Happy Earth Day from the Environmental Awareness Committee!  Earth Day provides a perfect opportunity to evaluate the impact our choices and behaviors have on the environment.  The following tips can help you take steps to protect the health of our planet (and save money on energy costs, too).

Earth Day Tips:

• Reduce your carbon footprint: take the bus, carpool, walk, or bike whenever possible to avoid using your car. Take this Carbon Footprint Quiz to learn more.
• Recycle!  Recyclable materials include milk jugs, plastic soda bottles, laundry detergent bottles, aluminum and steel cans, and all colors of glass bottles and jars, newspapers, magazines, phone books, and junk mail.  Use these links to learn more about recycling programs in Toledo and Sylvania.
• At the office, remember to recycle paper instead of throwing it out (paper recycling bins for faculty and staff are located in the mail room area).
• Only use the printer when necessary, and when printing use both sides of the page.
• Don't throw out your old computer -- recycle it!  Goodwill's Reconnect program now accepts donations of old computers and computer parts. The service is free, and keeps harmful chemicals from entering local streams and soil.
• Switch to energy-saving light bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than standard light bulbs...or better yet, rely on natural light during the day.
• Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth and limit shower time.
• Buy local! Buying local not only benefits the local economy, but it also reduces the use of transportation (and gas) used in shipping out of town materials. Find out where to buy local at www.toledochooselocal.com.
• Allow grass clippings to stay on the lawn instead of bagging them. The cut grass will decompose and return to the soil naturally.
• Hang laundry out to dry instead of using the dryer.
• Rather than writing checks and stuffing envelopes each month, switch to online billing and reduce the paperwork associated with your bank and credit card accounts.
• Rent books and magazines from the library instead of purchasing them.
• In winter, turn your heater down a few degrees and bundle up; in the summer, only use the air conditioning when necessary.
• Instead of packing your lunch in plastic bags, opt for reusable containers.
• Bring your own bags to the grocery or retail store.
• Reduce your consumption of meat and dairy -- not only will you lower your cholesterol, but you will help reduce water pollution and land devastation.
• Buy organic! Help reduce pollution from chemicals.

In the spirit of St. Francis, the Environmental Awareness Committee believes in the importance of reverencing all creation and working for the sustainability of planet Earth. 

The purpose of this campus-wide committee is to:

• Coordinate campus-wide recycling efforts;
• Educate the entire campus on:

1. Recycling
2. The use of ‘green’ products
3. Energy conservation

• Promote environmentally friendly behavioral changes.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 9:20:18 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

The first week of photo shoots begins today. A total of 20 esteemed faculty will have their photos taken today. Feel free to stop by and watch your faculty pose for the camera. We are in SJH 110 from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. today.

Tomorrow, we will begin taking photos of those students who volunteered. Remember, if you volunteer, you get a gift certificate to the book store.

Share your stories about your favorite instructors.

Catch you later.

Monday, April 21, 2008 8:28:29 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Things are going well.  I am ahead on the rest of my schoolwork that is due this semester.  All I have to worry about is one exam in each class.  I became aware of my purpose in life last week.  I am also starting a new job this week.

I will be serving at Olive Garden.  I think this will actually turn out to be a better place than Ground Round.  They've got medical, dental, and vision insurance.  They will match me up to 6% on a 401K.  I get 25% off at any Olive Garden, Lonestar, Red Lobster, Bahama Mama (they have one in Cincy - I've eaten there a couple of times) in the US for groups up to 8 people.  There are hundreds of other little perks too.  They also have a discrimination policy that covers sexual orientation. 

So, once I get settled, everyone come to Olive Garden and give me all your money :)

The new SGA officers will be announced tomorrow.  I'm a little nervous, but it's all good.  There were some great people running this year.  The SGA Inaugural Ball is this Friday.

The Day of Silence activities also kick off this week.  I've got to head over to Tim's to help him put these pictures together. 

I have to go to the Student and Alumni Connection meeting on May 1st.  I guess someone nominated me for Alumni of the Year.  Yes, technically, I'm an alumna, but I don't really consider myself one.

Then I have the Sigma Alpha Pi Induction Ceremony on May 12th.  On May 14th is the Annual Awards Ceremony - I guess I'm nominated for something there too.  Then, the 17th is Commencement.  Oh yeah - the SGA and Prism meetings are in there too.  Almost forgot that I also have classes as well.....

Wow.

Is it bad that I'm more worried about how to make it to all of these events than concentrating on my finals?

Sunday, April 20, 2008 12:56:59 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [8] | 

If you were anywhere near Sylvania, Ohio last week, you may have sensed a great deal of energy – especially on the campus of the Sisters of St. Francis. About ninety members of our congregation gathered for our once-every-four-years General Chapter (a week-long meeting during which we talked about the issues that we want to focus on during the next four years and we elected our leadership team). Okay, it’s not quite on the same scale as the gatherings that are taking place this week to greet Pope Benedict, but for those of us who were part of the Chapter meeting it was a remarkable, energizing, and spirit-filled week.

People often ask if I’m worried about the fact that there are fewer women choosing to become Sisters. The honest answer to that? Yes and no. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and the uncertainty about the future. You start to wonder who’s going to be here in 50 years and what will happen to our ministries. And then you find yourself in a room with 90+ women who are joyful, committed, and passionate about what they do and why they do it. You are reminded that you’re part of a bigger whole and that God is really the one who is in charge of all this. The founding Sisters who lived in this community 90 years ago never imagined what our life would be like today. We certainly can’t imagine what the face of this community will look like 90 years into the future.

So you move forward in hope and you trust that in the grand scheme of things, the message of the Gospel – the message of love and of hope – continues to touch people’s lives.

Thursday, April 17, 2008 6:22:04 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

The secret service has now cleared us to leave the hall and make our way to the reception hosted by CUA.

Thank you for letting me share this occasion with you.

It has been an incredible day.

Thursday, April 17, 2008 6:14:02 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

The Pope just ended his remarks to Catholic educators. It was a very positive message, one that often expressed gratitude for the dedication and sacrifices of educators.

He spoke of the hope that an authentic search for truth brings to the youth of our country.

The Pope encouraged a renewed commitment to educating the poor and disadvantaged, especially in urban settings.

Thursday, April 17, 2008 6:05:26 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

I just finished watching a video of Benedict XVI on YouTube. The Pope on YouTube – how the world is changing! It must be humbling to be in Benedict’s spot – to know that the world is watching you. And it must be frustrating – to know that everything you say gets re-hashed and re-interpreted.

In this video and in the news articles before his arrival in the U.S., the Pope has said that he comes to bring a message of hope. In this whirlwind visit, the stops seem so appropriate. Ground Zero and the United Nations…places that speak of the need for a change of heart. Catholic University of America and a gathering of college presidents…a reminder that education can open the door to that change.

I’m not fond of crowds and I don’t like long lines, but listening to all the news around this brief visit takes me back to John Paul II’s visit to Detroit in the 1980’s. I was one those folks in Hart Plaza back then trying to get a better glimpse of him through the zoom lens on my camera. The energy in that sea of people made the jostling and the waiting all worth it.

What are your feelings about this visit?

Thursday, April 17, 2008 5:56:26 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

As 5 p.m. drew closer, the sense of anticipation continued to grow in the room. It was especially good to see how excited the students who are present were. The students are serving as ushers and are doing a great job making all the visitors feel welcome.

It is now 5:02 p.m. and the Pope is now arriving on campus and the crowds outside are cheering loudly. At this point, they are asking us to turn off cell phones.

More after the address…

Thursday, April 17, 2008 5:16:48 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Cell phones ! I am strating to believe that they are a big rip off, or maybe I just don't have good luck with them ! I 've had every net work in the book, such as Cricket currently known as ReVol, Sprint, T-mobile,  and now Verizon ! What is going on ! I am really upset because I have no money, or a cell phone because my charger just refuses to charge it ! I think my cell phone is dead, but it can't be because it has not even been a year yet ! Man......I think I am going to go back to using the house phone ! I have lost more money dealing with cell phones then anything esle, if I didn't hae to buy so many cell phones maybe I will have spring clothes that fit me !  lol ! OR maybe NOT !

P.S I hope everyone has a great weekend !

Thursday, April 17, 2008 4:47:31 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [2] | 

Film clips are being shown of the last papal visit to CUA by John Paul II. These same screens will televise live Pope Benedict’s arrival on campus and his steps as he makes his way to the hall.

Thursday, April 17, 2008 4:24:44 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

The doors are shut now and the president of CUA is giving a welcome and protocol instructions. The room is filled with the feeling of great spirit here in the hall.

Thursday, April 17, 2008 4:21:10 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

It's 12:52 when I'm writing this. Time to begin making my way to CUA (Catholic University of America), where the papal address will be held. Because of the incredible number of people who will be trying to greet the Pope as he travels to CUA, we are being encouraged to take the Metro.  So I'm heading underground to catch a train.

Thursday, April 17, 2008 1:13:14 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [2] | 

We just landed in D.C. The weather is perfect - a warm spring day.

It's time to pick up my luggage and head into the city. Talk with you soon.

Thursday, April 17, 2008 10:22:23 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Commencement is coming and with it summer session. Are you attending classes in summer?

Have you checked out the virtual wall at lourdes.edu/wall for the class gift campaign? It's a fun place for those undergraduate and graduate students who are graduating to show their school pride, network with other classmates and virtually market Lourdes!

Lourdes decided to change how we advertise summer session this year. We decided to market to students who are away at college in the Columbus and Cleveland area. In addition, we put together (through the assistance of our great marketing firm) some low-cost local radio and television ads.

The message: during the summer, take that general education course you need to take.

What are your thoughts?

We are currently working on upgrading our website. That should hopefully occur during the summer months. So make sure to check out lourdes.edu.

Also – a question for students. How do you prefer to read the student newspaper, online on lourdes.edu or as news snippets on lourdesworld.com?

Finally, don't forget to check the President's Blog while he is in Washington, D.C. for the address by Pope Benedict XVI.

Thursday, April 17, 2008 10:20:10 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [1] | 

Hello.

It is 8:40 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, and I am sitting on the plane in Detroit, Michigan, ready to depart for Washington, D.C.

There are other presidents from colleges and universities on board. We are all excited to begin this trip and looking forward to our meeting with Pope Benedict XVI at Catholic University.

The plane door is now closing. We are off to D.C.!

When we land, I'll send another update.

Thursday, April 17, 2008 9:26:35 AM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

 Spring is here and I have absolutely have nothing to wear, all my clothes from last spring shrunk to my nephew size! I tryed on my favorite shirt from last spring and it comes to my neck literally it is so hard for me to transform from winter to spring. It seems like I wanted spring to get here so bad however at the same time I still want it to be winter because all I have in my closet is sweat shirts, jeans, turtle necks, and, sweat pants. Is any one else in the same position that I am in ? lol, I might be the ony one !

Wednesday, April 16, 2008 10:40:59 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [0] | 

Yes, it has been awhile since I have posted and I apologize.  I have been attempting to get used to my life as an ICU resident and it is not easy.  I feel like I've forgotten everything I've ever learned in nursing school.  No one ever tells you that what you learn in school basically gets thrown out the window and you have to adapt to it.  So many times I have found myself thinking, "That's not how we learned it in school," or "That's not the way the book says to do it."  HELLO! That is the hardest thing to do, throwing away everything you think you know and trying to do something you know the book didn't teach you.

Take IV's.  God bless my instructors at Lourdes College for teaching my how to "properly" tape an IV, but frankly, I have not used that technique outside of school.  It is just not something that gets used.  And for goodness sake, learning to put Foley catheters in NEVER works the way you learn it in school.  Not at all.  Not unless you are inserting it in a corpse.  But I digress.

The school way and reality are at opposite ends of the spectrum.  Just because you learn it a certain way in school does not mean that it will be set in stone forever.  The school way will not always be the be-all, end-all of nursing techniques.  I have had to throw some things completely out the window and adapt to the real world of nursing, which includes not using a u-chevron to secure an IV, doing wet-to-dry dressing changes without forceps and using non-sterile gloves while doing so.  It's hard to throw some things away and adapt, but sometimes it's hard to so you just keep doing it the school way.  Some things that I still do according to the school way include the technique for pushing IV meds, assessment, and giving shots. 

On top of adapting to these changes, I have to accept change every three weeks as I change units that regularly and I change preceptors even more often than that.  And don't get me started about preceptors. I have been blessed to have preceptors that rival the angels of heaven and I have been cursed to have preceptors that rival the spawn of the devil.  The latter are the ones who feed you to the wolves without thinking twice.  They leave you completely alone, fending for yourself, and then try to take credit for what you have done.  I am not kidding.  It has happened to me and it is not a picnic.  I have had to ask to be moved from my unit because I swear I have been tempted more than once to toss my preceptor out the window.  Sometimes those thoughts are all that gets me through the day. 

But alas, I am a lowly new nurse, and I've taken a lot of crap for having a Bachelor's degree from some of the above listed satan spawn.  To them, Bachelor's educated nurses don't have the clinical experience.  We are not as prepared as our Associate degree brethren.  However, after being paired with some new ADN nurses, we all feel that we are in the same boat. We all feel like we know nothing, that we lack what they don't and vice versa.  Just because I have a Bachelor's doesn't mean I'm dog poo.  Far from it.  Sorry I didn't wait to get 30 years under my belt first, but I don't plan on being on a unit forever.  So I played it smart. Big deal, get over it.

And another thing about the whole Bachelor's/ADN thing--the new ADN nurses I have been working with have become some of my closest friends at work.  Because there are only five BSN's in this residency, three of us in ICU, all of us from Lourdes, we are kind of hard to come by and we get paired up differently every few months.  These girls have become my lifeline at work.  I can't stress enough how important it is to form relationships with your work peers.  These friendships have gotten me through so much thus far. 

So, all of you nurses graduating in May or those of you just starting out and everyone in between:  take it from me, being a new grad is scary, stressful, awesome and fun all at once.  You need to be open to change and have the ability to adapt.  Without it, you will go nowhere fast.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008 6:01:34 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [2] | 

Life is good. 

Validation is mine.

Last week, I attended my last event that I needed to complete so that I could become a full member of Sigma Alpha Phi.  I thought that this Leadership Workshop was going to be a joke and a complete waste of my time.  It turned out to be something that I needed for quite some time.

I have been obsessed with finding out my purpose - what I want to do with my life.  This has been going on for years, ever since my Junior year in high school. 

Well, this workshop actually gave me the answer!  No joke!

Throughout the workshop, we completed various activities that broke down what our talents and gifts were, how to use them, and who to reach with them. 

How easy was that?  For years, I have been beating myself up trying to come up with the answer.  This workshop let me find it in less than 3 hours!

Are you ready to know what it is?  I get a thrill out of just saying it.  I called my parents just to tell them what my purpose was.  When I told my best friend, Tim, he was just like "Duh - I could have told you that!" 

Okay. So here it is:

My purpose is to use my gifts of leadership and facilitation of change to encourage college students to take action to make the world a better place.

Seems simple enough, right?  I'm sitting here with this stupid little grin on my face even as I write this.  This is fantastic. 

Now - all I have to do is figure out what that means :)

Wednesday, April 16, 2008 4:00:49 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)    Comments [3] | 

Haven't written in a while, and I guess that after I got all over Tom, Joyce and Dale for that very thing, I should probably keep from lapsing into oblivion.

The problem has been that here in Business, we have some monumental things coming up that have been draining my time.

First, we are going for accreditation, and expect a site visit next week. You faculty know what that means, but for students, let me just say that I'm only slightly exaggerating when I say that the shape of our future depends on this. This IS a huge deal, and there are millions of things that have to be taken care of before, during and right after this visit. Please wish us luck. I don't believe there has ever been a site visit to this college that has been so underpromoted. Almost no one outside business knows this is happening, which is quite different from the many other visits Lourdes has hosted. I admit that does bother me a bit. The stress is the same, but the support has been underwhelming. We could use some support.

Then we have the dedication of the Center for Professional Studies the following week. A couple of us have been waiting for this day for 7 or 8 years. It is also a big thing. We are more than excited, we are hopeful.

I'll write when I get the time. Considering the fact that I've put in 5 of the last 6 non-promotional entries in the faculty blog section, I'm not stupid enough to think that anyone really notices. It's all good, I'm enjoying it.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008 3:02:17 PM (Atlantic Standard Time, UTC-04:00)