Uncategorized – Momma Maven

The Ultimate Baby Registry Guide

Published on August 9, 2017August 9, 2017 by themommamavenLeave a comment

Alright… for anyone requesting a comprehensive handbook of baby gear ideas and recommendations I give you my take on baby gear essentials and registry items complete with pictures and mom insight for each. It’s LONG (forewarning) and starts with the ‘essentials’ and ends with the ‘extras’. Happy barcode scanning!

As anyone will tell you, every baby is different so I wouldn’t quite call this the BIBLE of baby gear but it’s definitely a good starting point for any new mommies or mommies to be out there. Continue reading “The Ultimate Baby Registry Guide” →

They Don’t Call it Labor for Nothing

Published on August 8, 2017August 8, 2017 by themommamavenLeave a comment

We headed into the hospital at 7:00 pm to start the induction. First we were settled into our room which I must say was like a luxury hotel suite, it was HUGE! Talk about plush, there was a pull out sofa for dad to sleep on, zero gravity recliners for other visitors, a flat screen tv with games, educational videos and movies on demand, the free room service menu including things like jumbo sea scallops, lamb top sirloin, and pork medallions, I mean even the bathroom was plush complete with hair dryer, and decorative curtain valance for the tub! After taking pictures of all of the “amenities” we got ready for a night of interventions. I was checked and the games began with me at a fingertip dilated and 60% effaced. I was given Prostin, similar to Cervidil, every 4 hours to help ripen the cervix and then we waited until the morning to see what the game plan would be. Continue reading “They Don’t Call it Labor for Nothing” →

NCLEX Oh the ever loving JOY

Published on August 7, 2017August 8, 2017 by themommamaven2 Comments

I want to stab someone chuckle in a NOT so funny way at the journey that became my NCLEX and licensure experience. To give you an idea let me start with the timeline of events.

End August 2012- Last theory exam done

Dec 1 2012- Applied CPNE

Mar 1 2013- CPNE first avail date and pass weekend Continue reading “NCLEX Oh the ever loving JOY” →

CPNE Adventure Begins- Labs and PCS 1

Published on August 7, 2017August 8, 2017 by themommamaven1 Comment

My CPNE was in Madison Wisconsin at Meriter Hospital this past weekend (3-1-2013). Some general info, nice hospital and the staff I dealt with were very friendly. Had patients on 3 different floors, general med/surg, a cardiac floor, and an ortho floor. Couldn’t find any particular “specialty” for the hospital so I expected any type of general patient. Pediatric unit is brand new and located by the ER, I get the impression that they want any type of ‘student’ as far away from their new unit as possible. Continue reading “CPNE Adventure Begins- Labs and PCS 1” →

CPNE Workshops

Published on August 5, 2017August 8, 2017 by themommamaven1 Comment

Why did I chose a workshop unaffiliated with Excelsior?

I will be discussing my various contentions with Excelsior College in another post but to summarize I do not think the school has nor wants to work to have a good infrastructure for their nursing students. There are so many issues with the way the program is run and it culminates at the CPNE where you are expected to perform to perfection yet their own staff make the experience 100% subjective. You get 10 answers from 10 advisors and the only one who pays the price for ambiguity is the student. That’s not right. On a variety of levels. Especially when your entire degree is riding on this.

When I was finally ready to apply to the CPNE I started to feel completely overwhelmed with HOW I was going to study for something that was so subjective despite the expectation to perform precisely. Continue reading “CPNE Workshops” →