CMV

I was born with a virus known as cetameglovirus (CMV), it is a member of the herpes family of viruses, and is very common. Between 50-85% of people experience the infection by the time they are 40 years old.

It normally does not cause any serious symptoms, usually the symptoms are mild if there are any. However for cetrain high-risk groups it can some cause serious symptoms. Unborn babies whose mothers become infected with CMV during the pregnancy, or children and adults whose immune system have been weekend by the disease or drug treatment, such as organ transplant recipients or people infected with HIV are at high risk for serious symptoms of CMV.

My mom became infected with the virus while she was still pregnant with me, I was born very ill, and was only given 3 weeks to live. The doctors said if I did survive my life would not be normal, I wouldnt be able to walk, I would be mentally disabled, and much more. However I made it and Im living today with only one remaining side effect of the virus. My right ear is completely deaf, and has been since I was born, therefore it is not a hinderance to me.

I spent alot of time in the Hospital for Sick Children when I was young, and I look forward to the moment I come full circle, taking care of infants who are just like me!

KidsHealth.(2006).Cetameglovirus.Retrieved Dec. 2, 2008 from http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/cytomegalovirus.html

His Laugh makes me Laugh

I believe this video demonstrates how a baby can be therapeutic for another person, notice the dads joy. I can imagine I would feel the same way if I had also been there experiencing this with him. However I have had many moments such as this in my life that have lead to my conclusion that babies are therapeutic. As a student and future nurse I hope that I will experience infants with the same joy as this amazing little boy. Hopefully their joy, will provide me the strength to continue being a nurse on the challenging days that I may face.

The Therapeutic Effects of Babies

For many teens today, it is a shame that they are not able to experience the therapeutic effects of an infant.
My life has been blessed by several infants of whom I have had the opportunity to care for and love like my own family.
Taking care of infants comes so naturally to me, and often I feel that these infants are what help get me through tough situations. I believe that they are very perceptive of the people around them, and I have seen them comfort me in their own little ways whenever I am upset or stressed. All I know is that when I walk away from holding an infant when I am stressed, it is like a burden has been lifted. I truly believe that they are God's greatest gift to me, and I want to make a difference in many more infants lives just like they have made a difference in mine. Which is exactly why I choose to become a nurse, I hope that in the future I will be working in an NICU, or mother-baby unit where I will be a blessing not only to the infants I care for but for their families as well.

Technology in Nursing

As baby boomers age, we are beginning to see more geriatric patients in our hospitals, and other health care facilities. In order to be prepared to care for these patients, we must try to eliminate most, if not all of the communication barriers that the patient’s and nurses are expressing.

Technology is rapidly becoming the easiest and best way to resolve most of communication barriers felt in health care facilities. For instance, the patient may have difficulty hearing, seeing, or speaking, for these issues, there are hearing aids, glasses, and electronic translators.

The possibilities are endless, the ways we can solve these simple problems are too numerous to mention. As the newest generation of nurses we can implement new strategies to make life better, for patients, nurses and their families!

Until Next Time,
Jen

Youtube

Stepping Stones in Life

Finally!! Finally, I graduated high school. This past weekend was my high school commencement. I recieved the diploma that I worked so hard for. The diploma that will allow me to take my life in any direction that I choose.

It's a huge step from childhood to adulthood.

It feels so good to get rewarded for all of the work I put into school.

So far, the step to university has been a fairly positive experience. Of course, there have been bumps in the road, but I am learning from each of the bumps.

One of those bumps, is the nursing program itself. I have spent alot of time in the past few months wondering if nursing is right for me. It is a wonderful program, it offers so much, and is designed so well. However, as a student nurse I feel unsure about going into the clinical setting to become a patients nurse.

However if there is something I have learned from my commencement, its that the hardwork will always pay off in the end. I learned that if I work hard, then I can get through the things that scare me, are stressful or even enjoyable. In the end, hopefully I will come through university and make another step in my life, the same way I did when I graduated highschool!!

Until next time,

Jen

Bridging the Gap!

Hi. My name is Jen; I am a first year nursing student at UOIT.

I’ve never actually had a blog before. My only experience with blogging is reading my dad’s blog during his mission trip to the Philippines.

However, I am excited about the outlet that blogging offers to express myself during this and future academic years.

What I hope my blog will do is create a bridge between myself and other nursing students, allow me to communicate with other students. As well as hopefully allow me to work as a community of students that use the blogs to help each other learn, share and receive advice.

I am excited about what this career has to offer and hopefully I can continue sharing my experiences with you.

Until next time.... Jen