Hello Medical Professionals!

Thank you all for doing a great job today during our skills lab!!! We will concentrate on blood pressures on Monday along with the other lab stations. You can also work with your friends in class on Monday to prepare for the medical terminology test on Tuesday, 10/4. I bet a lot of you are going to read over all of your MT reference cards and flash cards this weekend. ;)

Hey Alex F., David, Daniel L. and Ryan....thanks for your "contribution" today for our laboratory. I am so thankful that you all stepped up (and stepped out) to help.

Make sure you have completed the RESTING HEART RATE trilogy - You will need three CONSECUTIVE days of checking your RHR before getting out of bed to average the results. Due 10/7.

SET YOUR PHONE ALARM or MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Sunday night 10/2 or Monday morning 10/3.....Who won the NOBEL PRIZE in Physiology or Medicine??? Please print out or write it down for 10 points. Go to http://www.nobelprize.org/

Thanks to those of you that attended the FHS College and Career Fair last night. I am looking forward to seeing what materials you picked up and what you learned. Kelly - I appreciate you thinking of me and getting me a little S.W.A.G. (Stuff We All Get). Thank you for Wolfie. He is adorable.

Please remind me on Monday who is responsible for getting all of our new stuffed animals in today! I want to thank you and your helpers on Monday. Thanks!

Have a great weekend.

Mrs. Erceg

Skills to Pay the Bills

SKILLS LAB PRACTICE- Tomorrow and on Monday.

TONIGHT: Foothill High School 6:30 COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR

Take your RESTING HEART RATE tomorrow morning: (day three) - You will need three CONSECUTIVE days of checking your RHR before getting out of bed to average the results.

Some people did not bring their payments in ($6 and/or $28.88). You know what to do!!! :(

SET YOUR CALENDAR for Sunday night 10/2 or Monday morning 10/3.....Who won the NOBEL PRIZE in Physiology or Medicine??? Please print out or write it down for 10 points. Go to www.nobelprize.org

Have a wonderful evening!!!

Mrs. Erceg

Undah Pressh-ahh.....

Some of you really took to taking a blood pressure today! We are measuring the amount of force exerted within the artery. Jillian took mine today and it was near my normal of 118/70 - good job! It takes practice and we need a quiet room! Nice hand washing technique today too. More of the skills lab tomorrow.

Thanks to those of you that came to the Medical Explorer's Meeting last night! Next meeting: Tuesday, October 25th at 6:00 - Topic: Emergency Department

The medical terminology test scheduled for Friday 9/30 has been postponed until Tuesday, 10/4.

DUE TOMORROW: Pioneer in Medical History Assignment. Please use bullet points with information associated with the bullet points on the assignment. This MUST be typed. Remember...acquire a reliable printer.

Take your RESTING HEART RATE: (day two) - You will need three CONSECUTIVE days of checking your RHR before getting out of bed to average the three results.

TOMORROW all payments ($6 and/or $28.88) are DUE! These are the people I still need payment from:
Denisse, Brianna, Kory, Sierra, Anthony, Jazmin, Raquel, Daniel, Anna, David, Cody, Marlene, and Luke.

If you already paid, please come see me.

I need some sterile urinalysis specimen containers - about 10. Do any of your parents in health care offices have a few of these they can spare? Thanks for checking!

Take care and have a good night! Don't feel undah pressh-ahh, come see me if you need help!

Mrs. Erceg

Med Occs Rocks....and my students do too !!!

Thank you Yari, Zoe, Michelle and Hanna for being classroom managers today. You rock!

I have RSVP'd for 23 of you to attend TONIGHT. (Medical Explorer Post at ValleyCare Pleasanton) (See flyer on the 9/21/11 BLOG).

Please make sure you bring in your payment of $6.00 and/or $28.88 for the Medical Terminology Reference Card / Mosby's Flash Cards!!! Cash or checks accepted. Make checks out to GINO LIVING TRUST.

DUE TOMORROW, 9/28: Set your alarm clock as usual....make sure the music is on low so it won't get your heart rate up. BEFORE getting out of bed, gently take your carotid pulse for a full 60 seconds (wait for your digital clock to change to the next minute and then begin, or use a watch with a second hand). Memorize (or write down) the BPM. If you can't fall asleep tonight.....read over the handout on legal terms, it will make you "schleeepy". ZZZzzzzz

DUE THURSDAY 9/29: Prepare to discuss your favorite Pioneer in Medical History, past or present. Follow the directions on the assignment. This must be typed. Don't delay!!! Make sure YOU can print it out. Call me if you have trouble with that....I will help you find a way to print your assignment somewhere outside the classroom.

For FRIDAY 9/30: Medical Terminology Test - Keep working on your definitions!

Take care and have a wonderful evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Hi Everyone...and I mean everyone! Perfect attendance today...WOO HOO!

Thank you Jessica, Lindsey, Erika and Anthony for being classroom managers today...I really appreciate the help.

Congratulations! Your attendance, AM and PM, is the best in my career. Thank you for another day of perfect attendance!!!! I also have to say...I didn't have to charge anyone $5.00 for whining today. Seating arrangement was changed and I was testing you on your ability to adapt and be flexible. Good job!

I have RSVP'd for 23 of you to attend tomorrow evening 9/27 (Medical Explorer Post at ValleyCare Pleasanton) (See 9/21/11 BLOG). Contact me immediately on the classroom phone if your plans change.

Dress code enforced: This is going a little better. No low cut tops (cleavage) showing, no underwear showing...you get the idea. We are a professional group...please dress that way.

David - I need to clarify something.....the lub dub sound IS the heart valves closing. When they open they can have a defect and that can make a different sound. I just wanted to clarify that. That bugged me after you left!

Great job on the Career Research and the Interviews !
For those of you that needed to do some corrections on your career research paper...turn it in for credit tomorrow. For the rest of you...put it in your career portfolio.

DUE WEDNESDAY 9/28: Set your alarm clock as usual....make sure the music is on low so it won't get your heart rate up. Gently take your carotid pulse for a full 60 seconds (wait for your digital clock to change to the next minute and then begin, or use a watch with a second hand).

DUE THURSDAY 9/29: Prepare to discuss your favorite Pioneer in Medical History, past or present. Follow the directions on the assignment. This must be typed.

For FRIDAY 9/30: Medical Terminology Test - Keep working on your definitions!

Thanks and have a wonderful evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Awwwww...you're all heart

Thank you Sierra, Travis, Kelly and Courtney for being classroom managers today!

Please bring in your payment for the MT Reference and/or the Mosby's Flashcards. Bring it in MONDAY. LOOK AT the 9/21 blog for details.

Please bring in sheet protectors (10) if you have not already done so.

FYI: To bypass the VM message on my classroom phone, wait for my voice, then hit the pound sign (#) and it will go straight to the "beep" so you can leave your message.

Career Center Appointments: GHS: Please go sign up for a brief appointment with Ms. Mintz. DHS: Mrs. Barker, LHS: Ms. Shill, FHS: Ms. Cabading and AVHS: Ms. Walker. Find out what they have available in their office to help you "anticipate the need" of your post-secondary college or special program experience. I won't force this, but the visit is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Please let me know how the visit goes. You can visit the career centers throughout the year...know your resources!

THANK YOU LHS Seniors! I appreciate the courtesy calls regarding Senior Picnic!

Take a radial pulse when you can. Practice, practice, practice. Think of a pioneer in medicine..maybe knock that assignment out this weekend and the MT test study guide. Just sayin.....

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Erceg

Lub Dub, Lub Dub, Lub Dub......Sound familiar?

Sounds like a heart beat....that sound is actually the heart valves opening and closing. We'll practice listening with our stethascopes in class.

Thank you Emily, Marcella, Monica and Amy for doing a wonderful job as classroom managers today.

CAREER RESEARCH PAPER DUE TOMORROW (with interview attached).

Keep thinking about who you feel is a "Pioneer in Medical History", okay? Get that project done as soon as you can. Don't procrastinate....anticipate the need!

Study Guide for MT test next Friday - work with another student or ask someone to quiz you!

I am accepting payment for the MT Reference and/or the Mosby's Flashcards. Bring it in soon. LOOK AT the 9/21 blog for details.

Good discussion on the Terri Schaivo case today. Makes you think about initiating a discussion about "Advance Directives" and the "DNR". Something to consider.

HOMEWORK: Please take a family member's radial pulse. A human being please! Record the results in your memory. For my veterinary students, please do not take the dog or cat's pulse.....yet!

For our heart sounds "game" - please practice saying the following: WHOOSH, SQUISH, LUB DUB, BOOOOOM!, LUB DUB, WHOOSH, BIG BREATH IN, BIG BREATH OUT, WOOH WHOOH, SQUISH, LUB DUB, BOOOOM!, LUB DUB, WOOOOSH!!! (I'll explain tomorrow).

Have a great night,

Mrs. Erceg

Are you getting your questions answered?

Interviews done? If you are stuck and the interview fell through, interview a parent about their job as a last resort. Use the questions I gave you. It's better than not turning in the interview. Remember, go to the first page of the assignment...complete items 1-6 (in that order) under "Learning Advice" and then attach the interview to the back!

CAREER RESEARCH PAPER DUE FRIDAY 9/23.

FOR LHS SENIORS GOING TO THE PICNIC – THE CAREER RESEARCH PAPER IS DUE TOMORROW!

Thank you Morgan, Luke, Nicole and Devin for being classroom managers today! I really appreciate the support.

If you ordered a laminated Medical Terminology Reference (the one that is a tri-fold, 8-1/2 x 11) – please bring in cash or personal check in the exact amount of $6.00 before 9/28. Checks are made out to: Laurie Erceg. The order will arrive in 7 to 10 days.

If you ordered the box of Mosby’s Flashcards, please bring in personal check in the exact amount of $28.88 before 9/28. Make out the check to: Gino Living Trust
The order will arrive in 7 to 10 days or earlier!

This saves you about $12.00 from the retail price. Checks are made out to: Laurie Erceg. We should have the order within two weeks or so....maybe earlier!

Dress code is being enforced: See item 11 on your contract. Girls: no low cut tops or short shorts please. I will ask you to put on a lab coat if this continues.
Boys: So far, so good. Make sure your hat is off before you come into the room. I appreciate that. By the way, no hats on girls either!

No Gum- most of you are doing great getting rid of the icky sticky gum before you come in to the classroom, but some of you forget. Please get into the habit of discarding it prior to class and prior to arrival at your internship site.

You are invited to Attend! Valley Care Health System
Medical Explorer Post Meeting
Tuesday September 27th 6pm-7:00pm

Please let me know if you are going.....I hope to see you there! You will get a career portfolio certificate.

GO TO FLYER: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/95810998/Medical-Explorer-Post

HOMEWORK: Review this bioethics case and prepare for discussion: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terri_Schiavo_case

Have a great night!

Mrs. Erceg

Sorry, I didn’t want to “steal” your thunder…

Thank you Victoria, Marlene, Irman and Joey for being my classroom managers today!

Sorry Kory…. I was saving “klept/o” for the blog -Why is it part of our study of the nervous system/brain? (be ready to discuss tomorrow - no E.C. or homework paper needed). Please read the following so you can talk about it in class tomorrow.

Psychology. Definition: An irresistible impulse to steal, especially when the thief can afford to pay. — kleptomaniac - an irresistible impulse to steal in the absence of any economic motive.

The individual experiences rising subjective sense of tension before the act and feels pleasure gratification or relief in committing the act. The stealing is not committed to express anger or vengeance, is not done in response to a delusion or hallucination and is not better accounted for by conduct disorder, manic episode, or antisocial personality disorder. The etiology of kleptomania, like many other psychiatric illnesses is described in a vague manner. In the textbook of psychiatry it states: “The symptoms of kleptomania tends to appear in times of significant stress, for example losses, separation and ending of important relationships. Some psychoanalytic writers have stressed the expression of aggressive impulses in kleptomania. The patient is referred for counseling in order to combat the urge to steal through various discussions and treatment with a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Hmmmmm.....interesting.

Talk to your family about acting F A S T. Do you remember what this acronym means?
How about the word "thrombus" and "embolus". A mini-stroke is called a "T. I.A." - a transient ischemic attack. What are the signs of a TIA or a full ischemic stroke?

HOMEWORK: Complete the "Career Research Paper" and attach the interview to the back of the paper (stapled). DUE FRIDAY 9/23.

Have a great night.

Mrs. Erceg

Arrrrrgh...Arrrrr you "Pirated" out Yet?

I certainly hope not! I hope you all had fun today. Thank you for participating and being nice pirates today.



Thank you Daniel, Cassidy, Vik and Krista for being classroom "Mateys" today.



ART CONTEST for Tri-Valley Haven: THANK YOU Emily, Victoria and Danielle R. - your entries look beautiful. Let me know what happened regarding mailing it in or dropping it off. THEME:Prevention, Power and Peace!

Regarding the career research project (Due Friday 9/23):

Interview can be done with someone in an unrelated field. Your report and interview should be the same career, but if you have not found someone to interview, ask a parent to help you find someone in the health care field. Attach the interview to the back of your report. It must look like this:

Mrs. Erceg: How long have you been working in this career.
Dr. Jones: I have been a medical doctor for 12 years.

Interview questions (you need 5 to 10) can be taken from the "Learning Advice" section of the assignment, #'s 2 through 6 and/or the list of interview questions I gave you. A VERY important question I'd like all of you to ask is "What are the personality traits necessary for success in this career"?

HOMEWORK: Work on your career project and/or the SafeSchools Online Assignment. Please bring in 10 sheet protectors. Ask a parent if they have any to spare.

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg (assisted by Morgan Self)

Hey You "SCURVY" Dogs! Pirate Day's a Comin' !

Thank you Kelsey, Cody, Monique and Jillian for being classroom managers today!

Thank you Danielle for buying water for our Tri-Valley Haven charity water sales. Thank you Anthony for bringing it in! ART CONTEST for them.....bring in MONDAY. THEME:
Prevention, Power and Peace.

Talk Like a Pirate, Dress like a Pirate! Wear a scarf, put a parrot on your shoulder, wear a shirt with a skull and crossbones…anything to earn pirate treats!

Some pirates suffer from this condition after long sea voyages…..
What is scurvy? What are these unfortunate pirates deficient in? Write it down, turn it in.
(5 points)

The SKITS were WONDERFUL! Great job bringing ESLR's to life with your creative demonstrations.

NO PROCRASTINATION - If you need help with an assignment...do not wait until it is due to ask me for help. I do not like any of my interns to have this habit - in school, at site or in the workplace! Anticipate the need.......be on task!

Have a great weekend and see you on Monday Mateys!

Mrs. Erceg

Thank you David, Kory, Mehul and Danielle - you all worked hard today as classroom managers. I appreciate you all.

Assignment Due Tomorrow, 9/16: Health Insurance Research. Go to the website below, print out BOTH pages and complete with the help of your parents or calling your medical insurance company. You may also research how to obtain your own health insurance by going to one of the websites on page two of the assignment. http://www.docstoc.com/docs/89115539/Health-Insurance-Checklist

Also Due Tomorrow, 9/16: SKITS - Review the ESLR your skit is based on. (Show how, in one minute, how to demonstrate important skills).

ALEX, DENISSE, MARLINE, TRAVIS, JAZMIN, COURTNEY AND MAYTE..... please ask your parents to contact me. I have some paperwork for you to bring home and a special refrigerator magnet for your parents from Back to School Night. I still need an appointment, in person or by phone, with one or both parents. Thank you!

Congratulations to Victoria, Emily and Marlene from the a.m. class! You are the first portfolio certificate recipients for helping/donating at the American Red Cross Blood Drive!
Like they say at the Red Cross......give blood, starve a vampire. LOL

I am working on ordering the MT flashcards, laminated MT and Anatomy references. I will let you know what the best prices are. I heard half.com has some excellent prices, as does Amazon.com and textbooks.com. Sign up if you are interested in these items. AM class: there is a sign up sheet for this.

See you tomorrow!

Mrs. Erceg

Got ESLR's?

Thank you Cassi, Monica, Anna, and Joey for being classroom managers today!

Have you taken care of your immunizations yet? Be sure you have all your TB tests, immunizations, vaccinations, and flu shots completed and the documentation turned into me.

Good News Bears- Remember to bring in your stuffed animals, please.
GNB reps- report back to me on your progress

We will be performing our ESLR skits on Friday, so be ready.

Health insurance paper is due this Friday, 9/16. Ask me for help if needed!

As you know, I am meeting with all of you this week regarding intern sites. If you have information regarding a site you are interested in please provide contact person and site information. Do not contact the site yourself, I will happily do that for you!

Have a good night!

Mrs. Erceg

This blog was typed by Marcella Williams and Lindsey Wood.

Happy Tuesday!

Thank you Denisse, Brianna, Krista and Vik for being classroom managers today.

I have to tell you - I am feeling very confident about all of you doing a wonderful job when it is time to attend community classroom/internship. Please keep up the good work (and attitudes). Nice work on the ESLR's today - very impressive.

If you haven't already....Please review and complete the first assignment on the Safe Schools website...."Ergonomics". Is it working okay for you? PLAN OUT the rest of the assignments so they are completed before November 14. Print out the certificate of completion! Travis and Vik - I'm checking on your ID#'s and Jillian, I'll get that name correction reported.

Please ask your parents for 10 sheet protectors and bring them in on or before Friday, September 23rd. This will give a polished look to your portfolio, as you receive certificates of achievement, etc. Marlene, Emily and Victoria will be the first to receive one for their work with the American Red Cross Blood Drive.

Attention: Regarding "docstoc" - Go ahead and register with docstoc. No money involved, just your name and phone number. Go to the blog entry with the 9/16 insurance checklist assignment. When you go to download and print, it will ask you to register. Name and phone number only. Then, it will download and you can print. Make sure you are working on the assignment due on 9/16 - the insurance checklist. See me tomorrow if you need help!!!

I have a parent who can order the Mosby flash cards at a 30% discount! Sign up for the discount!

AVHS and FHS - have a nice senior picnic. If you are not going to the picnic, come to ROP class - very important you do this. Call me tonight or tomorrow morning with a courtesy call stating that you are or are not going to the picnic. Thank you.

Have a great night.

Mrs. Erceg

I missed you and I'm glad to be back.

Thank you Alex, Blake, Danielle and Mehul for being classroom managers today.

By the way, Monique, Jillian and Minerva...come see me tomorrow. I have a little something for you from the conference as a thank you for helping on Thursday and Friday.

Vik - EKG machine reminder. Thank your Dad!

Practicing medical terminology? Hey, check this out! You can make flash cards!

http://quizlet.com/692239/medical-terminology-word-parts-flash-cards/

Words to impress others - what do they mean?

1. hysterosalpingooophorectomy (yes, there are "3" o's)

2. nephrolithotripsy

3. osteoporosis

We'll be talking about the history of medicine soon. Who are some of the pioneers of medical history that you have heard about?

I will also be introducing some more legal terms. With medical and legal terminology, small steps!

HOMEWORK: Please review and complete the first assignment on the Safe Schools website...."Ergonomics". Is it working okay for you? PLAN OUT the rest of the assignments so they are completed before November 14.

Also for homework, talk to your parents about your choice for the career research project. Do they have anyone they can refer you to for the interview? Make sure the interview is separate and attached to the back of the report. Have your drawings of the skeletal systems ready to show me tomorrow please. FLU shots....make a plan, anticipate the need!

THANK YOU ALL for getting the uniform fittings done! We can now authorize the order.

Take care and see you tomorrow. Thanks again for being so great for the sub. Sounds like you all took care of business and got the job done.

Mrs. Erceg

Met the Parents!

Yep, I met a lot of parents...and I loved it. Back to School Night was a great success!

Thank you Marcella, Sierra, Monique and Jillian for being classroom managers today.

Thank you in advance........Travis, Jessica, Lindsey, Monique, Jillian and Minerva. Take good care of the substitute teacher - I know you all will. All the instructions are in class and the sub has a copy.

See you Monday and wish me luck at the conference. I will bring back info and share it with all of my future medical professionals and hopefully, future CMAA members!

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

Perfect Attendance - Both classes!!!

Nice work ! - I am so proud of all of you -not only excellent attendance, but the call in procedure in the event of tardies or absences. There have been a couple of slips, but we are past that now. I am holding everyone to the high standards of professional behavior in class and at site!


Thank you Yari, Emily, Xochilt and Mayte for being classroom managers today!

Emily - Thanks for donating the 3 x 5 card rings- Some p.m. students purchased a few.


Please review these websites and follow the directions below:

CMAA: http://www.cmaa-ca.org/

Click on "newsletter" - go the latest newsletter and look it over. Then go back to the home page and click on "membership". Download and print the membership application. Please fill it out. (You are in the "East Bay Region). You do not have to join, just have it ready in the event you decide to do so. Please bring it in tomorrow. It looks great on a resume' when you are part of a professional medical organization!


CCBMA: http://www.ccbma.org/

Go to the CCBMA website and click on "exam" , go to the bottom of the pages and print out the Examination Study Outline. Bring it to class.


Now, prepare to the answer these questions in class based on your website research:

What is CMAA?
What are the benefits of becoming a member?

What is CCBMA?
What does one have to do to prepare and take the exam to become a California Certified Medical Assistant?

Uniforms! Please go for your fitting on or before Saturday 9/10.

Assignment Due 9/16 (Medical Insurance) - reminder: look on the blog for details

Take out your medical journal at home (or use the internet)…..write down a term, procedure, or condition to share in class. Make sure you are spelling it correctly and can define it with -confidence. Turn this in for 5 points tomorrow.

Tomorrow night, Wednesday, September 7, we will open our doors for parents and guardians to visit classes. The “school day” will start at 6:30 p.m. Each “class” is 15 minutes, with 10 minutes between each class.

HIPAA - We learned about this today. Why is it so important? Let's talk tomorrow and determine how you will be responsible for practicing HIPAA regulations.

We'll also talk about muscles and the skeleton tomorrow.

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

p.s. No homework on 9/7, 9/8 or 9/9

Happy Three-Day Weekend....You Deserve it!

Thank you Marlene, Luke, Denise R. and Lizeth for being classroom managers today. How nice you are to help your teacher.

Congratulations once again to the PM class. PERFECT ATTENDANCE !!!!

Congratulations to the AM class for EXCELLENT ATTENDANCE!!!!

Uniforms – you can start going to Bullard Uniforms in Dublin for your fitting. Ordering two scrub tops or pants? Let them know at the store while you are there. We can order additional uniforms later, but it will cost more due to a one-time order with embroidery.

Have a wonderful weekend and see you Tuesday!

Mrs. Erceg

p.s. Thanks again for being such a great, cooperative and motivated class. Love ya!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

Thank you Cassidy, Victoria, Gaby and Anna for being classroom managers today!

I also want to thank all of my students for making the year start off in a really positive way. Keep it up please, and I can see I will be forging great relationships with all of you.

Congratulations once again to the PM class. There have been zero absences so far this school year. Wonderful!

Uniforms – you can start going to Bullard Uniforms in Dublin for your fitting. Ordering two scrub tops or pants? Let them know at the store while you are there. We can order additional uniforms later, but it will cost more due to a one-time order with embroidery.

3 x 5 Cards - Please purchase 4 packs of 3 x 5 cards (some people cut them in half and make small cards). You can also research the cost of a set of "Mosby's Medical Terminology Flash Cards". Go to Amazon.com, Borders or another store's website and type in the ISBN number. That number is 0-323-04127-2. Let's see who can find it for least amount of money!

I am still waiting for some RSVP’s for Back to School Night. (see letter to parents on previous blog entry). Thanks for getting the info and you may tell me in class about your parent’s attendance that evening.

GHS: Rally Schedule tomorrow! Check the GHS website.

Homework:

1. MT Quiz - Define each of the answers (only the words that are real)

2. Regarding the DHO chapter on “Personal Qualities of a Health Care Worker” -

TYPE the following or write very neatly on binder paper for 10 points: What five factors contribute to good health? (in your opinion/or ask a family member). Number these and follow that with a numbered list of at least 10 non-perishable, healthy snacks for your backpack. Always carry a container for water or a healthy beverage. (list of 5, list of 10)

Take care and have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg