Ok guys, I've got another cover that I need you all to listen to! Please be honest in your feedback.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
"Hallelujah" Cover
I'm in the middle of a singing competition on SingSnap.com. We started out with 50 people, and now we're down to thirty. Please watch my video that I made for the audition and give me HONEST feedback. I'm thinking about trying out for American Idol, but I want to make sure I'm good enough. Don't worry, I'm not thin-skinned and I appreciate all feedback!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
I'm a volunteer for the BP oil spill?
So I went to the BP website that they created for the oil spill going on in the gulf right now. They have various phone numbers on the right hand side of the page. You can call to become a volunteer or to register your professional services.
I AM a professional...being a nurse I thought they might possibly have some need for medical personnel at some point, so I called. They seemed very excited and took down my information. Then, they informed me that they have no need for medical personnel. What? The guy told me that he put me down as a volunteer and I would either be in an office or pre-treating beaches before oil spilled up onto them. He said I could also work with the wildlife but as a volunteer I wouldn't be able to work directly with the wildlife or touch it. So what would I do then? lol.
I can't really afford to quit everything and just volunteer down there. I felt tricked as I clearly explained that I was a nurse and was wondering if they needed nurses. The guy said it was great that I was a nurse and then proceeded to get my information. Oh well. My husband says that now I'll be stuck going if they call me. He said they'll probably say we had a verbal contract and threaten to sue me if I don't go down there if they end up calling me. That would be my luck. lol.
What do you guys think? I hope everyone is having a great day!
Here's the official BP oil spill website in case anyone is interested. Just click here.
I AM a professional...being a nurse I thought they might possibly have some need for medical personnel at some point, so I called. They seemed very excited and took down my information. Then, they informed me that they have no need for medical personnel. What? The guy told me that he put me down as a volunteer and I would either be in an office or pre-treating beaches before oil spilled up onto them. He said I could also work with the wildlife but as a volunteer I wouldn't be able to work directly with the wildlife or touch it. So what would I do then? lol.
I can't really afford to quit everything and just volunteer down there. I felt tricked as I clearly explained that I was a nurse and was wondering if they needed nurses. The guy said it was great that I was a nurse and then proceeded to get my information. Oh well. My husband says that now I'll be stuck going if they call me. He said they'll probably say we had a verbal contract and threaten to sue me if I don't go down there if they end up calling me. That would be my luck. lol.
What do you guys think? I hope everyone is having a great day!
Here's the official BP oil spill website in case anyone is interested. Just click here.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Another Writer Published an Article About MY Article!
Hey everyone! An amazing writer that is a fellow Associated Content writer and now friend, has written an article about the article that I wrote! My article is titled: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Life as an Army Wife". Her article is titled: "AC Article Review: TBI as Told by Army Wife Iva Gutowski". She contacted me a few days asking permission to write a review of my article and try to spread the word about TBI's and their devastating after-effects. I would truly be honored if you would read and comment on her page about her article...Tell her Iva sent you, and to also read my original article. It would really mean a lot to my husband as well. So, without further a due...here's the link to our articles:
Click here to read my article "Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Life as an Army Wife."
Click here to read her article, "AC Article Review: TBI as Told by Army Wife Iva Gutowski."
(You'll even get to see a rare picture of Josh in his Army uniform. (Don't you just love a man in uniform?! lol). The picture I posted with my article was of me and Josh and was taken right before we had to say goodbye. He was then loaded onto a military air-plane and his 18 month deployment in Afghanistan began.
Thanks for your support guys!
Click here to read my article "Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Life as an Army Wife."
Click here to read her article, "AC Article Review: TBI as Told by Army Wife Iva Gutowski."
(You'll even get to see a rare picture of Josh in his Army uniform. (Don't you just love a man in uniform?! lol). The picture I posted with my article was of me and Josh and was taken right before we had to say goodbye. He was then loaded onto a military air-plane and his 18 month deployment in Afghanistan began.
Thanks for your support guys!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Amazing Video: If WE Turn Things Upside Down
I can take NO credit for this video as I did NOT create it but discovered it on Youtube. It is such an amazing video, that I had to embed it into my blog. It was uploaded by Youtube user dorinel2001 on October 01, 2009. PLEASE watch this video. I think it sheds a lot of light on what our future may be like on this planet. Here it is:
If We Turn Things Upside Down:
If We Turn Things Upside Down:
I need Your Support
PLEASE check out my new article that I worked hard and long over and leave comments on the article at the website that it is posted at! It's titled, "Chronic Pain in America" and contains a lot of useful information. Here is the link to my article:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2816764/chronic_pain_in_america.html?cat=5
I really appreciate all of your support! I hope you're all having a great day!
Iva
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2816764/chronic_pain_in_america.html?cat=5
I really appreciate all of your support! I hope you're all having a great day!
Iva
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Healthy Snacks in an Emergency
This is a quick article that I wrote for Associated Content about snacks that are great for preventing serious blood sugar drops to very low levels.
From my experience as a nurse, I've witnessed patient's admitted to the hospital with blood sugar problems from skipping meals or replacing meals with candy. Blood sugar is really serious although I know it sounds trivial. Your brain relies on sugar as fuel to keep your body in working order. It's a great idea to carry a couple of snacks with you in case you are ever caught in a situation where you can't grab something to eat.
As a rule, small frequent meals are best for you. They keep your sugar level more balanced and prevent the highs and lows from occurring as frequently. A few good snack ideas for when you feel your sugar dropping are peanut butter crackers, a bag of peanuts, beans, cheese, any kind of nut, a protein bar or shake, or a peanut butter sandwich. Basically anything with protein is a great idea. Proteins are eventually broken down into sugar in your body, and provide much more fuel than just eating plain sugar.
A rule of thumb for noticing if someone is having blood sugar problems is: "Hot and dry, sugar's high. Cold and clammy, give them candy." If someone is having a hypoglycemic attack (very low blood sugar), give them some orange juice, soda or candy to get their sugar levels back up quickly. Then, start giving them proteins such as the snacks mentioned above. The candy will cause their blood sugar to peak, and the protein will then prevent their sugar from bottoming out again.
Hopefully you will never experience any serious problems from emergency hunger. It is not something to be ignored. Do not skip meals and always carry a snack, especially if you are a diabetic. Although, everyone can have low blood sugar when skipping meals. Extreme low blood sugar can eventually lead to death. So take note of the snacks mentioned above, and plan to carry a couple with you wherever you go just in case. You never know what situation you will be in, and you do not want to experience any problems with blood sugar.
From my experience as a nurse, I've witnessed patient's admitted to the hospital with blood sugar problems from skipping meals or replacing meals with candy. Blood sugar is really serious although I know it sounds trivial. Your brain relies on sugar as fuel to keep your body in working order. It's a great idea to carry a couple of snacks with you in case you are ever caught in a situation where you can't grab something to eat.
As a rule, small frequent meals are best for you. They keep your sugar level more balanced and prevent the highs and lows from occurring as frequently. A few good snack ideas for when you feel your sugar dropping are peanut butter crackers, a bag of peanuts, beans, cheese, any kind of nut, a protein bar or shake, or a peanut butter sandwich. Basically anything with protein is a great idea. Proteins are eventually broken down into sugar in your body, and provide much more fuel than just eating plain sugar.
A rule of thumb for noticing if someone is having blood sugar problems is: "Hot and dry, sugar's high. Cold and clammy, give them candy." If someone is having a hypoglycemic attack (very low blood sugar), give them some orange juice, soda or candy to get their sugar levels back up quickly. Then, start giving them proteins such as the snacks mentioned above. The candy will cause their blood sugar to peak, and the protein will then prevent their sugar from bottoming out again.
Hopefully you will never experience any serious problems from emergency hunger. It is not something to be ignored. Do not skip meals and always carry a snack, especially if you are a diabetic. Although, everyone can have low blood sugar when skipping meals. Extreme low blood sugar can eventually lead to death. So take note of the snacks mentioned above, and plan to carry a couple with you wherever you go just in case. You never know what situation you will be in, and you do not want to experience any problems with blood sugar.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
"I'm Trying to Eat Myself"
The following is a 100% true story of an inmate that I had one time at my jail. Names have been changed and no confidential information will be disclosed. I hope you guys enjoy!
My nurse manager went into the booking room to make some copies of some forms one day when some inmates who had just returned from a court date entered the same booking room. They were wearing their orange suits and cuffs on their wrists and ankles. One inmate called out to her and started a conversation.
"Nurse! Can you come here please?"
My nurse manager walked over and said, "Hey John, what's going on?"
"I really need to see you in private."
"John you know that you need to put a sick call in for that. I'll get you a form and you can put in a sick call. Write down what's going on and I'll get you in as soon as I can."
"But it's an emergency."
"What kind of emergency John?"
"I'm trying to eat myself."
Of course, my nurse manager was completely shocked and informed the Sergeant on duty that this would be an emergency visit and to bring John into her office as soon as they got him un-cuffed. A few minutes later, he arrived in her office. She took his vital signs immediately and then sat down across from him taking notes on an emergency sick call form.
"Okay now John, what did you mean a few minutes ago by telling me that you're trying to eat yourself?"
John replied, "Well nurse, I'm trying to eat myself and it's not working out the way that I had planned and I decided that I might be in some trouble now. I wanted you to look and tell me what you think."
"What do you mean you are trying to eat yourself? What are you talking about John?"
John then told her the whole story. "A few years ago I saw this movie where a man was stranded in the woods. He was starving to death and couldn't find any food. He thought he was going to die so he took some string and tied it around his foot. His foot fell off in a couple of days and he ate his foot and didn't starve to death. A couple of months ago when I was going to court I found a rubber-band in the booking room and slipped it into my pocket. You know, jail food tastes like shit, and they really don't feed you enough here anyway. Well, I wasn't sure if my foot would taste that good either, so I decided I'd eat my toe first and if it tasted good, I'd do my foot next. I put the rubber-band around my little toe and thought it'd fall off in a couple of days like it did in the movie. But it never did. Now it's been like two months and I've tried to break it off, but STILL can't. I'd like it if you guys could help me get it off the rest of the way and I'd like to go ahead and eat it."
Naturally, my nurse manager and the guard who were present were in utter shock.
"John, can you show me your toe?"
John pulled off his shoe and sock and revealed his pinky toe. My nurse manager told me later that this was the first time in her nursing career that she was sickened to her stomach by something that she has encountered in nursing.
Well, needless to say, this inmate suffered from several mental illnesses. He is the only inmate that I have EVER been nervous around. It's not because I feared that he would try to physically assault me, but he was just really creepy and I always felt uneasy around him. He had been sent out a couple of times previously to mental institutions who got him on regular medication regimes recommended by a Psychiatrist, and then returned to our jail. He always took his medication, and seemed stable. Apparently he wasn't. He was sent to the local Emergency Room immediately and a few hours they sent him back. Surprisingly, they didn't take the rubber band off and instructed us not to.
When I arrived at work the day after he had came back from the ER, I got to examine his foot and do a dressing change. Our own Nurse Practitioner had advised us to do sterile dressing changes each day. At this point, his toe was completely Gangrenous. At the base of the toe where it connects to the foot, nothing was left but bone. On the tip of the toe some black, shriveled up skin, and pus was present. The gangrene had started moving up the outside part of his foot. The odor was horrific. I was truly afraid that his toe was going to fall off in my hand as the muscle was now gone and he no longer could move his own toe very well.
We sent him to an Orthopedic Surgeon to hopefully have the toe amputated. This surgeon refused him as a client, which is totally legal, and we had to search for another one who would treat him. We found one and got him in for an appointment immediately. The surgery was scheduled for a week away and we were to continue the daily dressing changes and continue the antibiotics which we had already started him on.
At some point during this one week waiting period, he decided that since he could not break his toe off, that he was going to turn it into a "shank". Inmates will often collect rather odd items that they feel can be sharpened into a "jail knife". These jail-made knives are referred to as shanks. A guard discovered him attempting to sharpen his toe on his cell wall and brought him down to the nursing station.
When asked what he was trying to do, John stated, "I'm trying to turn my toe into a shank. I can't break it off, and you guys tell me that I can't eat it, so I wanted to do something useful with it. He told me to make it into a shank".
I asked him, "Who told you to turn it into a shank?"
"Oscar told me to."
"John, who's Oscar."
"He's the terrorist from Latin America who lives inside of me. He's still alive, but he lives inside of me. He tells me to hurt people. You just watch, I'm going to stab someone with my toe and you'll be sorry that you didn't let me eat it."
LONG story slightly shorter, John finally had his toe amputated. The rest of the foot healed and was once again healthy. We found him another great Psychiatrist who has been working with him ever since he recovered from surgery. He was a little angry with us for a few days after his surgery because the doctor wouldn't let him have his toe and we wouldn't let him eat it but finally told us that he understood we were just trying to take care of him.
Oh how many more stories I have like this one! I've discovered that many people who end up in jails are mentally ill but for whatever reason don't seek treatment. They may not have insurance, money for out-of-pocket health care and medication costs, or may not even realize they have a treatable condition, and this can all lead to behavioral issues landing them in jail. Hope this didn't gross you out too much. As always, I hope you're all having a wonderful day!
My nurse manager went into the booking room to make some copies of some forms one day when some inmates who had just returned from a court date entered the same booking room. They were wearing their orange suits and cuffs on their wrists and ankles. One inmate called out to her and started a conversation.
"Nurse! Can you come here please?"
My nurse manager walked over and said, "Hey John, what's going on?"
"I really need to see you in private."
"John you know that you need to put a sick call in for that. I'll get you a form and you can put in a sick call. Write down what's going on and I'll get you in as soon as I can."
"But it's an emergency."
"What kind of emergency John?"
"I'm trying to eat myself."
Of course, my nurse manager was completely shocked and informed the Sergeant on duty that this would be an emergency visit and to bring John into her office as soon as they got him un-cuffed. A few minutes later, he arrived in her office. She took his vital signs immediately and then sat down across from him taking notes on an emergency sick call form.
"Okay now John, what did you mean a few minutes ago by telling me that you're trying to eat yourself?"
John replied, "Well nurse, I'm trying to eat myself and it's not working out the way that I had planned and I decided that I might be in some trouble now. I wanted you to look and tell me what you think."
"What do you mean you are trying to eat yourself? What are you talking about John?"
John then told her the whole story. "A few years ago I saw this movie where a man was stranded in the woods. He was starving to death and couldn't find any food. He thought he was going to die so he took some string and tied it around his foot. His foot fell off in a couple of days and he ate his foot and didn't starve to death. A couple of months ago when I was going to court I found a rubber-band in the booking room and slipped it into my pocket. You know, jail food tastes like shit, and they really don't feed you enough here anyway. Well, I wasn't sure if my foot would taste that good either, so I decided I'd eat my toe first and if it tasted good, I'd do my foot next. I put the rubber-band around my little toe and thought it'd fall off in a couple of days like it did in the movie. But it never did. Now it's been like two months and I've tried to break it off, but STILL can't. I'd like it if you guys could help me get it off the rest of the way and I'd like to go ahead and eat it."
Naturally, my nurse manager and the guard who were present were in utter shock.
"John, can you show me your toe?"
John pulled off his shoe and sock and revealed his pinky toe. My nurse manager told me later that this was the first time in her nursing career that she was sickened to her stomach by something that she has encountered in nursing.
Well, needless to say, this inmate suffered from several mental illnesses. He is the only inmate that I have EVER been nervous around. It's not because I feared that he would try to physically assault me, but he was just really creepy and I always felt uneasy around him. He had been sent out a couple of times previously to mental institutions who got him on regular medication regimes recommended by a Psychiatrist, and then returned to our jail. He always took his medication, and seemed stable. Apparently he wasn't. He was sent to the local Emergency Room immediately and a few hours they sent him back. Surprisingly, they didn't take the rubber band off and instructed us not to.
When I arrived at work the day after he had came back from the ER, I got to examine his foot and do a dressing change. Our own Nurse Practitioner had advised us to do sterile dressing changes each day. At this point, his toe was completely Gangrenous. At the base of the toe where it connects to the foot, nothing was left but bone. On the tip of the toe some black, shriveled up skin, and pus was present. The gangrene had started moving up the outside part of his foot. The odor was horrific. I was truly afraid that his toe was going to fall off in my hand as the muscle was now gone and he no longer could move his own toe very well.
We sent him to an Orthopedic Surgeon to hopefully have the toe amputated. This surgeon refused him as a client, which is totally legal, and we had to search for another one who would treat him. We found one and got him in for an appointment immediately. The surgery was scheduled for a week away and we were to continue the daily dressing changes and continue the antibiotics which we had already started him on.
At some point during this one week waiting period, he decided that since he could not break his toe off, that he was going to turn it into a "shank". Inmates will often collect rather odd items that they feel can be sharpened into a "jail knife". These jail-made knives are referred to as shanks. A guard discovered him attempting to sharpen his toe on his cell wall and brought him down to the nursing station.
When asked what he was trying to do, John stated, "I'm trying to turn my toe into a shank. I can't break it off, and you guys tell me that I can't eat it, so I wanted to do something useful with it. He told me to make it into a shank".
I asked him, "Who told you to turn it into a shank?"
"Oscar told me to."
"John, who's Oscar."
"He's the terrorist from Latin America who lives inside of me. He's still alive, but he lives inside of me. He tells me to hurt people. You just watch, I'm going to stab someone with my toe and you'll be sorry that you didn't let me eat it."
LONG story slightly shorter, John finally had his toe amputated. The rest of the foot healed and was once again healthy. We found him another great Psychiatrist who has been working with him ever since he recovered from surgery. He was a little angry with us for a few days after his surgery because the doctor wouldn't let him have his toe and we wouldn't let him eat it but finally told us that he understood we were just trying to take care of him.
Oh how many more stories I have like this one! I've discovered that many people who end up in jails are mentally ill but for whatever reason don't seek treatment. They may not have insurance, money for out-of-pocket health care and medication costs, or may not even realize they have a treatable condition, and this can all lead to behavioral issues landing them in jail. Hope this didn't gross you out too much. As always, I hope you're all having a wonderful day!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Jail Nursing Video
Hi Everyone!
I posted a blog the other day about jail nursing, and wanted to post this video that I found on Youtube about the profession. I obviously don't work at this jail in the video, but my jail is very similar. I think the only exception is that we don't have our own x-ray machine to screen for Tuberculosis. We actually give a PPD to each inmate which is the skin test for Tuberculosis screening. 0.1 mL of Tuberculin serum is placed right under the skin on the inside of the forearm and we wait 48-72 hours to see if a skin reaction occurs. If a skin reaction DOES occur, then we call a facility who then comes with a portable x-ray machine to the jail, or the inmate is sent out to have this x-ray. Also, we do not have a doctor present 7 days per week. We have a nurse practitioner who comes once per week to follow-up with inmates who need further medical care, have seen him previously for a condition, or who is not responding to treatment that the nurses have provided. Please watch the video. It's a great informative video, and accurately describes the everyday routine of jail nursing! Let me know what you think, and if you have any more questions and I'll be sure to answer! Also, I'm going to blog a couple of very interesting personal jail experiences very soon! You definitely don't want to miss that!!
I posted a blog the other day about jail nursing, and wanted to post this video that I found on Youtube about the profession. I obviously don't work at this jail in the video, but my jail is very similar. I think the only exception is that we don't have our own x-ray machine to screen for Tuberculosis. We actually give a PPD to each inmate which is the skin test for Tuberculosis screening. 0.1 mL of Tuberculin serum is placed right under the skin on the inside of the forearm and we wait 48-72 hours to see if a skin reaction occurs. If a skin reaction DOES occur, then we call a facility who then comes with a portable x-ray machine to the jail, or the inmate is sent out to have this x-ray. Also, we do not have a doctor present 7 days per week. We have a nurse practitioner who comes once per week to follow-up with inmates who need further medical care, have seen him previously for a condition, or who is not responding to treatment that the nurses have provided. Please watch the video. It's a great informative video, and accurately describes the everyday routine of jail nursing! Let me know what you think, and if you have any more questions and I'll be sure to answer! Also, I'm going to blog a couple of very interesting personal jail experiences very soon! You definitely don't want to miss that!!
Happy Birthday Mamaw!
Today, March 17, 2010, is my Mamaw's 86th birthday! Of course, it is also St. Patrick's Day, so Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! I'm so blessed to still have my beautiful Mamaw in my life!
We took her out to eat today. We went back to Asiana which is where she wanted to go. The waiters sang to her and brought her a paper rose as well. Mama went with us, and we all had a great time!
On another note, the refrigerator died today. All of the groceries in the top freezer and the refrigerator were thawed and spoiled and we spent quite some time throwing away food and cleaning up the mess. After Mamaw's birthday lunch, we went to Lowe's and bought a brand new refrigerator! This one is the side-by-side style so she'll have a nice big freezer area to store all of the meats and frozen goods that she buys.
I feel like I'm getting a sinus infection, and unfortunately, just had to lay down and sleep for a while. Hopefully my body will just fight it off and I won't get sick. ugh. Anyway, I hope everyone is having a wonderful day filled with happiness and good health!
Iva
We took her out to eat today. We went back to Asiana which is where she wanted to go. The waiters sang to her and brought her a paper rose as well. Mama went with us, and we all had a great time!
On another note, the refrigerator died today. All of the groceries in the top freezer and the refrigerator were thawed and spoiled and we spent quite some time throwing away food and cleaning up the mess. After Mamaw's birthday lunch, we went to Lowe's and bought a brand new refrigerator! This one is the side-by-side style so she'll have a nice big freezer area to store all of the meats and frozen goods that she buys.
I feel like I'm getting a sinus infection, and unfortunately, just had to lay down and sleep for a while. Hopefully my body will just fight it off and I won't get sick. ugh. Anyway, I hope everyone is having a wonderful day filled with happiness and good health!
Iva
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
3 Guitars and a Tractor!
Okay, I just stumbled upon this on Youtube and I just LOVE it!! Everyone could use some good entertaining and a laugh! They're right, these men DON'T need a drum! Also, I just have to point out that I LOVE how the tractor has it's own microphone! Have a great day, and I hope you enjoy!
Iva
Iva
Jail Nursing
I thought that I'd share a little bit about jail nursing. I have received some questions about this particular area of nursing, and thought it'd be interesting and informative to share. I work at a small county jail, and the guards are wonderful there! Some larger jails have way more inmates than guards, so the nurses sometimes have a little harder time. I'll start from when I first get to work. In the jail, it is impossible, and un-safe to push around a medication cart. We have the medications ready to pass out the day before, and as soon as I get to work it's time for the morning medication pass. I go to the male tower first and open a small door on the side of the wall to hand medications through to the inmates. It is just large enough to fit a couple of hands through, so they are not able to grab or injure you. After handing out male medications, I hand out medications to the females in the same way. I then gather the sick call forms and determine which inmates need to be seen that day for sick call. I let the guards know which inmates will be seen that day. A guard comes in and stays right beside me anytime I am working with any inmate. One inmate comes in at a time for sick call, and their vitals are taken, I address why they're at sick call, and treatment is prescribed based on Physician orders. Typical sick calls are for sore throats, colds, ear aches, tooth aches, skin rashes, high blood pressure and other common ailments. Pretty much the things that you'd go see your doctor for. However, you definitely get those inmates that just want sleeping medication so they can pass their sentences "quicker", or trying to get narcotics or other medications that we are not allowed to give in most cases for people in jail. I then document my sick calls, send in the daily reports to the company and pack the medications for the next day. While at work, I handle emergency sick calls, help inmates who are in medical distress and send them to the emergency room, schedule needed outside appointments such as dental visits, order supplies and assist with inmates who are being transferred to to other correctional institutions or who are being released back into the community. I screen each new inmate upon arrival for any medical problems and conditions, current medications prescribed and risk factors. These risk factors include mental state, suicidal ideation and tendencies, risk to others, etc. I have observed that many people in jail are mentally ill. Due to various reasons such as lack of education, assistance, or health insurance, these people go untreated for depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, and the list goes on. I've noticed that a lot of crimes that these people commit could be avoided if they were treated for their conditions by a healthcare professional. Many of these people self-medicate with street drugs or alcohol thinking that they can somehow treat their depression and anxiety. As a result, many people are arrested for DWI, DUI, drunk and disorderly in public or other wild behavior resulting from their drug use. Many inmates come in and have to be detoxed with medications to prevent serious and sometimes severe and fatal withdrawal symptoms from these drugs and alcohol. I have learned a ton in the past year that I have been a jail nurse, and enjoy educating these people on their options and reasons to become clean and crime free! It's especially sad to see minors arrested, and I always try to mentor them as a nurse to change their lives while they still have the chance to positively affect the rest of their lives. So overall, I love my job as a jail nurse. I'm considering attaining my certification in correctional health care and look forward to the chance to continue to positively affect lives and even if I just help one person see that they can have so much more in life by becoming a productive member of society, I'll be satisfied in knowing that I helped someone turn their life around. If you have any more questions, or if there's something that I missed, just let me know and I'll be sure to reply, or post another blog on jail nursing! As always, I hope you are having a wonderful day!
Iva
Iva
Fun Birthday Yesterday!
I had SO much fun yesterday on my 25th birthday! First, I had to go to the DMV to get my license renewed. (Ok, that part wasn't so much fun.) I passed and was given the paper driver's license. North Carolina is mailing them all from Raleigh now, so you get a temporary paper license. It doesn't have your picture on it, so you keep the old one for picture ID, and carry the temporary one with you in case you are pulled over. All I had to do was the sign test thank goodness! I missed the railroad sign though! In my defense, (hopefully), it was just a plain yellow circle. It didn't have the black "x" in it that indicates the railroad. Then, I went to visit with my nursing instructors. I haven't seen them since I graduated. I had SO much fun visiting with them. We talked for 2 hours! Then, my husband and I went to my sisters house. We went out to eat at Asiana (the best Chinese restaurant ever located on Hendersonville road), with my sister, her husband, and my three year old nephew. My husband bought this HUGE "birthday girl" pin that he made me wear on my shirt. The waiters came and circled around the table and sang to me. Then, one of them came over to "give me a present". He took a paper napkin and made the most beautiful rose out of it. It was some true talent! We went to the mall, loafered around, and then went home. It was a lot of fun and made me stop worry about getting old. lol. At least I'm old enough to rent a car now I guess. It's not that I think 25 is old, but ever since I hit 21, it just seems to be flying by now. I hope it doesn't fly by so fast that I'm elderly and in a nursing home before I know it! Here are some pictures:
Misty, Isaiah, and I:
(He's a comedian)
A normal picture:
Isaiah's Beautiful Eyes:
Misty, Isaiah, and I:
(He's a comedian)
A normal picture:
Isaiah's Beautiful Eyes:
Sunday, March 14, 2010
My Birthday's Tomorrow!
So, tomorrow, I'm turning the big 25. I'm going to be a quarter of a century old. Wow, that does make me sound old. A QUARTER OF A CENTURY!! My best friend Kathleen and her boyfriend David took me and my husband Josh out for bowling today. It was a lot of fun. We bowled two games. Josh one the first, and David won the second. I was last place in the first game, but I beat Kathleen in the second game, coming in at 3rd! That's all I could ask for, just to beat someone, being I'm such a horrible bowler. Then, we went up to Helen's Bridge. We used to always do that when we were all in high school. The legend goes...there was a beautiful mansion up there and the family was rich. The woman who lived there, Helen, had a young daughter. One day there was a fire and the daughter was trapped inside and died. Helen was so distraught over the loss of her daughter, that she went to the bridge behind their mansion and hung herself off of it. Supposedly, you are supposed to park under the bridge, roll up all windows and get out, but leave the engine running. You shut all of the car doors and say "Helen come forth", three times. When you do this, she is supposed to appear, lock the car doors, and burn her hand prints into your car hood. We've tried this, and it never works. BUT, it was fun to go up there again. Then, we ate supper at Huddle House and came home. I had SO much fun. So, my birthday isn't until tomorrow, but we did our get together today. Here's some pictures we took today at Helen's Bridge:
Helen's Bridge:
(Seriously, what's that random black thing floating in the air above the bridge?)
Kathleen and I at Helen's Bridge:
Helen's Bridge:
(Seriously, what's that random black thing floating in the air above the bridge?)
Kathleen and I at Helen's Bridge:
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Hi Everyone!
Sorry I haven't posted in forever! I've been working on another blog mainly, but have decided that I prefer Blogger. It's easier to use as far as copying and pasting my written articles and I like the user-format better. I'm going to continue to post new articles, but I need subscribers!! A lot has changed since I first started THIS blog. I am still working as a jail nurse, but my writing has picked up a lot more. I started writing for Demand Studios a few months ago, and I am learning so much, so quick, and getting paid to do it. I started writing articles for them that they were selling to eHow. Then, they hired me to write for Livestrong.com, and Livestrong Health. I write medical articles for these two sites. I've written SO many articles for them, but once they are sold to Demand Studios they are no longer my property, so I can't post them here. I still write for Associated Content just for fun, and also write a few for eHow that are not associated with Demand Studios. I will post those articles and any others that are still my property here on this blog. So, if anyone has any special requests for an article they would like me to write, or medical articles, just email me at IvaTheCitizenJournalist@gmail.com or send me a comment through my blog and I'll start researching, writing and posting. Thanks, and I hope everyone is having a wonderful day!
Iva
Iva
How to Make a Car First-Aid Kit
It's a great idea to prepare a first-aid kit for your car. You never know when you'll be the first to see a wreck or maybe be in a wreck yourself. What if either of these scenarios occur while on a lowly traversed road and you have no cell phone or no signal?
Possible Items for Your First-Aid Kit:
Sterile and non-sterile latex gloves
Non-latex gloves for those who may be allergic to latex
Band-aids
Gauze Pads
Antibiotic ointment
Scissors
Unopened bottle of water
String
Tylenol and Ibuprofen
1. Obtain a small book bag or other carrying bag that you can place all of your first aid items into. Be sure to pick a bag that is easy to carry and has straps to place over your shoulder.
2. Place all items into your bag. Try to arrange them neatly so that you can get to them quickly if needed.
3. Practice using the items so you will know how to use them in the event of an emergency. String can be used for tourniquets. Tylenol and Ibuprofen can be used per the manufacturer's instructions for pain, fever, and inflammation.
TIPS AND WARNINGS:
Be creative when making your first aid kit! Add items that you think you would be able to use such as CPR masks or stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs if you are a healthcare professional.
It's a good idea to keep layers of clothing in your car in case you break down in the winter. You can also purchase emergency blankets from most hiking stores.
Never administer medications to someone who is unconscious. Never take more than the recommended dose of Tylenol or Ibuprofen as they can cause serious damage and death.
Possible Items for Your First-Aid Kit:
Sterile and non-sterile latex gloves
Non-latex gloves for those who may be allergic to latex
Band-aids
Gauze Pads
Antibiotic ointment
Scissors
Unopened bottle of water
String
Tylenol and Ibuprofen
1. Obtain a small book bag or other carrying bag that you can place all of your first aid items into. Be sure to pick a bag that is easy to carry and has straps to place over your shoulder.
2. Place all items into your bag. Try to arrange them neatly so that you can get to them quickly if needed.
3. Practice using the items so you will know how to use them in the event of an emergency. String can be used for tourniquets. Tylenol and Ibuprofen can be used per the manufacturer's instructions for pain, fever, and inflammation.
TIPS AND WARNINGS:
Be creative when making your first aid kit! Add items that you think you would be able to use such as CPR masks or stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs if you are a healthcare professional.
It's a good idea to keep layers of clothing in your car in case you break down in the winter. You can also purchase emergency blankets from most hiking stores.
Never administer medications to someone who is unconscious. Never take more than the recommended dose of Tylenol or Ibuprofen as they can cause serious damage and death.
How to Meditate with Water
More and more people are incorporating meditation into their everyday routine. Water meditation is an excellent practice to learn and is very simple and effective for beginners and experts alike! Think about it, all of the water on our planet now, is the SAME water that was on our planet when it was formed. What kind of knowledge and healing properties do you think our water is capable of?
1. Fill your bathtub with water at the temperature you prefer for a nice, comforting bath.
2. If you wish to use essential oils, place a few drops into your bath and mix them into the water with your hand. Lavender and ylang ylang are great choices for relaxation and meditation.
3. Step into the bath and relax into a comfortable position. Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply. This will allow your lungs to fully expand and oxygenate your body tissues. Do not breathe with your upper chest, but instead with your belly.
TIPS AND WARNINGS:
Before entering the bathtub, but after the water is drawn, thank the water for the healing benefits that you are about to receive. It may sound crazy but it works.
If you don't have a bathtub, you can do the same in a nice warm shower as the water flows over you.
When you are ready to exit the bath, do not sit or stand up quickly. You will be in a very relaxed sit and have had your eyes closed. Sit and stand up slowly to prevent possible falls.
Some essential oils are not safe for the skin. Consult an associate at a health food store, or where you purchased the oil, about which oils are safe for this purpose.
Never ingest any essential oils as they can be fatal when ingested.
1. Fill your bathtub with water at the temperature you prefer for a nice, comforting bath.
2. If you wish to use essential oils, place a few drops into your bath and mix them into the water with your hand. Lavender and ylang ylang are great choices for relaxation and meditation.
3. Step into the bath and relax into a comfortable position. Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply. This will allow your lungs to fully expand and oxygenate your body tissues. Do not breathe with your upper chest, but instead with your belly.
TIPS AND WARNINGS:
Before entering the bathtub, but after the water is drawn, thank the water for the healing benefits that you are about to receive. It may sound crazy but it works.
If you don't have a bathtub, you can do the same in a nice warm shower as the water flows over you.
When you are ready to exit the bath, do not sit or stand up quickly. You will be in a very relaxed sit and have had your eyes closed. Sit and stand up slowly to prevent possible falls.
Some essential oils are not safe for the skin. Consult an associate at a health food store, or where you purchased the oil, about which oils are safe for this purpose.
Never ingest any essential oils as they can be fatal when ingested.
How to Beat Anxiety and Depression Naturally
Everyone suffers from anxiety and depression occasionally. This is a normal part of life. However, what about those times that you just can't fight it? What if it becomes a prolonged condition? You don't necessarily have to run to the doctor for a prescription. In fact, it's best if you can resolve your anxiety and depression naturally. If not, a visit to the doctor should be considered.
1.Lavender Essential Oil can be purchased at most health food stores. It's relatively inexpensive and has many uses. A bottle lasts a long time as only a couple of drops are needed. Put a couple of drops on a burning light bulb that will disperse the scent as it heats up. You can also put a few drops in a hot bath or mix with water and spray some on your pillow. As you inhale the scent it will naturally relax you and has been found to naturally alleviate depression and anxiety.
2. According to the American Music Therapy Association, listening to peaceful music for 20 minutes per day has been shown to improve or cure depression and anxiety. Choose music that is soothing and calm such as classical, to relax your worries away.
3. Find a room in your house that is quiet and free of spouses, children and pets that you can use to get away. Pull the blinds, cut off the lights and sit or lay down. Imagine a peaceful place such as an island with waterfalls and beautiful wildlife. Imagine you are walking around this island and petting the animals and smelling the ocean. Imagery has been proven to help relax the bodyand improve anxiety and depression.
4. Meditation is a practice that is becoming increasingly popular. Many doctors are now suggesting meditation as it has proven extremely beneficial in the improvement of mental health. Many books are available on meditation and many resources are available online for free. You may also be able to find local groups in your local newspaper who meet for meditation.
5. Herbal supplements are beneficial in some cases of anxiety and depression. Valerian root produces a calm effect and is a favorite in herbalists to treat anxiety. As an added bonus, it is also a sleep agent. Take it before bedtime to calm your nerves and give you a refreshing night's sleep. St. John's Wart is a long-time favorite to treat depression without many of the side effects of pharmaceutical medications.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
When suffering from an acute bout of anxiety, splash some cold water on your face. It will help divert your attention from a panic attack so that you may continue with your day in peace.
Never start an herbal medication without first consulting your physician. He will be able to evaluate your medical condition to ensure an herb is safe to take, and will be able to check for any possible drug interactions.
1.Lavender Essential Oil can be purchased at most health food stores. It's relatively inexpensive and has many uses. A bottle lasts a long time as only a couple of drops are needed. Put a couple of drops on a burning light bulb that will disperse the scent as it heats up. You can also put a few drops in a hot bath or mix with water and spray some on your pillow. As you inhale the scent it will naturally relax you and has been found to naturally alleviate depression and anxiety.
2. According to the American Music Therapy Association, listening to peaceful music for 20 minutes per day has been shown to improve or cure depression and anxiety. Choose music that is soothing and calm such as classical, to relax your worries away.
3. Find a room in your house that is quiet and free of spouses, children and pets that you can use to get away. Pull the blinds, cut off the lights and sit or lay down. Imagine a peaceful place such as an island with waterfalls and beautiful wildlife. Imagine you are walking around this island and petting the animals and smelling the ocean. Imagery has been proven to help relax the bodyand improve anxiety and depression.
4. Meditation is a practice that is becoming increasingly popular. Many doctors are now suggesting meditation as it has proven extremely beneficial in the improvement of mental health. Many books are available on meditation and many resources are available online for free. You may also be able to find local groups in your local newspaper who meet for meditation.
5. Herbal supplements are beneficial in some cases of anxiety and depression. Valerian root produces a calm effect and is a favorite in herbalists to treat anxiety. As an added bonus, it is also a sleep agent. Take it before bedtime to calm your nerves and give you a refreshing night's sleep. St. John's Wart is a long-time favorite to treat depression without many of the side effects of pharmaceutical medications.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
When suffering from an acute bout of anxiety, splash some cold water on your face. It will help divert your attention from a panic attack so that you may continue with your day in peace.
Never start an herbal medication without first consulting your physician. He will be able to evaluate your medical condition to ensure an herb is safe to take, and will be able to check for any possible drug interactions.
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