CONQUERING THE ATI TEST!

I walked into the computer lab shaking in my shoes. This was the day that had been dreaded ever since we started the semester. This was ATI test day! For those of you that may not know what ATI tests are, they are nursing NCLEX prep tests. These tests are the national boards per se for different areas in nursing, and are pass or fail exams.These tests are taken after all nursing classes at my school. Looking around the room, I saw several daunting computers that all seemed to be staring back at me with their "empty" looking screens. I carefully select a seat and sit down. I keep refreshing the screen and nothing new is popping up. Getting bored with my ever continuing process, I start staring down at my feet. I had slipped both of my shoes off, and just now started to realize that there are huge blisters on each foot....(I guess my shoes didn't fit as well as I thought they did). Just as I started to shift my attention back to the computer screen, that big button on the screen appeared that said START. I carefully put in both of my ear plugs and am pretty sure I scraped my one ear drum in the process. With shaking hands, I finally put my cursor over the button and started the test. After about 25 questions, I started to get bored again, and once again my attention shifted. I never noticed how dry my hands are "oh where is my lotion?" I also learned that drinking 2 cups of coffee just prior to the test was probably a bad idea. I then realized that I was taking an exam. 30 questions, then 50 went by. Just....5...more questions. I could do this....I started watching as each student left the room. Hmmmmm....time to pop another piece of candy. I finally finished the test.  Looking up with glazed over eyes, finally got up and walked towards the door. Wow, that was the shortest hour of my life! I didn't know whether I passed or failed, but it didn't matter at that point. All that I knew is I was done with this hard test for the time being. The drive home was a long one, and one of much contemplation. Then finally, I got a text congratulating me for passing the test. That text message made my day, and I started to get really excited about conquering yet another nursing class. I decided to take a much-needed nap to celebrate. After a stressful day, life is good....life is ALWAYS good. God bless!

Another Awesome Weekend!

Friday October 5, 2012

 I got to start off my weekend by not having any classes or clinicals. It was a great start to a great weekend.:) I spent my day off studying and writing a careplan for my community nursing class all day. I then went with my little sister to a haunted trail in the evening. There was a gorilla there that was trying to "hit on" my little sister, so I thought that it was time to leave. It was a great way to get
us excited about the Fall season in Ohio.


Saturday October 6, 2012

I meant to sleep in on a wonderful Saturday morning, but it did not happen. I ended up getting up quite early again to start my homework. I studied for a test for another class that I have this upcoming week in nursing theory all morning. I could not sit still any longer for studying, so I went
with a group of friends for a stress relieving game of paintball at a local course. I think that we had
more fun shooting at each other than actually playing the games. Needless to say, we ended up with
huge welts everywhere on our bodies. It was a great way to spend the afternoon though,and we still
ended up keeping our friendships in the end!:)

Sunday October 7, 2012

I was up almost all night at my EMS job, so I took the morning to take a long winter's nap
before going to 11:30 mass. After I came home from mass, I found that my mom had made these
delicious looking pumpkin cut-out cookies and left them sitting out on the kitchen counter. I am
trying to diet to lose a few pounds that I had gained throughout a stressful month during the summer,
so I had a long debate in my head about stealing one.I finally decided that one cookie would not hurt,
and would go perfectly with the coffee that I was drinking.:) After being all "jacked up" on coffee
and sugar, it is time to start studying again for midterm week. Have a great week everyone!

5 Ways To Reduce Stress during Midterm Week

These are five simple ways that I have learned through experience that help me reduce stress.

1. Get plenty of rest!!!

• You have probably heard this time and time again, but it is true! Without adequate sleep, we become walking, grumpy zombies!!!

• If you are like me, you probably lay down at night, and cannot get your mind to stop. I take 3 mg of melatonin 30 minutes before I go to bed. It helps me get a better night's sleep, and feel well-rested for classes.

• Put away all electronics at least 1 hr before you go to bed!! This includes laptops, cell phones, Ipads etc. I have found that when I go to bed texting, I am more likely to wake up periodically throughout the night and read and respond to texts resulting in a not-so-great night of sleep.

2. Exercise!! Exercise!! Exercise!!!

•  Just 30 minutes of physical activity per day!!! This can be hard to do with a busy schedule. Start taking the steps instead of the elevator, park your car farther away from your destination or take quick walks on 10 minute breaks during class.

• Physical activity releases endorphins in our brain which are our happy chemicals, that make us feel good.

• I like to sign up for 5k runs every other week. This helps me to stay motivated, and helps me to stay in shape at the same time.

3.  Avoid People That Stress You Out!

• After taking a huge stressful test, avoid that group of classmates who always discuss the test in detail right after they get done taking it. This adds extra, unavoidable stress to your already heavy load. Try taking a walk or talking to a best friend (who is outside your major) on the phone for awhile.

• If there is a stressful conversation that is going on around you, just GET UP AND WALK AWAY. Your health is worth more than an unecessary, stressful conversation.

• Choose your friends carefully!!! There are people that are lurking around every corner wanting to lure you into "their group". Stand firm!

4. Find Time for Yourself!

• This is an important one in college! We all love to hang out with friends as much as possible, but we need time for ourselves.

• I like to go kayaking. Simply going on a run, taking a little car ride, reading a book, journeling or simply laying flat on your back listening to music.

• Meditate. Make time for God. Your spiritual well-being is extremely important.

5. Do Something for Others

• Somtimes the best thing we can do during stressful times, is think of someone besides ourself.

• Write an encouraging note to a friend

• Visit a nursing home, or an elderly neighbor. The stories that they can tell you, are both encouraging and inspiring.

• Help a friend or family member with chores that they have to do.