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Fingers Crossed

I took the first step towards my masters degree today! kudos to myself because after 1 whole year of numerous attempts I finally had that knack to say “I’m going back to school”. Well it’s not yet final I suppose until I get the results of my entrance exam but I guess that’s still note worthy. Not all people of my age would have the enthusiasm of going back to school for graduate studies. At least not after 2-3 years after college graduation. 

I’m crossing my fingers on this one! hopefully I get some positive vibes with my decision. I’m sure it’s going to be a sacrifice for my social life but on a positive note it’s going to be less gastos on the “unnecessities”. 

(Source: nerdyme)

Between a Need and a Want

My mind has been in a whirlpool this past few days. As usual it started at as fine then it went bad. I was so convinced that I really wanted to stay in Iloilo for another day of lagaw and tambay with officemates, friends and colleagues in the org. Unfortunately (or fortunately… it depends on what angle you look at it), I received an email coming from Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center telling me that I have just been accepted in the job I was applying. I can honestly tell you that I didn’t know how to react that time. I wanted the job so badly before. I wanted to be in Cebu but there are just a few bits of reasons that made me doubt:

a. I’m not ready for another adjustment period. Daw naanad nako nga Ilonggo permi upod ko. Naanad man ko sa environment nga dw ka comfortable lang but now I have to be back in the life I used to hate - being in a boarding haus, doing the laundry, worry about where to eat, doing some requirements for the duty (part of the RN HEALS program is to prepare some weekly, monthly and quarterly paperworks) etc.

b. I didn’t want to leave AYNLA especially now that I have an obligation in the Negros Occidental Chapter. I want to help MORE. I know I can help better. There are a lot of things in my mind, plans for the org actvities. I can’t just quit. And although I can always be an AYNLAn even in the metropolis of Cebu, it’s going to be very different, I know :(

c. For practicality reasons I know that my salary would never be enough to keep up with the cost of living in Cebu. I am also worrying about my family’s finances. I am worried that instead of being a helping hand I might turn out as an additional burden.

d. As you may have known I have 0 clinical experience and working in a tertiary medical center (the largest medical center outside Metro Manila) just scares the hell out of me. As a student I have neither been exposed to VSMMC nor was I able to experience interacting with Cebuano patients. Though I have to admit the training that I will get will be very extensive (which is actually good if you ask me), I cannot help but think about the fact that I did some shortcut on this. I should have started first as a volunteer in a small hospital.

e. I have to admit also that I miss being in front of the podium. I am talking about my previous job as a lecturer. Fact 101: when you work as a teacher you don’t have to earn your students’ respect because that’s part of the whole package already. But when you work in the clinical setting you still have to earn respect and trust from your bosses. It will be a struggle, I know.

f. I will miss the company of old friends, former classmates, colleagues from NGOs, students, and officemates. One very note worthy is that I also have a few friends na bag-o ko lang nakilala and how I wish I could have more time to hang out with them.

Well, I guess I’d have to take all of this as an opportunity to start anew - new life, new job, new friends. I’m keeping positive about it as I know I have many helping and praying hands behind my back. This is as I have said “crossing the rubicon”, there is now more turning back. Between a need and a want… for practicality and career enhancement sake, I’d go for the need. 

(Source: nerdyme)

Boredom and Getting Broke

I’ve been receiving a lot of good advises lately about being positive and not worrying about getting a job coz im still young. While I appreciate them all, I have to admit that it’s really not helping at all.

The boredom isn’t really a big deal although for some parts it may as well pose a problem coz i have all the time in the world to think about being “useless”. But boredom really isn’t the main problem. I mean having nothing to do at home except to stare at the computer screen all day and eat and take a bath and eat again and sleep and eat again and spend sleeping hours into skype and chat hours, is definitely my cup of tea (who wouldn’t?).

The sad and most depressing part about not having a job is really the part where you say “I’m broke” and I don’t even have money to pay for a 150-peso entance fee in my favorite bar (just kidding but i know you get my point).

(Source: nerdyme)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month This picture was taken during our Breastfeeding Health Teaching in Brgy. Tiringanan, Janiuay, Iloilo I accidentally covered the last part of the word on the paper. lol I’m thinking now if it would be okay to post our thesis about Breast cancer Awareness on tumblr in support of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.. hmmm.. EnnnnnK!!!! :)) hahaha
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This picture was taken during our Breastfeeding Health Teaching in Brgy. Tiringanan, Janiuay, Iloilo

I accidentally covered the last part of the word on the paper. lol

I’m thinking now if it would be okay to post our thesis about Breast cancer Awareness on tumblr in support of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.. hmmm..

EnnnnnK!!!! :)) hahaha

Sentiments for the Presumably Last Day of Lecture

I won’t call it official but I guess it would be an 80% sure that tomorrow might be my very last chance to do a lecture. On a positive note it might as well be considered as a form of vacation for someone who has been stressed out from 3 weeks of lecture.

There are a lot of things that could happen in the next few days. But the decision to “relax” is final (with feelings gid ni ya!). For once in my life I’m making a decision with perfect conviction and what’s more weird is that for teh first time I’m making a decision without worrying about the future (oh yeah! go Marc!).

Anyways, I’m spending a couple of days here in Bacolod. The weather is not precisely cooperating but hey at least I’m here. haha.. Wa wawart but I’ll try to enjoy Masskara without too much spending. I NEED this — yes, I need to relax. It’s a must, not a want.

(Source: nerdyme)

I have always been intolerant to pain. As I always say “Okay lang kung ako ang tutusok, wag lang ako tusukan”. But I took the challenge ‘cause I wanted to face my fears and I also want to make use of the chance when I still have the resources to pay for trainings using my own money (haha wla lang) I was delayed for 2 IVT Training batches already (The first attempt was postponed because of problems with my requirements, the second opportunity was delayed because I was hospitalized). Though it would still be a month and a half before I can finally call myself as a nurse-IV Therapist, I find it a very significant personal accomplishment that a “talawit” like me has survived the 3-day basic training. Above all the amazing new knowledge and skills I learned, I also had the chance of meeting new (and bond with the old) friends.
Zoom
I have always been intolerant to pain. As I always say “Okay lang kung ako ang tutusok, wag lang ako tusukan”. But I took the challenge ‘cause I wanted to face my fears and I also want to make use of the chance when I still have the resources to pay for trainings using my own money (haha wla lang) I was delayed for 2 IVT Training batches already (The first attempt was postponed because of problems with my requirements, the second opportunity was delayed because I was hospitalized). Though it would still be a month and a half before I can finally call myself as a nurse-IV Therapist, I find it a very significant personal accomplishment that a “talawit” like me has survived the 3-day basic training. Above all the amazing new knowledge and skills I learned, I also had the chance of meeting new (and bond with the old) friends.
Zoom
I have always been intolerant to pain. As I always say “Okay lang kung ako ang tutusok, wag lang ako tusukan”. But I took the challenge ‘cause I wanted to face my fears and I also want to make use of the chance when I still have the resources to pay for trainings using my own money (haha wla lang) I was delayed for 2 IVT Training batches already (The first attempt was postponed because of problems with my requirements, the second opportunity was delayed because I was hospitalized). Though it would still be a month and a half before I can finally call myself as a nurse-IV Therapist, I find it a very significant personal accomplishment that a “talawit” like me has survived the 3-day basic training. Above all the amazing new knowledge and skills I learned, I also had the chance of meeting new (and bond with the old) friends.
Zoom
I have always been intolerant to pain. As I always say “Okay lang kung ako ang tutusok, wag lang ako tusukan”. But I took the challenge ‘cause I wanted to face my fears and I also want to make use of the chance when I still have the resources to pay for trainings using my own money (haha wla lang) I was delayed for 2 IVT Training batches already (The first attempt was postponed because of problems with my requirements, the second opportunity was delayed because I was hospitalized). Though it would still be a month and a half before I can finally call myself as a nurse-IV Therapist, I find it a very significant personal accomplishment that a “talawit” like me has survived the 3-day basic training. Above all the amazing new knowledge and skills I learned, I also had the chance of meeting new (and bond with the old) friends.
Zoom
I have always been intolerant to pain. As I always say “Okay lang kung ako ang tutusok, wag lang ako tusukan”. But I took the challenge ‘cause I wanted to face my fears and I also want to make use of the chance when I still have the resources to pay for trainings using my own money (haha wla lang) I was delayed for 2 IVT Training batches already (The first attempt was postponed because of problems with my requirements, the second opportunity was delayed because I was hospitalized). Though it would still be a month and a half before I can finally call myself as a nurse-IV Therapist, I find it a very significant personal accomplishment that a “talawit” like me has survived the 3-day basic training. Above all the amazing new knowledge and skills I learned, I also had the chance of meeting new (and bond with the old) friends.
Zoom
I have always been intolerant to pain. As I always say “Okay lang kung ako ang tutusok, wag lang ako tusukan”. But I took the challenge ‘cause I wanted to face my fears and I also want to make use of the chance when I still have the resources to pay for trainings using my own money (haha wla lang) I was delayed for 2 IVT Training batches already (The first attempt was postponed because of problems with my requirements, the second opportunity was delayed because I was hospitalized). Though it would still be a month and a half before I can finally call myself as a nurse-IV Therapist, I find it a very significant personal accomplishment that a “talawit” like me has survived the 3-day basic training. Above all the amazing new knowledge and skills I learned, I also had the chance of meeting new (and bond with the old) friends.
Zoom
I have always been intolerant to pain. As I always say “Okay lang kung ako ang tutusok, wag lang ako tusukan”. But I took the challenge ‘cause I wanted to face my fears and I also want to make use of the chance when I still have the resources to pay for trainings using my own money (haha wla lang) I was delayed for 2 IVT Training batches already (The first attempt was postponed because of problems with my requirements, the second opportunity was delayed because I was hospitalized). Though it would still be a month and a half before I can finally call myself as a nurse-IV Therapist, I find it a very significant personal accomplishment that a “talawit” like me has survived the 3-day basic training. Above all the amazing new knowledge and skills I learned, I also had the chance of meeting new (and bond with the old) friends.
Zoom

I have always been intolerant to pain. As I always say “Okay lang kung ako ang tutusok, wag lang ako tusukan”. But I took the challenge ‘cause I wanted to face my fears and I also want to make use of the chance when I still have the resources to pay for trainings using my own money (haha wla lang)

I was delayed for 2 IVT Training batches already (The first attempt was postponed because of problems with my requirements, the second opportunity was delayed because I was hospitalized).

Though it would still be a month and a half before I can finally call myself as a nurse-IV Therapist, I find it a very significant personal accomplishment that a “talawit” like me has survived the 3-day basic training.

Above all the amazing new knowledge and skills I learned, I also had the chance of meeting new (and bond with the old) friends.

(Source: nerdyme)

I finally got it! Benign Essential Blepharospasms pala ang medical term for Raffy’s (of Biggest Loser) abnormal eye movement. I’ve always been wondering what that is. I used to have one myself back when I was still in gradeschool. Benign means that it is not exactly a medical emergency or life threatening as you may say. Essential in medical terms means “of unknown cause” (apparently I didn’t know this until I searched it in google). Blepharo means eyelids and spasms of course means muscle contraction.  According to blepharospasm.org it “usually begins gradually with excessive blinking and/or eye irritation. In the early stages it may only occur with specific precipitating stressors, such as bright lights, fatigue, and emotional tension. As the condition progresses, it occurs frequently during the day.” Blepharospasm is thought to be due to abnormal functioning of the basal ganglia which are situated at the base of the brain. In most people blepharospasm develops spontaneously with no known precipitating factor. However, it has been suggested that dry eye may trigger the onset of blepharospasm in susceptible persons. Infrequently, it may be a familial disease with more than one family member affected. Blepharospasm can occur with dystonia affecting the mouth and/or jaw. In such cases, spasms of the eyelids are accompanied by jaw clenching or mouth opening, grimacing, and tongue protrusion. Blepharospasm can be induced by drugs, such as those used to treat Parkinson’s disease. According to bettermedicine.com it may also be caused by increased stress, anxiety and fatigue
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I finally got it!

Benign Essential Blepharospasms pala ang medical term for Raffy’s (of Biggest Loser) abnormal eye movement. I’ve always been wondering what that is. I used to have one myself back when I was still in gradeschool. Benign means that it is not exactly a medical emergency or life threatening as you may say. Essential in medical terms means “of unknown cause” (apparently I didn’t know this until I searched it in google). Blepharo means eyelids and spasms of course means muscle contraction. 

According to blepharospasm.org it “usually begins gradually with excessive blinking and/or eye irritation. In the early stages it may only occur with specific precipitating stressors, such as bright lights, fatigue, and emotional tension. As the condition progresses, it occurs frequently during the day.”

Blepharospasm is thought to be due to abnormal functioning of the basal ganglia which are situated at the base of the brain. In most people blepharospasm develops spontaneously with no known precipitating factor. However, it has been suggested that dry eye may trigger the onset of blepharospasm in susceptible persons. Infrequently, it may be a familial disease with more than one family member affected. Blepharospasm can occur with dystonia affecting the mouth and/or jaw. In such cases, spasms of the eyelids are accompanied by jaw clenching or mouth opening, grimacing, and tongue protrusion. Blepharospasm can be induced by drugs, such as those used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

According to bettermedicine.com it may also be caused by increased stress, anxiety and fatigue

God bless all NLE Takers!

This morning I did my final recap on IMCI/COPAR/CD for the July 2011 NLE takers of NG Review and Training Center.  A good luck mass was held just a while ago. I can see that everyone looked a little tensed; some were just very good in hiding all their anxieties.

 

I can recall the same feeling a few months ago when I also attended our good luck mass before the December 2010 Nurse Licensure Examination. It was overwhelmingly emotional. I cried quietly at the comfort room the night after the mass. There was really nothing to cry about. Perhaps, it was more of self-pity for the stressful months of review that I may be wasting if I wouldn’t pass the examination. The night before the NLE, I and some of my classmates went to two of the most famous churches in Iloilo City just to meditate on the challenge that lie before us the next day. The frustration during that 24-hour pre-board exam period was extremely disturbing. And if taking the exam was difficult, waiting for the results was an even harder circumstance.

 

I only have one thing in mind to describe the kind of feeling after I did my final recap for the students. Self-fulfilling. The students were undeniably very eager to learn more, to do their best for the exam. If I could do more than just pray for their success I will do it without any hesitation. Taking cue from my personal experiences a few months ago, I know that what they are going through right now isn’t a road of roses.

 

My prayer now calls for “all” NGRTCI Reviewees to pass the board examination. All – because you all deserve the RNs at the end of your names. In closing, allow me to share these words from Mr. Alvin Cloyd Dakis, AYNLA founder and Presient, “Many of you may be joining the unemployment/underemployment caravan of 287,000 Filipino Nurses, but this is also the time to join us in our fight for equal employment, rights and protection of the dignity of our profession. Tayo ang mga bagong Puting Katipunero!” In a few months, I will no longer call you students but colleagues in the profession. 

(Source: )

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