Morgan's Blog Week 6

Tech Tip:
Alt+F4

This is used to close out of a program.  It is nice  when you don't have to find the mouse and search for the red X. Its simple and easy and I use it often.

http://www.iconfinder.com/icondetails/34217/128/close_delete_remove_icon

Class Reflection:

Point Pleasant

This week for clinicals I have my rotation at a place called Point Pleasant. It is a Pediatric Special Care Center in lancaster for assisted living. Most of these kids have diseases where they can't walk, talk, eat, or breath on their own.  It was both interesting and scary to start my rotation here.  It is definitely a learning experience.

http://www.centronuclear.org.uk/the_information_point/newsletter_august_2009/cnm_news_august_2009.html

Class Topic:

PowerPoint

We were taught this week how to effectively use PowerPoint.  I use it all the time, but Mrs. Myers going over the details was extremely helpful.  I have used a PP Slideshow for almost every class since middle school.  It is super useful for getting your point across in an organized and asthetically pleasing way.

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-079-05186-PowerPoint-2010/dp/B0039L2XSO

PowerPoint

Effective vs. Boring

I have definitely sat through some extremely boring PP Presentations.  Fortunately I have also seen some really nice ones.  When I make PP's I make sure to keep it short and sweet.  You don't just want to read off your slides.  You also don't want to put too much information on your slides or your viewers will spend too much time reading and not enough time listening to what you have to say.  You also want it to be pretty, but not obnoxious.  The people that have presentations with tons of pictures, moving objects, blinking text, multiple colors and fonts, and seizure causing transitions lose their audience almost imediately. I enjoy using PP and like when my viewers say that it was easy to follow and nice to look at.

http://sweetwithfallandfish.blogspot.com/2011/06/perform-stand-up-comedy-id-rather-swim.html

Morgan's Blog Week 5

Tech Tip:
Ctrl + (+ or -)

I love using this because sometimes the print on a page is just too small.  You don't have to be over 65 to be unable to read the fine print.  This quick key makes the screen larger and easier to see.  When I first learned about it I didn't think I would have any use for it, but now I frequently use it.

http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/paulfleet/paulfleet0810/paulfleet081000018/3731420-illustration-of-a-magnifying-glass-reading-the-small-print-of-a-document.jpg

Class Reflection:

The Amish

In clinical this week I had the experience of working with the Amish.  I had never really thought about how they get their healthcare.  We actually frequently see Amish and Mennonite families at LGH.  The Clinic for Special Children is a non-profit medical and diagnostic service for children with inherited metabolic disorders in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  It was founded by Dr. D. Holmes Morton. The clinic specializes in biochemical disorders such as glutaric aciduria, maple syrup urine disease, Crigler-Najjar syndrome, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, and other disorders that occur in the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite communities in Pennsylvania. The clinic, which is a registered charitable organization, is actually funded by fees for services, benefit auction proceeds, and private contributions.  When the children need additional medical attention they are sent to LGH, which supports the Clinic for Special Children. 

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/71176_346607202362_8357302_n.jpg

Class Topic:

Technology Use in Healthcare

When writing my technology in the workplace paper, I found a really cool article about LGH and the programs they use.  Since starting my second clinical semester, at both LGH and Women and Babies, it seems that everyone is going “paperless.” The article spoke about what tools the LGH had decided to work with.  In clinical at LGH I have actually come across quite a few of these programs including UpToDate, Lexicomp, and Pharmacy OneSource.  I use these programs almost every day when in the hospital whether to document patient information, look up material on procedures, or find dosages for patient medications.  I never thought it was such a big deal, but now seeing them in an online article I realize how important these resources are.  If I didn’t know about these programs, it would be extremely hard  to complete my required patient paperwork.
           
http://www.med.yale.edu/library/uptodate/utdimage.gif
http://www.lexi.com/tmpl/images/lexi-comp-logo-square.gif
http://cleanroom.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/pharmacy-onesource.jpg

MS Publisher:

Likes & Dislikes

I think it is interesting how MS Publisher works but I am not a big fan of using it.  I have only had to make a few brochures and I didn't really enjoy it.  I did like the easy to use aspect of the program though.  It was very helpful in making my graded brochure for class.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41hw8hszEcL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
http://www.smiletemplates.com/screenshots/1/00329/brochure-templates-b.jpg

October:
Freak Snow Storm!

Well I love snow so I was uber excited when I woke up to see a ton of snow.  The night before when I heard that snow was coming I thought the weather people were losing their minds.  I mean in October? Its been years since there was actual accumulation in October in Lancaster.  It still blows my mind how people rush to the store to buy milk, bread, and eggs the second they hear about snow.  I mean if I were planned to be stuck in my home I would hope I had some canned goods, not perishables.  I mean if your really going to buy something in bulk maybe water, matches, candles, or blankets would be a more useful choice.  The second your power goes out your milk and eggs will rot in your nolonger cold refridgerator.  It just makes me laugh.

http://taylortakesataste.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/eggs_milk_bread(pp_w689_h459).jpg
http://www.fremocentrist.com/commentary/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/2010NovSnowStormIntersectionCenterCars800px.jpg

Morgan's Blog Week 4

Tech Tip:
Ctrl + A

I actually found out about this quick key when Mrs. Myers put the hint to highlight everything in our homework assignment (Publisher Reading Guide). This is so helpful and way better than clicking and scrolling down the entire page to highlight your text.  By using Ctrl + A you can immediately highlight the entire page. I love it.

 
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/07/highlighter.jpg

Class Reflection:
Pediatrics

I am now in my Pediatrics rotation in clinical.  Although I was sad to leave Women and Babies Hospital, I love working with little kids.  Its completely different on 3East (Pediatrics).  I'm on evening shift, so I start clinical at 2pm and leave at 9:30pm.  It's a weird adjustment for me because before I was waking up at 5am to get to WBH at 6am, and leaving the hospital at 2:30pm.  I'm finding that I enjoy the evening though.  Its extremely sad seeing the little kids so sick and upset.  The one thing that I found a little disturbing though, were the beds.  the infants and toddlers are in "cribs," but they look more like cages!

http://www.medwow.com/bed-pediatric-c-955-infant-crib.ith18273_180_200.jpg
http://gmpol.com/inventorypics/babycrib1.jpg

Class Topic:
Brochures

This week we learned about using brochures and how to properly get your point across.  We went over how important it is to use white space.  If everything is crammed together it is hard to focus and easy to get confused while reading.  We also discussed the use of visuals along with your information.  If you present your information with just text, the readers will be extremely intimidated.

http://www.etsu.edu/universitypress/Gallery%20images/Nursing_ANP-high.gif

First job:
Waitress

I started working at Isaac's Restaurant and Deli when I was 16.  I started as a deli worker/cook.  I worked there for about two years when I decided that my deli wage wasn't cutting it and decided to learn to waitress.  I was trained and started working part-time waitress and part-time deli worker.  I mainly waitress now but still pick up shifts in deli when they are needed.  I plan to someday soon work in the hospital but right now Isaac's is getting me through nursing school.

http://www.naa-pa.org/spaw2/uploads/images/isaacs.jpg

Major:
Nursing

I chose my major because I've always wanted to help people.  Also almost all my relatives work in the medical field so I have been around the medical field for my entire life.  My mother is a Nurse Practitioner, my father is the Head of Cardiology at Lancaster Regional Hospital, my grandmother is a Nurse Anesthetist, and my uncle is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. I had shadowed all of them numerous times throughout my childhood and young adulthood.  Now in school I love nursing even more because I'm getting to experience the real deal.  In clinicals we get to work with nurses and assist them in their everyday workings.

http://esalaryresearch.com/registered-nurse-salary/

Morgan's Blog Week 3

Tech Tip:

Secure Sites

This week I learned about how to know if a site you are on is really secure.  When you look at your URL at the top, if you notice that your http has an S (https) and there is a gold lock to the right of that URL, this is a secure website.

http://www.uaeu.ac.ae/uits/news/2008/images/eservices_https.jpg

Class Reflection:
Women and Babies Hospital

Wednesday was the last day for my clinical rotation at Women and Babies Hospital. Its sad because this was one of my favorite rotations. I want to work in the NICU with premature babies and it was just such a wonderful experience.  Besides seeing hysterectomies and being present for a birth I got to know a bunch of wonderful women, patients and staff.  I realized over my stay that in maternity it is mainly wellness care (healthy people), and I enjoy sickness care (ill people), only because I feel like I am actually helping people.  The babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cannot tell you what is wrong.  You are there to help them survive. Most of the infants come to the unit weighing in at less than 1 pound!  They can't breath, eat, or even keep their heart working on their own.  Working there I feel like I am making a difference.  Don't get me wrong I loved working in Couplet Care (where healthy mothers and babies stay) but it was kind of boring.  That sounds awful, but you are basically babysitting a mother and child until they are able to go home.  I would rather spend my time fixing someone. Overall I had a wonderful experience at WBH.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/photos/uncategorized/2009/03/18/premie.jpg

Class Topic:
Gerard Donofry

The speaker that came into class was amazing.  First of all he was intelligent and actually knew what he was talking about, second of all he was interesting.  When you find a speaker to talk to a class, you want the students to be interested in what the topic is or they won't learn anything.  He was a legal hacker (didn't even know there was such a thing). He gave us a ton of information and I must say he made me want to go home and buy a Hacking for Dummies Guide.  What I found most interesting was how unsafe the internet is.  I always laugh about how there's "big brother" watching us, but apparently I should be fearful cause they are! He told us that the internet was actually created by the US Military in preparation for a nuclear war! Everything we do on our phones, the internet, etc. is saved and documented.  I have to say its scary stuff.  He did give us some tools though for keeping your computer safe from hackers (the bad kind), which made me feel a little better. He told us that Malwarbytes and Spybot are really good computer security systems. Truecrypt is a free flash drive encryption download. He also told us about patches, which are apparently updates for your computer's protection.  He was a pretty awesome speaker!

 https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN19hbNZxXll3HYAtgcIn5XnMjvQBfUAqWcNhoXzttqxPxa736ud48z81IDgZQ9J8VR3DeDMsqVP97bd90sMf7ABjYljGNV9JYSVo2ICAh5rYgJOaZmYITadqn7dYilAN8To3KbCmnBLRw/s1600/hacking-for-dummies.jpg

Classmate:
Madea

I think its awesome how you like to fish.  You don't often hear about girls enjoying fishing.  I used to fish all the time in the Poconos with my cousins when I was little.  I loved it so much but have not done it in years.  Where do you fish?

http://www.crankbaits.biz/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/kids-fishing.jpg

Morgan's Blog Week 2

Tech Tip:
Ctrl+F
Using the shortcut Ctrl+F has saved me time and time again from wasting my time.  If I'm looking at a website or long paper and I just want to find one word or topic that is talked about in the document, I use this shortcut and it takes me to whereever that word is in the paper. This shortcut brings up a search-this-page feature. Its amazing! I would recommend it to everyone who uses a computer.
http://childrenasresearchers.wikispaces.com/file/view/ctrl-f.jpg/215343444/ctrl-f.jpg

Class Reflection:
Clinicals in Labor and Delivery
In clinicals this week I got to see a birth! Like everyone says, it was amazing, literally a miracle. I was right there holding my patient's legs cheering her on the whole time. But what they don't tell you is that it is pretty disgusting.  Sorry if you're a squimish person but to give you the 411 on natural birth, its not too pretty.  There's lots of blood, mucous, and bodily fluids. Worst of all is the smell.  Now don't get me wrong I'm not trying to convince anyone against childbirth, but I'm just saying it was really intense. In truth though, when the baby literally pops out (or slides out), it is magical.  Everything stops, and the movies definitely have it right when they show a glowing mother holding her baby, forgeting all about the fact that she has been pushing out this little human for several hours.  The pain is non-existant in her eyes because her goal was met.  When you hear the baby's first cry everything is okay. 
 http://childbirth.amuchbetterway.com/wp-content/themes/tma/images/post/birthprogress390.jpg

Class Topic:
Erognomics
It is all about health and productivity.  It stresses the importance of safe furniture and machines to eliminate repetitive strain injuries in the workplace. For example you can get things like carpal tunnel sydrome, strained backs, arthritis, and chronic pain.  It is pretty simple stuff but super important to be aware of.
http://www.ergonomics-info.com/image-files/desk_ergonomics.jpg

Google Gadget:
Google Books
I am an avid book reader and this tool is amazing.  You literally type in a topic and it lists all known books about that topic.  This is extremely helpful if I'm in the mood to read something specific.  I just type in the subject and instantly have a list of books I will most likely enjoy.
http://www.lindseypollak.com/uploads/2010/05/books-pile.jpg

Favorite Restaurant:
Carrabbas!
I love this place, it is awesome. I'm Italian and I think they serve amazing Italian cuisine. I'm a huge fan of their oven baked pizzas. I would definitely recommend them as well as their seafood dishes. For special occasions this is mine and my boyfriend's go-to place.
http://whatsthaword.com/wp-content/uploads/carrabbas.jpg

Jenny's Blog: Week 1

Jenny I completely agree. I love the save shortcut it helps a lot. I also love dogs they are amazing animals.

Post 1- 9/29/11

Tech Tip:
Locking Your Computer
-I love having the ability to lock my computer when I leave it for a second.  In class whether I get up to ask a question or leave the room to use the bathroom, I simply press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and an option to lock my computer comes up.  Now no one can use my computer unless they enter my username and password. 
http://www.clickonf5.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/lock-computer.gif
Class Reflection:
Clinicals
-In Nursing we spend two days a week at Women and Babies Hospital.  This week I was able to spend five hours in the OR watching a Total Abdominal hysterectomy.  It was one of the most interesting and complex things I had ever watched.  I liked watching the surgery, but I could never be an OR nurse.  They have a lot of responsibilities but for most of the surgery they are standing still.  I am one of those people that needs to be constantly on the move.  I am better skilled to be a floor nurse, helping several patients and having several responsibilities. Also I really hated wearing those facemasks. I could barely breath and I was wearing one for five hours!
http://healthsciencetechnology.wikispaces.com/file/view/operating-room.jpg/196272062/operating-room.jpg
Class Topic:
Blogging
-I am completely new to blogging.  It is scary and exciting. Its intriguing how all of my classmates and I can blog and read eachothers entries as well as comment. This is my very first blog and I am still unsure if I am doing it correctly.  Lets hope so.
http://www.buzzmarketingwithblogs.com/images/uploads/blogging_for_dummies.jpg
Favorite Animal:
Puma
-The Puma is also known as the Cougar, Panther or Mountain Lion. This is my favorite animal because it is a huge and powerful cat.  I have two cats, Roxy and Robot, whom I love and they are fierce housecats, if that is even possible.  I believe that housecats are lions at heart.  I've always thought that if I were reincarnated I would want to come back as a cat.  They do what they want when they want.

Puma



http://www.agarman.dial.pipex.com/puma.htm

Roxy