NARS (Nurses' Assigned in Rural Service) Project

Just wanna share here my journal entry for my NARS-DOLE training for the first 3 months in Municipal Health Center of Lezo, Aklan... My Prologue and Summary... Enjoy reading! :)

FYI...  NARS Project is a 6 months program.  Well, for my remaining 3 months, I was sent to Dr. Romualdez S.  Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH) as my clinical experience.  I'll post my journal for it on some other time. :)

PROLOGUE

                                

Traffic what really made me bored while I was driving along the highway of EDSA Cubao.  Then, I decided to change the station of my radio into AM frequency.  I listened to the flashed report of DZMM that was about the NARS or Nurse’s Assigned in Rural Service Project of Dept. of Labor and Employment. 

As what the reporter said, with the pump priming strategies to mitigate the impact of the global financial crisis, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo launched the Nurses Assigned in Rural Service (NARS) Project on the 9^th of February, 2009 during the Multi-Sectoral Summit on "Joining Hands against the Global Crisis" in Malacanang Palace, Manila.  As what the qualifications were:  With valid nurse’s license issued by the PRC; Not over 35 years old; Resident of the identified municipalities; And no nursing-related practice for the past 3 years. 

On that moment, I thought of giving it a chance since I am qualified for the project and I wanted to gain experience as a rural nurse.  So, on that night, I applied online by visiting their site www.nars.dole.gov.ph I filled-up the designated blanks and I chose my hometown LEZO, which is a small town in the province of Aklan.

March 27, I received an electronic mail from DOLE, congratulating me for being one of the successful applicants.  I was elated on that time as I read the e-mail.  I can’t believe that I am one of them…  So, I told my parents that I will be going home in our hometown coz’ I was chosen as one of the nurses assigned for the NARS Project to serve my hometown as a rural health nurse. 

On March 31, I arrived in Kalibo airport.  I am happy because atlas, I am back in our hometown to do my job as a community nurse and as to promote health to the people in our hometown.

  SUMMARY

          Never did I expect to be deployed in the small town of Lezo, which is located in the province of Aklan.  Lezo is one of the 1,000 poorest municipalities in the Philippines, which is my hometown.  It was never been in my plans to work in our hometown because I am a city girl.  I used to live my life in a city wherein every modern things and life is there.  But, at this point, I’ve been desperate to get an experience for my profession especially there’s a glut in inexperienced nurses and the proliferation of "volunteer nurses" working in hospitals without being paid, but instead, they themselves pay the hospitals to obtain Certificate of work experience.  So, when I heard about the NARS Project, I didn’t hesitate to apply. 

          It was April 3 of this year, when we had our orientation for the NARS Project of DOLE, DOH and PRC in ASU Banga, Aklan.  I’ve met there all of the successful applicants.  On the orientation proper, Dr. Myrtle Pelayo of DOH, discussed to us the NARS guiding framework, rationale, and general concepts and strategies.  While the other DOLE and DOH representatives and heads were there to discuss the other concerns and matters on the NARS Project.  Before our orientation ended, we were divided into two groups, the half one will be assigned in the RHU and the other half will be in the hospital.  I’ve met there some of the NARS Project trainees and been acquainted with them.  Exactly at 5 o’clock in the afternoon, our orientation ended.

          The first day of my duty to the RHU of Lezo was on April 8 of 2009.  I arrived 15 minutes before 8 o’clock in the morning.  The RSI, Ms. Sarah Jane Aguirre, greeted me and told me to go to the office of the Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Athena C. Magdamit.  I’ve also met there my partner, Mr. Keran C. Palma.  Dra. Magdamit, oriented us to the clinical settings of the Municipal Health Center.  She also introduced us to her health staffs.  I am a bit nervous on my 1^st day but I am happy because they welcomed us warmly.

          For the month of April, we had Garantisadong Pambata, wherein we went to every Barangay Health Station of every Barangays of Lezo to render our service and duty for them.  On April 27, was the launching of Hataw’ 2009 wherein it was participated by all of the health personnel, municipal employees and people of Lezo. 

On the month of May, on the 11^th, we had our Blood Letting and Screening Activity with the cooperation of the Philippine National Red Cross.  I was in-charged on the registration and getting the vital signs of the participants.  We also had our Medical CIVAC that was held in the Basketball Court of Barangay Mina, I was in-charged in the distribution of medicines. 

By June, we had the medical and dental mission for the anniversary of the typhoon Frank that was held in the ABL Sports Complex in Kalibo.  We rendered AH1N1, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Malaria Dissemination and Information to elementary schools of Lezo.

On the last day of our duty, June 30^th of 2009, we had our little “salu-salo” as a farewell party for the Municipal Health Staffs of Lezo.  Working with them was unforgettable because they  treated me well and they unselfishly imparted their knowledge and skills to us.

As what I had experienced on my 3 months of duty in the RHU wasn’t that easy.  At first, I thought it would be simple and boring but instead it was full of excitement and more challenging responsibilities.  But as time passed by, I appreciated what we were doing.  I learned more how to appreciate the little things life can offer.  As a public health nurse, I learned to be more patient and to render my respect for the indigent people. 

Working in my hometown was a rewarding opportunity for me.  I had the chance to serve them and to know my roots where my mother grew up.  It was an amazing and wonderful experience!

I am thankful that Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo launched this project for the inexperienced nurses of the Philippines.  I am glad that I had this opportunity to experience and indulged the training as a nurse in the rural service.  This experience as NARS trainee was very valuable and definitely built the foundation for my skills as a nurse. It also helped to build my confidence and had prepared me for the next round for my profession as a registered nurse.

My fave quotes in GOSSIP GIRL...

SEASON 1

There's plenty of upside to being the spawn of the fabulously wealthy. But the downside? Super successful parents expect nothing less from their offspring. And when it comes to college, that means the Ivys. It's more than just getting into college, it's setting a course for the rest of your life. And for those few who aren't legacies, the pressures are no less. When parents have sacrificed for their children’s futures, what kid would want to let them down?

Everyone knows you can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends. And in a world ruled by blood lines and bank accounts, it pays to have a pal. As much as a BFF can make you go WTF, there’s no denying we'd be a little less rich without them.

It's often said that, no matter the truth, people see what they want to see. Some people might take a step back and find out they were looking at the same big picture all along. Some people might see that their lies have almost caught up to them. Some people may see what was there all along. And then there are those other people. The ones that run as far as they can so they don't have to look at themselves.

There's a weak link in every chain. And it's just a matter of time before this one snaps.

Sometimes, in an effort to spread the most outrageous rumors, we look over the very thing that's even more scandalous—the truth.  And the only thing more shocking than the truth is the lies people tell to cover it up.

In our modern age, when you call someone and can't find them you can be pretty sure they'll get the message. But if they don't call you back, it usually means they don't want to be found.

i'll post more for the other seasons... 

$$$$$$$$$$$   YOU KNOW YOU LOVE ME, XOXO GOSSIP GIRL  $$$$$$$$$$$

Brow Definist by Maybelline

I was born with a messy and short eyebrows.  That's why I am very specific when it comes to it.  I've been dealing with it since I was in my teenage years. It was one of the thing I hated in my face before.  hahaha... You know how a teenage girl think those days... very conscious on how they look. :) I've never been appreciative of what I have.  Eventhough, I was elected as a muse in my school for how many times.  But, I guess, I just lacked self-confidence before. hehehe... Well, I'm glad that plucking was introduced to me when I was 16 and before I entered my freshman year in college,  I knew how to do it well. 

My Virgin Eyebrow ;) 

The 1st time I've learned how to pluck ;)

Over confident of plucking could lead to a disastrous result.  There were times when I over plucked it. So, I needed an eyebrow pencil to correct it.  But sometimes, shaping it the way you'll gonna love it, ain't easy.  I've been dealing with different eyebrow pencil that was available in the local stores.  But sometimes to my dismay, i could make myself looked funny because of torturing my eyebrow with different style and color.  I've tried almost all local eyebrow pencils even the one sold in the streets"bangketa" (made in China) and those fancy branded products, I've tried some and the last one was Revlon's Color Stay Eyeliner in brown, which the beauty advisor from where I bought it told me that I can use it in my eyebrow.  Still i'm not happy with the result.

Due to my persistence of looking for a great brand for my eyebrow pencil.  I've found one, Ever Bilena, a local brand that can be found in any stores here in the Philippines.  I was using it everyday for my make-up regimen.  I love the color because it suited my hair color  It's very smooth, glides easily when applied and doesn't leave dark marks too.  

      

  Ever Bilena ( local brand) eyebrow pencil in brown

But I've seen many times in TV, movies and magazines, the different look of the eyebrows of these actresses.  I know, I'm the last one to know this thing...  I've spotted that it's not a work of a pencil because it's more natural looking and with a thick defined eyebrows. I didn't mind it for some time because I am contented with how I manage my eyebrow.  But. for some time, it made me think how pretty it will be to me.  You know, I'm always opt for changes.  I love having a new look once in a while.  

I was introduced to this kind of eyebrow style, when I've been a Facebook fan of Maybelline Philippines (mascaras... yeay!)  I've seen a lot of reviews form the fans that how they loved Maybelline's Brow Definist.  So, to my curiousity, I went to the mall and bought it.  I asked the beauty advisor if she was using it, she said yes and she told me the advantages of brow definist from an eyebrow pencil:  Easy to apply, long and light wearing, and natural looking.  

Brow Definist by Maybelline (02 Brown)

Well, I was delighted of what she said.  So, when I went home. I tried it and practiced using it.  At first... hahaha... again it ain't simple and easy.  But as time went by... I tell you, I'm lovin' it.  My mom for the first time never criticized me of my new eyebrow.  She just told me how pretty it is to me unlike when I was using an eyebrow pencil... So, even Ever Bilena's eyebrow pencil was great.  Maybelline's brow definist rocks! 

Crepe for Dessert...

Sweets are definitely one of my craving in a day.  Crepe is one of it.  So, as an avid fan of crepe.  I did some research for it on how to make it.  Since, not all of the places I go here in the Philippines have this in their menu.

A crêpe (English pronunciation: /ˈkreɪp/, French: [kʁɛp]) is a type of very thin pancake, usually made from wheat flour. The word is of French origin, deriving from the Latin crispa, meaning "curled." While crêpes originate from Brittany, a region in the northwest of France, their consumption is widespread in France and they are considered a national dish, and they are also increasingly popular in North America and South America. In Brittany, crêpes are traditionally served with cider. Crêpes are served with a variety of fillings, from the most simple with only sugar to flambéed crêpes Suzette or elaborate savoury fillings.


On making it, here's what I've got:

Ingedients:

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup whole milk

1 cup all purpose plain flour

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

Melted unsalted butter for greasing the pan.

Equipment you will need:

• Blender

• Pastry Brush

• 9 inch crepe pan

  
  

  Procedures:

  1. Add ingredients to the blender

  To make the crepe batter - In a blender, combine the water, milk, flour, sugar and vanilla. Crack the eggs into a small bowl. Check for shells and then add the eggs to the blender.

  2. Blend until smooth

  Blend the mixture until very smooth and free of lumps. Pour the batter into a large liquid measuring cup or a bowl and refrigerate, covered for at least 1 - 2 hours .

  3. Grease the pan

  Using a pastry brush dipped in the melted butter, lightly grease the entire surface of a 9 inch  crepe pan or nonstick frying pan and place over medium heat.

  4. Swirl the batter in the pan

  Fill a 1/4 -cup ladle with batter to just below the lip. Holding the pan at an angle above the stove, pour the batter into the pan close to one edge.

  Quickly swirl the pan so that the batter covers the entire bottom of the pan. This should happen very fast since the batter will strt to cook upon contact with the hot pan.

  5. Cook the crepe

  Cook, shaking the pan from time to time, until the crepe begins to bubble, the bottom is lightly browned and the batter  looks set, about 1 minute.

  6.  Flip the crepe

  Use a small spatula to lift the edge of the crepe, then carefully grasp the edge and quickly flip the crepe over in the pan.  Cook for another 10 seconds, until the second side is slightly browned and set.   

  7.  Stack the crepes

  Transfer the finished crepes to a place.  Repeat steps 3-6 to cook the rest of the batter, stacking the crepes on the plate between squares of waxed paper. 

  If you are not into sweet crepes, you can make savoury crepes, just omit the sugar and vanilla extract and add a pinch of salt.

  Fill savory crepes with vegetables, cheese or meat mixtures. Enjoy !!!

  Got this from: 

  http://hubpages.com/hub/how-to-make-sweet-crepes

  
  

  I'll just do this in Pinoy style... I'll post for it when I've got it. :)

Smartbro Plug-it for 3G Broadband Router (EDIMAX 3G-6200n)

I bought this router in OCTAGON store in SM City, Iloilo with a price of 2,600PHP.  It's bundled with manual, an ethernet cable, wifi antenna, 3g broadband usb cable, 3G broadband router, 12V power adapter, holding base and the installation CD-ROM.

FYI.  This instruction is for wireless connection of SMARTBRO Plug-it.  For other 3G broadband plug-it, just continue reading, if this might help.  I'm not a tech support of any kind or even an IT graduate.  Just did this on my own.

The included CD-ROM is a quick installation wizard for your router.  Just insert the CD-ROM and RUN the EZMAX.EXE file.  Choose the language you are prefer to and just follow the instructions.  When using a smartbro plug-it be sure to change the number for *99#.  Don't put any username, password or pin code and just leave it the blank spaces, all blank. Just changing the one, asking for a no. (i forgot the exact digits on it, but it has 777 and characters).  Rememeber to change it to *99#.  :) Voila! You will be connected right away.

In modifying the name of the router.  You can change the name from the default name SIID by placing your desired name in the MODIFY blank space.  For your wireless security, just enable your WPA Pre-Share Key and put your preferred password for it.  Apply it all and then EXIT.

I highly recommended that you must upgrade its firmware to the latest one.  Visit their website for the updated firmware, if in case, what I've written here won't work out.  Choose Version v2.20.  Here's the link:   http://www.edimax.com/en/support_detail.php?pd_id=312&pl1_id=3

3G-6200n
Wireless 3G Broadband Router with print server

Shares 3G connection or xDSL/Cable connection with network users Supports xDSL or cable broadband backup when 3G is not available Provides USB 2.0 Port for UMTS/HSDPA/CDMA mobile Internet service Includes 16-languages EZmax setup wizard for Internet connection, wireless security and firmware upgrade Complies with IEEE 802.11b/g and compatible with IEEE802.11n wireless standards Supports WEP, WPA, WPA2, DDNS, QoS, Anti-DoS Firewall, MAC/IP filter, URL blocking, Virtual Server and DMZ

Edimax 3G-6200n is a multi-function wireless broadband router. When connecting either a 3G or 3.5G USB modem card* to 3G-6200n, all network (wired / wireless) users can share 3G/3.5G Internet connection. The 3G-6200n can support 3G/3.5G speeds up to 7.2Mbps and comes with a built-in Ethernet WAN port for Cable modem or xDSL modem. When connected to a xDSL /Cable broadband, 3G-6200n will enable the xDSL /Cable broadband connection automatically when 3G/3.5G Internet connection is not available. 3G-6200n USB port can also function as a print server. When you connect with a USB printer, the device can be a print server allowing user to share printer through the network.

Edimax EZView * and Remote Management

Edimax EZView is a new enhanced management system in 3G-6200n which allows you to manage your router locally or remotely from the Internet. UPnP compatible devices are automatically detected and information about the device will be listed in the management interface of the router. You will be able to directly manage device information like IP address, bandwidth control, open ports and DMZ.

High Performance Hardware Design and Impressive Data Transmission Rate via IEEE802.11n

Edimax 3G-6200n is a high speed solution that complies with wireless IEEE 802.11b/g, and is compatible with IEEE 802.11n standard. When fine-tuned to operate using the wireless 802.11n technology, 3G-6200n wireless data transmission rate can reach up to 150Mbps – a coverage 3 times better than a standard 802.11g/b router.This router is a high performance Internet sharing router with 3G function, which enables multiple users to download files at same time.

Easy setup with EZMax Multi-language wizard

A unique multi-language setup wizard is included in the installation CD. You can setup the router to the Internet within minutes by following the simple animated steps.

Hardware WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) and Wireless on/off Button

The WPS button lets you activate the wireless protection. One-Click WPS button helps you setup a secure wireless network in a snap. 3G-6200n features a control button on its back panel to enable the easy switching on and off of the Wi-Fi wireless connection. When you want to use only wired connection, you can simply pause the Wi-Fi option by pressing the button without making any extra setting .