The "Final" Countdown

The "Final" Countdown

Well, it's here...finals week.  I have been dreading my final exam for Primary Care of the Family, oh, since the class started. No, but really, I know it will be okay, it's just scary in the mean time. I only have one final exam this semester, but don't be jealous. The one exam is worth 35% of my final grade and is cumulative. Now mind you, here is a just a glimpse of all of the topics we have covered this semester:

Well adult exams
Well child exams
Well women's health exams
Pregnant woman health exams
Pneumonia, Asthma, COPD
Pharyngitis, Ear infection, sinus infection, nasal congestion, eye issues, allergies
Hypertension
High cholesterol
Chest pain
Every abdominal issue under the sun from acid reflux to diarrhea
Domestic Violence
Diabetes
Lab readings
Pediatric development

Yeah. Treatments, assessments, medications, follow up, lab testing. GAH!

The good news is, clinical and our case studies (25+ page papers due every week) really have helped in this department. It would be impossible not only for us to remember everything from lecture alone, but also for our professors to cover everything we need to know in 9 short months. So, that's where clinical comes in. I have found myself reflecting on my clinical experiences to remember information covered in class.

Otherwise, things are good! I am precepting at Health Services today, but is very slow. We have seen only two patients, because I imagine many students have headed home, or, are busy cramming for finals and shoving their sore throats or stuffy noses to the back burner for a while.

It is hard to believe that time has gone so fast. In the blink of an eye, I will be in my last semester as a graduate student, and beginning to think about taking my Nurse Practitioner certification exam! It isn't too often that I sit back and reflect on how far I've come so fast! I still remember being petrified to give a medication let alone prescribe one.

It has  taken 2.5 years of hard work, perseverence, and faith to get me to this point. With the semester ending and 2013 fast approaching, I wish all of you a very happy, healthy holiday season and new year! May it bring to all of us a new found sense of motivation, optimism and drive!

Until 2013, folks, good luck with finals!

What, I can't date and you can??