nurseblog – I Am Nurse Tiffany

Picmonic for Better Exam Grades

July 3, 2020by I am Nurse TiffanyLeave a Comment

Have you ever had to memorize so much information for nursing school and simply felt like it was impossible? If so, this is the blog post for you. In an attempt find ways to study better, research led me to Picmonic.

What is Picmonic?

Picmonic is an audiovisual learning system. The program uses stories, characters, and cartoon graphics to assist you in remembering everything that you need to know for school.

Why use Picmonic?

It is research proven to help students pass exams.
It is efficient and effective. This system helps you save time by enabling you to memorize details quickly all while keeping you entertained.
It is easy to use on the go. Just download the app to your phone or desktop and you are ready to go.
It is customizable to your personal needs and current topics you are reviewing in class.
It is always up to date with the newest concepts and videos relevant to your studies.
It uses related facts made easy.
It is inexpensive.

What is more, it is free to sign up. With the free option you are able to learn and do a quiz on 1 Picmonic video per day. Use this link to try it out for yourself today!

https://www.picmonic.com/viphookup/4VD4L0JN1ELHLGC20

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How to Deal with Boredom During COVID-19 Pandemic

March 27, 2020March 27, 2020by I am Nurse TiffanyLeave a Comment

Since COVID-19 has come along our lives have drastically changed. For many it has been a struggle due to the unsettling loss of wages, business closures, travel bans, shelter in place orders, and even 24 hours lock downs. Despite this, life is still happening around us and we must make the best out of an unfortunate situation. Below are some things to do to stay busy during this difficult time.

Things to do While Practicing Social Distancing:

1. Consider doing a puzzle. Recently, I found a puzzle at Target and honestly it was one of the best purchases I have made to date. Puzzles increase the production of dopamine in the brain which regulates mood, memory, and concentration.

2. Listen to an audible book. Recently, I used my credits with Amazon to purchase a few Audible books that I can listen to during this leisure time. This helps builds critical listening skills and improves focus and attention. Listening to an audio book also improves concentration.

3. Working out is still an option. Most people think that you need fancy and expensive gym equipment to get the job done. However, that is far from the truth. If you need some assistance with ideas, I offer some suggestions below.

Resistance Bands:

https://amzn.to/3areoum

Adjustable Ankle/Wrist Weights:

https://amzn.to/340JEOt

Exercise Ball:

https://amzn.to/2WLePeL

Jump Rope:

https://amzn.to/2UpvS4K

4. Yoga and meditation are also a great idea. During this time, our minds are racing leading to much fear and anxiety. Try challenging those feelings by freeing your mind of those thoughts. While the physical benefits are vast such as, increased flexibility, improved respiration, and vitality.

5. Listening to Music. Music has always been great, Music releases mood enhancing chemicals in the brain. Music can also have a direct impact on physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning.

6. Pick up a Hobby. Arts and Crafts is a good way to practice creativity and can be used to express oneself. Head to your local Michael’s or Joann’s and pick up a few items. You will be glad you did.

7. Download the Calm App. The Calm App helps if you are needing to meditate and relax, having trouble sleeping, or high stress and anxiety levels.

8. Take a Walk. Sometimes being in the house for too long can cause Cabin Fever. To prevent this, take walks around your neighborhood. Remember to continue to practice social distancing though.

9. Practice Self-Care. With all non-essential businesses closed, it can present some challenging with services such as, manicures, pedicures, waxes, haircuts, etc. Despite this, we should not let ourselves go. This is the perfect opportunity to learn how to do those tasks for ourselves. Below I have attached some links for products necessary to make this possible.

No chip Manicure Machine:

https://amzn.to/2QSwFsK

Foot Spa:

https://amzn.to/2WNxV4b

Wax Kit:

https://amzn.to/2xpCVkS

Hair/Facial Steamer:

https://amzn.to/2QNvfPW

10. Properly disinfect. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus. Currently, illnesses range from very mild symptoms to severe, including illness resulting in death. Although, there are many other things that can be done to prevent the spread, taking time to make sure you are disinfecting can be one of the ways to combat this nasty virus.

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How to effectively study for Pharmacology!

February 15, 2019March 19, 2019by I am Nurse TiffanyLeave a Comment

We all know that Pharmacology can be a tough subject due to all the information that has to be learned. However, with these study tips, you can be well on your way to receiving the A that you deserve. 😎

Tips for effectively study for Pharmacology:

1.) ALWAYS review PowerPoint presentations before class lecture. This will familiarize you with the information before the professor teaches the material.

2.) ACTIVELY LISTEN when in lecture. Usually the professor will hint towards the most important information that is needed for exams.

3.) FIND study partners. Figure out who are the strong students in your program and work with them. This helps you to challenge yourself and strengthen any weak areas that you possess.

4.) MAKE funny mnemonics. This will help you to remember material on exams. You can also research ones that are already out there.

5.) MAKE notecards. This helps with repetition. Also, reduces the need for carrying around heavy textbooks all the time.

6.) USE Quizlets. Sometimes students before you may have already covered materials that you are now studying. They often create Quizlets, which is free information to use. You just have to make sure that the information provided is correct by cross-referencing it withthe resources you have.

7.) MEET with professor about your progress. Professors love when you show you are interested in your education. They often can easily pinpoint out your weaknesses and help you develop a game plan for improvement.

8.) LISTEN to live lectures. If your professor provides this an option, please take advantage. Listen on the way to class, after class, during workouts, etc. You will be surprised at what you can recall from simply listening to live lectures.

9.) WATCH YouTube videos. Believe it or not, there are many educated professionals who want to share their knowledge and expertise and do so on YouTube. Just make sure you are researching these individuals to ensure their credibility.

10.) ATTEND review sessions. Sometimes professors will hold review sessions for students. This is helpful for exam preparations. Do not miss out on these opportunities if they are provided.

11.) TAKE BREAKS! When studying a subject like pharmacology, it is imperative to pace yourself. You do not want to experience a burnout from over studying.

12.) DO NOT CRAM! Craming is only good for short term memory. You want to remember information long term. Remember you need to pass NCLEX!

Hope these study tips help!

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Which Stethoscope?🤔

January 20, 2019March 23, 2019by I am Nurse TiffanyLeave a Comment

I have a lecture and lab component class that requires me to need a stethoscope. So being a new nursing student, I decided to go the cheaper route and purchase one from amazon for $15.00 and free prime shipping. Initially, I did not think this was a bad idea considering the fact that I was saving money. However, I soon realized that it was a mistake.😩

First impression, the stethoscope was black and cute. It was very light weight and even included replacement pieces if you lost the original ones. For practice use, I found it to be a little difficult to hear sounds clearly. This can be a problem in practice because you can get false readings. However, I will continue to use the stethoscope for use in lab with my classmates.

Ironically, I was also gifted a beautiful Littmann (classic III). First impression, it was beautiful and pink. It is also light weight and instead of a name tag, my name is engraved. This is awesome because it makes it super difficult for someone to steal it. As far as functionality of it, the sounds are super clear. This stethoscope I would rather use on patients and can be more confident in my readings.

I know for some pricing can be a problem, but you honestly get what you pay for. If you can just stomach to make this purchase, you will have a reliable stethoscope that will last a long time.

These are my honest opinion on both stethoscopes. Below are the links to where both stethoscopes were purchased. Hope this helps!

MDF Dual Head Lightweight Stethoscope

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011E8DG2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0011E8DG2&linkCode=as2&tag=studentnurs06-20&linkId=1b8240636a144657b2c5243b13226c37

Littmann Classic III

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QESFO80/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00QESFO80&linkCode=as2&tag=studentnurs06-20&linkId=931fa3342e4874f6a445da35eb6f3140

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Because Finals…

December 7, 2018by I am Nurse TiffanyLeave a Comment

I know I am not the only one who deals with anxiety from school. With the challenges of balancing work, school, social and family life, it can be difficult to find a perfect balance. Despite of, it is imperative that we find time to do things we enjoy.

For some, that may be going out, traveling, or maybe even partying. For me, I enjoy simple things like working out. A good workout leaves you feeling refreshed and as if you can conquer the world. So during finals week I have been in living in gym, which has helped me tremendously with my anxiety.

So my advice to anyone who experiences anxiety is to simply try a workout. It doesn’t matter what you do or how long you do it. The goal is to simply get that body moving. I promise you will feel better about yourself and your mental clarity will also be better. Moreover, follow it up with feel good fuel. I prefer smoothies, juices, or salads. You ultimately choose what works best for you.

Lately I’ve been trying to drink at least one juice a day. Ingredients: 1.) Celery 2.) Ginger Root 3.) Lime 4.) Grapefruit ⚠️ The ginger does give this juice a little kick but nonetheless, it was pretty tasty.

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I’m Ready

November 26, 2018by I am Nurse TiffanyLeave a Comment

Every Sunday, I can not help but think about how much I dread returning to work on Monday. The weekends are like a breath of fresh air and sadly work is not. Im always contemplating, “Do I really need this job?” I could all be so simple, but life is never really that simple.

Anyways, I gathered a list to attempt to see if the benefits actually outweigh the negatives.

Reasons why people love my working for the federal government

1. Great health insurance

2. Employer match Thrift savings account

3. Pension

4. Grade and step increases

5. Guaranteed cost of living increases

6. Job security

7. Generous vacation time based on time invested

I pointed these out because many always mention these as reasons why they wanted to retire from the federal government. I believe that this mentality alone is what enslaves people. I say this because with every positive that I came up with, I was also able to counteracted it with a negative that over shadows it. I do want to provide a disclaimer that this is my experience with my own agency. There are many other agencies that very well may be different.

Over the years, I have contemplated leaving my job due to its nature. I deal with a lot of difficult individuals on a daily and it can be quite draining. Additionally, I really dislike the changes that are being implemented by government leadership. What is more, some of those once great benefits mentioned above may very well be relinquished.

Reasons why I needed to move on

1. Feeling unfulfilled

2. Militant like culture

3. Brown noser culture

4. Not enough pay

5. Multiple things based of seniority

6. Had to move up in organization

7. Mentally draining work

What do you do when you are no longer happy? When you feel like you have outgrown a position? When you are not valued as an employee? When you feel like you are stagnant? For some, the answer is simple. While others will hesitate based on family needs, age, complacency, false hope, etc. I myself have hesitated too because uncertainty of the next steps. However, I came to the realization that life is too short to be miserable despite some benefits that a job can offer. As for me, my time is coming to an end. I will be releasing myself of the bondage that plague me. My nursing journey will be a fresh start for me and I could not be more excited. My hope is that everyone finds the willpower to do the same.

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MENP for Non-Nurses?

November 4, 2018by I am Nurse TiffanyLeave a Comment

Often I am asked how I am able to get a Masters in Nursing without a prior nursing degree or licensure. These type of programs are called direct entry nursing practice and also vary from your traditional nursing program. To sum it all up in short, we take some of the same classes that any RN school would have. Those classes are usually at the 300 level. However, since it’s a graduate program, majority of the classes are advanced level courses. Those classes start at the 400 to 500 level. Since there is so much to information to cover in such a short time span (2 years), the program is very rigorous. After completion of the program, we are able to sit for the same state boards and become RNs at the masters level. I hope this helps! Please feel free to ask any other questions below.

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Passing with flying colors!

October 20, 2018October 20, 2018by I am Nurse TiffanyLeave a Comment

So before I start nursing school, I have one prerequisite to finish. The class happens to be General Chemistry. I am more than half way done with the class and wanted to share a few study tips that has helped me tremendously.

Study Tips!!!

1.) Before class always read the chapter. Having some idea of what the Professor will lecture on helps you familiarize yourself with the information.

2.) Always take notes. However, do not try to write down word for word, but listen for key points/concepts.

3.) Ask questions during class if you don’t understand something. You will be surprised how many others have the same question but are afraid to ask.

4.) After class, read the chapter again but this time using the notes as a reference point. If something is still unclear, reach out to the Professor for further clarification.

5.) My secret tip: YouTube always has some very knowledgeable chemistry professional who have channels. However, before you result to this, do your research on the credibility of the person teaching.

These are just few of the many tips that has helped me along the way. Hopefully, they may help one of you as well. Best wishes!

Blackboard Screenshot of a few of my grades.

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It’s almost that time!

October 15, 2018October 15, 2018by I am Nurse TiffanyLeave a Comment

This past Friday I registered for my first quarter of nursing school. I am so excited, yet so nervous. January is coming too soon,but nevertheless I’m ready!

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The Preview Event

October 2, 2018March 19, 2019by I am Nurse TiffanyLeave a Comment

The DePaul Preview Event was just the little push I never knew I needed. Reason being, I got accepted into the program six months before my actual start date. This was simply because I had one outstanding prerequisite to finish before starting.

This event started with a tour of the campus and simulation labs (see photos below). I must note that the lab was equipped with the latest technology and mannequins for practicing. Once the tour was over, the more formal presentation started. Here we learned all about the scholarship opportunities, class schedules, uniforms, etc… The presenters offered light refreshments, which is always a plus for me.

The presentation ended with a Q & A, which gave everyone a chance to have clarity on topics discussed. Lastly, we got the opportunity to network with others in the cohort.We were able to exchange information and created a Facebook page to stay connected. The next step is orientation, which is December 17, 2018.