Mathematical encouragement.

In a couple of days, I will get deep and introspective and fill you in on the deep dark thoughts going around in my head.  So much so, you might think I need some anti-depressants.  But never fear, I officially start spring break after 3pm tomorrow and board a plane for CO Thursday morning where I will spend 10 days hanging with family, walking around a lake, snowboarding and beer tasting.  They have some good indie breweries in Colorado and I love me a sip of brew, especially when I'm stressed out.

But in the meantime, I have a crucial exam tomorrow- hence why I'm typing this.  I've been studying an unholy amount since class last Wednesday and I think I've reached the point where the more I study, the less I'm recalling- essentially dumber by the minute.  

Tomorrow's test covers everything critical about the brain (traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injury, neuro assessments) and endocrine (otherwise known as how in trouble you are if your hypothalamus or pituitary or thyroid/parathyroid/adrenal glands go south).  This test is crucial because this is the last test before they assign us to a floor and a nurse for preceptorship.  Preceptorship is the 8-9 shifts I will work where I will be followed by the nurse, instead of the other way around, and I'll be responsible for 75% of the nurse's patient load.  It's like Almost Nurse, with a little birdie watching over me giving me pointers.  A student must have a 72% in the lecture portion of class to go on to preceptorship, and at least an 85% to get the chance to precept in a specialty area like the ER, ICU or someplace fancy like that.  

I have a 92% going into tomorrow's test.  I'm not so much concerned about not making it to preceptorship (but a healthy fear of it always keeps one motivated) but it would be nice to have the option to go specialty if the spot is there.  As usual, I busted out my calculator to put things into cold, hard perspective.

Total points possible after tomorrow's exam: 150

Total points needed to have a 72% in lecture: 108

Total points needed to have an 85% in lecture: 128 (it's 127.5, but halfsies aren't allowed)

My total points after two exams: 92

For tomorrow's 50 point exam:

Points I need to get a 72%: 16 (I can miss a whole 34 points and still go on!  Let's not try this...)

Points I need to get an 85%: 36 (that's 14 missed questions!)

I feel better, enough to take my headache down a notch.  I woke up with it.  Apparently, it's part of my stress response.  But I still won't feel better until it's all over with.

In about 4 weeks, I'll post the cumulative picture right before my final.  Wow, that final is in 5 weeks.

My headache just came back...