Let's Wrap It Up!

I have never done a blog before until I got into my English class. This week is the last week for FINAL posts and I have absolutely enjoyed telling my story. My goal is to become a Registered Nurse. I know this is my passion as I already enjoy taking care of patients. I hope to one day change lives of those who are sick.

To wrap things up, I have talked about vital signs that are given by nurses to check patients health, I went into depth discussion about my job description as a CNA, I talked about the different types of diseases and cancers. Overall, this blog has taught me some information that I was able to research about becoming a nurse. I am ready to take on the challenge! Thanks for reading my blog! Here are some funny cartoon phrases I found. Check it out for fun http://www.nursebuff.com/2014/03/funny-nurse-cartoons-on-pinterest/

The Beginning Of Zombie Life....

I have written in my blog about the majority of what a nurse does. I can not wait to begin my journey as an RN nursing student. I have taken a few classes so far. If I stay on track, I will be graduating from Ivy Tech in the Fall of 2018. My goal is to take as many classes I can handle to get me there quicker. I have learned so much from my friend, Haley who recently graduated and received her RN. I see the tension and the stress and I can not wait for the challenge. 

To get more information about becoming a nurse visit www.ivytech.edu There you will find some interesting information about becoming a nurse. I have many friends who have graduated at Ivy Tech that told me that the school is a great place to go to. I have been a student for a couple of years now. I have taken some semesters off and such and planning on going at a faster pace after the end of this year. Just thinking about the lives I will be changing excites me and I can't wait! 

If you are a nursing student or plan to become one.  Check out this link http://www.nursetogether.com/study-tips-for-nursing-students

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of death in women, after lung cancer. The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is less than 1 in 8.  The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 36. Breast cancer rates have been going down. This is probably because the cancer is being found early and better treatment.

Checking your breast on a monthly basis is important. Follow the steps below to detect abnormalities on your breast. The following should be done once a month.

• Begin looking at your breast in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.  Here is what you need to look for.

Breasts that have usual shape, color and size. 

Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling.

If you see the following changes, please bring them to your doctor's attention:

Dimpling, Puckering, or bulging of the skin.

A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple.

Redness, soreness, rash or swelling.

• Now raise your arms and look for the same changes
• While you are at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples ( this could be a watery, milky, yellow fluid or blood)
• Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.
•  Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 4.

 

Click on the links below to find out more about the treatments on breast cancer. 

Surgery

Radiation therapy

Chemotherapy

Hormone therapy

Targeted therapy

Bone-directed therapy

There is not a cure yet for breast cancer but one day I believe someone will find one. It doesn't matter what your age is, young or old, make sure to examine your breast every month.

DISEASES

Nursing has important roles to play in the prevention of infectious diseases and in the care of persons and families who have such diseases, and it must assume leadership for these roles. 

 The news is filled with stories about Ebola, and breast cancer gets a lot of press too. Would it surprise you to know that neither makes the list of the 10 deadliest diseases? Even more surprising, perhaps, is that several of the deadliest diseases, including the number one killer in the world, are at least partially preventable. Where a person lives, access to preventive care, and quality of healthcare all factor into their risk. In 2014 the top 10 deadliest diseases were:

• Coronary Artery Disease - The deadliest disease in the world is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD, also called ischemic heart disease, occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become narrowed. 
• Stroke- A stroke is when an artery in the brain is blocked or leaks. Oxygen-deprived brain cells begin to die within minutes.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - COPD is a chronic, progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are types of COPD.
• Lower Respiratory Infection- This group of diseases includes pneumonia, bronchitis, and influenza.
• Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung Cancers - Trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer are all respiratory cancers. The main causes of this type of cancer are smoking, second-hand smoke, and environmental toxins.
• HIV/AIDS- HIV is short for human immunodeficiency virus. It’s a virus that attacks the immune system. HIV can cause AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS is a chronic, life-threatening condition.
• Diarrheal Disease- Diarrhea is when you pass three or more loose stools a day. When diarrhea lasts more than a few days, your body loses too much water and salt. Death is due to dehydration. Diarrhea is usually caused by an intestinal infection transmitted through viruses, bacteria, or even parasites. This type of infection can easily spread through contaminated water or food. It’s particularly widespread in developing nations that have poor sanitary conditions
• Diabetes Mellitus- Diabetes is a group of diseases that affect insulin production and use. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas can no longer produce insulin. The cause is not known. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it can’t be used effectively. Type 2 diabetes can be caused by a number of factors, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and carrying too much weight.
• Preterm Birth Complications- According to WHO, in 2012, as many as 1.1 million deaths were due to prematurity and complications due to low birth weight. Three-quarters of these deaths happen within the first week of life. Lack of skilled medical care makes this a huge problem in developing countries. Many newborn deaths could be avoided with good prenatal and postnatal care.
• Tuberculosis- TB is a lung condition caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It’s an airborne disease that is often successfully treated. Some strains of TB are resistant to conventional treatments. Second-line drugs used to treat these patients are in limited supply. Some strains fail to respond to second-line treatment as well.

MY JOB DESCRIPTION

From my last post, I talked some of there experiences I have faced as being a CNA. I never  thought that I could do this job but I actually enjoy it. I love being able to take care of people. I love building relationships with them as well. Working as a rehab CNA, I experience the changes of incoming and outgoing of patients. A patient can stay a maximum of up to 100 days or stay one day depending on the type of therapy needed for them.  My biggest smile comes from the accomplishment of a patient. My biggest frown is seeing them leave. I will talk about my job on what I do on a daily basis.

I wake up roughly around 5:00 am to be at work at 6:00 am. I start my day as some and clock in. ( I hate our time clock by the way, its one of those ones that read the hands. Mine never reads) I go to my neighborhood (unit) which is called Renaissance Way (I think it sounds tough). I grab my CNA worksheet which gives all the information (bath days, daily weights, transfer mobility and so etc...) of all my patients. I go on to get report (information about the patient from their shift)  from the previous shift. Then I grab all of my wash cloths and towels to go to each room to clean my patients up. Since I work first shift, most of my patients on my assignment want up for breakfast which starts at 7:30. I have to have them all down there by that time so I can help with breakfast setup. There are the patients that are in their rooms that would rather have their breakfast served to them in their rooms and they get breakfast trays. After breakfast, I finish cleaning up the rest of the patients that I couldn't get to, I shower the ones that are due for theirs, and make sure everyone has used the bathroom. Rehab unit is a more demanding because the patients are call light happy needing things over and over. Theses patients come straight from the hospital needing therapy on either their replacement knees, hips, arms, etc..  Some patients had strokes that learn to walk again. Patients that have heart attacks learning to be stronger again or simply just in rehab for speech. I get to meet all types of people and I love seeing their progress but there are those who do give up and they have to be sent to a long term care facility. Anyways, after breakfast and all their showers and their bowels have moved, they get ready for lunch. Lunch is done the same way as breakfast and they are laid down to rest if they want to afterwards. During the whole day, these patients receive their therapy (physical, occupational or speech) so they are pretty worn out. Then its time for the next shift and I give them report.

This is a catheter bag being empties for the patients that can't
get up and go to the bathroom. I currently have two patients
with these. We record their output.

These are bedpans. These are used for the patients that
have hip fractures.

This is a hoyer lift. These are used for the patients who can't
walk or are too weak to walk.

This is a gait belt. These are used for patients that need
assistance on standing or walking.

These are some of the things that I use on a daily basis. To learn more about what a CNA does please visit http://nursinglink.monster.com/education/articles/3787 .

Experiencing The Medical Field As A CNA

Do you know what CNA stands for? No, it doesn't just qualify as an "experienced butt wiper". (Ha Ha) CNA actually stands for Certified Nursing Assistant. I am one of those. Some people may read this and ask themselves... Is she for real? Is she actually saying she is proud of being one? The answer is yes! Being a CNA has taught me some valuable things in life. Before I became a CNA, I worked in retail.  I helped people out by buying a lawn mower or a new washer but that wasn't really "helping" someone out. I wanted to do more.  I wanted to make a difference in someone's life besides making their clothes cleaner or making their yards greener. I wanted to help them feel better but instead reverse psychology took place and they changed me.

I decided to become a nurse aide in 2012. It was a super hard 3 weeks trying to stay focused on getting my certificate. You had to be in class for one whole week straight and clinicals for two weeks. If you missed any days, you were out. During the 3 weeks, my cousin lost her baby at 20 weeks. I missed the funeral because I was focused on getting my certificate. It was a hard choice but this was an opportunity and I couldn't pass it up. I was so excited and so happy to learn that I passed the final exam. I started searching for jobs and finally landed my first job as a CNA. I was so nervous! I was so scared seeing all the different patients having different types of illnesses. This was all new to me and I didn't know how to handle it.  After a while, I started learning these patients lives and it took an effect on me and how blessed I was to be as healthy as I am and I could use my health to help them. I was at my first job for a while and recently back in this past August, I applied to Aspen Trace in Greenwood, Indiana. When I was hired in, the DON (Director of Nursing) told me that she didn't see why she wouldn't want me. I was hired for the rehab unit that day! My experience there has been amazing. I have met so many new people and have made some close friends especially my nurse, Haley! It is awesome to work under a nurse who cares so much about her patients and gives them treats on holidays. 

I have experienced  death, the crazy and great progress. My first death experience scared me half to death. I WILL NEVER forget it! Let me share with you the story... My co-worker and I knew this man was going to pass on our shift by the way his vitals were looking. The man had kidney failure and I had seen him slowly fade away day by day.  I remember taking my lunch that night and when I came back, my co-worker went. Before she went, I asked her how he was doing. She told me she had just checked on him and he was still hanging on. She went to lunch. She was only gone for 30 mins. After 15 mins of her telling me that he was still hanging on, I checked on him. The man was in a dark room (that is how he liked it). He was a c-pap on (a breathing machine with a mask). When I peeked into his room, I could tell he wasn't breathing. I wouldn't go in that room by myself. I got the nurse and we both went in his room and she checked his vitals and sure enough, he was gone. She asked me to take his mask off and I looked at her like she came from the crazy house. I told her there was NO WAY I was about to do that. She took it into consideration and she took it off. As she took the mask off, the mans eyes flung open and holy crap did I run out of that room. As a CNA, I didn't know that cleaning up a dead body was part of my job description until that night. I had to go back into his room with other co-workers to get his body ready for the mortuary. Let me tell you, it was the worst experience of my life.  This man was not skinny minnie and he almost fell off the bed while we were cleaning him up but let me remind you, I stayed away from his face.

I can go on and on about my job but I think I will save that for the next post but take a look at this link for more information about what a CNA does  http://www.nursetogether.com/learning-the-life-of-a-certified-nursing-assistant  You never know, you may want to become one ;)



                    TO BE CONTINUED......

Lets Talk About Blood Pressure!

This is how we all feel when we get our blood pressure taken ;)

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries, which carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day. But if it stays high for a long time, it can damage your heart and lead to health problems. High blood pressure raises your risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States.1

High blood pressure has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it. The only way to know if you have it is to measure your blood pressure. Then you can take steps to control it if it is too high.

Learn more about high blood pressure:

• High Blood Pressure Signs and Symptoms
• Effects of High Blood Pressure
• Measuring Blood Pressure
• Controlling Blood Pressure

Your health care team may refer to high blood pressure as hypertension.

         

What Does the Systolic Blood Pressure Number Mean?

When your heart beats, it contracts and pushes blood through the arteries to the rest of the body. This force creates pressure on the arteries. This is called systolic blood pressure.

A normal systolic blood pressure is below 120.

A systolic blood pressure of 120 to 139 means you have prehypertension, or borderline high blood pressure. Even people with prehypertension are at a higher risk of developing heart disease.

A systolic blood pressure number of 140 or higher is considered to be hypertension, or high blood pressure.

What Does the Diastolic Blood Pressure Number Mean?

The diastolic blood pressure number or the bottom number indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

A normal diastolic blood pressure number is less than 80.

A diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 indicates prehypertension.

A diastolic blood pressure number of 90 or higher is considered to be hypertension or high blood pressure.

How Is Blood Pressure Measured?

Blood pressure is measured with a simple, painless test using a blood pressure cuff -- doctors call it a sphygmomanometer. It consists of a small pressure gauge that is attached to a cuff.

The inflatable cuff is wrapped around your upper arm. Some blood pressure cuffs wrap around the forearm or wrist.

When measuring blood pressure, your doctor or nurse will use a stethoscope to listen to the blood moving through an artery.

The cuff is inflated to a pressure that’s known to be higher than your systolic blood pressure. As the cuff deflates, the first sound heard through the stethoscope is the systolic blood pressure. It sounds like a whooshing noise. When this noise goes away, that indicates the diastolic blood pressure.

The systolic blood pressure number is always said first, and then the diastolic blood pressure number is given. For example, your blood pressure may be read as "120 over 80" or written as 120/80.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

This is a picture of a healthy heart getting ready to be transplanted.

Some people may not know but blood pressure is not exactly part of vital statistics. Blood pressure should always be taken when taking vitals because its important. Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers. Systolic is the top number, which is also the higher of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. Diastolic is the bottom number which is also the lower of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries between heart beats. What is the AHA recommendation for healthy blood pressure?

Normal- Systolic is less than 120 and Diastolic is less than 80.

Prehypertension- Systolic is 120 -139 or Diastolic is 80-89.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1- Systolic is 140-159 or Diastolic is 90-99.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2- Systolic is 160 or higher Diastolic is 100 or higher.

Hypertensive Crisis (Emergency care needed)- Systolic is higher than 180 or Diastolic is higher than 110

Checking your blood pressure is very important. Eating a healthy diet and regular exercise will help prevent high blood pressure and the different types of diseases associated with high blood pressure. Go to  http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/hypertension-symptoms-high-blood-pressure to get more information on the symptoms and the treatments of high blood pressure. 

Find downloadable fact sheets about high blood pressure and related conditions:

• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• High Cholesterol
• Pulmonary Hypertension

 



Since I work with nurses and I get to see all the awesome things such as needles. I just wonder how I will do when I get to stick a vein for the first time. Will I be nervous? or will  I think " Oh this is a piece of cake"? Who will the person be that I stick for the first time? What will they be thinking? The nerves that come with becoming a nurse.
Some nurses make it look so easy while others still struggle to find that vein. I believe older people are easy to find veins on because of their thin skin but can also be scary cause they are so fragile. I can't imagine how many times I will have to poke a person with stubborn veins. I know some people that have veins that are tougher than Ford itself..( Ha!) and their arms are so bruised! Oh! Just writing this blog post is making me more anxious and nervous at the same time. I just know that I want to be the best nurse I can be and stick the needle in the vein the right way the first time so I don't hurt anyone.

I enjoy doing patient's vitals. I think it is so awesome to see their o2 stats go up if they are having a hard time breathing and they are automatically put on oxygen. (That is the geek in me) Did you know a person's normal o2 (oxygen level) should be around 90%. I see a lot of patients where I work drop in their 50's. Its CRAY CRAY how fast a person's health can drop if they aren't properly hooked up to their proper machine.

Another part of taking vitals is temperature. Of course, everyone's temp should be close to 98.6 and anything

higher than that is considered a fever.  The correct way to find a temperature is sticking the thermometer under your armpit (brachial), orally or sticking it in your rectum (OUCH!)

 

 

 

Cancer Sucks!

  The reason I want to  be a nurse is so I can take care of people as I mentioned in my introduction. I believe you build relationships with the patients you have and gain the trust they deserve. I have met numerous people that have battled a tough journey. These people inspire me. One person that has inspired me the most is my grandma.

 My grandma Alice was a waitress for the majority of her life. She waitressed at our family restaurant in Mooresville, Indiana. She was well-known throughout the community. She loved taking care of her customers by serving them the best.

Top picture is grandma at work. Bottom picture is her with my son, Karter.

In the year of 2013, grandma started not feeling well. She was already tired from working all the time at the bakery making sure her customers were satisfied to their fullest extent. Her fingertips were blue and her legs would swell. She just simply thought it was because she was on her feet all the time. In May 2014, her life changed forever. She was told by the doctors she was in stage 4 of colon cancer. When I heard the news, I was devastated. I fought so hard to hold the tears back but I knew I didn't have much time with her. Working in the medical field already, I had already learned the basics of stages of cancer.  I was around people who had it and who died in front of me with it. I didn't want to accept her being sick.

Grandma started chemo and just kept getting weaker by the day. I had seen a lovely and happy lady fall in to this sad and depressed lady I didn't know. It hurt my heart. I spent some time with her and it was hard. I always told her when we were by ourselves to not give up. She fought to her fullest extent but cancer may have taken her body but it didn't take her spirit. Grandma passed away October 2014. She knew I was going to school to pursue my dream of being a nurse and because of her, I wanted to be better.

As you can see the difference in this picture, she was not happy.
This was when she was going through her chemo.



Grandma and I hanging out. This was
exactly 1 week before she passed.

She loved her make-up. It was just

the simplest thing I could do to

make her feel better.

As my grandmother battled cancer, I was always googling the stage she was in. I wanted to know more what this cancer did. I couldn't change her life, but maybe one day I can someone else's. Below I have attached a video about what cancer is. Please take a few minutes and watch. One day, I hope someone finds a cure.

WELCOME!

 

 

My name is Krystal. I attend Ivy Tech Community College. I plan to pursue a Bachelor's degree in the RN program. This blog is setup so others can see the amazing and yet stressful journey I am about to go on. I know it will be worth it at the end. Right now, I am gaining experience to see what nurses go through on a daily basis by being a nurse aide. I have been an aide for 3 years now. I have inquired some great things and I have also some bad. I know my passion is in the medical field because I love taking care of people.

 

In this blog, I plan on to write about the basics of being a nurse. I will interview nurses that I work with and those who I don't. The knowledge I gain from them, I also want to share with you. I will post different instruments used by nurses and what they do.  The background of this blog is to know what kind of struggles nurses go through on a daily basis to keep their patients healthy and happy and yet sacrifice their health and time to care. I hope you will find my blog to be interesting. I am now ready for this incredible journey ahead of me!

 

LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN!!!!