Are you all swamped and overwhelmed too? I have a full-time workload even though I'm in a part-time program. Just had my first two tests last week but haven't yet received grades on them. I am anxious for some concrete feedback! We've had skills checkoffs but those are pass/fail. Needless to say, I don't feel entirely comfortable with the BASIC skills yet. I mean, if I had the time, I would practice them more, but I have hardly any time as it is. I know it's so important for me to know these and I'm a long way off from feeling like they're second--or even first--nature. My clinicals have room for improvement, too. We are in them for a relatively short time this semester, and I was hoping they would be structured a little better. We seem to spend way too much time in conference and not enough time with pts. And our group, at least, would like to have more direction from our instructor--she's nice but vague about what's expected of us. Of course, that's just my observation as a newbie. I expected a trial by fire, I'm getting it.
After this first semester, we can apply for a PCA/PCT (similar to a CNA) position at one of the area hospitals. I'd really like to do this b/c I've had no healthcare experience up to this point. However, I would only be able to work on a very limited basis; either very short shifts or 1-2 days a week at the most. Do any of you know if either one of these arrangements are possible?
Ugh, well, thanks for letting me "talk". I'm trying to figure out ways to keep my stress level down. Will it always be this high? I have a family and I'm a stay-at-home mom. I need to be the best person I can be for my husband and son, but it's been less than a month and I am feeling the pressure!
