Thank You JROTC

Today we learned how to make unoccupied beds. I think the professor, Dr. Huereque, wanted to see if I really did know how to make the 45 degree angle corners on a hospital bed, which I had mentioned yesterday that I did.

So when we got to the lab room, he picked me to make the bed first since I said I knew how to do it. Well, if he expected me to be all talk...ah! I showed him!

So far, classes are...well...not like college. I am sure I will be much more challenged when I start taking my RN classes as well as my EMT ones. But the CNA classes...well, I am learning new stuff but some of it I already knew...such as the bed making.

A hospital bed is made the same way as a military bed...and I was in JROTC for three semesters in high school...I was also known as the cadet that had the ENTIRE Leadership Manual memorized...after the first three days. When it comes to things that require steps, I am a freaking perfectionist...so when I was in summer camp at Fort Bliss, my bed always, ALWAYS, passed inspection...the ruler AND quarter inspections.

Which means that all I have to practice on my hospital bed making is doing the whole thing in under eight minutes...I should just have looked into becoming a firefighter.

Anyway, other than that I got to take my first blood pressure today. I had a hard time finding the radial pulse or hearing the brachial pulse to be able to find the systolic and diastolic pressure but CNA Rivera was able to help me out and I got it right...the volunteer has high blood pressure (150/100 mmHg) and I recommended he go see a doctor...perhaps loose some weight but I didn't say that to him, just the first part.

I have CPR and First Aid training and certification tomorrow, which means that by 12pm tomorrow, I shall be certified in both areas...it won't be hard since I've gone through CPR and First Aid classes before...back when I was a camp counselor in Arizona.

Other than all of the above, I am doing alright. Exhausted like crazy for some weird reason. But I am memorizing TONS of abbreviations and can understand majority of the code stuff used in hospital talk...such as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) which was mentioned on Practice last night on TV.

Oh, a TIA is a minor stroke.

Well, will update later. Keep me in your prayers!

For Sure

First day of classes and believe it or not, I was still not sure if CNA was something I wanted to do but still going through it because it is a highly sought after career here in El Paso and in many other places. But after my five hour class today, I realized that my heart beats for this...except this is in a different language since the only one I know is ministry to children and youth and those needing an advocate. This little poem, I suppose, that was given to us by the instructor is what made me realize that I will be learning a whole new language for the passion that I already have within me.

I AM A CNA

I am the one in many people's lives who provides them with their basic human needs.

I am the one who goes to great lengths to maintain patient's privacy and dignity.

I am the one they rage at, venting their frustration, anger, confusion, and fear.

I am the one who rides out the storms of my Alzheimer's patient's right alongside of them.

I am the one who tries to quell loneliness and depression in the people I care for.

I am the one who listens when no one else listens.

I am the one who validates them as a person, who ensures they know they still have great worth.

I am the one who comforts and holds the hand of my patient as they slowly slip away.

I am the one who has been there by their side, when no one else was, so they were not alone when they left this world.

I am the one who offered a prayer and words of peace, while gently stroking their head and reassuring them it was "okay to let go."

Hold your head high and realize, there is no greater calling than to provide compassion and love to those in need.

Now, for those who know me and have heard me explain my passion, is that not a different translation to what I have said before? Thanks to that poem, I realized I am heading the right way with this.

Now, the awesome thing that I have learned is that I don't have to work in nursing homes (although that wouldn't be so bad since I enjoy older people). I can work in a hospital and I can work pediatrics. I find it frightening and heart wrenching the idea of working with terminally ill children and youth, but they are part of the beating of my heart, so I think it would be an amazing fit for me.

Anyway, I have flashcards to make and 60 plus terms, as well as medical terminology, that I want to memorize.

I will keep y'all up to date on my progress in this new career path I have embarked upon. Keep me in your prayers.

Updating for those who care

I am alive!!!

Just in case y'all were wondering what was going on with me since the last time I updated.

I am officially, I believe, taking classes to get my CNA starting on the 27th of this month. I should have my CNA (and a job in the medical field) by September 11.

I have no phone, am now addicted to The Big Bang Theory and been hanging out with Dawn and Carl.

I started going to a college and career age Bible study beginning this past Sunday and have a baseball game this Sunday.

I miss my little buddy "J" whose in Florida right now. Looking forward to the pictures and stories.

Need to find ways to make money...

Well, that's all. Prayers appreciated.