October 2008 ADN Student Newsletter

www.sc4futurenurses.blogspot.com sc4futurenurses@yahoo.com

Breaking The Chain

It’s that time of year again when the
weather turns a bit cooler, people start
coming indoors, and we see an increased
incidence of cold and flu related complaints.
As nursing students, we know how this all
begins, and we may only be one link in the
chain, but we can all do our part in breaking
the long chain of infection. On and off the
floor, in our education to our clients, at home
with our families, first and foremost we should
Special points of interest:
be remembering to wash our hands.
 Breaking The Chain
 Pinning and Graduation
 Breast Cancer Awareness
 Sub—Committees
“We may only be one link in the chain,
 Send In Your Pictures but we can do our part in breaking the
long chain of infection”
 T—Shirts / Sweatshirt Orders
Just some thoughts:
 If every person reliably practiced hand hygiene
before and after caring for a client, there would
be an immediate and profound reduction in the
spread and development of resistant bacteria.
 It’s EVERYONE’S duty to remind each other to
clean our hands
 Hand hygiene should not be viewed as an inter-
ruption, but rather, a part of client centered
care.
 Annual influenza vaccination is strongly recom-
mended for the health care worker, to protect
yourself, co – workers and vulnerable clients.
 Remember clean hands save lives and can stop
or prevent infection.

Pinning and Graduation

It’s hard to believe that we should be
thinking about the Pinning Ceremony
and Graduation. But, it is coming,
and preparations need to be made.
Congratulations to Mrs. Lamont as
she has been voted to help our class
at the pinning ceremony along with
Mrs. Munro.
We are in the process of selecting
the pins to be used at our Pinning
Ceremony, photographer for our
class composite, and caps and
gowns. More details will follow as
these decisions are made.
The Pinning Ceremony and Gradua-
tion are scheduled for May 8th,
2009.
We are still in need of anyone who
would like to take over the fundrais-
ing committee. We would like to
cover the costs of pins and food for
the Pinning Ceremony, but this may
not be possible without assistance.
If you have any questions regarding
the Pinning Ceremony, Graduation
or the fundraising committee please
contact an officer on campus or use
the above link.
Graduation
May 8th,
2009
Page 2
Breast Cancer Awareness
I’m sure you are all aware that Octo-
ber is National Breast Cancer Aware-
ness Month. Breast Cancer is the
number one Malignancy affecting
Women in North America, and the
second leading cause of death in
Women behind Lung Cancer. Men are
also at risk for Breast Cancer, but the
risk is much lower and only affects
less than 1% of the population.
Risks for Breast Cancer include: women over 50, family history,
first menstrual period before age 12, menopause after age 55, first
pregnancy over age 30, women with no children, Hormonal ther-
apy, Radiation exposure, more than 5 drinks of alcohol per week,
high fat diet, obesity, and Benign Proliferative Breast disease in-
cluding atypical hyperplasia and Lobular Carcinoma in Situ.
Prevention and early detection play a major role in the outcome of
this disease. The earlier Breast Cancer is detected, the better the
prognosis. Screening tests can be available for women that in-
clude Mammograms, Clinical Breast Exams, MRI’s for women who
carry the BRCA 1 or 2 mutation and Breast Self Exams. Breast Self
Exams are an excellent way of detecting Breast Cancer early.
Breast Self Exams (BSE) should be performed monthly 5-7 days
after beginning their menstrual cycle, however if you are not still
having menstrual cycles, you should choose a day out of the month
that you will remember and perform them at that time. BSE’s
should start to be performed at age 20.
Sub—Committees
There are still openings on several sub—committees for those that
are interested. For a general overview of each sub—committee and
the duties please see the ADN Student Newsletter September Edi-
tion. You can find a link to the Newsletter on the blog.
Contact the chair for the sub—committee you are interested in di-
rectly or send a message to the sc4 future nurses mailbox.
Have any Pictures?
We are looking for pictures of clinical groups, classmates and nurs-
ing students in general for our ADN Display Case on the 1st floor of
the Main Building. If you have any pictures you’d like to see dis-
played please give them to an officer or submit them to the sc4
future nurses mailbox. Sorry, but no photos will be returned. If
possible please include the name of the people in your photo. We
are also collecting the pictures for a DVD / Slide show for the end
of the year.
So send in your pictures, we want everyone to be seen and immor-
talized on the SC4 DVD / Slide show.
ADN Student Newsletter
Steps to performing a Breast Self-Examination
Include:
1. Start by looking closely at your breasts, disrobe and stand
in front of the mirror.
2. Place your hands on your hips with your shoulders straight
and look for any abnormalities or changes.
3. Next, raise your arms over your head.
4. Feel your breasts while lying down; use your right hand to
assess your left breast and your left hand to assess your
right breast.
5. Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting.
“Breast self exams (BSEs) are
an excellent way of detecting
breast cancer early”.
What should I look for?
 Dimpling, puckering or bulging of the skin, that may only
be noticeable on palpation or a change in position.
 A nipple that has changed position, or become inverted.
 Redness, swelling, soreness or rash.
 Nipple discharge that could be watery, milky, yellowish in
color, or bloody.
 Any abnormal lump.
All should be inspected by your Physician as soon as possible
Helpful hints:
 Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of
your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a
circular motion, about the size of a quarter.
 Follow a pattern to ensure that you have covered the en-
tire breast.
 Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side,
pay close attention to the upper outer quadrant of your
breasts near the axillary (armpit) area.
 Some women find it more comfortable to perform BSE’s in
a warm shower.
Taylor Muir
T—Shirt / Sweat Shirt Orders
We are hoping to order another round of t—shirts and / or
sweatshirts. Order forms should be out later this month for
those who want to order.