Sophia and Jake Snowboarding

Today I went with snowboarding with Jake and Sophia. I used to work with both on Ward 46 before transferring to the ICU. Jake had gone snowboarding once or twice before but this was Sophia's first time. Jake is really starting to get the hang of it. Sophia like everyone else on their first day had a slow morning but was starting to get the hang of turning before the day was out. I really like taking people up to snowboard for the first time. I get to play on the intermediate slopes in the morning while they take a lesson and then I get to spend the rest of my day watching them slowly figure out how to control their balance. It is a lot of fun to watch their success by the end of the day.

ACLS Instructor

The past three days I have been working with WRAMC's Hospital Education and Staff Development (HESD) to earn my Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Instructor Certification. There were 9 of us earning our instructor certifications. The first day was just us reviewing teaching styles and then practicing teaching in groups of two. The second and third days we were teaching ACLS to about 25-30 students. As the picture shows, a bunch of dummies teaching the class!

Amy Loves Snowboarding!

I went snowboarding with Amy and Jessie today. Jessie is a pretty good snowboarder and it was Amy's first time. While Amy was taking her lesson Jessie and I hit the slopes. I had a few pretty good falls while trying to keep up with her.

After Amy's lesson the three of us hungout on the bunny slopes helping Amy get the hang of the falling leaf and then turning. She was really starting to get the hang of it before we left. I am sure she will be pretty sore when she wakes up tomorrow. I hope she doesn't have to work tomorrow...

CCRN Review

Yesterday and today I was at Washington Hospital Center in DC for a CCRN Review. The Army was kind enough to pay for me to attend the two-day course. I did learn a fair amount and came home with a binder full of powerpoint notes to study. I do not yet have enough clinical hours logged but as soon as I do I will be taking the test.

While in attendance the lead instructor kept reminding the RNs in the room how important it was to receive our CCRN certifications. She focused on us being better prepared to care for our patients and also allowing to show our pride in our jobs through advanced certifications. I so badly wanted share with the other RNs there about the Army Nurse Corps' bonus incentive program for ICU RNs with their CCRN.

Washington Hospital Center sure has a gorgeous facility and campus!