What I learned from the months-long application process — About six months ago, I was sitting outside one of my COVID patients’ rooms in the ICU, charting in their electronic medical record (EMR). Suddenly I felt my phone vibrate in my scrubs pocket. I was torn between finishing my already-delayed documentation and checking my phone. …

How I prepared for it to achieve the best results — Last month, I received my first medical school interview invite and was absolutely ecstatic. I was informed that it would be held over Zoom and I became anxious as I had neither used the app nor interviewed virtually before. Fortunately, I had some time to prepare as available interview slots…

How I studied during a global pandemic — A lot has happened since my last blog post: I finished my secondary applications for medical schools, worked extra shifts in the ICU in order to pay for said applications, began an online Biochemistry course (for which I took my first exam today), and received my first medical school interview…

How I maximized use of my prep materials — It’s been about a week since I took the (shortened) MCAT. It’s a little surreal that a test I devoted the past six months to is finally over. I’ll be receiving my results soon, and instead of spending all my time worrying about it, I decided to redirect my energy…

“It’ll be over soon.” “Things could be worse.” “Everything happens for a reason.” “Look on the bright side.” — Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen such positive phrases distributed in the news, social media and even in text messages from colleagues, friends, and family members. Though they were well-intentioned, they didn’t necessarily make me feel better. I’m a critical care nurse working in an ICU in New York…

A message from the front line — It happened about a month ago. We received the first patient to test positive for COVID-19 in our ICU. At that point, we had already seen a handful of “rule-out” patients come through the unit, but they had all turned out to be negative for SARS-CoV-2. …

All I needed was one book. — The Only Resource I Used Dennison’s “Pass CCRN!” Book I used the 4th edition, which was published in 2013 so it’s a bit dated. A 5th edition was released just a couple of years ago and should have more updated information. I’ve included my Amazon Affiliate links for both books here. I studied the entire book and completed all…

How I manage coinciding demands of multiple roles — Days 1–3: ICU shifts I have just completed three consecutive 12-hour shifts in the ICU. Each of these shifts started at 7am and ended around 7:30pm. Because of the lengthy commute, I had to be awake by 5am and would get home close to 9pm. …

Why I decided to make the switch from nursing to medicine — I spent a lot of time with my grandmother when I was a kid, and I remember how instinctive it was for me to be protective of her, even at 3 years old. I saw her taking care of me and my cousins while our parents were out working, and…