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March 2021 CNSA - SACRAMENTO STATE CHAPTER VOLUME 38, ISSUE 2

My Journey from Pharmacy to Nursing

By Shannon Prasad

A
1st Semester

s a kid, I always admired health care professionals for their great per-
formance in their duty. I made a decision at seven years of age to work
in the medical field when I grow up. After I graduated from high
school, I continued my further education in Pharmacy from the College
Convenient and of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Science (Fiji National University). While I was
Fast, but Can It completing my Pharmacy education, I was also working as a Pharmacy Intern. I
Make Our graduated in December 2014 a few days before I moved to the United States of
America.
Community Last?
Page 2 My education in Pharmacy did not get cross-
Academic Burnout credited, so I chose to work in a nursing facility to
Page 3 see if I would like nursing. Working a few weeks as
Dealing with Death a Certified Nursing Assistant I fell in love with the
nursing career, and in 2018 I finally started my
Page 5
journey towards becoming a nurse by taking my
Meet the Spring pre-requisites, and here in Spring 2021, I am pur-
2021 CNSA Board suing my dream of becoming a Nurse. As I learn
Members more about the field, I get to expand my knowledge
Page 6 and experiences in providing nursing care. I also
get to help and meet many people of different back-
CSUS Nursing
grounds within nursing. But most of all, I get to
Students in COVID
make a difference in people’s lives. Nurses provide
Shot Clinics help to others even when they cannot keep going,
Page 7 and I want to be a part of that. People trust their loved one’s life onto our hands.
Mental Health Some important characteristics that compose a “good” nurse are communication
Matters skills, empathy, problem-solving skills, and a desire to keep learning. These are
all respectable qualities that I look up to.
Page 8
Campus Resources What I need to learn or observe to solidify my “idea” of being a nurse is the real-
Page 9 life version of today’s nursing profession because technology is changing so fast
Announcements in the modern times. One thing that concerns me about becoming a nurse is the
and Reminders responsibility I will have because so many people will trust me with their family
members. That is a big responsibility put on a person, but I feel like, in the end, it
Page 10
will all be worth it.
THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 2

Convenient and Fast, but Can It Make Our

Community Last?
By Andrea Miller
4th Semester

In 4th semester we all take a Public Health Nursing (PHN) course, N144. One of the assign-
ments we complete is called the Windshield Survey, in which we are tasked to go to a designat-
ed area of a specific school district and make (many!) observations. Essentially, we are trying to
gauge the health of the community in said area. The Windshield Survey really got me to open
my eyes to things I do not always notice. While I think of myself as pretty observant, rarely do I
think further down the line to what it means to the health of the community as a whole. It is
challenging to translate each thing I see into terms of PHN implications, but I also believe it is
something that is innate, while latent, within me. I have a great passion for human beings and
what they go through, as well as for helping to facilitate their discovery and movement towards
helpful, healthful paths.
Nutrition—seeing so many fast food joints
near my designated area was unsurprising. I
know the area. It’s never been an affluent one
since I have known of its existence. But taking
a second to look at them really shows how so
much of our country lives: off of food that fills
us for the moment but leaves our bodies need-
ing more. So then, not only do we eat more
due to emotional potholes, but because our
physical body is craving nutrients. And, listen-
ing to our hunger, we go back again and again.
It’s even in our hospitals: prepackaged, uber-
processed food warmed solely by microwaves.
Convenient, but questionably nutritious. The
enormity of this problem of food and nutrition
leaves me feeling helpless, and occasionally hopeless that any of it can change without some
major disaster that wipes out society as we know it. How else can we possibly deal with the
magnitude of it all?
Enter PHNs, working to change it all from the top down. That has always been a weakness of
mine, applying my work in a way and manner that works from the top down. It has always felt
intuitively right for me to work on the individual level, from the bottom up. I have yet to discov-
er and utilize the ways in which I might strengthen my ability to affect groups, communities…
policies. Just the word ‘policy’ makes me want to turn away. In this, I am thankful to have to
take this Public Health Nursing course in order to earn my BSN. I believe it can be of service to
me in my service to all. Broadening my horizons and learning new skills, while often uncom-
fortable, has always proved to be helpful. So, onwards and upwards, with a newfound gratitude
and healthy dose of respect for all those working in the public health arena
 THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 3

Academic Burnout
By Danica Stevenson
4th Semester
Class Rep 4

Academic burnout can be defined as a negative emotional, physical, and mental reaction to
prolonged study that results in exhaustion, frustration, lack of motivation and reduced ability in
school. I think we are all feeling at least a little bit of this right now. Nursing school alone can cause
academic burnout but adding in social isolation, double course loads, and zoom format makes it that
much harder to get motivated. Not to mention, many of us have additional responsibilities ranging
from extracurriculars to parenting. In order to prevent or recover from academic burnout, it’s
important to be able to recognize the signs.
1. Fatigue
Feeling exhausted even after
getting a full night of sleep is a
warning sign. This early symptom
contributes to diminished
immunity, insomnia, and loss of
interest in hobbies. Also, when
you’re fatigued it becomes harder
to prioritize the healthy habits that
keep you going.
2. Loss of Motivation
We’ve all experienced this at some
point, but chronic loss of
motivation leads to procrastination,
anxiety, and loss of confidence in
your academic abilities. Once you’ve lost your momentum, you may begin to dread going to class
or clinicals.
3. Irritability and Cynicism
When you’re fatigued and unmotivated, it’s much more difficult to stay optimistic. Students who
begin to view school with a negative outlook, tend to feel overworked and undervalued. This
irritability and cynicism can spread to others such as your patients, clinical section, and even
home life.
4. Mistakes
The combination of all of these can lead to a feeling of hopelessness. When every day begins on
the wrong foot, students can lose their confidence in their abilities. This self-doubt can lead to
mistakes like missing assignments or not engaging in clinicals.
5. Detachment:
Once a tipping point is reached, students may begin to isolate themselves and feel like they are
alone. If this happens, it’s important to avoid harmful coping mechanisms such as alcohol.
 THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 4

(Continued from page 3)

So what can you do if you recognize some of these symptoms in yourself? First off, it’s time
to prioritize your health. I know in nursing school nothing seems more important than
studying, but the more your focus on your health, the easier the rest becomes. It’s easy to
see how all of those symptoms listed above can compound and lead to decreased
productivity. So in order to get motivated again, your mental health must be supported. We
all know the classic strategies to improve mental health such as getting out in nature,
drinking water and exercising, and sleeping, and these are great… But there’s a few others
that are specific to our situation that may help.
1. Get Social Remotely
It may feel like you don’t have time for friends
in nursing school, but trust me you do.
Studying in groups (over zoom) is a great way
to be productive while also connecting with
others. Yes, my study group may get off topic
sometimes, but I needed those 10 minutes of
laughter to get me through the day of classes.
2. Hype Your Friends Up
We now know that burnout leads to self-doubt
and loss of confidence. Telling someone they're
doing a great job, might be just the thing they
need. Nursing is a team sport after all, so let’s
hype each other up.
3. Remember Why You’re Here
Your passion and excitement got you this far,
don’t lose it now. Think about whatever
motivated you to begin nursing school and
remember why you signed yourself up for
one of the most competitive nursing
programs in the country.
4. Get Involved
When you feel like you’re going through it
alone, it’s hard to find the joy in these crazy
semesters. Attending CNSA meetings,
becoming a peer mentor, or being a SIM lab
assistant can connect you with peers and White Coat Ceremony, graduating class of
faculty and renew that sense of community. Spring 2021

I am so proud of everyone in this program. We have 260 of the most intelligent and hard working
people. We got this!
 THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 5

Dealing with Death

By Gabby Bala
3rd Semester
Class Rep 3

I walked into my clinical rotation eager to take care of my patient that I had spent hours
prepping on the day before. I had taken the time to learn some phrases in her native tongue,
as English was not listed as her primary language. As I was receiving report with my nurse, I
learned that the patient was requesting to be placed in hospice. She was tired of all the
treatments, and just wanted to spend her last moments with her family in their home. I was
unsure of what to expect as I walked into my patient’s room to collect vital signs. Her
husband was seated by her bedside, with a blanket draped across his back, their hands
intertwined as they both slept. The patient was connected to a high flow nasal cannula and
barely had the energy to speak. I introduced myself to the patient and her husband and
finished taking her vital signs.
Moments later, my nurse receives a call light from my patient’s room––she is vomiting. We
decide to defer her medications until she is ready to
take them. As the doctors start their rounding, my
patient makes it known that she wants to go home.
The doctor tells her “If you were taken off of the high
flow nasal cannula, you would not be able to sustain
yourself. We would need to find a way for you to
bring home this high amount of oxygen.” My patient
responds, “I just want to see my kids.” The doctor
and I make eye contact. I see the sadness in her eyes
and know we are thinking the same thing: I want to
do everything I can for this patient.
Throughout the rest of my shift, the doctors were scrambling, trying to find ways to either
get the patient home, or get the family to visit without breaking any COVID restrictions. By
the end of my shift, they still had not found a solution. I left that day feeling broken,
wondering if there was anything I could have said to comfort my patient and her husband. I
felt ashamed as I could not bring myself to step into her room without becoming tearful,
while her husband remained steadfast and strong. The next day I found out that she had
passed several hours after I had gone home.
I called my parents that day (who are both nurses), and asked them if it gets any easier. My
dad––who has been a nurse for over 20 years––simply said “it never does.” It took me a
month to come to terms that I could not have done more for this patient, but every so often
the thought of her resurfaces and a part of me still hurts. I found it helpful to talk to others
about it, to write about it, and to continuously tell myself that what I was feeling was
normal. Through this experience, I learned that it is important to allow yourself time to
grieve and realize that dying is a part of life.
THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 6

Meet the Spring 2021 CNSA Board Members

Newly Elected Board Members! Congratulations!

DenMarie Abad Ashley Frost Rita McCann

Class Rep 1 Undergrad Rep 1 Pre-Nursing Rep

Check out the “Meet the Board Members” posts on Instagram (@sacstatecnsa) to get to know
more about the board members, their positions, and why they chose nursing!
THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 7

CSUS Nursing Students in COVID Shot Clinics

Nozomi (4th semester) Oltha (2nd semester)

Dr. Wall (Faculty Advisor) with Alice (4th semester)

Danica (4th semester)
THE MONTHLY SHOT
Resources
COUNSELING:
Student Health & Counseling Services
https://www.csus.edu/student-life/health-
counseling/counseling/
We offer confidential individual and group coun-
seling. If you would like to explore whether coun-
seling is right for you, the first step is to call us
during business hours.
If you are experiencing an urgent matter, you can
drop in during our business hours.
Location: Student Health & Counseling Services
at The WELL
Contact: (916) 278-6461
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
PAGE 8
CRISIS ASSISTANCE & RESOURCE
EDUCATION SUPPORT (CARES):
https://www.csus.edu/student-affairs/crisis-
assistance-resource-education-support/
The Sacramento State CARES office provides sup-
port to students who are in crisis or experiencing
unique challenges to their education. They address
a variety of issues including, but not limited to:
Transportation Barriers, Mental Health and Well-
ness, and Physical Health and Wellness.
Location: University Union, 1st Floor, Room 1260
Contact: (916) 278-5138 or cares@csus.edu
Hours: Mon - Fri, 8am – 5pm
THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 9

Campus Resources—Food Pantry and Pop Up Pantry

ASI Food Pantry ASI Pop Up Pantry

Registration once every semester:

https://asi.csus.edu/asi-food-pantry
TUESDAYS: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
FRIDAYS: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: University Union, Room 1246
Students are allowed to come once a week
and take 1 bag of pre-bagged food.
Fresh produce at no cost to Sac State
students in need
Dates: TBD
Location: Residence Halls Parking Lot
Drive up to receive your box of food!
Walk-up station will also be available.

For more information, visit ASI’s website https://asi.csus.edu/asi-food-pantry or Instagram @sacstateasi

Photo Credit: Andrea Price (Instagram @andrea.price.sac)

 THE MONTHLY SHOT PAGE 10

Learn more about

Men in Nursing at IMPORTANT
aamncsus.weebly.com UPCOMING DATES
& aamn.org
Events:

C.N.S.A. Meeting
Fall 2021 CNSA Elections Coming March 5th (Friday) at 4:30pm
Via Zoom
Up Next Meeting! (Link will be provided in cohort FB groups)
Come listen to a panel of guests in var-
Consider the positions you might like to run for! Finalized ious nursing specialties such as Rapid
info on available positions coming soon! Response, Peds Critical Care
Transport, and Peds Oncology!

View Past Monthly Shots Men In Nursing Meeting

March 19th (Friday) at 4:30 pm
cnsaatcsusacramento.weebly.com/ Via Zoom
(Link will be provided in cohort FB groups)
the-monthly-shot-newsletter.html

Submission for Articles for April Issue: Due 3/20! Contact Info
California State University, Sacramento,
Send to csus.cnsa.monthlyshot@gmail.com School of Nursing:
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819-6096
http://www.hhs.csus.edu/nrs
Phone: (916) 278-6525
Fax: (916) 278-6311
Write for the Monthly Shot!
Join CNSA: Monthly Shot Editors:
Each article is one CNSA event and is great for your Kyle Dela Vega
nsnamember- resume! Articles should be at least 250 words, and can Email: csus.cnsa.monthlyshot@gmail.com
be about anything nursing or school-related.
ship.org Faculty Co-Advisors:
We want to hear from all semesters! Dr. Denise Wall Parilo
& Dr. Bridget Parsh
“I’ve been doing
SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS TO CSUS CNSA chapter:
[nursing] for five years cnsaatcsusacramento.weebly.com
THE CNSA HISTORIAN! and I have so much to
Although our circumstances are learn. A lot of it just
different, nursing school goes on! comes from coming in “Like” Sac State Nursing on FB
www.facebook.com/SacStateNursing
Submit a photo relating to your nursing and loving what you do.
school experience for a chance to be fea- Ultimately, love your job Follow on Instagram!

tured in the next Monthly Shot issue, or and provide for what ev-
@sacstatecnsa

CNSA social media pages & meetings! er patient you’re caring @sacstatenursing

for the best that you can”

Send pictures today to:
csus.cnsa.historian@gmail.com -Nicholas Barry, RN