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Summer Season for New Grads

Monthly Community Service Hours Completed: April 3 hours Cumulative Spring Semester Hours Completed: 26 hours May is quickly approaching, and with it comes the excitement of summer — and for many, graduation. In the Emergency Department (ED), this time of year often brings an influx of new graduate nurses. While each new nurse is paired with an experienced preceptor, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information being taught during each shift. I vividly remember starting my own career as a new-grad nurse in the ED. At the time, I wished for a guide — something practical, packed with tips and advice specific to the unique challenges of emergency nursing. That memory inspired me to create a resource for the new graduate nurses joining our ED this summer. The packet I developed covers common patient complaints, associated symptoms, and typical treatment plans. I also included tips and tricks that were passed down to me by seasoned nurses, such as: IV placement technique...
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Raising Awareness in April

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Monthly Community Service Hours Completed: April 10 hours Cumulative Spring Semester Hours Completed: 23 hours April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse survivors and promoting education on prevention. I felt especially grateful to participate in a youth educational event during this important month. The "Safe and in Charge" program, organized by the Louisiana Firefighters Foundation based in Baton Rouge, trains Louisiana youth in safe babysitting practices, as well as CPR and first aid skills. This particular class was hosted at Lane Medical Center in Zachary. It was exciting to see such a large turnout — we even had a waiting list! So, it was safe to say everyone worked very hard to have a successful day with this large group. This was my second time volunteering with the Louisiana Firefighters Foundation for this program. As an instructor, my primary responsibilities included demonstrating CPR techniques, c...
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"M" is for March...and MCAT

Monthly Community Service Hours Completed: March 0 hours Cumulative Spring Semester Hours Completed: 13 hours The spring semester always seems to fly by—perhaps it is my anticipation for my favorite season which is summer. Nonetheless, the transition into spring is always something I cherish. March brings about many changes—the days are longer, warmer, and you can feel that summer is just around the corner. Just like the transition into spring, we have also experienced a period of transition in school. This past month, we completed our last module in Medical Pharmacology and Principles of Pharmacology and are now focused on studying for the comprehensive final. Though we still have one last exam in Cellular Control at the end of April, I am finding myself with much more free time. This has brought me to a personal transition of devoting more time to studying for the MCAT and preparing for my next steps after completion of this Master’s of Science program.  I have previously begun s...
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Mardi Gras and Medicine!

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Monthly Community Service Hours Completed: February 4.5 hours Cumulative Spring Semester Hours Completed: 13 hours Mardi Gras has always been one of my favorite times growing up in south Louisiana. Many days are spent dancing to zydeco or New Orleans bounce music and eating king cake and crawfish. I suppose it would not be unheard of to mention you might spend some time running—like to catch the best beads from the float or to catch a chicken (if you’re spending Courir de Mardi Gras in Church Point!) But this year I learned of a new tradition—the Mardi Gras Mambo 15k in Baton Rouge.   I served on the medical team for this race. Each group was spread throughout the route and posted in case there would be a need for medical intervention. My partner and I were stationed at the turn around point (which happened to be the halfway point.) We carried around a red backpack with basic first aid equipment as well as emergent airway adjuncts and supplies specified to runners such as glucos...
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February Service Post 1

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Monthly Community Service Hours Completed: February 8.5 hours Cumulative Spring Semester Hours Completed: 8.5 hours The Louisiana Firefighters Foundation which operates out of Baton Rouge, has established a safe babysitting course for youth. Initially beginning in east Baton Rouge parish, the class is now being held in various locations throughout south Louisiana with hopes to expand throughout the state. While the class is advertised as a course to become proficient in safe babysitting practices, a large portion of the class focuses on first aid and CPR skills. With the goal being to familiarize the youth to situations that may possibly come about whether they are watching their siblings or hired as a babysitter. These skills include how to call 911 and give an appropriate report as well as being able to determine what problems they can handle and what problems require adult intervention.  I was one of three instructors teaching this class. It was very rewarding to watch the st...
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Mardi Gras Modules

Monthly Community Service Hours Completed: January 0 hours Cumulative Spring Semester Hours Completed: 0 hours  As quickly as winter break came, it ended. It was nice to be able to spend time with family and friends and rest. I spent time looking back at this past semester and realizing just how quickly this program is going by. We learned, laughed, and have grown so much from that first meet and greet at Rock ‘N Bowl back in August. But boy, did we hit the ground running this semester with an exam and presentations beginning. Such an appropriate time to begin our endocrine module as we enter Mardi Gras season. I can’t seem to look at a king cake without thinking about pancreatic beta cells—and maybe vice-versa! This semester will be challenging with the amount of presentations we will have; however, I am anticipating the appreciation for dissecting good research quickly and efficiently. The module topics this semester are also very interesting and I am looking forward to beginning...
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Santa, Sirens, and Service!

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Monthly Community Service Hours Completed: December 5 hours Cumulative Fall Semester Hours Completed: 12 hours      This holiday season began with a spark as I had the opportunity to volunteer with St. George Fire Department (SGFD) of Baton Rouge. Each year, SGFD participates in a Christmas parade in Baton Rouge where their fire trucks lead the way for volunteers of St. Vincent De Paul to collect nonperishable food items and toys from parade-goers to be donated to underprivileged families in the community. I truly felt the warmth of Christmas being able to serve our first-responders as they serve our community.      Station 62, for years, has been the busiest station in SGFD’s district. Apart from their regular station duties, the crews often have little time to make their station feel remotely festive. In preparation for the parade this past Saturday, I decorated station 62 with Christmas décor and prepped the truck with the supplies needed for the parade....
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