Is That A Light At The End Of The Tunnel?

Last weekend I spent my time up in Seattle, WA taking two of my national board exams for dental hygiene school.  The school I took them at was Lake Washington Technical College in Kirkland- it was actually a beautiful school.  It was on top of a hill with views of the mountains...plus I got to take a floating bridge over Lake Washington to get there!

In order to get my license to practice dental hygiene I have to take SIX national board exams...yes SIX! There's two Anesthesia exams (written and clinical), Restorative (which is doing fillings on a dentoform), Process of Care (kind of like treatment planning for mock patients), a National Board Exam (which is a 6hour exam of EVERYTHING you've learned while in school), and finally a Clinical dental hygiene exam (which tests your clinical skills as a hygienist).  And did I mention it costs over $2000 to take these?  So basically you better pass :)

My first exam of the weekend was my Anesthesia clinical (I already have passed my written) on Friday.  Of course the night before I tossed and turned and I had to be up by 4:30am in order to make it to the school by 7am for an orientation and clinic tour.  The funny part was my actual exam wasn't until 3:30pm so I got to spend the day sleeping in my car...no really I brought my sleeping bag and pillow!  Since I'm a worry wart I didn't want to leave the school once I was there...because well, I was there!  I didn't want to chance my car breaking down, or an accident, etc.  

Finally after hours of waiting and my heart pounding ALL day it was time for my test!  My cousin so graciously accepted my offer of her being my patient.  I had to give two injections for the exam.  One of the bottom left side of her mouth, and one on the top right.  

My cousin Brittany and I before my test

 I had two examiners evaluating me, and they watch everything you do... They watch you set up your room, get your syringes ready, bring your patient in...then your actual injections.  While you're doing the injections there's several things you have to tell them outloud... Once you're at your penetration site, once you've reached your optimal depth and angle, and the results of your aspiration.  Let me tell ya, this was the MOST nerve racking experience I've ever been through.  Giving injections is no big deal for me, but man I couldn't get my hands to stop shaking for the life of me, and they never shake!  Luckily the examiners were very friendly and said that everyone's hands shake during this exam, they said they understand it's a huge day for us.  That helped calm me down.  Once the injections are completed, they make you wait...and wait...and wait...


But then...

...I got this little beauty!

I honestly couldn't believe it...I had PASSED my anesthesia board, my first one!  Now I can officially give anesthesia in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and Nevada.  WHOA!!

Tear filled eyes and a huge smile!

After that day was over I was so exhausted from being nervous all day I couldn't even celebrate...too hard, my cousin and I went to HH then I went straight to the condo I stayed at and went to bed.  Plus- Adam was in NJ for the Army and I really wanted to wait to celebrate with him! 


On Sunday I had my restorative board- and that's where I complete two fillings, one silver (amalgam) and one white (composite) on a "dexter" dentoform.  This test isn't as exciting so I won't go into detail...and I'm still waiting to hear the results, they said it could take THIRTY days.  C'mon!!  

I am still so happy on starting to accomplish this goal of being a dental hygienist.  I have been in college for EIGHT years for this and now I only have six weeks left.  It's hard to believe I'm almost done.
 

 

About Me

Join in! Post a picture of yourself, list 10 facts about yourself, answer 10 questions from someone else, then make up your own 10 questions for someone else to answer.  Okay Roxanne, be proud...I have a Blog!

10 Random Facts About Me

1. I love teeth and everything about teeth!

2. I am ALWAYS cold.  It doesn't matter if it's 80 degrees outside, I will have a blanket on.

3. I really enjoy fishing- I started last Spring and I'm hooked (no pun intended).  I've only caught one sturgeon, but hey this season has just begun!

4. I'm not a girly-girl...even though I try.  No matter what I do I just can't bring myself to spend hours getting ready.  A little cover up, mascara, air dried hair and I'm good to go.  

5. Now this will conflict with my previous statement, but, I love eyeshadow!  Even though I don't wear it everyday, I LOVE it. I have a variety of colors and have fun wearing them on special occasions.

6. Cookies are my weakness. Especially the M&M ones from the Nordstrom Cafe (which is conveniently located near my school).  

7. I have a heart for others.  I honestly get the most joy when I'm doing something for someone else. 

8. I wish I had a better relationship with my parents.  They are divorced and neither of them live here. 

9. I am so thankful for my boyfriend Adam.  He is a great person to look up to.  He has brought me through many difficult situations.

10. I have a tough time doing things out of my comfort zone.  I'm shy when it comes to new people and it really bothers me.  It's something I'm working on :) I made a big improvement last week when I rode a tricycle, yes a tricycle, up and down the court during a Blazer game to try and win a getaway to Mount Hood.  I got 2nd place, but hey, at least I wasn't last!

Questions from Roxanne

1) What is you and your significant other's song and why?

    Our song is Free by Zac Brown Band- It's one of our favorites, it always   makes me teary and it just kinda fits :) Especially since Adam's in the Army.

2) What is your most valued possession?

     Dang this is a hard one... Since I don't have any heirlooms or valuables from my family I'd have to say my Bible and pictures.  My bible for obvious reasons :) and pictures because I don't have a whole lot left from the fire in my apartment so any that I have are treasured.

 

3) What personality traits and/or hobby did you inherit from your father?

     My love of music.  My dad is a talented guitar player and singer and growing up we always had music playing. 

 

4) Do you keep your birthday cards?

     Some times I do!  Usually for only a couple weeks though, then I have to let them go.

5) What style is your home decorated in? (Traditional, country, modern, etc.)

     Well I really only have a room since I live with my sister and her son.  So my room is decorated traditional I guess...I have a bed, two nightstands, and a dresser.  The pictures I have up are some crafts I made and my passed board exams from school.

 

6) Describe your dream vacation.

      This may sound weird but my dream vacation would be to go on a mission trip to another country.  Since I was a little kid I've wanted to volunteer and help people.  Especially now that I will have skills (dental hygiene) that I can share with others, I'd LOVE to offer them.  It's my goal to go on one once I'm a registered dental hygienist.

7) If you were an animal, what you would you be and why?

     If I were an animal I'd like to be a cat.  I can't help it, I just love them.  I think it'd be fun to be able to be lazy when I want and crazy when I want.

 

8) Do you have any tattoos? Do you want any?

     Yes I have three!

 

9) Do you have a statement piece of jewelry that you wear every day?

     No I don't, I'm not too big on jewelry.  

10) What is one goal you have set out for yourself right now?

     TO FINISH DENTAL HYGIENE SCHOOL AND PASS ALL MY BOARDS!  7 weeks left!!!  Can I get an Amen?!

 

 

My Questions For You

1. What is your biggest accomplishment this far in your life?

2. Have you ever lived anywhere else besides where you live now?

3. Were you an only child, youngest, middle, or oldest?

4. What's your favorite food?

5. Who is the most important person to you?

6. What's your favorite thing to do on a weekend?

7. Do you have any children?

8. What is your best feature?

9. If you could do anything, what would it be?

10. Do you have an iPhone?

Alright...well I did it, officially posted my first blog!  Who knows where this will take me, but stay tuned...