Day 1 in the lab was a little challenging with the experience being new. It reminded me of the very first day I went to a new hospital to work when I was an agency nurse. I had gone through an orientation phase in my mind but had no idea what the reality of the situation would be until I got there. Due to an extremely heavy schedule this quarter with working 12 credit hours at Ohio University Athens, helping out this quarter at Ohio University Chillicothe, having and being a student myself with 11 credit hours, and having a family I feel very privileged to have found 5 hours per week that I could commit to this lab experience.
My computer experience is somewhat limited. Although I use a computer on a daily basis I am limited to my comfort zones. Over the past few weeks my techno world has exploded. Today, in the lab I was able to install software- I mean without reading the step by step directions that I have previously done at home. I loaded the CD, had to unfreeze and freeze the computer back when I was finished- which I have never had to do at home. I was then able to perfect my skills as we had a list with multiple computers to load. I was grateful for the opportunity.
Another adventure today lead me to the bottom of the sea- the basement. It was a little scary and brought me back to my childhood of going to my grandmother’s basement with her, but only when my grandpa wasn't around to disapprove. The musty aroma was almost breath taking at first. I had to go on a deep sea dive to try to locate a monitor and computer for a student worker. I was taken aback by all of the used equipment. I guess I assumed we always got new as opposed to recycled equipment. We were able to find the monitor and retrieved the needed key board, mouse and cords however; the basement was void of any computer towers that met the needs of this student. A new one would need to be ordered.
Throughout the day, I was joined by others of my classmates who were also getting in their lab hours. Between us and the GA we were almost stepping on each other as we cleaned the monitors and tables. I cleaned the microphones and used the Swiffer. I almost felt ill with this task, not that it was below me by any means but because I know how much my own home needs this kind of a cleaning. I understand from a healthcare perspective the importance of cleanliness but also from a technologic view point of the dust interfering with the equipment.
Overall, I feel my day was well spent. I was really nervous about the adventure I was going to undertake for the day but found it to be a very useful and productive day. There have been changes made to the schedule for next week so there will not be so many of us fish swimming in the sea of knowledge at the same time or walking around the computer lab. I am happy with my decision to jump in feet first and not look back. I am looking forward to next week’s adventure as I hope you are.
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