Q&A | What about labor and delivery??

First, there’s a question that keeps coming up in the comments, so I’ll answer it here! Some of you were surprised that I took a job on a med-surg floor vs. labor and delivery, since L&D has always been my goal.

So, here’s why: I will probably do something like L&D down the road, but to start out, I want to gain a broad base of knowledge. The floor where I currently work has patients who have a little bit of everything that can be wrong with a person. So, I can learn lots of different skills and meds. 

I can always specialize later, but I want to generalize first. 😉

That way, I will be a more versatile nurse and can float to various floors. That also will be a benefit if I decide to do travel nursing.

I know people like to hate on med-surg nursing, but honestly, I love the work I do as a tech on that floor so I am quite sure I’ll be just fine working as a nurse there.

Plus there is the huge benefit of already knowing the staff, the management, and the layout/routines of the floor. That will make my adjustment a lot easier.

I feel a lot of peace about my decision and I am happy my path feels so clear.

Random question, in past you’ve mentioned donating glasses you don’t need anymore. I’ve had to upgrade lenses strength this year but my old glasses are in almost new shape & I’d like someone to use them that needs them. I’ve googled for my area to not much avail.
Thank you for any help!

– Jennifer

I’m so glad you want to pass your glasses on in a helpful way! I’m not sure what area you live in but here are a few nationwide ideas.

The Lion’s Club collects old eyeglasses, and they have a partnership with Walmart vision centers. Click here to learn more about those options.

Also, I know some Lenscrafters and Pearle Vision locations accept donations of old glasses. Perhaps you have one near you!

I have read that you can drop them off at Goodwill as well, but honestly I’d be a little nervous about them getting lost in the shuffle of the mass of donations Goodwill receives.

So I’d be more inclined to donate them straight to the Lion’s Club or Lenscrafters.

In your Thankful Thursday newsletter from a while ago you were thankful for a kitty brush that you tried. You posted a picture, but I couldn’t find anything about the brand/model. Is it okay to learn the brand of this brush? I seemed to have created a bald spot on my kitty Juliet with a metal comb, “Furminator” and am looking for something more gentle.

-Allyson

Oh yes, I do love the brush I use! It’s this Hartz Groomer’s Brush and I bought it from Chewy (it’s only $5!)

I like it because it’s a little less harsh than some metal cat brushes, but it still does a great job of removing loose fur from Chiquita (Shelley is WAY less of a shedder.)

The little metal tips have a plastic cap and that makes for a nice gentle brushing experience. 🙂

I am curious. What is the topic of the major school project you are doing?

-Helen

So, it is a Social Determinants of Health project; basically I am analyzing my state and my county to identify some areas where people are lacking in things like access to healthy food, medical care, transportation, and so on.

And then I am identifying local resources that can help meet these needs. Ultimately, the idea is that this information will assist me in helping my future patients with the challenges they face.

It’s a valuable learning opportunity, but the instructions have felt a little unclear even though there is an enormous rubric to follow. So all of us are feeling a little stressed about whether or not we are doing this correctly.

Are you still able to get a student discount for symphony tickets after graduation?

-Regina

My summer symphony dress

I actually will, but it’s because I will be starting my online RN to BSN program in the fall. I will just be bouncing from one college to the next and I will maintain my status as a discount-deserving student. 😉

So, I will continue to darken the doors of the symphony hall (at least, once my weekend clinicals are over).

Got input on glasses donation and cat brushes? Share away.