An M3 Shares her Whirlwind Experience at Medical School

This interview is the latest in an Accepted blog series featuring  interviews with med school applicants and students. And now for a follow up interview with Heather. We first met Heather nearly three years ago – you can read our first interview with her here.) Accepted: Last we spoke, you were just about to start med school at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM). Can you bring us up to speed? How have the last few years been Heather: Time is certainly flying! I am currently in the middle of my third year of medical school with 6 months of clinical rotations under my belt. Looking back, I can’t believe how fast it all went (certainly doesn’t feel like it when you are studying your life away!). In the past two years, I planned a wedding, got married, moved to a new apartment, and studied for and passed my Level 1 boards. Even with the first set of boards out of the way, I am already starting to study for my COMLEX Level 2 PE CE which I will be taking in March and May, respectively. This is rather early but I really want to knock these exams out of the park so I can focus on doing well on audition rotations during my fourth year. Accepted: Is there anything you wish you wouldve known as a first-year student? What advice would you give to incoming students so that they make the most of their time at med school?   Heather: Before going to medical school, I talked to more people than I can count about what to expect, but I don’t think any amount of advice can truly prepare you for that first year. Be prepared for a wild ride! In hindsight, my best advice is to find joy no matter where you are. The first two years of medical school can be absolutely brutal at times and it’s easy to get bogged down by the stress and anxiety of constant studying and exams. Remember to make time to enjoy your life, family, friends, and hobbies. Remind yourself often of why you started your journey in medicine and that you are extremely lucky to have this opportunity! Accepted: Two years ago your interests were OB-Gyn and emergency medicine. Has that changed? How have your rotations influenced your thoughts about a future specialty?   Heather: Wow! Yes, I’ve made a complete shift in my specialty preference. I’m actually planning to pursue either Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Pediatrics. The funny thing is, I always had an interest in both fields but never really committed to the idea. After several months of clinical rotations, I ended up loving nearly everything I’ve done: Internal Medicine, Emergency Med, OB-Gyn, and especially Peds! The common thread between all those very different specialties was the interpersonal relationships and opportunities to create a connection at a vulnerable period in a patient’s life. When I completed my Psychiatry rotation, I felt very much at home. I find the patients fascinating and inspiring. I love getting to spend more time talking with patients and working through problems that impact many areas of their lives. At this point, I hope to combine my two loves by applying to Triple Board residency in addition to Categorical Psychiatry. Accepted: Can we back up a bit to your pre-med life? Last time, you had mentioned that were a reapplicant and how you had worked to increase your MCAT before reapplying. Can you tell us more about that? Why do you think you were initially rejected? What did you do right the second time around?   Heather: I think my biggest challenge was that I was very much â€Å"average† in comparison to the medical school applicant pool. I also limited myself geographically when applying so I could be close to family and my husband. Combined, these issues limited my opportunities significantly. Although I did retake the MCAT and improved my score by a few points, I think the best thing I did during my gap year was gain meaningful patient experience beyond shadowing or volunteering in the ER a few hours a week. I obtained my nursing assistant certification and spent a year caring for patients in rehabilitation and private home care settings. In addition to more experience, I was also more realistic about applying to medical school the second time around. I applied to a greater variety of schools and strengthened my application with better scores, letters of recommendation, and real life experience. Accepted: How would you advise others who go through this experience?   Heather: With almost three years of medical school under my belt, I’m still so happy that I pursued medicine and the reapplication process. However, I advise anyone pursuing a career in medicine to know what you’re getting yourself into! If you can think of other things might rather do besides medicine, go do that! Medicine is an extremely rewarding profession but it isn’t without sacrifice and hardship. Not only that, it’s an expensive process. Applications, interviews, exam fees, study materials – it doesn’t end after you are accepted to medical school. If you determine medicine is the ONLY profession for you, go for it! Keep your head held high and showcase your strengths (research, volunteering, interpersonal skills, etc.) but also work on your weaknesses. Accepted: Can you share a few tips about the school-life balance? What are some things med students can do to stay sane during these rigorous, study-heavy years? Heather: Balance is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. Contrary to what society tells us, self-care is not selfish! School is obviously a high priority but it shouldn’t be your only priority. It’s very easy to lock yourself away, never spend time with friends or family, not make time for healthy meals and workouts, or stop doing things you enjoy. I promise you, an extra hour of studying is not going to make or break you, but neglecting your basic needs like sleep just might.    We are starting to realize just how prevalent burn-out and issues like depression, anxiety, suicide, etc. are within the medical community. While we all want to do well in our profession, do not do so at the expense of your health, relationships, or livelihood!    To read more about Heathers journey, check out her blog Pretty Strong Medicine. You can also follow her on Twitter,  Instagram  or Facebook. Thank you Heather for continuing to share your story! For one-on-one guidance on your med school applications, please see our catalog of med school admissions services. Do you want to be featured in Accepteds blog, Accepted Admissions Blog? If you want to share your med school journey with the world (or at least with our readers), email us at bloggers@accepted.com. Related Resources: †¢ Get Accepted to Medical School with Low Stats  (webinar) †¢Ã‚  Insight from a Successful, Non-Traditional Premed and now M2 †¢Ã‚  How the Adcom Views Multiple MCAT Scores

Identify the Cottonwoods - Trees in the Willow Family

The common cottonwoods are three species of poplars in the section Aegiros of the genus Populus, native to North America, Europe, and western Asia. They are very similar to and in the same genus as other true poplars and aspens. They also tend to rustle and chitter in a breeze. The name comes from the fact that their seeds are produced from a fluffy white cotton-looking covering. The trees like wet conditions and relatively hardy, even in areas that see temporary flooding. Their lowest branches may not be reachable, and if they are not surrounded by other trees or buildings they are often spread out as wide as they are tall. Types The Eastern Cottonwood, Populus deltoides, is one of the largest North American hardwood trees, although the wood is rather soft. It is a riparian zone tree. It occurs throughout the eastern United States and just into southern Canada. The Black Cottonwood,  Populus balsamifera, grows mostly west of the Rocky Mountains and is the largest Western cottonwood. It is also called Western balsam poplar and California poplar. The leaf has fine teeth, unlike the other cottonwoods. The Fremont Cottonwood, also known as the Western Cottonwood or the Rio Grande Cottonwood, Populus fremontii, occurs in California east to Utah and Arizona and south into northwest Mexico. Named after 19th century American explorer John C. Fremont, it is similar to the Eastern Cottonwood, differing mainly in the leaves having fewer, larger serrations on the leaf  edge  and small differences in the flower and seed pod structure. ID Using Leaves, Bark and Flowers Leaves: Alternate, triangular, coarsely curved teeth, leafstalks flattened. Black Cottonwood leaves may also have an ovate shape and the leaves of mature trees may show a light rust color on the side facing the ground.Bark: Yellowish-green and smooth on young trees but deeply furrowed in maturity.Flowers: Catkins, male-female on separate trees. On the Eastern Cottonwoods, males produce reddish catkins, while females produce yellowish-green catkins.. Black Cottonwoods produce yellow catkins on both male and female trees, while both genders of Western Cottonwoods produce red catkins.Fruits: Eastern Cottonwoods produce green capsule-looking fruits containing multiple cottony seeds. The fruits of Black Cottonwoods are similar except they have a hairy appearance. The Freemont Cottonwoods fruit differs in that it is light brown and egg-shaped. It bursts into three to four sections to release its seeds. Winter ID Using Bark and Location These most common cottonwoods become very large trees (up to 165 feet) and usually occupy wet riparian  areas in the East or seasonally dry creek beds in the West. Mature trees have bark that is thick, grayish-brown, and deeply furrowed with scaly ridges. Young bark is smooth and thin. Branches are usually thick and long. Since the wood is weak, branches routinely break off, and foliage is uneven. Uses Cottonwood is used to make storage boxes and crates, paper, matchsticks, and plywood. It is easy to carve, making it popular with artisans as well. Herbalists also use the buds and bark of cottonwood to treat aches and pains, skin health and other uses.

Writers Have Tools For Their Craft - 1547 Words

Writers have tools for their craft. In this writer’s opinion, all the tools of the trade serve their purpose and are needed, however, there a few that are critical to any writing endeavor; identifying the target audience, theme, language, and narrative structure. Each of these features are woven into the narrative with a specific purpose and are expected to work collectively to produce a story that not only expresses the tale but also makes a connection. This essay will strive to stress the importance of the writing techniques and styles shown through the target audience’s different roles, the language being used with the narrative, the narrative structure presentation, literary conventions produced and the theme(s) being incorporated.†¦show more content†¦Once the writer becomes confident that they have established their target audiences’ requirements, they must now decide upon which writing style and subsequent techniques that will be the most effectiv e for the work. These could include, but are not limited to the dialogue presentation, use of symbols, and themes. Dialogues within a narrative appeal to me as a reader for it allows the audience and the character to interact on a more personal level. However, as a writer, I utilize a more indirect dialogue method. I tend to use the inner thoughts of my characters to advance the story instead of character to character dialogue. I feel that it gives my main character more depth and enhances the connection between that character and the audience. Maxine Shore, the author of The Captive Princess, delivered a story with a very introspective style. She made the reader feel as if they were experiencing the world first hand alongside the protagonist, Gwladys. There was not a lot of outside conversation between the characters, instead, most of the conversation were centralized monologues and introspective wonderings by Gwladys as she interacted with her world. This style of utilizing the co nversational and casual observational atmosphere, much like David Sedaris’ Leviathan, allowing the reader to make a deeper and more meaningful connection with the CelticShow MoreRelatedLean Production : Toyotas Secret Weapon1314 Words   |  6 Pagesworldwide industry in its production system’s development from the very first one to the newest approach, which are craft production, mass production, and lean production respectively. The Industry of Industries in Transition. they look through the history of the automobile manufacturing by spelling out Henry Ford and Alfred Sloan, who left behind the old-fashioned type of production, craft production, and began a new age of the world manufacture with mass production. Also, they mention about Eiji ToyodaRead MoreLean Production : Toyota s Secret Weapon969 Words   |  4 Pagesvery first approach to the most current one, which are craft production, mass production, and lean production respectively. Basically, their main points are focusing on lean production and its development as well as related issues. Chapter 1: The Industry of Industries in Transition. They look through the history of the automobile manufacturing by spelling out Henry Ford and Alfred Sloan, who left behind the old-fashioned type of production, craft production, and began a new age of the world manufactureRead MoreThe Story Of Lean Production : Toyota s Secret Weapon951 Words   |  4 Pagesthree worldwide industrial manufacturing methods from the very first approach to the most current one, which are craft production, mass production, and lean production respectively. The Industry of Industries in Transition. they look through the history of the automobile manufacturing by spelling out Henry Ford and Alfred Sloan, who left behind the old-fashioned type of production, craft production, and began a new age of the world manufacture with mass production. Also, they mention about Eiji ToyodaRead MoreReflective Essay On Creative Writing730 Words   |  3 Pagesstarting with how to research for writing properly. â€Å"The Art of Research† by Philip Gerard, was my first introduction to the research process. Invention work is a valuable piece of writing. Invention work is more like the inspiration a writer draws from to craft. Before taking creative writing, I never researched facts to write a story or poem of my own. At the end of Week Two as a class we were required to bring two pieces of invention work that we made. The invention work was for a poetry portfolioRead MoreStephen King s Writing : A Memoir Of The Craft958 Words   |  4 PagesStephen King has a lot knowledge to offer about writing. His book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, is an incredibly genuine memoir as he reminiscences on his early poverty-stricken life. In the midst of his book, King provides helpful and efficient advice on becoming a writer. The advice that Stephen King provided in his memoir that I believe is valuable for me as a writer is that you must read a lot and write a lot, trust the use of your ow n vocabulary, using simple sentences is not a bad thingRead MoreThe Craft And Composition : A Writer Is Crafted By More Than Ability869 Words   |  4 PagesA writer is crafted by more than the ability to write. In many cases it s not about how precise the writer can write, but what the write has to write about. To have tools, but a lack of cause is pointless in writing. Therefore on page 9 in the Craft Composition: A Guide to First Year Writing at Armstrong, the main focus was on a writers mindset rather than their actual ability to write. This is because one can be extremely knowledgeable on how to write, but the writer must have a connection withRead MoreJohn Holland s Theory Of Types847 Words   |  4 Pages2012). Realistic (R) Realistic personality types like to work with animals, tools, or machines. Realistic individuals generally avoid social activities, such as teaching, healing, and informing others. They have good skills in working with tools, mechanical or electrical drawings, machines, or plants and animals. Realistic people usually value practical things they can see, touch, and use, such as plants and animals, tools, equipment, or machines, and sees themselves as practical, mechanical, andRead MoreThe Pony Boy Characterisation801 Words   |  4 PagesIntro: In one view, characterisation is the device that enables writers to unpack a character’s qualities. Pony Boy, the protagonist in S.E. Hinton’s teen drama, the Outsiders (1967), is portrayed as poor unfortunate boy living on the filthy uneducated side of the town. However, characterisation is more than just a device that describes a character. Characterisation is also symbolic. Pony Boy is not only an alienated teen, he represents all kids in the same position as him in real life, the unluckyRead MoreThe Heat Of Summer863 Words   |  4 PagesNo one likes to think about fall in the heat of summer, but prospective MFA students gearing up for application season, have no other choice but to spend these months drafting personal statements and writing samples. With acceptance rates lower than ever for Creative Writing programs, students spend rigorous hours critiquing their own writing and begging others (former professors, siblings, strangers) to offer feedback. As schools intend on keeping their programs boutique sized, it drives acceptanceRead MoreThe Importance Of Conferring At The Heart Of Effective Writing Instruction837 Words   |  4 Pagesand good quality writing. The writing process it the main focuses of the conference. Conferencing lies at the heart of effective writing instruction because writing, unlike any other subjects, do not have a correct answer. (Klein, 2011) An example of writing is like playing a sport because you have to put a variety of skills together to hit the target. (Klein, 2011) As teachers, we are like the coach of the sport we demonstrate the rules of the game and guide our students in strengthening their

Scope of nursing free essay sample

Expanding o r E panding your Scope of N rsing Nursing Practice – a practical g p guide Leanne Boase Deborah Pedron The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Scope of Nursing and p g Midwifery Practice What is it? Why Wh is it so important? Why is everyone y y talking about it? Who manages it? Who is responsible? The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Aims of this Presentation 1. To define what Scope of Practice means for Nurses and Midwives Midwives. 2. To present different concepts around Scope of p p p Practice 3. T 3 To report on findings of a small survey of t fi di f ll f nurses and Scope of Practice 4. To discuss expanding Scope of Practice and provide a framework 5. To relate these concepts to ‘real life’ nursing roles. o es. The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre According to our nurses, Scope Of Practice P ti (SOP) is: i SO SOP is Guidelines G and Frameworks we need to abide and work within SOP relates to what I am allowed and not allowed to do within my profession SOP relates to codes of conduct, ethics and professional conduct SOP relates to what a nurse can do within their skill base Area of tasks, procedures and actions a nurse can legally and safely undertake according to their training and education The scope of which p my role as a RN, specialist or credentialed DNE can work within Maintaining knowledge base and competency through constant learning and professional development The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Something which I am taught, qualified, taught qualified or competent to do Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre What is Scope of Practice? p â€Å"That which Nurses and â€Å"the range of roles, functions, functions responsibilities activities, which a registered nurse or a registered midwife is educated, competent, and has the authority to perform † perform. (An Bord Altranais p1) Midwives are educated, competent and authorised to perform. † (QNC p3) Scope of p p practice is not defined in many places. We should define nursing practice and outline principles to assist with the expansion of one’s scope p p of practice And/ Or Require the health professional to identify restricted activities. ( (DEST) ) The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service â€Å"What health care workers actually do in the course of their employment which encompasses the full range of nursing activities. † An individuals scope refers to â€Å"the activities which that nurse is educated and authorised to perform. † (NSWNA p1) â€Å"A professions scope of practice is the full spectrum of roles, functions, responsibilities, activities and decision-making capacity which i di id l within th profession are it hi h individuals ithi the f i educated, competent and authorised to perform†. â€Å"The scope of practice of an individual nurse or midwife may be more specifically defined than the scope of practice of their profession. † ti f th i f i † (ANMC 2007 p223) Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre What is Scope of Practice? p †¢ Our definition: Full range of activities that we (nurses and midwives) have been educated, deemed competent, and are authorised to do. It is t t d th i d t d i not just a list of activities and j tasks, or a role description. The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre What Evidence supports your SOP? †¢ From our nurses: – Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Number of hours per week working – Certificates registration Certificates, – Reflection – Document everything y g †¢ From the literature: – Maintaining records of:  » Reviewing journal articles  » In service education In-service  » Conferences  » Informal or formal discussions  » Accredited educational programs The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Who determines Scope Of Practice? p Is it the clinician the employer, the profession, the clinician, employer profession client, the registering body, the area of practice or specialty, the legislation, codes of conduct IT IS ALL OF THESE!! The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Who determines Scope Of Practice? p From the literature, there are several common themes: The primary determinant of scope of practice for all nurses and midwives is the enhancement of outcomes d id i i th h t f t for patients, and meeting consumer needs. Nurses and Midwives are responsible for their own decisions around scope of practice There are many factors that influence and contribute to scope of practice (Nurses Board Western Australia, Nurses Board of Victoria, Australian Nursing Federation, Ohio Nurses Board, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council) The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Who determines Scope Of Practice? p Employers, Employers Organisations their Policies Patient Consumer Needs Outcomes O t Professional Bodies SOP Individual Scope of Practice Nurse Or Midwife – You! Regulatory Authorities The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Law Craigieburn Health Service Professional P f i l Scope of Practice Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Why do we need to expand SOP? Nursing d Mid if N i and Midwifery experience and knowledge are i dk l d invaluable resources. It is natural for a Nurse or Midwife to evolve from being a novice, to an expert, and even further towards expanding their scope of p p g p practice, as they y continually learn and adapt to the needs of their clients Again, i A i primarily, expanding scope of practice must il di f ti t be driven by the need to provide improved outcomes and meet the needs of consumers. The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Why do we need to expand SOP? The Health Care Landscape is changing! y Think about the shift to community based and outpatient care, higher acuity patients, technological advances, etc. advances etc The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Why do we need to expand SOP? Nursing and Midwifery evolves along with the i d id if l l ih h health care sector. Nurses and Midwives are: †¢ Participating more and more in evaluation, g patient care assessment and decision making in p †¢ Professional – educated, competent, authorised and registered †¢ Participating in the growth and evolution th d l ti of health care The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Expanding Scope of Practice p g p †¢ How our nurses and midwives have d id i h maintained/expanded theirs: – Conferences/workshops/courses – Self-directed learning i. e. research on-line, journal g ,j reading – In-service education †¢ How they plan to expand in the future: – As above – Presenting in-services in area of expertise The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Expanding Scope of Practice p g p The key concepts for Expanding Scope of Practice found in the literature include: 1. The primary motivation of any expansion to scope of practice is to meet needs of the client or improve outcomes and access 2. The competency or task must be well defined and understood 3. Any expansion must enhance the existing aspects of professional practice 4. The expansion to scope is lawful, appropriate for the context, consistent with relevant standards, acceptable to the profession, consistent with the relevant profession organisations’ policies and consultation and planning has occurred. The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Expanding Scope of Practice p g p Key concepts of Expanding Scope of Practice – continued: 5. The registered nurse/midwife expanding their practice is already practising at an advanced level and has the education p p , p p and competence to perform the task, and is prepared to be accountable. They have been assessed by a competent health professional. 6. Nurses and midwives are accountable for making professional 6 N d id i t bl f ki f i l judgements when an activity is beyond their capacity and to initiate consultation/referral 7. Nursing and midwifery decisions are best made in a collaborative context, with ongoing risk assessment, planning, planning evaluation and support Always discuss expanding your scope with your peers, employers, professional organisations and your registering body. d i i b d The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Expanding Scope of Practice p g p There should be no artificial barriers to Scope Of Practice or expanding SOP such as: †¢ Ambiguous or inconsistent policy †¢ Overly specific or restrictive policy †¢ Inconsistent guidelines and frameworks eg. differences between States and regions †¢ Turf wars or uninformed attitudes The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Expanding Scope of Practice p g p When developing policy and planning for expansion consider: †¢ Permissive versus restrictive approaches – do you want to specifically restrict practice, or allow expansion to proceed within the broader guidelines? †¢ Profession versus client focussed approaches – it is best to be responsive to the needs of the client – ‘nurses will do what nurses needs to be done, providing he or she is competent to do it’. †¢ Competency standards should recognise the characteristics of nursing as well as the broader attributes or potential and i ll h b d ib i l d evolving roles. †¢ Overarching or broad statements are more effective than detailed or overly-specific statements when defining or expanding scope of practice. The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre SOP Expansion Framework Self-inquiry Define the task or activity you wish to add to your role, then ask: Is it legal? No STOP No Yes STOP Am I covered by Hospital Policy? Yes Yes Am I competent? Do I have relevant knowledge and confidence? Yes Am I willing to accept . accountability? Yes PROCEED The Northern Hospital Do you need to develop policy in line with the evidence base? Will this improves outcomes for the patient/consumer and will it improve access to services? Panch Health Service No STOP No STOP Can you access relevant education, education are you willing? NO STOP Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Key Take Home Messages y g †¢ This is relevant to all nurses and midwives. †¢ Not one single factor determines Scope Of Practice. †¢ Scope o p act ce should be shaped to benefit the of practice s ou d s aped be e t t e patient, and improve outcomes, as should any expansions to SOP. †¢ Governance of SOP is complex, but is essentially the responsibility of the nurse or midwife . †¢ Use this frame ork and information in conj nction framework conjunction with NMBA/AHPRA guidelines, relevant State or Federal Legislation, and your g , y employing organisation and it’s policies. The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre Questions The Northern Hospital Panch Health Service Craigieburn Health Service Broadmeadows Health Service Bundoora Extended Care Centre