Classes started off with a bang this month - they really throw you back into the mix! Pathophysiology is always an eye opener, and SUPER interesting for A&P nerds like myself (Plus, Dr. Laura Taylor really makes the class extra interesting with comments about sangria, UTI's and little snippets about life as a transplant nurse); Pharmacology is dense and difficult, and whatever we learn in class is applied immediately in clinical - it's really great to learn in depth about drugs that our patients are on and learn how to care for them better whlie on these (sometimes intense) pharmacologic agents! I also started my psychology class and clinical. We had the choice this semester of starting with psych or OB, and I went for the one that made me more nervous! I felt it was necessary to get over this fear of working with people with mental illness and really learn how I can better care for this population and so far it has been really wonderful! I work on an inpatient unit where they have three groups of patients suffering from mental illness: a young adult group, affective/mood disorders, and eating disorders. It has been really great to work with these nurses and patients, and it has definitely made me feel more comfortable working with this patient population!
Two other courses I'm taking are electives, and have been very valuable! The first, Forensic Nursing, is taught by Dr. Dan Sheridan on Monday evenings for three hours... it is the day I have (literally) 9 hours of in-class time (for a total of 11 hours at the school of nursing with my small breaks) and his class is my last - yet I find myself wide awake and laughing most of the time! Dr. Sheridan really brings in his experience and expertise to the class, and finds ways to make some of the most depressing material I've seen be engaging, interesting, and fun! I have a list of possible fields of nursing that I want to look into for my future and Forensic Nursing has made it on there due to this course and Dr. Sheridan's passion. I'll be sure to give more updates on this course as the semester rolls on!
The second elective course I am taking is called Community Outreach to Underserved Communities in Urban Baltimore (or as we refer to it: Communities class!). This course has given me a small glimpse into various community organizations, agencies, and resources for Baltimore city. It has also allowed me to apply for the Community Outreach Program at the School of Nursing (SON COP) - and here is the exciting news (and my segway into my Community Nursing part of this blog)... I applied for the somewhat competetive HIV Counseling and Testing Program and found out this past week THAT I GOT IT!! WHOO HOO!!! I have been very interested in this program since I started applying to Hopkins last year, and am very grateful for the opportunity to work in the community and learn to be an HIV counselor and patient advocate. I know that this experience will help me both as a nurse and as a community participant. Since coming to Baltimore I have realized just how much this city is both amazing and gritty, and how competent and "community savvy" nurses are much needed. I am excited to continue my life here in Baltimore, and for my career in community nursing to begin so soon with this program. I start training next weekend, and I'll let you know how it goes once I start!
So, I think I'll leave it at that for now. We have a Pharmacology exam next week that I should be studying for, and my last few weeks of psych clinical to prepare for (including another exam!).
-Caitlin :)