3 months ago…. I was loaded with paper works, modules and homeworks…

For my second year, 1st semester, I took up Nursing Administration and Cardiovascular Nursing. Booooy! Those subjects made me think twice to pursue this degree or not.

I got busy in interpreting ECG strips that I interpret to be “just scribbles”… Got stiff neck and hand callus once again from sitting and answering long exam questions I don’t know where to get answers… I submitted homeworks, which are 1-2 inch thick or probably a 50-100 pages… Honestly, coffee was the source of EVERYTHING. Thank you CAFFEINE!

I thought I wouldn’t survive the first semester. Now is the start of getting things done “SERIOUSLY”. The past few semesters in UPOU were a happy-go-lucky one.

3 months ago… All my hard work got paid off… I GOT EMPLOYED. Finally, by the hospital I spent 1.5 years of serving… THANK YOU LORD! Thank you that they have seen my efforts and abilities to be called “STAFF NURSE”… Though my status is just “on-call”, it is okay compared to working for free.

3 months ago, I earned new friends from work, from school and got reunited with my old friends…

3 months ago, I have written several incident reports… for some reason that I am not really the “reason”…

3 months ago, I am not asking my mom for allowance… and THAT made me proud of myself…

3 months ago, I lost 3 pounds… after looking at the mirror, I saw my puffy and bulging eyebags and concluded that all the things I eat magically absorbed by my eyebags.

3 months ago, I was super busy adjusting to what was happening with my career and studies and love as well…

3 months after, here I am blogging and telling you all… I will still continue in what I do now… Let’s all hope for the best!

In 2 years that I have been in UPOU, it’s just last July 16, 2011 that I have experienced a first face to face discussion for MAN. Graduate school is different from the undergraduate one mainly because you are not treated as someone novice but as someone with a specialty (Cardiovascular Nursing). I was also delighted to see my classmates again and met new ones. We were more than 20 (i think) and some came from provinces.

Seating at one corner of the classroom, I felt uplifted because Dean Balabagno stressed out that we are not “just” a nurse. It was very timely because I was feeling low of myself due to problems I have encountered recently with my hospital duty.

Our discussion was free flowing that tackled modules 6-10. All the posts from our classmates before me covered the discussion perse. What amazed me was how she integrated all the topics in one simple activity she told us to write our parameters in dealing with high risk, acutely ill, chronically ill and rehabilitative clients then from there she took off. I was like “Oh, nasa module 7 na tayo… ambilis…”. She patterned our discussion with the nursing process.

Risk factors (modifiable and non-modifiable) identification is important because each individual is unique. A middle adult compared to old adult has a better compensatory mechanism. She said that when a patient walks in, you will already know that “Ah, this is a cardiovascular patient!” due to his physical appearance and with general survey.

Dean also said that we must be aware of our own blood pressure, our BMI, waistline, waist-hip ratio as well as with our respective family especially if we know that we already have risks. Cardiovascular disease is preventable with proper health teaching, clean living (no smoking and alcohol drinking), exercise and nutrition.

We must be equipped with the competencies a cardiovascular nurse must possess. Critical Thinking, good assessment (history taking and physical examination), knowledge of anatomy and physiology, the capability to detect normal to abnormal findings, collaboration with the doctors for diagnostic exams, updates with the current management/treatment for each cardiovascular disease, applies evidence based practice in nursing like the bio-behavioral techniques in coordination with the government’s program to combat these problems, ability to conduct health teachings appropriate for the level of our clients and a holistic approach to patient care.

She also discussed the possible nursing diagnosis for each heart disease. She said that we should familiarize ourselves with DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) and JNC VII. She added that health teachings for the client should be family based approach for better compliance.

With our study session, I was pressured to read a lot because I was behind chapters that were discussed. I felt that being a nurse has a big responsibility especially that we are the frontliners to our clients both well and with health problems.

Tip for exam: We should know the assessment parameters for each disease tackled in module 6-10, rationale behind or pathophysiologic rationale and how is it measured or elicited. She said that narratives will be included and our FMA1 is a form of review. (That is why I am planning to answer it before the exam.) Good luck and God Bless to us!

In UPOU-Master of Arts in Nursing major in adult health nursing, we are required in our major subject (N260- Adult Health Nursing) to attend a 3-day clinical practicum at Philippine General Hospital by the end of the semester.

Since February, I was getting bored with what I do at work in our institution… It was like “the-same-old-cases”… Same environment… In simple terms, everything was a ROUTINE— boring routine. Then came March that gave all the DIFFERENCE. My first ever clinical practicum at Philippine General Hospital saved the month. I was very excited because “being a nurse” in PGH is a one-of-a-kind experience, plus the fact that I was assigned to the BURN UNIT. It was s actually one of my motivations in continuing my studies at UPOU.

I don’t know what to expect but to just seize the moment to finally meet my classmates, professor and apply what we basically have studied for the semester.

We were tasked to accomplish a comprehensive nursing history and physical assessment (without looking at the chart) for the first day, make a nursing care plan and do implementation the second day and to do evaluation and follow-up on the third day.

My 3-day clinical practicum was not easy for I have been assigned to a patient who had 45% total body surface area burn. He was intubated, considering his other contraptions, bedridden and restless. It was a challenge for me but I think I was able to get through.

I experienced to do wound dressing to a burn patient, which is new for me. The staff of PGH was very hospitable and kind to share with us their experiences and teach us especially in dealing with these kinds of patients.

My clinical practicum at PGH is like a fuel that made my system/engine start and keep on going. It was indeed a “Something new” experience. It was what I needed after all. Thank you to Prof. Rita Ramos, PGH staff and most especially, my “virtual-classmates-came-to-life” LOL.

The highlight of the season!

P.S After the wonderful experience, the dreaded clinical portfolio is next. I was in my highest toxicity level in making a cqse study for my patient. Fortunately, I was able to submit and so finally I can say…

HELLO SUMMER!

It’s official! I am 4 modules late and I am effin’ doomed in finishing my Faculty-Marked Assignment due on January 8… XD Heeeeelp?

Oh well, I am at my best when I cram. I can do this!

In the mean time, I must enjoy the NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Let’s ROCK 2011!

*Planning to write my year-ender post like last year but… still thinking of what to write *

Anyway, I must continue and finally set my mind to start reading and reading and reading and reading… Did I just typed “reading” 4x or 5? LOL.

My subjects for the second semester are Adult Health Nursing (N260) and Public Mental Health (IH 220). I was planning to take one subject but I changed my mind because I want to be on time and take all the subjects I can while I am just a volunteer nurse.

The class opened last November 6, 2010 and since then, I printed for I think a REAM of short bond paper for the reading materials. Good thing our printer is on continuous ink (which means I don’t have to worry on printing fees) and my mom has a “ream” of scratch paper to print on. Sadly, after a day of printing, our dear old printer bid its goodbye after serving its purpose for almost 2 years.

My mini-white board and corkboard is active again with writings and pins for schedules and things to read on. Sadly, I must let go the novel I was reading (House Rules by Jodi Picoult) and turn (and tear, yes tear or may I say RIP!) the pages of my modules again.

As with the proposed reading schedule, I must say, I am working really hard to keep on track because I don’t want to cram (like last semester) and overwhelm myself with numerous modules to read near deadline.

It is good to see familiar faces in both subjects I am taking as I read forums posts and I am very positive that I will finish this semester with pride.

So help me God. :]]

For a month now, I have been on vacation… [OFF] from thick modules, supplemental books, home works, essays and forums. I am back to reading novels again and going out with my friends.

To recall my “first time” experience as a distance education student AKA “online” student let me give you my bulleted (yes, its bulleted for easy reading and writing. LOL) insight about it.

• Time Management is the key to success. (I think, I am NEGATIVE at this part. LOL)
• Experience in work and in life is important since you have to give and share examples in the application of the theories being tackled in the discussion/forums (I had difficulty in giving examples since I got little work experience compared to my classmates that is why I felt that my answers were “not that” substantial)
• Comprehension and writing skills is a MUST-HAVE. There are a lot of reading and writing assignments. Assignments are not just about definition of terms and whatnot, you have to CONCEPTUALIZE, INTEGRATE, SYNTHESIZE etc. everything you have read from the modules and other reading materials in order to answer each question completely
• Case Application is just a common type of test.
• Patience is a virtue. —– Patience in trying to find the answer to unanswerable question… LOL Kidding aside, it took me a long time searching and thinking (?) for answers to the given situation… ‘cause mind you, it’s not as simple as just typing the question to GOOGLE.
• You must LOVE THE INTERNET! Internet contains everything you need, just know the proper keywords to use. However, just be careful because I had problems since some of my classmates (we were 100+ in our class) were just CTRL+C and CTRL+V-ing in our discussion forums. Be sure to…. Please refer to the next bullet.
• PARAPHRASE. Avoid Plagiarism. Use proper credit and acknowledgement in everything that you submit. I had troubles since I am not used to putting my resources. Nevertheless, I learned as time passes.
• Know how to follow RUBRICS. Rubrics is some sort of a criteria as to what the professor is looking for your answer since essays are really hard to grade. It gives you the specifics, just follow that and you will get a perfect score.
• READ and FINISH THE MODULES. ‘Nuff said. I am a victim of my own laziness because I didn’t read one chapter then it was included in our final exam for 15 points. I barely answered that part. It was sad, reaaaally sad.

My first semester went well I guess (?), though, I still haven’t received my grades yet for my 2 subjects. The second semester will start by next week, and yes, I am now enrolled. I am quite POSITIVE for the next semester for I now, know the drills of being a DISTANCE EDUCATION STUDENT.

Will add more bullets if ever my neurons thought of some.

Ok so I haven’t updated my blog since …… and I effin’ missed it. I have been [BUSY?] — Well.. I am still thinking of the right term to use… Hmmm.. OCCUPIED I guess? :] Ok, I have been occupied with reading and writing stuff. I am chasing my timetable and really, I WISH I HAVE PHOTOCOPIER’S ABILITY OR THE SCANNER’S so I could read fast in an instant and store the copy on my cranium. I even made a Google Calendar, printed it and posted it on my table but its not WORKING! T_T.  Its not that I don’t have time to go online, in fact I do because I am currently on Online schooling, if you have read my previous posts. It’s just that, I am updating Twitter and Facebook more often (I am so sorry Blog).

I am really fond of reading… well… reading NOVELS—not reading modules. I guess I am a MODULE CONVERT now. Gotta love my modules. I bring it every where I go so pardon my big bag :]

For the first few weeks, I developed a new habit— To tear my modules into pieces. And I think I am already good at it. No damaged pages. On checking our online classroom (Moodle), I don’t know if I will be delighted that I am not alone because of my classmates’ same sentiments or I will be intoxicated because of their our professor’s announcements of activities and my classmates’ posts about passing their homework and as to what module they are now in.

It got me thinking, AM I COPING or AM I NOT??? Well, I sure hope I am.
So HELP me GOD. Seriously need DIVINE INTERVENTION.

P.S
So sorry for my BLOG RANT. :] ‘Til my next post (Hopefully, its about adaptation already… :])

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 :]

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