learned that Infusion Pump is the bomb. Haha Wish all the patients has it)
  I saw and was able to drain ileostomy for a 9 month old patient
  I learned that 5 year old kids are very strong (Inserting IV line)
  I was able to have duty at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
  I was able to familiarize myself with a syringe infusion pump (hopefully will have a chance to prepare medication and operate it)
  I learned that IV Fluids in Pediatrics are very positional. You have to check it every now and then cause if not, you’re delayed and then screwed.
  VS in Pedia can be very complicated. Urgggh. (The moment they see a person in white, they will start to cry. Thank You So Much.)
  Mothers can be very toxic than the patient itself :]
  In Pedia, you’ve gotta love collecting diapers and inspecting it for stool characteristics.—-Done that :]

Since Pedia is the busiest ward and my last rotation, I realized that I am a Benign Nurse coz whenever I have my off, the ward has a lot of patients then when I came back, most of the patients were already discharged.

Thank You Pedia Ward!:]

End of March meaning…. its GRADUATION TIME :]

February is the Adult Ward month. There, I have met the most makulet, kwela and friendly staff nurses and Volunteer nurses at Dr. Fe Del Mundo Medical Center (well, at least for me :]) I have learned a lot, I have met different cases of patients that tested my knowledge, skills and attitude (niiiice :]). There, I was able to meet doctors that are willing to teach us and answer us if we have questions regarding the care for our patients. Being a nurse trainee for two months already, build up my confidence in dealing with patients and conversing with other health care team and hospital workers. I gained a lot of friends and acquaintances. Recalling my adult ward experiences…

• Ironic as it may seem but my first patient was a pediatric…
  I learned how to drain everything that is drainable— Jackson Pratt, T-Tube, etc… (LOL.)
  I learned how to troubleshoot a malfunctioning IV line.
  I learned how to use an Infusion Pump
  I was able to insert an IV Catheter (for my patient and not just for completion of cases etc.)
  I was able to come up with a strategy in entering the patient’s room (conserving time/energy/effort)
  I was able to do ECG to my patient (but not interpreting it. It’s just pure nosebleed. LOL)
  I was able to administer chemotherapeutic drugs (but not preparing it, it’s a doctor thing to do)
  I was able to have a duty at the Adult Intensive Care Unit, though the patient is not that critical
  I was able to witness and assist in a bone marrow aspiration procedure
  I was able to admit a patient
  My achievement so far, I was able to assist my patient to the lobby via wheelchair that is bigger than me without assistance (I was afraid I might put my patient in danger. Haha)

I cannot enumerate everything but to sum it all up, my 12-hour duty at Adult Ward is very worth it and if given the chance, I would love to have my duty there again. Thank You ADULT WARD :]

P.S
I think, I lose 2 pounds there. Haha! I love it. :]

You will never forget your first exposure because it is your home—where you started. I will definitely DEFINITELY miss them.

This February, I am assigned to Adult Ward. New staff nurses/volunteer nurses and patients to deal with, new environment, new routine, new learning and experience. I hope they would also be nice to us. Also, new duty mates (Yes, I will miss the company of Dennis and Ibay— Wala na akong kasabay umuwi…:\).

So help me God :]

Hello Adult ward :]

P.S
The case presentation of our group was OK. Good thing we were the first to present because the other groups from other wards (Adult and Pedia) were really good. Their cases were really complex. LOL! We presented about Ectopic pregnancy since we handled OB cases.

No, Not really an “emo” = sad post… Well, more of sentiments…

What I am feeling now?

My brain is rusty. It’s declining (as well as this blog). My neurons are becoming stagnant.

I forgot a lot of Nursing stuff that I learned during my undergrad years (especially during my review days) and I seriously want to enrol myself in another review session. I mean, if you would ask me anything now, I will definitely answer “Sh*t! Alam ko yan dati eh. Nakalimutan ko na…” It’s depressing right?

When I was still studying, if you would ask me something about nursing, I would instantly answer back even when I am asleep. Seriously.

I am now a believer of the theory of “Use and Disuse”. Ooopsss. Let me get that clear. If you don’t use that particular knowledge, you forget about it. You might think that “If you don’t use your brain, it will shrink until it disappears…” well, partly. JK.

At some point, that made me feel less of myself. I should know that. I must not forget that. Confidence level diminished again.

I want to study Nursing again and most especially, I want to gain a lot of experience. I want to hone my skills. I want to be a professional “professional”. I want to learn. I want to lessen my mistakes in the area. I want to be confident. I don’t want to experience the tremors and the palpitations anymore but I know, I will be able to do that in time. I am still a novice. I hope to gain more experience and learning spontaneously (‘cause trainings will end—meaning to be a staff nurse sooner or later, for now) as I live through this career.

Ok. Enough now. Thank you for letting me waste your time.

I am soooooo grateful I had the chance to have a photo with one of our National Scientists in the Philippines, Dra. Fe Del Mundo. Who is she?

• Filipino Pediatrician
• First woman admitted as a student of the Harvard Medical School
• founded the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines
• Known for having devised an incubator made out of bamboo
• National Scientist of the Philippines, the first Filipino woman to be so-named.

There are a lot of great stories about her works and service to the Filipino people, some unknown and some are yet to be known. I have talked to several staff nurses in her hospital and I knew that she is really an outstanding person and deserves everything she had accomplished.

Now, Dra. Fe Del Mundo is 98 years old, I had that picture taken because she conducted rounds in the hospital. She’s very beautiful and has good aura that day. I was very thankful and definitely thrilled. She joked “Dapat kung gaano kadami ang nagpapapicture ngayon sa akin, ganoon din ang pasyente natin…” we all laughed. The OB ward was benign that day but she really brightened our day.

P.S
The ward is still benign but I learned a lot, I made friends with the staff nurses and they are really very generous in teaching and sharing their experiences.

Next time, Dra. Fe will do rounds, I’ll have my photo taken with her, this time— Solo with autograph! hihi.

Last January 4, 2009, I started my 3-month training at Dr. Fe Del Mundo Medical Center (formerly, Children’s Medical Center) and for 1 week, we had orientation, some lectures and return demonstration (yes, you got it right, I had yet again a return demonstration and it turned out good so thank God). You can refer to my tweets for that. Hihi.

That was also the first time I wore a white uniform paired white pants (that I just bought at SM Home World). I was excited but at the moment I looked at myself on the mirror, I just said “DAMN! I looked like….. Never mind” but my mum is a hero and had it repaired. So, Yay! I finally looked like a NURSE (somehow). Haha!

January 11, 2010, I started my “official” duty in the OB-Gyne Ward for 1 month. I was assigned on a 12-hr night duty. Together with Dennis and Ibay, my new “group mates” and Ma’am Vangie, the staff nurse on duty.

OB Ward was benign last night, we only had 2 patients but the other patient was transferred on the early hours of the shift, so technically, we just had 1 patient. Nevertheless, the patient was VS Q1 and monitoring for uterine contractions and bleeding that is why we had something to do for the last 12 hours besides chitchatting and letter cutting for the ward.

I have done my charting (nurses’ notes), bed making, perineal care, room preparation, transferring of patient, requesting for laboratory exam, relaying of laboratory results to the attending physician, endorsement. Hmmmm…. What else? I think that’s it.

My Day 1 was an OK start, we didn’t sleep for the whole shift that’s why when I got home, I showered then immediately fell on a deep slumber. I foresee that my body clock will be disrupted again but yeah, I kinda missed it…LOL.

I am not saying I want more OB patients to come but I hope this month I can learn a lot.

2010 is starting out GOOD for me :] How about yours?

P.S
I better get going, will have a duty tonight and I am energized, thanks to my 6-hr sleep awhile ago. Wish me luck!