Four Years Down the Road

I have been so busy these last few weeks, I have lost track of what I am going to be doing after I finish these four short years. It’s hard to think that there is a method to the madness called university because there is so much work and studying to be done. The thought that in three and a half years I will become a Registered Nurse, is keeping me motivated.

I hope to focus my studies on orthopaedics or spinal cord injury rehabilitation. After completing a portion of my high school co-op placement in the Fracture Clinic at Ajax-Pickering Hospital, I realized that I enjoy treating patients for fractures and broken bones. I like this position because I can interact with people of all ages and no bone break is ever the same so it will keep my career constantly changing.

I also gained interest in spinal cord rehabilitation after completing a project in high school on such injuries and how they affect the body. During my research I was struck by a person’s remarkable ability to cope and recover from traumatic injuries. In anatomy and physiology in my first year of university, we covered the spinal cord and its anatomy. I explored heavily into recovery of spinal cord injuries and realized that I can contribute to an individual’s recuperation.

After reflecting on my goals for my future profession, I know that the stress and anxiety has a huge pay off. I can survive three and a half more years of this.

Technology in Healthcare

Technology is helping overcome communication barriers in health care. Based on my experiences during university, I have realized that technology is imperative for learning and communicating.

WebCT has enabled students to reach other students and professors from the comforts of their homes. This is beneficial because students have access to information at a faster rate. Also, WebCT allows students to send documents and assignments right to the professor through the internet.

Such systems, similar to WebCT, are being used in the health care system today. Electronic health records enable physicians and medical professionals to share patient charts digitally. Patient charts can be sent faster and therefore treatment can begin sooner. These advancements in technology have connected health care workers around the world.

The Strength to Be a Nurse

These past weeks have been very hectic. The main assignments for all my major classes were due and the workload is beginning to have a toll on me, physically and emotionally. I have been drained for the last few weeks and I feel like I am running around with my head cut off. In stressful times like these, it is imperative that I remember why I decided to go into the nursing profession in the first place.

There is not one moment that single-handedly influenced my decision to become a nurse. From a very young age, I have continuously connected with others. I have always had aspirations to help those in need. As I grew older, I changed my mind several times regarding my career choice. I wanted to become a police officer, nurse, paramedic or firefighter. The main focus for my dream profession was to benefit the community. After completing two years of co-operative education in high school as a nurse’s assistant, I knew this was the career for me. I was able to connect with people on a level that I have never experienced. From those encounters, I knew I was to be a nurse.

So, though times may be tough in the next four years, I will gain the knowledge and experience that will enable me to excel as a registered nurse.

The picture to the right is of me in my second year of co-op, in the Surgical Day Care Unit at Ajax-Pickering Hospital.

Time, Shall it Stay or Shall it Go?

I can’t believe it’s already the beginning of November. My brother was right when he said that university happens in a flash. I am indifferent about the speed at which this hectic life is travelling at.

I am glad the time is flying because there is one thing I am looking forward to...Christmas! The family is going on a New Year’s cruise and there is nothing that I want more than to bathe in the Caribbean sun. I am in immense need of a vacation. The picture to the left is of the Carnival Liberty in Costa Maya, Mexico, during my family cruise in 2006.

There is a downside to time racing at a ridiculous rate. School. Before I go on this long awaited cruise, I must finish all my last assignments and then complete my final exams. I can tell you, it’s easy said than done. I still have six assignments to complete and then I have four final exams. This next month will be a killer, but I am sure it will be worth it in the end.

So, should I hope that time fly so I can finally be aboard the cruise or should I beg Father Time to slow down so I can finally finish all this work?

I have attached a video of the Carnival Liberty, the boat I will be on for New Years (be jealous!)

Blogs in Nursing

Hello, my name is Jennifer and I am a first year nursing student at UOIT in Oshawa, Ontario. Classes have been in full swing for over a month and I feel I have settled well into the university life. All of my professors and fellow students have been very supportive and have helped me make the transition from secondary school to university.

Prior to the Information and Communication Technology class, the methods of blogging were very unfamiliar to me. Though I am a frequently on Youtube and Facebook, I have never felt the need to establish a blog. After reviewing the various nursing blogs, I have come to realize that blog posts are a method of communicating with nurses and medical professionals all over the world.