Mea Culpa

"Mea culpa" is a latin phrase meaning "My mistake"

The following is a time log of my wrong assumptions, mistakes

and subsequent learning experiences in nursing school.

Being labeled as a "nursing major" comes with a certian level of expectation. People ask for my opinoion about thier sore throat, how to clean a cut on their hand, about why scarring is bad, etc. Most of the time I have an answer for them. I really enjoy helping people in situations like this, and it feels really good to put my education into use.

You know what else feels really good? The boost to my ego after I impress these people with my vast knowlege and impecable clinical expertise.... (This is when you learn that, at times, I can be incredibly sarcastic). I'll admit that sometimes I get a little too big for my britches and begin to think that I truly do have a vast knowelge and clinical expertise comparable to a seasoned RN.

It is usually right about then when I get knocked back down on my ass by nursing school. Nothing deflates a big head quicker than a 72% on a case study, learning that the placenta is completley different than you ever imagined or trying to argue an exam question about the nursing process with your professor. What's even worse? Making a mistake in clinical and being humiliated infront of the patient, seasoned RNs, your instructor and fellow classmates.

One day, after years of experience, I will will hopefully make fewer mistakes and probably be able to answer your complex medical questions. Until then, I will admit to my ignorance, confess my mistakes and document it all here for your pelasure and enjoyment.


The Time Line

1/26/12 - The placenta is an organ. Contrary to prior belief, this organ does NOT surround the fetus in the womb. The surrounding sacs are called the chorion and the amnion. These two fuse together later in pregnancy. This sac, then, is filled with the amniotic fluid. The placenta is just an organ growth that develops early on to facilitate transport of nutrients and waste between mother and baby by attaching to the uterus wall. Mind. Blown.

1/31/12 - For those of you who do not like reading about anatomical body parts or genitalia, I suggest you stop reading now. For those of you who are now intrigued, read on! Today, I must admit that I've never fully understood the anatomical location of the female urethra. Now, as a female myself, it is odd for me to admit that piece of information. Males, you may not understand my ignorance. Women, you've gotta be with me on this one, right?! Knowing its exact anatomical location or being able to visually locate the female urethra has never been a necessity in my life... That is until I became a nursing student. I have had the "opportunity" to place two female catheters in the past six months. I have never had to search or guess so blindly before in my entire life.

2/2/12 - Cirrhosis ( /sɪˈroʊsɪs/) is a consequence of chronic liver disease characterized by replacement of liver tissue by fibrosis, scar tissue and regenerative nodules (lumps that occur as a result of a process in which damaged tissue is regenerated), leading to loss of liver function. And apparently it is spelt with a "C".  Until today, I would have bet my paycheck that it started with an "S".... Once again, nursing school knocks me down a peg or two.

3/20/12 - Hydrochlorothiazide - a diuretic, antihypertensive.... and is used to treat premenstrual syndrome?! Where has this drug been all of my life? I never knew there was anything other than antipsychotics and ibuprofen to treat PMS! Huh. Learn something new every day.

3/22/12 - Does anyone know why bruises turn yellow as they heal? I feel like I should've known this, but today was the first time anyone ever explained the process to me. Bruises are a collection of blood under the skin surface. As the red blood cells in the blood break down and decompose they create a byproduct called bilirubin which causes the yellow color. Bilirubin is the same bodily substance that causes newborns to turn yellow and become jaundice!