It's all computerized. The first day and a half are multiple choice, then second afternoon is case-based. It's a strange software with simulated cases. I am presented with a patient and brief history ("65 year old man presents to the emergency room with chest pain"), and then I take it from there. If I want to know vital signs, I click on "order sheet" and type "vital signs" as an order. I don't get any information that I don't ask for . Or I can type "appendectomy" if that's what is needed. (Better not do that for Mr. Chest Pain, though. That would be bad.) Simulated time passes, so if I wait too long to remember the EKG, my patient could die. It's a very odd little software program.
I'm trying to think of it as a video game.
I feel ready, though. Studying has gone well. I could learn more with more time, but I am somewhat back in shape. It feels good to use these old muscles, clear some cobwebs from my brain. The first week or two of studying I couldn't focus for more than an hour or two. But yesterday I made six hours straight with only short breaks, and I could have done lots more if it wasn't time for church. I am happy about the progress I've made.
Big thanks to everyone who's helped out during this time of studying. Thanks to Mamaw and Beth for all of the hours of babysitting so I could study. Thanks to Sandra at the cafe for the gallons and gallons of sweet tea. And thanks honey for your support. I couldn't do it without you.
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7 comments:
Good Luck!!
update:
now i'm panicking. i am not ready at all. i am going to fail.
You are so not going to fail! I will be praying tomorrow and wednesday. Remember you just have to finish and you win! See you Sunday.
you're probably already at the testing location, but just so you know, you've got this in the bag. just don't apendect any chest pains.
YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
WE LOVE YOU!!!
KICK SOME BUTT!!!...and then right up a chart about it!!! :)
Brandi, you will not present with chest pains and you have got this. I and others will be praying for you.
Ah, I'm late! I hope your first day of testing went wonderfully and tomorrow goes even better. You're so close to being done! :] Good luck, you're in my prayers!!!
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