First Day of Clinicals

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Photo courtesy of UAM-COT McGehee

2007 Practical Nursing Class

   A white blizzard hit the Leisure Lodge on Wednesday, Oct. 11. 

   The first day of clinicals for the crisply starched white clad students in the practical nursing program at UAM-College of Technology at Crosett had finally arrived. As the nursing students gathered early that morning, the air was full of nervous excitement in anticipation for what lay ahead of us in the day.

Photo courtesy of UAM-COT McGehee

   All of the training prepared me for the day ahead. Though I felt a healthy dose of fear, I knew I had wonderful instructors close by that would help coach me through any difficult situation I might find.

   Changing beds, bathing and feeding residents, straightening rooms and checking vital signs were just a few of the tasks faced during the day. The squeak of new shoes hurrying about the hallways could be heard as white clad nursing students were busy with their duties.

   As the day wore on, uniforms became creased and tightly knotted; hair became wispy of the students. After the long days work, a hot shower and a cup of coffee sure sounded good.

   That evening, at home over a cup of coffee, I thought about how the day had progressed. Though the day had been long and hard, it had been very rewarding. Facing the needs of so many and actually being able to meet those needs was a wonderful feeling.