Rachel RN, BSN: First Day of Nursing School

The first sign of trouble =/

The morning started out great (other than being pissed off Duke lost their first game of the season last night). Meaning: I woke up on time.

I put some waffles in the toaster and burnt the first 2...maybe the day wasn't going to go so smoothly.

I had time to toast another batch and ate my breakfast.

It was time to leave.

I didn't forget cheesy pics this time!

I heard the H lot fills up by 8 AM so I was little worried it might fill up faster (I found out later that it usually fills up by 7 AM).

I was lucky and the lot was only 3/4 full at 7:30.

I did manage to whack my side mirror on the swipey thing to get into the parking lot. This day just gets better =)

I'm a big klutz sometimes.

It was freezing!!!

As I was walking in, I ran into one of the girls I talked to at orientation.

The rest of the group was sitting on the second row and there wasn't anymore room, so we grabbed seats on the front row. Somehow, I always end up on the front row.

8 AM came and time seemed to stand still for a bit.

One of the instructors went over the syllabus and the calendar.

I. AM. GOING. TO. DIE.

Not really, but this is really going to test me.

We split into halves. One half went upstairs to the lab and the rest of us stayed in the classroom. Then we were split into thirds to learn some Vital signs after a short lecture.

We practiced reading blood pressure, taking a pulse, respiration, and temperature.

It was a basic overview, but it was fun.

Duke is incredibly organized and tries to make for a stress free environment and I really appreciate that.

At noon, we had a 30 minute lunch break. I didn't even think to bring a lunch, but they have a Cafe inside the Nursing School.

They have a hot main course and soup of the day. I just went for a plain ham and swiss sandwich. There is also a microwave available if we need it.

I waited in line maybe 3 minutes even though there were several people ahead of me. These guys work fast. A coordinator walked back to the end of the line to read us off the menu so we knew what we wanted by the time we got up to the counter. I love little things like this that make my day easier.

I shared a table with 4 others and I met 2 new people.

After lunch, I headed upstairs.

I tripped.

Yes, walking UP the stairs.

I'm a special kind of stupid today folks.

It was my half of the class's turn to go up to the lab.

We were still split into 3 groups.

We got some snazzy bags with a lot of goodies in them, got sized for sterile and non sterile gloves, learned proper hand washing technique, and got to participate in a spur of the moment simulation.

my snazzy bag

Goodies:

I participated by getting medication and handing it to the "primary nurse".

Once 2:30 rolled around, my first day of nursing school was over.

One down....so many more to go.

I had my TB test read and headed out the door.

I walked to my car with a fellow classmate and enjoyed the company.

Since I managed to drive home Monday without my GPS, I thought I could again.

I thought wrong. I should have known better...this klutz missed her turn and went a roundabout way to get home.

I came home to this:

I now have a kitchen table...hurray!

thanks Mom!

The other 2 chairs should arrive soon.

Despite burning my waffles, almost destroying my side mirror, and falling UP the stairs: I had an amazing day. I love the feel of the school and my peers. I think I'm going to be very happy with my time at Duke.

Okay. So how could the day get better?

My boyfriend sent me flowers =)