College of San Mateo
October, 2011 Volume 4, Issue 1 Announcements!!!
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First off, CONGRATULATIONS to all for getting through
the first exam of the fall semester! Great job everyone!
Keep up the great work!
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Thank you to all of those who have been bringing in goods
for Caminar. We have until December 12th, so please
continue dropping off goods to open lab.
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nd
2 years! Just a reminder, don’t forget to pay Rey, our
treasurer, the 2nd year fee which is due on December 1st
2011.
Want to relax? Need a massge?! Contact Summer Downing
in 1st year for information about a discount! Check out
www.redwoodmassage.com for more info.
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Holiday Party: Date is confirmed for December 13th 2011.
Make sure to save the date! More information to come!
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NSA reminder – meeting @ 0900 on 10/24/11
A Day Off From Nursing School
By Joey Cortes Jr. Sleep deprivation related to increased activities during nursing school as evidence by student nurse stating “I have so much work to do and it never stops!” After 8 weeks, all of us are feeling the same way. OVERWHELMED. For second year students, it’s the numerous projects and adjusting to the new grading scale that has them a little on edge. For the first years, it’s learning how to deal with the countless hours of reading and studying that has been difficult. It’s been a hard transition for most of us because when school started in August, all of us were still having fun and enjoying summer. But once class gets started, it’s continuous and nonstop. I looked at the syllabus and I realize that the 8 week nursing program is faster than the UC quarter system, and that all of us have no time to be lazy. We don’t go through all these classes before and during the program and become lazy. It’s more like we get burnt out because of the amount of work we do during that accelerated period of time. I took one of Tanya’s classes over the summer and one of the guest speakers talked about committing one day of the week just for yourself. This is an excellent way of relieving the mental strain that comes with this program. I went around and asked how people dealt with the stress of nursing school and I came about a few interesting answers. Personally, I like to sleep and I can sleep all day and have fun doing it, but a lot of us like doing physical activities like lifting weights, yoga, running, or snowboarding during the winter. Some like to spend quality time with their sons, daughters, pets, family members, and friends. Others like to read literature that’s not related to nursing just to change up the reading material and to keep oneself mentally sharp. Whatever it is you like to do, it’s important to keep the stress down to a minimal. Having a day to distress is important to one’s overall health. As a matter of fact, I’m going to distress over the weekend after the final. Actually never mind. I got to reschedule. I have clinical on Saturday and Sunday. 1
Inside this issue:
Announcements
1
A Day Off From
Nursing School
1
1:1 with Tracy
2
Learning Styles
3
Nursing School
is Difficult
3
Caring for an
Alzheimer’s Pt.
4
Staying Healthy
During School
5
Stress
6
Defense
Mechanisms
7
Photos
9
“Having a day to distress is important to one’s overall health.” 1:1 with Tracy
By Mike Palapinyo Tracy is the newest faculty member of CSM’s Nursing Program. She will be teaching theory for 2nd year Med/Surg as well as being involved clinical rotations. We have had the opportunity to meet Tracy, but let’s get to know her little better. Tracy, Can you tell us a little about your background? Nursing is a dynamic profession that offers a variety of opportunities for professional practice. I graduated with an associate degree in nursing in 1990. I then completed my undergraduate studies through an RN to BSN program. In 2009 I obtained a Master of Science in Nursing Education. Throughout my nursing career I have had the privilege of working in a variety of settings such as surgery, med‐surg, telemetry, informatics, supervising, staff education, and staffing. What has inspired you to become a teacher? As I began to conduct staff education classes at the hospital (including ACLS) colleagues that I greatly respected began to encourage me to become an instructor. As a house supervisor I saw the detrimental consequences of short staffing, both on the patients, as well as the professional healthcare team. Due to the current nursing shortage, I feel it is imperative that every nursing educational program throughout the country maintain the capacity to accept as many students as possible who wish to become nursing professionals. It is my personal opinion that nursing is professional caring. Nurses must realize the holistic component of each patient, in order to promote overall well‐being. As a nurse educator my goal is to challenge every student nurse to truly “care” for patients. Nursing must never lose its caring component or it will simply become a cold science. As we approach our first day in Med/Surg together, describe 3 words that tell us how you are feeling? Excited Challenged Enthusiastic There are so many fields out there for nurses, if you had you could go back in time, but could not become a teacher, what field would you be in and why? Cardiac. I love the heart. It is amazing to see a heart begin to beat again after someone has suffered cardiopulmonary arrest. It is a great joy to walk out of a code and tell the family that their love one is alive. What is your favorite thing about being a nurse? At the end of the day no matter what is going on in my personal life or in the world at large I know that I brought comfort to another human being through some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. What do you like to do for fun? Travel – long road trips, playing with my two dogs ‐‐ taking them hiking or to the beach, visiting with my family and friends ‐‐ cooking and entertaining. Lastly, what advice can share with the rest of us? The environment in which healthcare is practiced today is very complex and extremely stressful. As nurses we must remember every decision we make will have either a positive or negative effect in the lives of our patients. We should consider it a personal responsibility to maintain the highest level of ethical and professional standards possible. This requires us to accept responsibility both for our actions, as well as our on‐going education. In order to provide safe 2
patient care nursing professionals must be able to intelligently apply the knowledge gained during their educational endeavors in a variety of situations that are dependent on numerous variables that are unique to each patient. This level of understanding and comprehension cannot occur when an individual is overwhelmed. The perception of being overwhelmed impairs your ability to incorporate new ideas into your knowledge base. At this point in your education you are most probably stressed, exhausted and over‐whelmed. Take care of yourself physically by getting 8 hours of sleep at night, eat a well‐balanced, nutritious diet and exercise regularly. Most importantly create a detailed study plan/calendar. Arrange your life responsibilities so you will be able to concentrate on building your nursing knowledge base so you will be able to pass the NCLEX‐
RN and provide safe, competent, compassionate care. On behalf of all the students here at CSM’s nursing program, we want to welcome you as our newest faculty member. We are all excited to have you as our instructor and are looking forward to learning from you. “Nursing must never lose its caring component or it will simply become a cold science.” What’s Your Learning Style?
By Jackie Mapalo
Are you struggling in your studies and don’t know why? Often the reason for this is because students don’t know how to study to match their learning style. By recognizing your learning style and utilizing the study strategies, you will be able to study more efficiently and effectively. The following are the 3 styles of learning and their corresponding study strategies. 1. Visual learner: learns through seeing new information through visual formats such as books, articles, web pages, images, videos, or diagrams. • • • • • • • Use flashcards to study coursework material. Organize your notes to relate to a visual representation (concept maps, spreadsheets, flow charts, pictures or diagrams). Create outlines of your assigned readings or notes. Watch videos of nursing concepts of procedures. Utilize handouts and class power point presentations from class. Take detailed notes. Use different color highlighters for highlighting textbooks or notes. 2. Audio leaner: learns through listening and use of verbal and auditory formats such as lectures, discussions, oral readings, audio recordings, or podcasts. • • • • • • 3. Use word association or mnemonics to remember facts. Record lectures and listen to the recorded lectures while you study. Record yourself reading your notes and listen to the recordings. Read notes or assigned readings out loud. Listen to podcasts of nursing concepts. Participate in study group discussions • • • Study in short blocks because, tactile learners get bored easily. Use flashcards to study material. Practice nursing procedures during open lab. Tactile learner: learns by doing or experiencing things (moving, doing, and touching). Nursing School is Difficult
By Aaron Ly
Nursing school is difficult, yet it
is doable if one knows how to
manage their time wisely.
College of San Mateo may be a
semester long, but the nursing
program classes are only eight
weeks! It is difficult to juggle
work, family, friends, and
children, but it is possible to
accomplish the most difficult
task if one has dedication.
However, the most important
thing in nursing school is to
pass competency and tests. The
best way to prepare for any test
is to do all the reading before
class and take good notes in
class. If the teacher allows his or
her lecture to be recorded, please
do it! Listen to the recorded
lectures to take any notes you
may have missed in classes and
review all notes before the test. It
is also a good idea to form a
small group to study with after
you finish studying on your own.
I find that it is always helpful to
study on your own first and write
down the things you do not
understand. Once you meet with
your group, you can take out the
question and discuss the
questions for clarification. I did
3
this on my final and I did
really well and I want to
share this information with
you! Good luck in nursing
school and make the best of
it!! Helpful Hints for Working With an Alzheimer Disease (A.D) Patient From a First
Year Nursing Student
By Cassandra Detamore
As a first year student, and never having worked with an Alzheimer patient I was quick to learn the “do’s and don’ts” from the CNA’s in the hospital. The key is to remember that before this disease took over they were once just like you and I. They enjoyed time with family; they could freely reminisce about their past and look forward to their future plans. They remembered names and faces of friends and family. Before this disease they felt like they belonged in the community. After learning a few tips from our instructor and putting them to use, it was amazing to see how small gestures, such as stroking ones hand could mean so much. 1. Remember they are not deliberately being difficult. It’s easy to get frustrated repeating the same thing over and over, knowing there is more work to be done with other patients. Many A.D. patients lose track of time and forget the littlest things we take for granted such as bathing and eating. When working one‐on‐one with an A.D. patient, make sure you give your focus directly to them. Encourage them with soothing words, be kind and understanding. Talk with a smile. The patient will respond to your tone of voice and body language. Remember as a nurse, patients will often follow our actions more than words. 2. Create a soothing environment and have patience Remember that A.D. can affect the ability to correctly distinguish once familiar items and areas. Reduce stressors in the patients room by turning down loud T.V.’s or radios. Reduce clutter if allowed; keep the floor clear of objects. Give a soothing touch to let the patient know you are there and they are not alone. Try introducing a once familiar item as a new activity such as makeup for women (yes this works; believe me!). 3. The aid of music When communicating with an A.D. patient that is upset and angry try humming a tune or singing a song to help soothe them. There are current studies suggesting that memory, music and emotions are located within the same region of the brain. I used this tip from my instructor while giving a shower to my patient who became very upset and agitated. I started humming a completely made up song with my dreadful singing voice and noticed my patient started to hum along with her own tune while holding my hand. It’s amazing what music can do and how it affects our moods. 4
How to Stay Healthy During Nursing School
By Haidee Lacsina
Due to the overwhelming demands on a student nurse’s time, it may seem to be an impossible endeavor to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Well, you might also have thought it insurmountable to be accepted into the CSM Nursing Program, but the odds were in your favor, nevertheless. On that note, if there’s careful, diligent planning, eating nutritiously and squeezing in weekly workouts should then be achievable. Making your health a priority during a strenuous academic program may even help you to score higher on your exams. There are certain essential micronutrients in foods that account for better intellectual performance. For example, the omega‐3‐fatty acids in the wild salmon are known to improve brain function and mood, which means that your skills in reasoning, listening, and responding will become sharpened for your benefit. If you don’t particularly like seafood, other sources that contain this excellent substance are: walnuts, acai berries, olive oil, spinach, broccoli, flax seeds, and beans. In general, complex carbs (brown rice, whole grain bread, sweet potatoes, etc.) are brain food. Our neurons have a great demand for energy due to its constant metabolic activity state. During sleep, brain cells need carbohydrates (long chains of sugar molecules) in order to repair their expended components. Neurons actually require twice as much energy than the other cells in the body. So, despite the propaganda purported by some diet books, consuming high quality carbs will fuel your study sessions. Eating balanced, nutritious meals that contain whole grains, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, beans, low‐fat dairy sources, and fish may seem to be a challenge especially when you are consumed with deadlines. Setting aside a few hours a week (on a Sunday, for instance) to grocery shop and cook meals for the whole week just might do the trick. Plan simple meals that you can easily freeze and heat up at school. Nothing is more compact or uncomplicated than fruits and vegetables. An added bonus is that they are low glycemic index foods which mean that they cause more sustained increases in blood glucose, keeping your energy steady and you more efficient. Also, don’t give in to the fast food temptation. Fast foods have hidden calories and ingredients that lead to a host of maladies. Avoiding them altogether may be unattainable, so perhaps, set a goal to just limit dining out once or twice a week. (Besides, you will save money 5
and your arteries will thank you.) As far as exercise is concerned, all it takes is 30‐
40 minutes, 3 times per week on alternating days to maintain good health. Starting is the most difficult part, but once you do, it will be second nature, just like studying ☺. When you take breaks between study sessions, do something you enjoy, such as, speed‐
walking, jogging, yoga, lifting weights, or an exercise class at the gym. Before you know it, your session is done, and the endorphins will be kicking in! It takes discipline, but you already have that as a nursing student, so no more excuses. If you think possible, so it will be. Are We Stressed Yet?
By Summer Downing
I am a major advocate of massage and the massive benefits it provides. I am also an advocate for saving money (or not spending any when you don’t have it to begin with). So I am going to delve into the database in my brain from the massage education I obtained years ago and show you some acupressure points you can do on yourself when you feel that stress creeping up on you or for when you want to tackle the panic of our next test. First, a brief history lesson: Acupressure was developed over 5000 years ago in Asia. It works to stimulate specific reflex points located along the lines of energy which run through the body (called meridians) by using pressure. There are 14 main meridian lines which correspond to the organs of the body. Good health is the result when vital energies are able to flow through the meridians in a balanced and even way; however, it is believed that there is a block or leak in the energy flow within your body when you experience pain or illness. I have listed and illustrated my favorite points in this article. These are the major points that I have personally experienced that help relieve tension and stress, and help alleviate tension headaches (plus we were taught these in massage school. But they definitely work, I promise). Matching the diagram: 1. GV (governing vessel) 24.5 = “Third Eye.” Located slightly superior to directly between the eyebrows. Believed to relieve pain, depression, chronic fatigue and mood swings. 2. UB (urinary bladder) 2 = “Drilling Bamboo.” Located slightly inferior to the medial end of the eyebrows. Used for sinus congestion and headaches. 3. LI (large intestine) 20 = “Welcome Fragrance.” Located at the nasolabial groove. Helps with nasal and sinus issues associated with allergies. 4. KI (kidney) 27 = “Elegant Mansion.” Located in the hollow between the clavicle and the sternum. Helps with depression, anxiety and breathing difficulty. 5. PC (pericardium) 6 = “Inner Gate.” Located at the middle anterior of arm, 2 ½ finger widths above the wrist crease. Helps with insomnia and nausea. 6. LV (liver) 3 = “Bigger Rushing.” Located at the top of the foot, in the “V” where the 1st and 2nd metatarsals meet. Helps with headaches, allergies and hangovers. 7. GV (governing vessel) 16 = “Wind Mansion.” Located on posterior midline, in hollow directly inferior to the occipital ridge. Helps with headache, stiff neck, dizziness and numbness. 8. GB (gallbladder) 20 = “Gate of Consciousness.” Located in the hollow below the occipital ridge, lateral to the spine. Helps with headache, neck pain, memory, and many other things. 9. TH (triple heater) 5 = “Outer Gate.” Located at the middle of the posterior arm, 2 ½ finger widths above the wrist crease (often held simultaneously with PC 6). Helps with headaches, neck pains, and upper limb disorders. 10. LI (large intestine) 4 = “Joining the Valley.” Located in the web between the thumb and index finger near the 2nd metacarpal. Believed to improve immunity and strongly move the energy and blood in the body, clearing stagnation and alleviating pain, as well as help with headaches and toothaches. LI 4 IS CONTRAINDICATED DURING PREGNANCY. 6
I hope the lesson in this Traditional Chinese Medicine modality finds you all more relaxed for our next test!!!! Until next time……… Defense Mechanisms for N231: A Study Guide for 1st Years
By Sanji Kumar
1. 1. Acting Out
ƒ Acting out refers to repeating certain actions to ward off anxiety without weighing the possible
consequences of those action.
ƒ Example: A husband gets angry with his wife and starts staying at work later.
2. Compensation
ƒ Also called substitution.
ƒ It involves trying to make up for feelings of inadequacy or frustration in one area by excelling or
overindulging in another.
ƒ Example: An adolescent takes up jogging because he failed to make the swimming team.
3. Denial
ƒ A person in denial protects himself from reality – especially the unpleasant aspects of life – by
refusing to perceive, acknowledge, or face it.
ƒ Example: A woman newly diagnosed with end-stage-cancer says, “I’ll be okay, it’s not a big deal”.
4. Displacement
ƒ In displacement, the person redirects his impulses (commonly anger) from the real target (because that
target is too dangerous) to a safer but innocent person.
ƒ Example: A patient yells at a nurse after becoming angry at his mother for not calling him.
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5. Fantasy
ƒ Fantasy refers to creation of unrealistic or improbable images as a way of escaping from daily
pressures and responsibilities or to relieve boredom.
ƒ Example: A person may daydream excessively, watch TV for hours on end, or imagine being highly
successful when he feels unsuccessful. Engaging in such activities makes him feel better for a brief
period.
6. Identification
ƒ In identification, the person unconsciously adopts the personality characteristics, attitudes, values, and
behavior of someone else (such as a hero he emulates and admires) as a way to allay anxiety. He may
identify with a group to be more accepted by them.
ƒ Example: An adolescent girl begins to dress and act like her favorite pop star.
7. Intellectualization
ƒ Also called isolation.
ƒ Intellectualization refers to hiding one’s emotional responses or problems under a façade of big words
and pretending there’s no problem.
ƒ Example: After failing to obtain a job promotion, a worker explains that the position failed to meet his
expectations for climbing the corporate ladder.
8. Introjection
ƒ A person introjects when he adopts someone else’s values and standards without exploring whether
they fit him.
ƒ Example: An individual begins to follow a strict vegetarian diet for no apparent reason.
9. Projection
ƒ In projection, the person attributes to others his own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and impulses.
ƒ Example: A student who fails a test blames his parents for having the television on too loud when he
was trying to study.
10. Rationalization
ƒ Rationalization occurs when a person substitutes acceptable reasons for the real or actual reasons that
are motivating his behavior.
ƒ The rationalizing patient makes excuses for shortcomings and avoids self-condemnation,
displacements, and criticisms.
ƒ Example: An individual states that she didn’t win the race because she hadn’t gotten a good night’s
sleep.
11. Reaction Formation
ƒ In reaction formation, the person behaves the opposite of the way he feels.
ƒ Example: Love turns to hate and hate into love.
12. Regression
ƒ Under stress, a person may regress by returning to the behaviors he used in an earlier, more
comfortable time in his life.
ƒ Example: A previously toilet-trained preschool child begins to wet his bed every night after his baby
brother is born.
13. Repression
ƒ Repression refers to unconsciously blocking out painful or unacceptable thoughts and feelings,
leaving them to operate in the subconscious.
ƒ Example: A woman who was sexually abused as a young child can’t remember the abuse but
experiences uneasy feelings when she goes near the place where the abuse occurred.
14. Sublimation
ƒ In sublimation, a person transforms unacceptable needs in acceptable ambitions and actions.
ƒ Example: He may channel his sex drive into his sports or hobbies.
15. Undoing
ƒ In undoing, the person tries to undo the harm he feels he has done to others.
ƒ Example: A patient who says something bad about a friend may try to undo the harm by saying nice
things about her or by being nice to her and apologizing.
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Fall 2011 Photo Gallery:
N211/N231
Second Years
First Years
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KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK GUYS
N212/N232 HERE WE COME!!!
See a photo you like? Want to see more? Well then goto: Fall 2011 photos: http://s1087.photobucket.com/albums/j474/CSM_Nursing/CSM%20Fall%202011%20N211_N231/ The password is S. Chase’s MR #. If you think I’m going to give it to you, you must be CRAZY, HIPPA