Hello everyone!!!
Seeing as I have extensive experience in love (hahaha...), i thought it would be a great idea for me to post about it.
Having trouble getting a boyfriend? Fells like you've been single for ages? You've come to the right blog!!
Below are my (fool-proof) tips to get a boyfriend!!!!
1. Dont sleep with him on the first date.
You heard. Dont give it up. In fact,dont give it up EVERRRR. He'll want you more.
2. ALWAYS, and i mean ALWAYS - play hard. to. get.
Kind of relating to the previous tip. If they text you, take AGESS to reply. They love the chase. Imagine you are the goat and they are the lion... Or something like that. Well, either way, be the unattainable. Guys love that.
3. Be wonderful and know it.
You are a beautiful, fantastic woman. You are the prize. Do NOT settle for just anyone!!
4. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy life.
So what if Mr Gorgeous hasn't texted you back after that amazing date you had last week!! His loss! You had things to do that night anyway. Plus, you prefer the single life. More money for yourself. More time for yourself. And you dont have to shave your legs either!!
So those are my secrets to getting a boyfriend! Good luck, beauts!!
Emily xx
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Saturday, 22 November 2014
Monday, 13 October 2014
Everyone's been there...
Everyone's been there. It's that time of your life where you don't know whats what. You don't know which way to turn. Or how. Or why. You try to figure out why things happened a certain way but its futile. You try searching for answers but instead get nowhere. Maybe I'm talking rubbish. I don't know. And maybe no-ones even reading this. But, hey, I'll just keep typing anyway. These past two years have been so hard on me. In more ways than one.
So in future, my posts will be of a slightly different nature. Not necessarily nursing. But about life in general. Because life is the most complex, confusing, and utterly surreal thing that has actually ever happened to me. So, this will be my online diary. I'll talk to you as a friend. A non-judgemental, online friend who I can be completely honest with. Right, so where exactly shall I start. I suppose I have to start somewhere.
Okay well here goes, I guess. I grew up and still live in a town in England. Still live with parents, sometimes see friends. But really my life at the moment can be summed up as this - Eat, sleep, work, repeat. Yeah, fun. Sometimes I wonder if theres more to life. I try talking to my parents about this but then the conversation always steers back to religion. And whilst don't mind religion, I just can't stand the way they shove it down my throat. Two years ago I chose a life of independence. Free from the shackles that I felt bound to. (I'll explain all this in time, I promise!!) Since then, I have one brother that tries hard to pretend I don't exist (Lets call him E) and another that I'm desparetely trying to rebuild a relationship with (and we'll call him W). I drive to an freezing cold office I work at almost everyday, filled with vacuous, self-absorbed people, every word they say having a double meaning.
Then there's the love life. which is pretty much non-existent haha.. well, I was left a bit broken hearted when the guy I'd been seeing posted a picture of himself on facebook with another girl.. since then I've been asked to move to bristol by a guy I barely know.. A newly single ex has reappeared and won't stop messaging me.. And a guy I've been talking to for a couple of weeks is suddenly talking commitment when we haven't even met face-to-face - Oh and he's in the military so he'll be leaving for Korea in a few months.. Yeah. messed up huh?
It doesn't stop there! I've got so much more to tell but I'll get to the juicy bits later! Think I've typed enough for now. But, like I say. everyone's been there. Haven't they?
Emily x
So in future, my posts will be of a slightly different nature. Not necessarily nursing. But about life in general. Because life is the most complex, confusing, and utterly surreal thing that has actually ever happened to me. So, this will be my online diary. I'll talk to you as a friend. A non-judgemental, online friend who I can be completely honest with. Right, so where exactly shall I start. I suppose I have to start somewhere.
Okay well here goes, I guess. I grew up and still live in a town in England. Still live with parents, sometimes see friends. But really my life at the moment can be summed up as this - Eat, sleep, work, repeat. Yeah, fun. Sometimes I wonder if theres more to life. I try talking to my parents about this but then the conversation always steers back to religion. And whilst don't mind religion, I just can't stand the way they shove it down my throat. Two years ago I chose a life of independence. Free from the shackles that I felt bound to. (I'll explain all this in time, I promise!!) Since then, I have one brother that tries hard to pretend I don't exist (Lets call him E) and another that I'm desparetely trying to rebuild a relationship with (and we'll call him W). I drive to an freezing cold office I work at almost everyday, filled with vacuous, self-absorbed people, every word they say having a double meaning.
Then there's the love life. which is pretty much non-existent haha.. well, I was left a bit broken hearted when the guy I'd been seeing posted a picture of himself on facebook with another girl.. since then I've been asked to move to bristol by a guy I barely know.. A newly single ex has reappeared and won't stop messaging me.. And a guy I've been talking to for a couple of weeks is suddenly talking commitment when we haven't even met face-to-face - Oh and he's in the military so he'll be leaving for Korea in a few months.. Yeah. messed up huh?
It doesn't stop there! I've got so much more to tell but I'll get to the juicy bits later! Think I've typed enough for now. But, like I say. everyone's been there. Haven't they?
Emily x
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Blog Hiatus
Hello readers!
...I must apologise...
I'm afraid that I won't be updating for a while. Or at least for the next few weeks I'll only be updating once-a-week-ish.
This is due to a few personal issues and for this reason, I'll have limited internet connection. SO... that means less time to post -_- I'm SO sorry.
I just want you all to know, even if i do only have one or two regular readers, i LOVE you! (: I love being able to post on here and thank you so much for regularly reading what I write.
It actually is an honor to be writing and anyone can read it. Anyone who lives ANYWHERE. it's actually amazing when you think about it.
So, yeah, I won't be living at home for a few weeks... But please continue to read my blog. I would actually appreciate ANY comments. There is no certain date when I'll be back so I could be back next week or I could be back in two months. I don't know. But keep checking back and watch this space! I WILL update but my updates will be few and far between, so sorry about that.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend and I'll talk to you next time!
Emily
...I must apologise...
I'm afraid that I won't be updating for a while. Or at least for the next few weeks I'll only be updating once-a-week-ish.
This is due to a few personal issues and for this reason, I'll have limited internet connection. SO... that means less time to post -_- I'm SO sorry.
I just want you all to know, even if i do only have one or two regular readers, i LOVE you! (: I love being able to post on here and thank you so much for regularly reading what I write.
It actually is an honor to be writing and anyone can read it. Anyone who lives ANYWHERE. it's actually amazing when you think about it.
So, yeah, I won't be living at home for a few weeks... But please continue to read my blog. I would actually appreciate ANY comments. There is no certain date when I'll be back so I could be back next week or I could be back in two months. I don't know. But keep checking back and watch this space! I WILL update but my updates will be few and far between, so sorry about that.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend and I'll talk to you next time!
Emily
Monday, 2 April 2012
Procrastination & Stress
Good evening!
Well, this is my first post for April 2012! How exciting! I never thought that I would last five minutes writing this blog! I guess I'm really enjoying it now! (:
First off, how do you like th new look? I decided I'd be adventurous and change the template and my profile picture!! haha! (I'm not totally sure that blue carnations even exist although i have heard that they do in Japan...)
It's also finally the Easter school holidays which means two weeks of rest! Ahahaa.. NOT! More like two weeks of worrying about assignments, portfolios and clinical placement and hardly being able to breathe!!! OK.. calm down... breathe...
In this post I'm gonna be talking about procrastination and stress and how to overcome them.
I know I haven't been doing much theory stuff but I'll get to that all later! I want to deal with the issues that are bugging me at the minute so here goes...
Procrastination
What is it?
Putting off work 'til a later date. Saying to yourself 'Yep, I'll do that later' and actually not getting around to doing it! I shamefully do this too much...
Why do we do it?
Because maybe it's easier to pretend it isn't there or it isn't actually happening rather than addressing it straight away. It keeps the stress at bay by pretending it doesn't exist... well, until you are a week before the deadline! Also, we all know the feeling of fearing failure. And perfectionism is certainly not uncommon!
How can we overcome it?
OK, here are my tips...
1. Plan ahead: Write yourself a day-by-day study plan over the school holidays and over the week/weekends including what you are doing, where and at what time. This way you will have time for adequate breaks and rest and you'll also get the important stuff DONE!
2. Write it where you'll see it: Write yourself reminders for the deadline. On the date two weeks before the deadline on your calendar, write 'two weeks 'til deadline' or something. This helps you to get the remaining time in your head and it also helps you not to forget!! Also, write your study plan up in a proper diary. Don't write it on your phone. I know so many people who wrote things on the planner on their phone and forgot anyway because they only use their phones for Facebook...
3. Make studying enjoyable: Or at least as enjoyable as it gets. Don't just copy things out of a textbook. Watch videos on Youtube on the subject, Draw pictures or diagrams, make a presentation on it or write a blog or journal like I do (:
4. Recognise that no-one is perfect: This might be the hardest to do and it also may take the most time. Recognising that everyone will make mistakes is hard but eventually it is one of the only ways to cure procrastination.
Stress
What is stress?
Feeling overly anxious about something or feeling powerless and hopeless. We feel that we've lost control of events in our life.
Why does it happen?
Unfortunately, stress affects us all and apparently is occurs because of a build up of 'cracks' over time. Little 'cracks' start to appear everytime something mkes us anxious which eventually leads to us 'crashing down' or getting totally stressed about it whether it's something to do with assignments or exams or something else.
Another explanation for stress in the 'fight-or-flight' response. If you studyed A Level Psychology, you'll probably know about this. This theory suggests that when someone perceives a threat, it quickly releases hormones to help it survive. We experince this almost everytime something unexpected happens or something happens that stops us from reaching our goals. However, it needs to be controlled in order to remain calm in the short term and to maintain good health in the long term.
How can we keep calm under pressure?
Here are a few tips I thought up...
1. Keep a journal or diary: Hmm... This one has come up twice now! I have kept a diary before and I found it did help me a great deal in controlling my emotions.
2. Breathe: There are a range of different breathing techniques you can do to maintain emotional control. Unsurprisingly, I'm a bit of a trekkie and I'm a huge fan of Vulcan Meditation. Try it for yourself. Also, Yoga it good for breathing techniques. Breathing techniques are great for helping you to control your emotions under pressure because it is easy to do and remember and you won't look weird for doing it!
3. Exercise: I love exercising! I have just started running again! The area in which I live is perfect for running because there are small pathways along the river and the fields near my house. So, it's great twice a week to go running amongst nature! It also encourages you to drink more fluids, breathe deeper, eat healthily and build up your physical and psychological strength.
4. Get a stress ball: These are great fun, if not helpful in relieving stress!
5. Watch a movie: I always watch anime when I'm in a mood. Dunno why... probably because it makes me laugh! So, watch a comedy, it really works!
6. Massage: This helps to relieve some of the tension stress causes in your muscles.
7. Have a relaxing bath: Having a nice warm bath always relaxes me! Grab some scented candles too!
8. Listen to music: Above all, I love listening to music especially when I'm stressed or frustrated. However, there are two problems with this. If you listen to music alone, it could make you feel more isolated because obviously you won't be talking to anyone. Secondly, depressing music will just make you feel worse! Why not try listening to classical music. I love classical. I'd suggest Ludovico Einaudi, Craig Armstrong, Loreena McKennitt or Two Steps From Hell. I know so many people think Classical is boring but try to be open minded. Classical is so underrated. If not, try more acoustic or country bands/artists such as Boyce Avenue, Rascal Flatts, Nickelback, Tracy Chapman or Carrie Underwood. Why not try movie soundtracks too. Most are classical but they are awesome! Have a look at Carter Burwell (soundtrack for Twilight), John Powell (soundtrack for How To Train Your Dragon), Yoshihisa Hirano and Hideki Taniuchi (soundtrack for Death Note anime), Stephen Flaherty (soundtrack for Anastasia) and Howard Shore (soundtrack for Twilight: New Moon). Also you could have a look at Christian music. The bands/artists I like include: Fireflight, Skillet, Flyleaf, The Devil Wears Prada, Paige Armstrong, Beckah Shae, Britt Nicole, Pillar, Plumb, Disciple, Superchick and RED. I could go on all day! Just try different types of music. It will calm you down and make you happier!
So, those are my tips!
I hope you enjoyed this post! I'll be back with more theory later on!
See you later!
Emily
Well, this is my first post for April 2012! How exciting! I never thought that I would last five minutes writing this blog! I guess I'm really enjoying it now! (:
First off, how do you like th new look? I decided I'd be adventurous and change the template and my profile picture!! haha! (I'm not totally sure that blue carnations even exist although i have heard that they do in Japan...)
It's also finally the Easter school holidays which means two weeks of rest! Ahahaa.. NOT! More like two weeks of worrying about assignments, portfolios and clinical placement and hardly being able to breathe!!! OK.. calm down... breathe...
In this post I'm gonna be talking about procrastination and stress and how to overcome them.
I know I haven't been doing much theory stuff but I'll get to that all later! I want to deal with the issues that are bugging me at the minute so here goes...
Procrastination
What is it?
Putting off work 'til a later date. Saying to yourself 'Yep, I'll do that later' and actually not getting around to doing it! I shamefully do this too much...
Why do we do it?
Because maybe it's easier to pretend it isn't there or it isn't actually happening rather than addressing it straight away. It keeps the stress at bay by pretending it doesn't exist... well, until you are a week before the deadline! Also, we all know the feeling of fearing failure. And perfectionism is certainly not uncommon!
How can we overcome it?
OK, here are my tips...
1. Plan ahead: Write yourself a day-by-day study plan over the school holidays and over the week/weekends including what you are doing, where and at what time. This way you will have time for adequate breaks and rest and you'll also get the important stuff DONE!
2. Write it where you'll see it: Write yourself reminders for the deadline. On the date two weeks before the deadline on your calendar, write 'two weeks 'til deadline' or something. This helps you to get the remaining time in your head and it also helps you not to forget!! Also, write your study plan up in a proper diary. Don't write it on your phone. I know so many people who wrote things on the planner on their phone and forgot anyway because they only use their phones for Facebook...
3. Make studying enjoyable: Or at least as enjoyable as it gets. Don't just copy things out of a textbook. Watch videos on Youtube on the subject, Draw pictures or diagrams, make a presentation on it or write a blog or journal like I do (:
4. Recognise that no-one is perfect: This might be the hardest to do and it also may take the most time. Recognising that everyone will make mistakes is hard but eventually it is one of the only ways to cure procrastination.
Stress
What is stress?
Feeling overly anxious about something or feeling powerless and hopeless. We feel that we've lost control of events in our life.
Why does it happen?
Unfortunately, stress affects us all and apparently is occurs because of a build up of 'cracks' over time. Little 'cracks' start to appear everytime something mkes us anxious which eventually leads to us 'crashing down' or getting totally stressed about it whether it's something to do with assignments or exams or something else.
Another explanation for stress in the 'fight-or-flight' response. If you studyed A Level Psychology, you'll probably know about this. This theory suggests that when someone perceives a threat, it quickly releases hormones to help it survive. We experince this almost everytime something unexpected happens or something happens that stops us from reaching our goals. However, it needs to be controlled in order to remain calm in the short term and to maintain good health in the long term.
How can we keep calm under pressure?
Here are a few tips I thought up...
1. Keep a journal or diary: Hmm... This one has come up twice now! I have kept a diary before and I found it did help me a great deal in controlling my emotions.
2. Breathe: There are a range of different breathing techniques you can do to maintain emotional control. Unsurprisingly, I'm a bit of a trekkie and I'm a huge fan of Vulcan Meditation. Try it for yourself. Also, Yoga it good for breathing techniques. Breathing techniques are great for helping you to control your emotions under pressure because it is easy to do and remember and you won't look weird for doing it!
3. Exercise: I love exercising! I have just started running again! The area in which I live is perfect for running because there are small pathways along the river and the fields near my house. So, it's great twice a week to go running amongst nature! It also encourages you to drink more fluids, breathe deeper, eat healthily and build up your physical and psychological strength.
4. Get a stress ball: These are great fun, if not helpful in relieving stress!
5. Watch a movie: I always watch anime when I'm in a mood. Dunno why... probably because it makes me laugh! So, watch a comedy, it really works!
6. Massage: This helps to relieve some of the tension stress causes in your muscles.
7. Have a relaxing bath: Having a nice warm bath always relaxes me! Grab some scented candles too!
8. Listen to music: Above all, I love listening to music especially when I'm stressed or frustrated. However, there are two problems with this. If you listen to music alone, it could make you feel more isolated because obviously you won't be talking to anyone. Secondly, depressing music will just make you feel worse! Why not try listening to classical music. I love classical. I'd suggest Ludovico Einaudi, Craig Armstrong, Loreena McKennitt or Two Steps From Hell. I know so many people think Classical is boring but try to be open minded. Classical is so underrated. If not, try more acoustic or country bands/artists such as Boyce Avenue, Rascal Flatts, Nickelback, Tracy Chapman or Carrie Underwood. Why not try movie soundtracks too. Most are classical but they are awesome! Have a look at Carter Burwell (soundtrack for Twilight), John Powell (soundtrack for How To Train Your Dragon), Yoshihisa Hirano and Hideki Taniuchi (soundtrack for Death Note anime), Stephen Flaherty (soundtrack for Anastasia) and Howard Shore (soundtrack for Twilight: New Moon). Also you could have a look at Christian music. The bands/artists I like include: Fireflight, Skillet, Flyleaf, The Devil Wears Prada, Paige Armstrong, Beckah Shae, Britt Nicole, Pillar, Plumb, Disciple, Superchick and RED. I could go on all day! Just try different types of music. It will calm you down and make you happier!
So, those are my tips!
I hope you enjoyed this post! I'll be back with more theory later on!
See you later!
Emily
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Study skills
Good evening!
I know it's been a week but so much has happened! I've been so busy trying to make an effort on my assignment and portfolio that I've (almost) forgotten about this blog! So, i'm sorry about that! Also, I've been trying to get ready for my placement and everything which has been really stressful! The couple hours i get when I return from uni everyday is simply leisure (like lounging around watching The Walking Dead).
So, for this post no theoretical stuff. No A&P, no OBS, no IPL... NONE of that today! I'll be talking about study skills (and hopefully this will motivate me to want to study harder!!) This won't just apply to health and social care students (Nurses, social workers, radiographers, ODPs...) but it'll apply to ANY student - whether you are at GCSE level, Advanced level or degree level.
So, I'll be dividing this post up into sections: Who, what, where, when, why and how? So, lets begin!!
WHO?
Depending on your personality you will either work alone or in groups.
Alone
Personally I prefer to study alone. I actually CANNOT study with others. I'm not unsociable, in fact i'm the very opposite - if i study with others i will end up talking about something else. Like, shopping, gigs, piercings, food, music... stuff like that. Which obviously has NO relevance to the endocrine system whatsoever. Anyway, if you choose to go it alone then by all means do so. Don't think that you can't. Just because you're friends aren't gonna walk you to the library or whatever, you can still be independent and study on your own. Besides, if you study alone you can focus on the areas you specifically need to work on, you can stay as long as you want and take breaks when you want. You'd actually be surprised how many people study alone. Almost everyone! Plus, I always think that study groups are just EXCUSES to be together. To 'study'. Riiiiight. It's like a 'study date'. Dude, you're not going to study... Who would study on a DATE?! Hello?! Moving on, If you are going to study alone, make sure you have everything you need such as your study utensils and plan (we'll get to that bit later) and make sure you have a suitable area for study. Figure out if you work best in silence or with some background music or a little mummering from others in the background. I remember at A level I would always study in the library after four because most of the kids from years seven to eleven had gotten fed up by then and gone home. Therefore, the library was blissfully peaceful! I was friends with the librarian so she'd let me stay until six sometimes! Also, choose a computer or desk that is in a perfect position: either near the stacks in the library for quick referencing, or opposite a window for perfect ventilation; near the water fountain for hydration or in the corner for tranquility. It's up to you so at the beginning of the year seek out these little areas so you aren't squeezed elbow to elbow with other students at 'rush hour'!
In groups
Even though I don't really study in groups that often I still find it quite fun! (IKR! Bet you weren't expecting THAT!) Like they say: 'two heads are better than one' and in the case of studying, sometimes it works better to have a study-buddy or a couple other people to lay the snakes out flat, so to speak. Studying with others can be great because its not only a social thing but it's a peer-support thing. What I mean is, if 'you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours'. If you don't get something, someone else can clarify it for you and help you. If you get something they don't, then you can help them to understand so it works out by helping each other. Also, you can study in different ways, E.G. by presentations, discussion and debates ETC. Not only that, but you'll be improving your communication skills which is very important for any student - it will help you no end in university interviews, job interviews, on your CV, in the workplace, make friends in the future... the list goes on. So, don't dismiss the idea of working with others. it can be great fun. However, beware of digressing conversations and laziness. Some people may also try to get away with doing nothing while the 'smart ones' do it all. Which can be extremely annoying.
WHAT?
This section will talk about WHAT you should study. Again I'll divide this up...
Lecture notes
So many people write a ton of lecture notes in their notebooks but can be fussed to type the notes up and print them out for their folders. WHY?! It literally takes about ten minutes tops. Plus, going over what was covered in classes will motivate you to research more and will clarify to you what was said about a certain topic and what wasn't (I.E. what the lecturer expects you to do extra/individual research on).
Prioritizing
After typing up your lecture notes, try to ascertain what you DID understand and what you didn't. The stuff that you didn't understand is probably the stuff that is more pressing. Its the stuff you should study/cover first.
Resources
So when you've chosen the topic you don't get, you can choose where you'll get the informaion. So, where do you start? In most libraries you won't just have books. There will be internet access, journals, e-books, CDs, DVDs ETC. And you can use any of these (probably not the CDs and DVDs for assignments...) to aid your study. As long as it helps you to understand a topic. Thats the main thing. Also you can normally reserve and renew books online, whether its your local or university library.
Choosing the book/journal
So, lets say you've decided to just look in books for now. You are standing in the aisle for 'Nursing' and you have NO idea what book to pick out. What the heck do you do? Well, first off, scan the book spines for titles. If you are looking up something about ATP, it's no good looking at a book that is entitled 'Guide to clinical placements', is it? So, think logically. Look for an A&P book if you want to know about ATP. Look for student guides if you are looking up clinical placements.
So, now you've picked up a book and it looks kind of relevant. What do you do? Well, open the book and flip through it. Is it set out in a way that you'd easily learn from it. If you are a visual learner, does it have plenty of pictures? If you are a logical learner, does the book go into lots of detail or does it just cover the basics? Also, think about whether you'll be taking the book out or not. If you are, is it of suitable size to carry it around for a few hours (or at least your trip home)?
And once you've got it?
Sometimes I start typing up whats in the book, word for word. But then i just get bored and start watching anime. Which kinda defeats the object. So, perhaps scan through the chapter before writing notes and place post-it notes over the paragraphs that are most relevant? Then, why not leave the computer for a while and draw up a mind up, jotting down key points of important information and colouring it so the key bits stand out? you could also write up notes on it and then type. Sure it may take a bit longer but you'll be going over the information twice which makes the studying actually WORTH it and you'll definately understand it afterwards. You could also make little revision cards on the key info. By-the-way, they don't literally HAVE to be 'cards'. I studied using revision cards and just paper did fine for me.
WHERE?
Determining where to study really makes a difference. But you can either study at home or at your institution / university / school / college.
Home
This covers grandmas house, your student accomodation, your friends house ETC. I alwyas say 'oh, yeah, I'll just do it at home'. And then I don't. haha. But sometimes studying at home isn't that bad. You may be distracted but if you have the house alone you will, hopefully, be free from major distractions. Unless the TV is calling you... Remember that if you study at home you will have distractions like 'dinner time' which you think 'ahh i need a break anyway. You'll have brother and sisters screaming the house down. You'll have mummy popping in to put the washing away or if your bedroom is next to the bathroom like mine is, someone will flush the toilet and you're concentration will diminish rapidly. Oh and if your brothers or sisters call up to you telling you someones on the phone for you or that 'Alcatraz' is on TV and you really CAN'T miss an episode... Anyway, what i mean is, home has so many distractions. If you can take it, sure. But I don't have tonnes of breaks and prefer to study for like an hour or two at a time. But it's up to you.
University/college
Sometimes there will be cafes or studying areas you can just take a book to and read or take notes from quietly. However, obviously there is the library where more resources are available to you. Every institution is different though and some campus unis can get really crowded so the library at three is not the best place to go for peace and seclusion. Why not go slightly off campus so a small bar or cafe and just read for about thirty minutes and wait for the rush hours to die down. That way you can definately get a computer in the library later.
In bed
Okay, i can explain! Read a book before you go to bed. If you don't like reading, tough. Get used to it. You'll need to like reading in order to pass the course. Even if you dont read fiction before bed its always good to read something before you hit the hay. Research shows that reading for 15 minutes reduces your stress by 70%. Others say more. Also, reading just a couple pages a night is better than nothing. I've started doing this and i'm actually learning a lot. A lady in my classes mentioned something that I wouldn't have even known if i hadn't read it in the book i'm currently reading!
When travelling
Not just in bed. Yes, on the bus, in the car (if you're not driving!) and on the train just read a few pages. Not even that. It will help so much towards your knowledge!
Outside
You can actually study in the park, at the beach... anywhere! Outdoors is actually a great place to escape to if the house is too noisy or the library is jam-packed! It's stress relieving and almost fun! Just be careful you don't get sunburn or anything!
WHEN?
It's important to decide what time to study as it determines how much information you retain and how long you will study for.
In the morning
There's a girl in my classes who always says that she studies and prepares for classes in the morning before she goes to uni. Now, I personally wouldn't recommend this. Why? Because in the morning, generally you are probably rushing around to get ready. Therefor you'll have limited time to study. If you procrastinate and just sit at your desk thinking, then you'll have wasted precious sleeping time so theres no point. Some are more alert in the morning (I am, i know) but even so, save your energy for lectures and seminars. Give yourself more time to prepare. Don't get up early in order to do so. The mornings should be to allow for a hearty breakfast and to get your circulation and brain juices flowing! Also, NEVER study for exams in the morning! It only makes you panic. I know plenty of people who've done this in the past and have literally MUCKED UP the exam because of it. Study the night before but leave the books in the morning. Don't be tempted.
In the afternoon
Lunchtimes are actually good times to allow for study time! This may be difficult if you eat with friends because they might call you a geek.. my friends do... But don't let that deter you! If you are THAT worried, just read a couple pages from your book like we said earlier. Later in the afternoon, say three-ish, is probably the time I set out for study. It gives me time alone so I can focus and, even though I am tired, I have time to type and print out notes and print out research for tomorrows classes. I also have time to read around a topic and look for better books. I've even stayed at the library until about nine at night! Plus, if you want a break you can always go for a wander. Our campus shop at UCS is literally just under the library so it's perfect for getting late afternoon snacks! I also believe this is the case with University of Essex as well and a few other unis.
In the evening
The evening is great for study too! This is the time i have at home for myself or for extra study. I can update this blog or read from books or journals or e-books. Or I can do a bit more to my assignment or just watch anime! I try to get at least an hour a day study time in. Even if it's just scanning through internet pages for something. But I would say that past eleven, studying is not good. You'll be too tired to process the information and you do need sleep in order to keep up good grades.
WHY?
whats the point of studying and reading around a topic?
Grades
C'mon! If you don't study then your grades will obviously fail! But I guess many people do actually think that there is no need to read around a topic or do extra research, but there is! If, like me, you are studying to become a HCP, then you need to keep up-to-date with medical research and this entails reading around a topic. Also, to become a competent student you will need to UNDERSTAND a topic. Not just 'know'. I found this to be the case with many of my fellow sixth formers. Most thought they were okay just reading from the textbook a few minutes from the exam. Nope. They weren't. You need to understand what you are learning and make the knowledge your own. Don't just accept what the book says. Use other books and journals, written by different authors. Everyone has a different take on the world. Authors will disagree and maybe you will disagree with what they have written. In fact, in exams by pointing out research flaws you actually get the higher grades. This was certainly the case in psychology.
For your own competency
Kind of touched on this one. But if you study hard and really put in the effort, you will obviously have a better knowledge. This will set you up better for jobs and will aid in your future choices and decision making.
Confidence
No-one likes looking like a fool. So don't walk into a lecture without having some idea (at least) of what the lecture will be about. I don't just mean knowing what the title of the lecture is, I mean knowing what the title suggests.
HOW?
And finally, how can you study?
Written
You can study by writing notes from a textbook or drawing up diagrams or mind maps to help you retain the information. Revision cards or making a quiz for yourself and others.
Orally
You can have a group discussion or debate on a given topic which will allow for new ideas. You can also give presentations or just chat about a topic to someone who isn't on your course or knows nothing about the topic.
Technologically
By this, I mean using technology to learn. So, you can type up your notes. Make a slideshow presentation. Or just record your voice on a tape recorder. My A level PE teacher suggested that we record a fake-radio show once. He even suggested we make up a song! I thought it was a dumb idea at first but, thinking back to it now, it wasn't actually a bad idea in terms of remembering information!
Mnemonics
Just an easier and more fun way to remember stuff.
Reading
You get the idea by now (: read just a few pages a day of any book that relates to your course!
Practise exam questions
Exam questions are great because they are specific to most students needs and very relevant!
Role play
If you are doing a health and social care course like me, you could ask a sibling or family member to be a guinea pig so you can practice things like vital signs for instance.
Well, that is it for now! I hope this has helped! It has motivated me to keep studying hard, actually! Sometimes, i must say, i feel like giving up. Sometimes I think to myself that I'm never gonna improve or I think that others are so much better than I am but I know thats just me being underconfident. It's me undervaluing myself. I know I shouldn't but I just do. If you do this, don't worry! I can totally understand! It can be hard when you feel inexperienced and unworthy and you are not! Just keep trying hard! Enjoy what you are learning! you'll never be a student again! (unless you do post-grad -_-...) So enjoy the experience! But give yourself plenty of breaks and make the most of the time you have to learn!
Emily
I know it's been a week but so much has happened! I've been so busy trying to make an effort on my assignment and portfolio that I've (almost) forgotten about this blog! So, i'm sorry about that! Also, I've been trying to get ready for my placement and everything which has been really stressful! The couple hours i get when I return from uni everyday is simply leisure (like lounging around watching The Walking Dead).
So, for this post no theoretical stuff. No A&P, no OBS, no IPL... NONE of that today! I'll be talking about study skills (and hopefully this will motivate me to want to study harder!!) This won't just apply to health and social care students (Nurses, social workers, radiographers, ODPs...) but it'll apply to ANY student - whether you are at GCSE level, Advanced level or degree level.
So, I'll be dividing this post up into sections: Who, what, where, when, why and how? So, lets begin!!
WHO?
Depending on your personality you will either work alone or in groups.
Alone
Personally I prefer to study alone. I actually CANNOT study with others. I'm not unsociable, in fact i'm the very opposite - if i study with others i will end up talking about something else. Like, shopping, gigs, piercings, food, music... stuff like that. Which obviously has NO relevance to the endocrine system whatsoever. Anyway, if you choose to go it alone then by all means do so. Don't think that you can't. Just because you're friends aren't gonna walk you to the library or whatever, you can still be independent and study on your own. Besides, if you study alone you can focus on the areas you specifically need to work on, you can stay as long as you want and take breaks when you want. You'd actually be surprised how many people study alone. Almost everyone! Plus, I always think that study groups are just EXCUSES to be together. To 'study'. Riiiiight. It's like a 'study date'. Dude, you're not going to study... Who would study on a DATE?! Hello?! Moving on, If you are going to study alone, make sure you have everything you need such as your study utensils and plan (we'll get to that bit later) and make sure you have a suitable area for study. Figure out if you work best in silence or with some background music or a little mummering from others in the background. I remember at A level I would always study in the library after four because most of the kids from years seven to eleven had gotten fed up by then and gone home. Therefore, the library was blissfully peaceful! I was friends with the librarian so she'd let me stay until six sometimes! Also, choose a computer or desk that is in a perfect position: either near the stacks in the library for quick referencing, or opposite a window for perfect ventilation; near the water fountain for hydration or in the corner for tranquility. It's up to you so at the beginning of the year seek out these little areas so you aren't squeezed elbow to elbow with other students at 'rush hour'!
In groups
Even though I don't really study in groups that often I still find it quite fun! (IKR! Bet you weren't expecting THAT!) Like they say: 'two heads are better than one' and in the case of studying, sometimes it works better to have a study-buddy or a couple other people to lay the snakes out flat, so to speak. Studying with others can be great because its not only a social thing but it's a peer-support thing. What I mean is, if 'you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours'. If you don't get something, someone else can clarify it for you and help you. If you get something they don't, then you can help them to understand so it works out by helping each other. Also, you can study in different ways, E.G. by presentations, discussion and debates ETC. Not only that, but you'll be improving your communication skills which is very important for any student - it will help you no end in university interviews, job interviews, on your CV, in the workplace, make friends in the future... the list goes on. So, don't dismiss the idea of working with others. it can be great fun. However, beware of digressing conversations and laziness. Some people may also try to get away with doing nothing while the 'smart ones' do it all. Which can be extremely annoying.
WHAT?
This section will talk about WHAT you should study. Again I'll divide this up...
Lecture notes
So many people write a ton of lecture notes in their notebooks but can be fussed to type the notes up and print them out for their folders. WHY?! It literally takes about ten minutes tops. Plus, going over what was covered in classes will motivate you to research more and will clarify to you what was said about a certain topic and what wasn't (I.E. what the lecturer expects you to do extra/individual research on).
Prioritizing
After typing up your lecture notes, try to ascertain what you DID understand and what you didn't. The stuff that you didn't understand is probably the stuff that is more pressing. Its the stuff you should study/cover first.
Resources
So when you've chosen the topic you don't get, you can choose where you'll get the informaion. So, where do you start? In most libraries you won't just have books. There will be internet access, journals, e-books, CDs, DVDs ETC. And you can use any of these (probably not the CDs and DVDs for assignments...) to aid your study. As long as it helps you to understand a topic. Thats the main thing. Also you can normally reserve and renew books online, whether its your local or university library.
Choosing the book/journal
So, lets say you've decided to just look in books for now. You are standing in the aisle for 'Nursing' and you have NO idea what book to pick out. What the heck do you do? Well, first off, scan the book spines for titles. If you are looking up something about ATP, it's no good looking at a book that is entitled 'Guide to clinical placements', is it? So, think logically. Look for an A&P book if you want to know about ATP. Look for student guides if you are looking up clinical placements.
So, now you've picked up a book and it looks kind of relevant. What do you do? Well, open the book and flip through it. Is it set out in a way that you'd easily learn from it. If you are a visual learner, does it have plenty of pictures? If you are a logical learner, does the book go into lots of detail or does it just cover the basics? Also, think about whether you'll be taking the book out or not. If you are, is it of suitable size to carry it around for a few hours (or at least your trip home)?
And once you've got it?
Sometimes I start typing up whats in the book, word for word. But then i just get bored and start watching anime. Which kinda defeats the object. So, perhaps scan through the chapter before writing notes and place post-it notes over the paragraphs that are most relevant? Then, why not leave the computer for a while and draw up a mind up, jotting down key points of important information and colouring it so the key bits stand out? you could also write up notes on it and then type. Sure it may take a bit longer but you'll be going over the information twice which makes the studying actually WORTH it and you'll definately understand it afterwards. You could also make little revision cards on the key info. By-the-way, they don't literally HAVE to be 'cards'. I studied using revision cards and just paper did fine for me.
WHERE?
Determining where to study really makes a difference. But you can either study at home or at your institution / university / school / college.
Home
This covers grandmas house, your student accomodation, your friends house ETC. I alwyas say 'oh, yeah, I'll just do it at home'. And then I don't. haha. But sometimes studying at home isn't that bad. You may be distracted but if you have the house alone you will, hopefully, be free from major distractions. Unless the TV is calling you... Remember that if you study at home you will have distractions like 'dinner time' which you think 'ahh i need a break anyway. You'll have brother and sisters screaming the house down. You'll have mummy popping in to put the washing away or if your bedroom is next to the bathroom like mine is, someone will flush the toilet and you're concentration will diminish rapidly. Oh and if your brothers or sisters call up to you telling you someones on the phone for you or that 'Alcatraz' is on TV and you really CAN'T miss an episode... Anyway, what i mean is, home has so many distractions. If you can take it, sure. But I don't have tonnes of breaks and prefer to study for like an hour or two at a time. But it's up to you.
University/college
Sometimes there will be cafes or studying areas you can just take a book to and read or take notes from quietly. However, obviously there is the library where more resources are available to you. Every institution is different though and some campus unis can get really crowded so the library at three is not the best place to go for peace and seclusion. Why not go slightly off campus so a small bar or cafe and just read for about thirty minutes and wait for the rush hours to die down. That way you can definately get a computer in the library later.
In bed
Okay, i can explain! Read a book before you go to bed. If you don't like reading, tough. Get used to it. You'll need to like reading in order to pass the course. Even if you dont read fiction before bed its always good to read something before you hit the hay. Research shows that reading for 15 minutes reduces your stress by 70%. Others say more. Also, reading just a couple pages a night is better than nothing. I've started doing this and i'm actually learning a lot. A lady in my classes mentioned something that I wouldn't have even known if i hadn't read it in the book i'm currently reading!
When travelling
Not just in bed. Yes, on the bus, in the car (if you're not driving!) and on the train just read a few pages. Not even that. It will help so much towards your knowledge!
Outside
You can actually study in the park, at the beach... anywhere! Outdoors is actually a great place to escape to if the house is too noisy or the library is jam-packed! It's stress relieving and almost fun! Just be careful you don't get sunburn or anything!
WHEN?
It's important to decide what time to study as it determines how much information you retain and how long you will study for.
In the morning
There's a girl in my classes who always says that she studies and prepares for classes in the morning before she goes to uni. Now, I personally wouldn't recommend this. Why? Because in the morning, generally you are probably rushing around to get ready. Therefor you'll have limited time to study. If you procrastinate and just sit at your desk thinking, then you'll have wasted precious sleeping time so theres no point. Some are more alert in the morning (I am, i know) but even so, save your energy for lectures and seminars. Give yourself more time to prepare. Don't get up early in order to do so. The mornings should be to allow for a hearty breakfast and to get your circulation and brain juices flowing! Also, NEVER study for exams in the morning! It only makes you panic. I know plenty of people who've done this in the past and have literally MUCKED UP the exam because of it. Study the night before but leave the books in the morning. Don't be tempted.
In the afternoon
Lunchtimes are actually good times to allow for study time! This may be difficult if you eat with friends because they might call you a geek.. my friends do... But don't let that deter you! If you are THAT worried, just read a couple pages from your book like we said earlier. Later in the afternoon, say three-ish, is probably the time I set out for study. It gives me time alone so I can focus and, even though I am tired, I have time to type and print out notes and print out research for tomorrows classes. I also have time to read around a topic and look for better books. I've even stayed at the library until about nine at night! Plus, if you want a break you can always go for a wander. Our campus shop at UCS is literally just under the library so it's perfect for getting late afternoon snacks! I also believe this is the case with University of Essex as well and a few other unis.
In the evening
The evening is great for study too! This is the time i have at home for myself or for extra study. I can update this blog or read from books or journals or e-books. Or I can do a bit more to my assignment or just watch anime! I try to get at least an hour a day study time in. Even if it's just scanning through internet pages for something. But I would say that past eleven, studying is not good. You'll be too tired to process the information and you do need sleep in order to keep up good grades.
WHY?
whats the point of studying and reading around a topic?
Grades
C'mon! If you don't study then your grades will obviously fail! But I guess many people do actually think that there is no need to read around a topic or do extra research, but there is! If, like me, you are studying to become a HCP, then you need to keep up-to-date with medical research and this entails reading around a topic. Also, to become a competent student you will need to UNDERSTAND a topic. Not just 'know'. I found this to be the case with many of my fellow sixth formers. Most thought they were okay just reading from the textbook a few minutes from the exam. Nope. They weren't. You need to understand what you are learning and make the knowledge your own. Don't just accept what the book says. Use other books and journals, written by different authors. Everyone has a different take on the world. Authors will disagree and maybe you will disagree with what they have written. In fact, in exams by pointing out research flaws you actually get the higher grades. This was certainly the case in psychology.
For your own competency
Kind of touched on this one. But if you study hard and really put in the effort, you will obviously have a better knowledge. This will set you up better for jobs and will aid in your future choices and decision making.
Confidence
No-one likes looking like a fool. So don't walk into a lecture without having some idea (at least) of what the lecture will be about. I don't just mean knowing what the title of the lecture is, I mean knowing what the title suggests.
HOW?
And finally, how can you study?
Written
You can study by writing notes from a textbook or drawing up diagrams or mind maps to help you retain the information. Revision cards or making a quiz for yourself and others.
Orally
You can have a group discussion or debate on a given topic which will allow for new ideas. You can also give presentations or just chat about a topic to someone who isn't on your course or knows nothing about the topic.
Technologically
By this, I mean using technology to learn. So, you can type up your notes. Make a slideshow presentation. Or just record your voice on a tape recorder. My A level PE teacher suggested that we record a fake-radio show once. He even suggested we make up a song! I thought it was a dumb idea at first but, thinking back to it now, it wasn't actually a bad idea in terms of remembering information!
Mnemonics
Just an easier and more fun way to remember stuff.
Reading
You get the idea by now (: read just a few pages a day of any book that relates to your course!
Practise exam questions
Exam questions are great because they are specific to most students needs and very relevant!
Role play
If you are doing a health and social care course like me, you could ask a sibling or family member to be a guinea pig so you can practice things like vital signs for instance.
Well, that is it for now! I hope this has helped! It has motivated me to keep studying hard, actually! Sometimes, i must say, i feel like giving up. Sometimes I think to myself that I'm never gonna improve or I think that others are so much better than I am but I know thats just me being underconfident. It's me undervaluing myself. I know I shouldn't but I just do. If you do this, don't worry! I can totally understand! It can be hard when you feel inexperienced and unworthy and you are not! Just keep trying hard! Enjoy what you are learning! you'll never be a student again! (unless you do post-grad -_-...) So enjoy the experience! But give yourself plenty of breaks and make the most of the time you have to learn!
Emily
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Helpful Medical Phrases
I decided to upload a list of medical terms/phrases that might help you to understand them a bit. Hope this helps.
Key Terms - Life Sciences
a-, an- [Without or lacking]: Anaerobic, anemia
ad- [Toward]: Adrenalin
amphi- [both sides of, two]: amphibian
ana- [Up against]: anatomy, anabolic
anti- [Against, opposite, opposed to]: antibiotic, antigen, antibody
arthro- [Joints]: Arthritis
auto- [self, same]: autoimmune
bi- [Two]: bicarbonate
bio- [Life]: Biology
blast- [pertains to embryo]: osteoblast
broncho- [windpipe]: bronchus, bronchi, bronchitis
carb- [coal]: carbon, carbohydrate
cardio- [heart]: cardiac, myocardium, electrocardiogram
cat- [down, download]: catabolic
chloro- [green]: chlorophyll, chlorine
chromo- [colour]: chronosome
com- con- col- co- [with, together]: coenzyme
cranio- [cranium, skull]: cranial
cuti- [Skin]: cuticle
cyto-, cyte [Vessel or container]: cytoplasm, cytokinesis, leukocyte
de- [away, off, removal, separation]: dehydration
derm- [skin]: dermis, epidermis
dia- [passing through, through, thorough]: diaphragm
endo- [within]: endoderm
gastro- [stomach]: gastric
gen- [born, produced]: geneology
gluco-, glyco-[pertaining to sugar]: glucose, glycogen, glycolysis
hemo-, hemato-, hemia, -emia [Blood]: hematology, hemoglobin
hepato- [Liver]: hepatitis
hetero- [Other, different]: heterogeneous
histo- [web of a loom, pertains to biological tissues]: antihistamine
homo-, homeo- [same, similar]: homeostasis
hydro- [water]: dehydration
hyper- [over, above, more than]: hyperthyroid
Emily
Key Terms - Life Sciences
a-, an- [Without or lacking]: Anaerobic, anemia
ad- [Toward]: Adrenalin
amphi- [both sides of, two]: amphibian
ana- [Up against]: anatomy, anabolic
anti- [Against, opposite, opposed to]: antibiotic, antigen, antibody
arthro- [Joints]: Arthritis
auto- [self, same]: autoimmune
bi- [Two]: bicarbonate
bio- [Life]: Biology
blast- [pertains to embryo]: osteoblast
broncho- [windpipe]: bronchus, bronchi, bronchitis
carb- [coal]: carbon, carbohydrate
cardio- [heart]: cardiac, myocardium, electrocardiogram
cat- [down, download]: catabolic
chloro- [green]: chlorophyll, chlorine
chromo- [colour]: chronosome
com- con- col- co- [with, together]: coenzyme
cranio- [cranium, skull]: cranial
cuti- [Skin]: cuticle
cyto-, cyte [Vessel or container]: cytoplasm, cytokinesis, leukocyte
de- [away, off, removal, separation]: dehydration
derm- [skin]: dermis, epidermis
dia- [passing through, through, thorough]: diaphragm
endo- [within]: endoderm
gastro- [stomach]: gastric
gen- [born, produced]: geneology
gluco-, glyco-[pertaining to sugar]: glucose, glycogen, glycolysis
hemo-, hemato-, hemia, -emia [Blood]: hematology, hemoglobin
hepato- [Liver]: hepatitis
hetero- [Other, different]: heterogeneous
histo- [web of a loom, pertains to biological tissues]: antihistamine
homo-, homeo- [same, similar]: homeostasis
hydro- [water]: dehydration
hyper- [over, above, more than]: hyperthyroid
Emily
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Reflection, Record keeping, Confidentiality and Drug Calculations
Hi guys!
Today I'll be covering four topics in this one post. Enjoy!
Reflection
Reflection is when you think about an aspect of your professional development as a student nurse. It is considered as very important to your learning and experience. It helps nurses to evaluate their own practice and performance. Bengtsson (1998) suggested that nurses need to learn by these experiences and, by doing so, would become more competent and therefore more able to teach others. Callister (1993) sees reflection on clinical events as an expansion of cognitive learning and suggests that the use of professional journals to record events, and reactions to these events, shapes the future of care delivery. This certainly shows that reflection is vital to a students learning and understanding.
Reflection involves meditating about the experiences of a day in practice, analysing and evaluating decisions made, using self-assessment to improve continually, therefore focusing on lessons learned whilst maintaining objectivity.
This can be done through a SWOT analysis. You may have heard of this before... Using SWOT analysis helps us to consider our possible strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
We can also use Gibbs Reflective Cycle. (See Image)
Potential barriers to reflection
*Stress
*Lack of honesty
*Time
*Insecurity
*Lack of/too much confidence
*Fear
*Bad/lack of feedback
*Stubborn/narrowmindedness
*Arrogance
So, overall, reflection must be done on a regular basis to be beneficial to nurses. And while reflection is fairly commonplace, it's also a good idea to keep checking this against currently theory and acceptable practice.
Record keeping
In nursing, record keeping is very important as it must reflect high standards of clinical care and health care records must keep continuity of care and accurate account of treatment. Records are therefore used as a vehicle for communication between other health care professionals.
What Health Care Records include
*Clinical notes
*Photos (to observe the development of a complaint)
*Letters
*Print outs from monitoring equipment
*Incident reports
*Emails
*X-rays
*Lab reports
Principles of record keeping
*Handwriting must be legible for others to read.
*Must be signed inluding name and job title printed alongside first entry.
*The date and time must be recorded.
*Records must be in chronological order.
*Language must be easily understood (no jargon!!) and must be accurate with clear meaning.
*Records should identify risks and problems and the possible actions that were taken.
*However, the records must never be altered or destroyed.
Confidentiality
This relates closely to the last topic really.
Confidentiality is defined as 'the duty to maintain confidence and thereby respect the privacy of patients health information'.
Regarding confidentiality, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) states that...
1. You need to be fully aware of the legal requirements and guidance regarding confidentiality, and ensure your practice is in line with national and local policies.
2. You should not discuss the people in your care in places where you might be overheard. Nor should you leave records, either on paper or on computer screens, where they might be seen by unauthoried staff or members of the public.
3. You should not take or keep photographs of any person or their family, that are not clinically relevant.
So, yeah. It's pretty serious stuff.
Drug Calculations
I love this bit. (;
Drug calculations are important in nursing because obviously administering the wrong dosage of medication could potentially kill someone! (Extreme, maybe, but it could happen...)
Here is a little guide for converting metric units of measure...
x1000 x1000
Grams (g) -------> Milligrams (mg) -------> Micrograms (mcg)
Grams (g) <------- Milligrams (mg) <------- Micrograms (mcg)
/1000 /1000
So...
1g = 1000mg
And...
1mg = 1000 mcg
Moving the decimal point
x1000
Move dm 3 places right.
/1000
Move dm 3 places left.
So...
0.04g = 40mg = 40 000mcg
Test yourself on these conversions...
1. 30 g = ____ mg
2. 2 mg = ____ mcg
3. 800 mg = ____ g
4. 50 mcg = ____ mg
5. 20 mg = ____ g
6. 6500 mcg = ____ mg
7. 900 mg = ____ g
8. 0.1 mg = ____ g
9. 0.25 g = ____ mg
10. 125 mg = ____ g
For more information and more test questions check out this website and this book.
Another tip I have is to go into your local drug store (EG. Superdrug, Boots, Tescos, Asda, Wilkies...) and have a little look at the labels of some medication. Imagine the drugs being prescribed to a patient and think up some possible prescriptions in your head. It's all good practise!
Oral Medication Calculations
Kind of the same as before but now we must administer the right amount of drug to meet the specific needs of a patient.
Example:
A patient prescribed 2.5 mg of ramipril orally. Each tablet contains 1.25 mg. How many tablets should be given? Answer = 2.
Another Example:
How many Metronide 200 mg should be given for a prescription of Metronidazole 400 mg orally? Answer = 2.
Further Example:
How many 30 mg tablets of Codeine should be given for a prescription of Codeine 45 mg? Answer = 1.5.
Test yourself on these calculations...
1. A client is ordered 300 milligrams of Thioridazine. 100 milligram tablets are available. How many tablets will you give?
2. A client is ordered 1 milligram of Diazepam. 2 milligram tablets are available. How many tablets will you give?
3. A client is ordered 0.5 milligrams of Digoxin. 250 microgram tablets are available. How many tablets will you give?
4. A client is ordered 30 milligrams of Diltiazem hydrochloride. 60 milligram tablets are available. How many tablets will you give?
5. A client is ordered 62.5 micrograms of Benztropine Mesylate. 0.25 mg tablets are available. How many tablets will you give?
And that's it! I know it was quite a long post again!
Just to let you know I'll be continually updating my blog of the topics I post about, since in Nursing you are constantly learning new things. I'll especially be updating about what I've learnt in reflection and drug calc. In later posts I hope to discuss dosages of meds for injections and intravenous infusion which I think will be very exciting! ;D
I hope you've enjoyed this post! It has taken me a long time to type all this up! ^ ^
Take care.
Emily
Today I'll be covering four topics in this one post. Enjoy!
Reflection
Reflection is when you think about an aspect of your professional development as a student nurse. It is considered as very important to your learning and experience. It helps nurses to evaluate their own practice and performance. Bengtsson (1998) suggested that nurses need to learn by these experiences and, by doing so, would become more competent and therefore more able to teach others. Callister (1993) sees reflection on clinical events as an expansion of cognitive learning and suggests that the use of professional journals to record events, and reactions to these events, shapes the future of care delivery. This certainly shows that reflection is vital to a students learning and understanding.
Reflection involves meditating about the experiences of a day in practice, analysing and evaluating decisions made, using self-assessment to improve continually, therefore focusing on lessons learned whilst maintaining objectivity.
This can be done through a SWOT analysis. You may have heard of this before... Using SWOT analysis helps us to consider our possible strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
We can also use Gibbs Reflective Cycle. (See Image)
Potential barriers to reflection
*Stress
*Lack of honesty
*Time
*Insecurity
*Lack of/too much confidence
*Fear
*Bad/lack of feedback
*Stubborn/narrowmindedness
*Arrogance
So, overall, reflection must be done on a regular basis to be beneficial to nurses. And while reflection is fairly commonplace, it's also a good idea to keep checking this against currently theory and acceptable practice.
Record keeping
In nursing, record keeping is very important as it must reflect high standards of clinical care and health care records must keep continuity of care and accurate account of treatment. Records are therefore used as a vehicle for communication between other health care professionals.
What Health Care Records include
*Clinical notes
*Photos (to observe the development of a complaint)
*Letters
*Print outs from monitoring equipment
*Incident reports
*Emails
*X-rays
*Lab reports
Principles of record keeping
*Handwriting must be legible for others to read.
*Must be signed inluding name and job title printed alongside first entry.
*The date and time must be recorded.
*Records must be in chronological order.
*Language must be easily understood (no jargon!!) and must be accurate with clear meaning.
*Records should identify risks and problems and the possible actions that were taken.
*However, the records must never be altered or destroyed.
Confidentiality
This relates closely to the last topic really.
Confidentiality is defined as 'the duty to maintain confidence and thereby respect the privacy of patients health information'.
Regarding confidentiality, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) states that...
1. You need to be fully aware of the legal requirements and guidance regarding confidentiality, and ensure your practice is in line with national and local policies.
2. You should not discuss the people in your care in places where you might be overheard. Nor should you leave records, either on paper or on computer screens, where they might be seen by unauthoried staff or members of the public.
3. You should not take or keep photographs of any person or their family, that are not clinically relevant.
So, yeah. It's pretty serious stuff.
Drug Calculations
I love this bit. (;
Drug calculations are important in nursing because obviously administering the wrong dosage of medication could potentially kill someone! (Extreme, maybe, but it could happen...)
Here is a little guide for converting metric units of measure...
x1000 x1000
Grams (g) -------> Milligrams (mg) -------> Micrograms (mcg)
Grams (g) <------- Milligrams (mg) <------- Micrograms (mcg)
/1000 /1000
So...
1g = 1000mg
And...
1mg = 1000 mcg
Moving the decimal point
x1000
Move dm 3 places right.
/1000
Move dm 3 places left.
So...
0.04g = 40mg = 40 000mcg
Test yourself on these conversions...
1. 30 g = ____ mg
2. 2 mg = ____ mcg
3. 800 mg = ____ g
4. 50 mcg = ____ mg
5. 20 mg = ____ g
6. 6500 mcg = ____ mg
7. 900 mg = ____ g
8. 0.1 mg = ____ g
9. 0.25 g = ____ mg
10. 125 mg = ____ g
For more information and more test questions check out this website and this book.
Another tip I have is to go into your local drug store (EG. Superdrug, Boots, Tescos, Asda, Wilkies...) and have a little look at the labels of some medication. Imagine the drugs being prescribed to a patient and think up some possible prescriptions in your head. It's all good practise!
Oral Medication Calculations
Kind of the same as before but now we must administer the right amount of drug to meet the specific needs of a patient.
Example:
A patient prescribed 2.5 mg of ramipril orally. Each tablet contains 1.25 mg. How many tablets should be given? Answer = 2.
Another Example:
How many Metronide 200 mg should be given for a prescription of Metronidazole 400 mg orally? Answer = 2.
Further Example:
How many 30 mg tablets of Codeine should be given for a prescription of Codeine 45 mg? Answer = 1.5.
Test yourself on these calculations...
1. A client is ordered 300 milligrams of Thioridazine. 100 milligram tablets are available. How many tablets will you give?
2. A client is ordered 1 milligram of Diazepam. 2 milligram tablets are available. How many tablets will you give?
3. A client is ordered 0.5 milligrams of Digoxin. 250 microgram tablets are available. How many tablets will you give?
4. A client is ordered 30 milligrams of Diltiazem hydrochloride. 60 milligram tablets are available. How many tablets will you give?
5. A client is ordered 62.5 micrograms of Benztropine Mesylate. 0.25 mg tablets are available. How many tablets will you give?
And that's it! I know it was quite a long post again!
Just to let you know I'll be continually updating my blog of the topics I post about, since in Nursing you are constantly learning new things. I'll especially be updating about what I've learnt in reflection and drug calc. In later posts I hope to discuss dosages of meds for injections and intravenous infusion which I think will be very exciting! ;D
I hope you've enjoyed this post! It has taken me a long time to type all this up! ^ ^
Take care.
Emily
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Dealing with injections
Evening fellow bloggers!
Today I had a jab for Hep B (since, for our own safety, we should be protected against certain infections/diseases).
I feel dead.
I actually do! Well, my arm cetainly does, in any case.
I hate injections xD Don't mind giving them but having injections myself? Nope!
So, how can you get over the initial side effects? (The pain, dead arm, stiffness etc...)
Here's a couple tips...
1. Take your mind off it - Listen to music or read a book. Even clean your room! Do something to keep your mind off the stiffness.
2. Keep moving - To avoid muscle stiffness keep moving that arm as you normally would. This means lift/raise your arm and do everyday jobs otherwise this can lead to a (even worse) dead arm the next day.
3. Relax - Take a nice warm bath and relax. It will make you feel better and will relieve the muscle soreness (:
If you really hate injections here are some survival tips...
1. Don't look - At the needle, that is.
2. Don't stop breathing - breathe slowly in through your nose, out of your mouth. This will relax you and hopefully reduce your HR (Heart rate) and BP (Blood pressure) too. Which means you hopefully won't faint...
3. Tighten your fists - Or just take a stress ball in with you.
Sorry It's been a short one today. I wasn't actually going to post today but I thought I'd just share my little jab experience! By-the-way, I didn't cry and I didn't faint. Like I did a few time before.. haha ^ ^;;
Later.
Emily
Today I had a jab for Hep B (since, for our own safety, we should be protected against certain infections/diseases).
I feel dead.
I actually do! Well, my arm cetainly does, in any case.
I hate injections xD Don't mind giving them but having injections myself? Nope!
So, how can you get over the initial side effects? (The pain, dead arm, stiffness etc...)
Here's a couple tips...
1. Take your mind off it - Listen to music or read a book. Even clean your room! Do something to keep your mind off the stiffness.
2. Keep moving - To avoid muscle stiffness keep moving that arm as you normally would. This means lift/raise your arm and do everyday jobs otherwise this can lead to a (even worse) dead arm the next day.
3. Relax - Take a nice warm bath and relax. It will make you feel better and will relieve the muscle soreness (:
If you really hate injections here are some survival tips...
1. Don't look - At the needle, that is.
2. Don't stop breathing - breathe slowly in through your nose, out of your mouth. This will relax you and hopefully reduce your HR (Heart rate) and BP (Blood pressure) too. Which means you hopefully won't faint...
3. Tighten your fists - Or just take a stress ball in with you.
Sorry It's been a short one today. I wasn't actually going to post today but I thought I'd just share my little jab experience! By-the-way, I didn't cry and I didn't faint. Like I did a few time before.. haha ^ ^;;
Later.
Emily
Monday, 27 February 2012
Guide to choosing a trade union
Hello everyone!
How are you? ^ ^
Today, I must admit, was quite a strange one. Nothing seemed to go right. Y'know what I mean? I guess today is monday. That's a good excuse...
Today we had uniform fittings which was an... interesting experience to say the very least... It sort of mirrored high school in that we had to get changed. In front. Of everyone. Else. Yep. Return of the plague we all called physical education. Perhaps called that because it made us tremble with fear...
Or at least it made me tremble with fear...
Moving on.
We also had a rather delayed lecture regarding 'health and safety'. Guys. Seriously? What if there was a fire on, like, the third day? We wouldn't even know what to do!! Why delay 'health and safety' until the second week? Surely it would have been more logical to cover those topics on the first day? Well, maybe I'm wrong... I dunno...
I guess anyway its kinda common sense. If there's a fire, run like crazy out the building or risk being burned ALIVEEEE!!! Push everyone else outta the way in a frenzied panic and sprint for your LIVES!!! ha ha ^ ^
Y'know what? I should be 'health and safety officer' or whatever. I'd do a pretty darn good job! ^ ^
I'm serious!
Anyway, as you may have wondered from the title of this post, I'll be discussing Unions. Like, how the hell can you decide which one to choose?! There are so many...
So, I'll be discussing a few questions...
First of all...
1. What exactly IS a union?
Well, Unions are pretty much there to support and provide help and advice to workers regarding, for instance, generally questiosn about their job, their rates of pay, employee rights, pensions etc. They fight for employee rights and defend your rights as an individual in the workplace. They also take issues as far as the Houses Of Parliament in order to ensure that your voice has been heard. However, they also can help you in more minor queries such as working in your profession abroad.
2. Why should I join a union?
This probably doesn't apply to sudents who are taking courses such as history or psychology or english (unless you take up an internship or something). It applies more to those who take up healthcare courses or courses involving some kind of work experience. Since us guys are gonna be undertaking work experience in clinical settings such as hospitals and healthcare clinics, joining a union is an important thing to think about. But, why? Since we are not technically employed, we are not bound, or rather protected, by an employment contract. So, if something were to happen or we felt something was not quite right in the workplace, we may not have that same support as a registered professional would have because they would have joined a union automatically when they first got their job. Therefore, the union comes in to play.
3. What unions can I join?
There are many unions you can join. Below is a list...
* Royal College of Nursing - represents nurses and promotes excellence in practice.
* Unison - Britains largest public sector union
* Unite the union - Britain and Irelands biggest union with over 1.5 million members
And here is a HUGE list of the major unions in the UK.
Overall, I could go on... There are so many to choose from. The main thing to remember is that you are not limited to choosing only one. You can join as many as you like. It just means that you are protected better if you do. Most unions offer the same care for their members, providing up to £3 Million worth insurance cover. Not to mention the freebees for joining...
Even if you are studying something purely academic, without any practice involved, it will be wise to remember to join a union when you venture out into the workplace. You never know when you might need them. So it would be wise to take a few minutes to read up about some of the unions' differing values, visions or goals.
In addition, the joining fee is normally around a tenner. But that is SO worth it for the insurance cover and the help and advice that the union offers yearly.
Furthermore, if you are trying to fight stress or you have a problem that you feel you cannot go to the university about, the union is there to help you.
I guess, it's just nice to know you have your back covered, but essentially it is down to you. You don't have to join a union at this very moment in time. You don't have to join a union at all. But the lecturers, the university and probably your parents as well, will try to persuade you to. And I must say that it is probably your best bet. Ever got into the car, a long journey ahead of you, suitcases packed into the back and getting halfway down the road then realising you left something behind that you needed? Well, this is the same prinicple, I suppose. If you decided not to join a union, or you didn't prepare for certain eventualities, you may regret it later on. Just remember to think carefully about your choices. Don't choose one union because they have better freebees. And don't choose a union because your 'friends' chose it. That wouldn't get you very far in the long run. Choose a union that suits you. Everyone is different.
Well, I hope this has helped!!! xD
I certainly do like to type don't I? O_o Didn't realise how much I actually wrote... Oh dear...
Ahaa ^ ^
Well, take care everyone!
'Til next time!
Emily
How are you? ^ ^
Today, I must admit, was quite a strange one. Nothing seemed to go right. Y'know what I mean? I guess today is monday. That's a good excuse...
Today we had uniform fittings which was an... interesting experience to say the very least... It sort of mirrored high school in that we had to get changed. In front. Of everyone. Else. Yep. Return of the plague we all called physical education. Perhaps called that because it made us tremble with fear...
Or at least it made me tremble with fear...
Moving on.
We also had a rather delayed lecture regarding 'health and safety'. Guys. Seriously? What if there was a fire on, like, the third day? We wouldn't even know what to do!! Why delay 'health and safety' until the second week? Surely it would have been more logical to cover those topics on the first day? Well, maybe I'm wrong... I dunno...
I guess anyway its kinda common sense. If there's a fire, run like crazy out the building or risk being burned ALIVEEEE!!! Push everyone else outta the way in a frenzied panic and sprint for your LIVES!!! ha ha ^ ^
Y'know what? I should be 'health and safety officer' or whatever. I'd do a pretty darn good job! ^ ^
I'm serious!
Anyway, as you may have wondered from the title of this post, I'll be discussing Unions. Like, how the hell can you decide which one to choose?! There are so many...
So, I'll be discussing a few questions...
First of all...
1. What exactly IS a union?
Well, Unions are pretty much there to support and provide help and advice to workers regarding, for instance, generally questiosn about their job, their rates of pay, employee rights, pensions etc. They fight for employee rights and defend your rights as an individual in the workplace. They also take issues as far as the Houses Of Parliament in order to ensure that your voice has been heard. However, they also can help you in more minor queries such as working in your profession abroad.
2. Why should I join a union?
This probably doesn't apply to sudents who are taking courses such as history or psychology or english (unless you take up an internship or something). It applies more to those who take up healthcare courses or courses involving some kind of work experience. Since us guys are gonna be undertaking work experience in clinical settings such as hospitals and healthcare clinics, joining a union is an important thing to think about. But, why? Since we are not technically employed, we are not bound, or rather protected, by an employment contract. So, if something were to happen or we felt something was not quite right in the workplace, we may not have that same support as a registered professional would have because they would have joined a union automatically when they first got their job. Therefore, the union comes in to play.
3. What unions can I join?
There are many unions you can join. Below is a list...
* Royal College of Nursing - represents nurses and promotes excellence in practice.
* Unison - Britains largest public sector union
* Unite the union - Britain and Irelands biggest union with over 1.5 million members
And here is a HUGE list of the major unions in the UK.
Overall, I could go on... There are so many to choose from. The main thing to remember is that you are not limited to choosing only one. You can join as many as you like. It just means that you are protected better if you do. Most unions offer the same care for their members, providing up to £3 Million worth insurance cover. Not to mention the freebees for joining...
Even if you are studying something purely academic, without any practice involved, it will be wise to remember to join a union when you venture out into the workplace. You never know when you might need them. So it would be wise to take a few minutes to read up about some of the unions' differing values, visions or goals.
In addition, the joining fee is normally around a tenner. But that is SO worth it for the insurance cover and the help and advice that the union offers yearly.
Furthermore, if you are trying to fight stress or you have a problem that you feel you cannot go to the university about, the union is there to help you.
I guess, it's just nice to know you have your back covered, but essentially it is down to you. You don't have to join a union at this very moment in time. You don't have to join a union at all. But the lecturers, the university and probably your parents as well, will try to persuade you to. And I must say that it is probably your best bet. Ever got into the car, a long journey ahead of you, suitcases packed into the back and getting halfway down the road then realising you left something behind that you needed? Well, this is the same prinicple, I suppose. If you decided not to join a union, or you didn't prepare for certain eventualities, you may regret it later on. Just remember to think carefully about your choices. Don't choose one union because they have better freebees. And don't choose a union because your 'friends' chose it. That wouldn't get you very far in the long run. Choose a union that suits you. Everyone is different.
Well, I hope this has helped!!! xD
I certainly do like to type don't I? O_o Didn't realise how much I actually wrote... Oh dear...
Ahaa ^ ^
Well, take care everyone!
'Til next time!
Emily
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Introductions: Starting the first semester
Hello!
Welcome to the first ever post on 'Through The Labyrinth'! My name is Emily and I am a first year Adult Nursing student at University Campus Suffolk. The aim of this blog is pretty much just to act as a kind of portfolio (so i can look back on my time at university at the end of the three years). It will also be a learning resource. I hope to post information about what I am learning in lectures and stuff and also this blog is just so that I can vent my emotions and stress etc.
Anyway, more about me, eh? Well, I chose nursing because it seems like a good enough career. I've always wanted to work in a hospital because I pretty much grew up in hopsitals because of visiting other family members so I never feel strange walking into hospitals...
Anyway, I like studying. Always have, really. My best subjects at school were maths and science. I love anatomy and physiology (A&P) as well.
Ok, so I've just started university. I started Monday and it's currently only a few days into the semester. Induction week has been ok I suppose. We've pretty much just been sitting there listening to lecturers drone on and on about 'deadlines', 'expectations' and blah-blah-blah... admittedly it HAS been fairly... BORING. I almost fell asleep, tbf. -_-
But I really love the UCS campus, it is situated on the Ipswich waterfront and it's so beautiful. On my daily commute I walk along the waterfront. Today the sun glistened off the surface of the water. It was beautiful.
I must say, however, I have a few tips for prospective 2012/2013 students who will be starting in September.
Below are a few tips for the first few days of university. What to bring, how to prepare and what to expect of your first few days...
What to bring...
*A notebook - at least A6 size. You will find that you'll be writing down you timetable/important names and dates. Don't forget this!!
*Two pens - in case one decides to break.
*A plastic A4-size wallet - you will be given SO MANY random pieces of paper, this will be INVALUABLE! Also, being plastic it will protect important papers from rain, leaking water bottles etc. Practically idiot proof.
*Money - Even if you plan to bring a packed lunch, you may decide to get a coffee or a blueberry muffin on-campus at breaktime, which is NOT cheap, might i add.
*Mobile Phone - To text mummy or daddy to let them know how you're getting on! But!!! Keep it on silent. No vibrate! No wolf-whistle ringtones, either.
*SFE info - Probably the most important thing to bring after yourself. Without Student finance information, the admin office will not be able to scan the little barcode to confirm your attendance and you know what THAT means. Yep. NO MONEY until your attendnce is confirmed. Make sure you bring it. Otherwise it'll take longer to get your money.
*Enrolment confirmation - Without this, you might not be allowed into classes.
How to prepare...
*Clothing and (a supportive and comfortable) bag (not a handbag) - Prepare your clothing, lay them out ready. Pack your bag and put it by the door, the night before. This means that if you wake up late, you can just grab them and GO!! Also, please, please DO NOT bring a handbag. Your shoulder will ache at the end of the day. It's not worth it. Wear a good, strong and supportive rucksack. Believe it or not, many people do. It's not just a geek thing. These rucksacks are good.
*ALARM CLOCK!! - Do i really need to explain this one? Set your alarm at a reasonable time to allow yourself to get up, have a shower, get changed, have something to eat and actually get there!
*Books - It's nice to be enthusiastic about your course and all but DON'T buy any books until after the first lecture at least! I actually lost count of how many times my lecturers have told us NOT to buy books until we are absolutely sure that we need it. Remember, google books is just as good and the library at your college is brilliant too! Use these resources as much as you can! They are free after all.
*Sleep - Please, please, please!!! Get enough sleep the night before!! Believe it or not lectures are actually very tiring. If your uni is campus based, you will find that you will walk around a lot and also talk a lot which really drains your energy! So go to bed at a reasonable time, say 10:00-ish. No, not 01:00. please. No Xbox if you can help it. No video games! You need sleep!! Don't waste this valuable time!
*Grooming - I know I kind of touched on this but I thought of something else... Make sure that you clothe yourself according to the weather. Don't make the same mistakes I did in the first few days. Look outside as you wake up. Is it raining? Windy? Chilly? What is the weather forecast for the day? Chilly at first but warmer later? Plan ahead! Also, get a hair cut one-two weeks before to allow it to grow in a bit. (It will look better!) And DON'T pluck your eyebrows in the morning. Unless you want red patches on your face for others to stare at... Also, this kinda ties in...
*Personal hygiene - Let's face it, no-one wants to sit next to someone with a BO problem. And no-one wants to be friends with someone with smelly hair or dirty clothes. It's just COMMON SENSE!! I mean, I don't mean to be rude but, COME ON!! There's NO excuse. Have a shower/bath in the morning. Not the night before. You actually sweat a LOT whilst sleeping. Plus, it makes you feel more alert and more ready to face the day.
*Enrolment - Another very inportant point. Make sure you enrol before you go for your first day. Depending on the university, you'll either enrol online or by post. Make sure you check the post or e-mail inbox regularly for any notifications from the uni telling you to enrol. If you dont enrol, well... you won't be on the registration list on your first day... And that might cause a few problems... Also, you won't get your student ID card, which (especially at my uni) will mean you will have very limited access to university facilities meaning you won't be able to gain access to the lecture theatres, library and other vital study areas.
*Reading - Some courses (not all) will send you a reading list before you start your course. Make sure you read all that is required. You don't wanna be behind on the first day.
*Your own laptop & printer - A few weeks before I would say it is very wise to invest in a good laptop. Why? You will NOT (or rather you will but it would be extremely difficult) for you to study/complete assignments/dissertation without your own laptop. Even if you share a laptop with a sibling/other family member or partner. Chances are, the other person will get peed off with having restricted time on the laptop to play World Of Warcraft or.. whatever they play... and this means home life will start to bug you. If you have NO money before you start I would recommend buying a laptop as soon as your SFE payment has been received. Laptops are amazing. They are portable works of art, use them to your advantage. Here is the one I have. (Another tip: don't buy a laptop just because it's cheap. Chances are it's a pile of poo. Spend the extra £100-ish for better quality). Also, buy your own printer. There will be lines and lines of people at the college printers and what if the printers are 'out of order' the day of the deadline? Opps. Yep, spend that extra £30 and get a decent printer. It will save you a lot of stress later on. This is my one.
Other tips...
*Dont be afraid to be alone - Granted, it would be great to make friends on the first day but this doesn't always happen. If you find yourself in this predicament there are always areas you can escape to by yourself at lunchtime. Most libraries have eating areas and I'm sure there are plenty of off-campus coffee shops. And not forgetting McDonalds or Burger king. Remember, it's only the first week. Chill. After classes or in study periods take a little walk to find some of these smaller coffee shops that charge a fraction of the price Costa and Starbucks do. Plus, there are, more often, no queues which means less study time to waste. Also, do the same for study spots. In the first two weeks seek out quiet areas for study. Some places will be more crowded than others but there are always quieter times and quieter areas around campus.
*Don't shout out in lectures - might sound a bit weird but it's true. So many people just shout out their 'answers' during a discussion. Be polite and raise your hand slightly just to get the lecturers attention. Granted, you're not a child anymore but it's just something called 'manners'. You don't wanna shout something out and then the lecturer isn't even listening to you. Embarrassing, much? Also, there is someone kinda like this is my lectures and she has no friends. I mean, there might not be a correlation but I'm betting that that is why...
*Don't flirt - Again, I can explain. Don't push yourself forward on guys. It's weird. You've JUST met them. Sure, greet them as you pass in the halls or make small talk like you've been doing to pretty much everyone on your course. Just, rule out flirting. It's humiliating. So just don't (at least for induction/when you're sober anyway...). Also, guys might think you're desparate and might take advantage later on. Other girls might think you are just being their friends to get the boys attention. Either way, you're screwed.
*NO chewing gum - Remember in high school when you got told off for chewing gum in class? Well, don't chew in lectures. It's distracting and you might get told to spit it out. On your first day. In front of 150 other people in the lecture theatre. Don't humiliate yourself. Please. Most lecturers don't like you eating/drinking in classes anyway. But if you really can't stand it, eat a mint.
*Try to enjoy it - uni is hard but it's also very exciting and its very different to what you may have experienced at sixth form or school or wherever. There is more freedom. But in the first two weeks just pace yourself. You dont HAVE to join societies or sign up to be a course rep etc in the first two days. Just settle in. Take it easy. Don't spread yourself too thin or you'll have less time for assignments/studying. Enjoy what you're learning. You are paying for it after all! xD
Ok, I've said enough ^^
What a lovely first post, eh? (:
Very longggg. But, hey.
I hope it was helpful. Check back soon for my next post!!
Emily
Welcome to the first ever post on 'Through The Labyrinth'! My name is Emily and I am a first year Adult Nursing student at University Campus Suffolk. The aim of this blog is pretty much just to act as a kind of portfolio (so i can look back on my time at university at the end of the three years). It will also be a learning resource. I hope to post information about what I am learning in lectures and stuff and also this blog is just so that I can vent my emotions and stress etc.
Anyway, more about me, eh? Well, I chose nursing because it seems like a good enough career. I've always wanted to work in a hospital because I pretty much grew up in hopsitals because of visiting other family members so I never feel strange walking into hospitals...
Anyway, I like studying. Always have, really. My best subjects at school were maths and science. I love anatomy and physiology (A&P) as well.
Ok, so I've just started university. I started Monday and it's currently only a few days into the semester. Induction week has been ok I suppose. We've pretty much just been sitting there listening to lecturers drone on and on about 'deadlines', 'expectations' and blah-blah-blah... admittedly it HAS been fairly... BORING. I almost fell asleep, tbf. -_-
But I really love the UCS campus, it is situated on the Ipswich waterfront and it's so beautiful. On my daily commute I walk along the waterfront. Today the sun glistened off the surface of the water. It was beautiful.
I must say, however, I have a few tips for prospective 2012/2013 students who will be starting in September.
Below are a few tips for the first few days of university. What to bring, how to prepare and what to expect of your first few days...
What to bring...
*A notebook - at least A6 size. You will find that you'll be writing down you timetable/important names and dates. Don't forget this!!
*Two pens - in case one decides to break.
*A plastic A4-size wallet - you will be given SO MANY random pieces of paper, this will be INVALUABLE! Also, being plastic it will protect important papers from rain, leaking water bottles etc. Practically idiot proof.
*Money - Even if you plan to bring a packed lunch, you may decide to get a coffee or a blueberry muffin on-campus at breaktime, which is NOT cheap, might i add.
*Mobile Phone - To text mummy or daddy to let them know how you're getting on! But!!! Keep it on silent. No vibrate! No wolf-whistle ringtones, either.
*SFE info - Probably the most important thing to bring after yourself. Without Student finance information, the admin office will not be able to scan the little barcode to confirm your attendance and you know what THAT means. Yep. NO MONEY until your attendnce is confirmed. Make sure you bring it. Otherwise it'll take longer to get your money.
*Enrolment confirmation - Without this, you might not be allowed into classes.
How to prepare...
*Clothing and (a supportive and comfortable) bag (not a handbag) - Prepare your clothing, lay them out ready. Pack your bag and put it by the door, the night before. This means that if you wake up late, you can just grab them and GO!! Also, please, please DO NOT bring a handbag. Your shoulder will ache at the end of the day. It's not worth it. Wear a good, strong and supportive rucksack. Believe it or not, many people do. It's not just a geek thing. These rucksacks are good.
*ALARM CLOCK!! - Do i really need to explain this one? Set your alarm at a reasonable time to allow yourself to get up, have a shower, get changed, have something to eat and actually get there!
*Books - It's nice to be enthusiastic about your course and all but DON'T buy any books until after the first lecture at least! I actually lost count of how many times my lecturers have told us NOT to buy books until we are absolutely sure that we need it. Remember, google books is just as good and the library at your college is brilliant too! Use these resources as much as you can! They are free after all.
*Sleep - Please, please, please!!! Get enough sleep the night before!! Believe it or not lectures are actually very tiring. If your uni is campus based, you will find that you will walk around a lot and also talk a lot which really drains your energy! So go to bed at a reasonable time, say 10:00-ish. No, not 01:00. please. No Xbox if you can help it. No video games! You need sleep!! Don't waste this valuable time!
*Grooming - I know I kind of touched on this but I thought of something else... Make sure that you clothe yourself according to the weather. Don't make the same mistakes I did in the first few days. Look outside as you wake up. Is it raining? Windy? Chilly? What is the weather forecast for the day? Chilly at first but warmer later? Plan ahead! Also, get a hair cut one-two weeks before to allow it to grow in a bit. (It will look better!) And DON'T pluck your eyebrows in the morning. Unless you want red patches on your face for others to stare at... Also, this kinda ties in...
*Personal hygiene - Let's face it, no-one wants to sit next to someone with a BO problem. And no-one wants to be friends with someone with smelly hair or dirty clothes. It's just COMMON SENSE!! I mean, I don't mean to be rude but, COME ON!! There's NO excuse. Have a shower/bath in the morning. Not the night before. You actually sweat a LOT whilst sleeping. Plus, it makes you feel more alert and more ready to face the day.
*Enrolment - Another very inportant point. Make sure you enrol before you go for your first day. Depending on the university, you'll either enrol online or by post. Make sure you check the post or e-mail inbox regularly for any notifications from the uni telling you to enrol. If you dont enrol, well... you won't be on the registration list on your first day... And that might cause a few problems... Also, you won't get your student ID card, which (especially at my uni) will mean you will have very limited access to university facilities meaning you won't be able to gain access to the lecture theatres, library and other vital study areas.
*Reading - Some courses (not all) will send you a reading list before you start your course. Make sure you read all that is required. You don't wanna be behind on the first day.
*Your own laptop & printer - A few weeks before I would say it is very wise to invest in a good laptop. Why? You will NOT (or rather you will but it would be extremely difficult) for you to study/complete assignments/dissertation without your own laptop. Even if you share a laptop with a sibling/other family member or partner. Chances are, the other person will get peed off with having restricted time on the laptop to play World Of Warcraft or.. whatever they play... and this means home life will start to bug you. If you have NO money before you start I would recommend buying a laptop as soon as your SFE payment has been received. Laptops are amazing. They are portable works of art, use them to your advantage. Here is the one I have. (Another tip: don't buy a laptop just because it's cheap. Chances are it's a pile of poo. Spend the extra £100-ish for better quality). Also, buy your own printer. There will be lines and lines of people at the college printers and what if the printers are 'out of order' the day of the deadline? Opps. Yep, spend that extra £30 and get a decent printer. It will save you a lot of stress later on. This is my one.
Other tips...
*Dont be afraid to be alone - Granted, it would be great to make friends on the first day but this doesn't always happen. If you find yourself in this predicament there are always areas you can escape to by yourself at lunchtime. Most libraries have eating areas and I'm sure there are plenty of off-campus coffee shops. And not forgetting McDonalds or Burger king. Remember, it's only the first week. Chill. After classes or in study periods take a little walk to find some of these smaller coffee shops that charge a fraction of the price Costa and Starbucks do. Plus, there are, more often, no queues which means less study time to waste. Also, do the same for study spots. In the first two weeks seek out quiet areas for study. Some places will be more crowded than others but there are always quieter times and quieter areas around campus.
*Don't shout out in lectures - might sound a bit weird but it's true. So many people just shout out their 'answers' during a discussion. Be polite and raise your hand slightly just to get the lecturers attention. Granted, you're not a child anymore but it's just something called 'manners'. You don't wanna shout something out and then the lecturer isn't even listening to you. Embarrassing, much? Also, there is someone kinda like this is my lectures and she has no friends. I mean, there might not be a correlation but I'm betting that that is why...
*Don't flirt - Again, I can explain. Don't push yourself forward on guys. It's weird. You've JUST met them. Sure, greet them as you pass in the halls or make small talk like you've been doing to pretty much everyone on your course. Just, rule out flirting. It's humiliating. So just don't (at least for induction/when you're sober anyway...). Also, guys might think you're desparate and might take advantage later on. Other girls might think you are just being their friends to get the boys attention. Either way, you're screwed.
*NO chewing gum - Remember in high school when you got told off for chewing gum in class? Well, don't chew in lectures. It's distracting and you might get told to spit it out. On your first day. In front of 150 other people in the lecture theatre. Don't humiliate yourself. Please. Most lecturers don't like you eating/drinking in classes anyway. But if you really can't stand it, eat a mint.
*Try to enjoy it - uni is hard but it's also very exciting and its very different to what you may have experienced at sixth form or school or wherever. There is more freedom. But in the first two weeks just pace yourself. You dont HAVE to join societies or sign up to be a course rep etc in the first two days. Just settle in. Take it easy. Don't spread yourself too thin or you'll have less time for assignments/studying. Enjoy what you're learning. You are paying for it after all! xD
Ok, I've said enough ^^
What a lovely first post, eh? (:
Very longggg. But, hey.
I hope it was helpful. Check back soon for my next post!!
Emily
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About Me
- Emily
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