HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Now that you have your site/specialty area......

Find information on your specialty area in preparation for next week.

Research/Print out:

Website Homepage - Map, directions, departments, etc.

Job Description for a Medical Assisant/Aide/Technician in your specialty area.

Bring these to class on Monday.

Be safe and have a great weekend!

Mrs. Erceg

Trick or Treat?

Hi Ghosts and Ghouls...

Tomorrow is our potluck and please.....wear a costume! Even if you bring it along and put it on when you get here. Bring goodies to share.

Thank you Marisol and Leyla for being classroom managers today!

Tomorrow we'll talk about resume's and interviews. Please look at the previous blog entries about printing out a sample resume from the internet if you do not have one.

Did you memorize your SS#? Do you have your insurance card (copy) with you?

Talk to your family about ADVANCE DIRECTIVES and the DO NOT RESUSCITATE order. Tell them what you learned today after discussing the Terri Schiavo case.

Take care and I'll see you tomorrow.

Mrs. Erceg

Stuff for tomorrow!

Dear Students,

First of all, I must thank my classroom managers, Alicia R. and Kacey. Thank you very much for helping today.

Don't forget......Please ask your parents for your MEDICAL INSURANCE CARD - A COPY OF IT (FRONT AND BACK). Put this in your wallet or purse/backpack. You'll need this for class and you should carry a copy with you. MEMORIZE your SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER! You will need this for applications to intern in medical facilities. This is confidential information, no worries about anyone seeing this that is not an employee of the hospital or facility.Do you have a RESUME'? Please bring it to class if you have one. We're creating forms for your interviews at site and for future employment. IF YOU DON'T have a resume', please print out a sample from www.about.com. Go to the section regarding student resume or entry-level resume.

POTLUCK FRIDAY - Please bring goodies to share.

HOMEWORK: RESEARCH on the internet, the case of TERRI SCHIAVO. Print out a little bit of her story. What happened? What is your opinion of this case?

Take care,

Mrs. Erceg

Billing and Coding Basics and Administrative Functions

Hi Folks,

I know it's not all that interesting....(maybe it is for some!) - but I need you to understand the inner workings of the administrative side of medicine. The front office is where the business of medicine is and is a critical part of preparing for internship. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you Arcadia and Karissa for being classroom managers today.

FREE DINNER TONIGHT at the Medical Explorers meeting - 6:00 p.m. at Valley Care Pleasanton - 5575 West Las Positas Blvd. GO TO CAFETERIA and head toward the conference rooms. The meeting is in the conference rooms next door to the cafeteria. Come explore the possibilities in connecting with local medical specialists and learning more about career choices. They meet on the last Tuesday of each month.

REMINDERS FOR TOMORROW:

Don't forget......Please ask your parents for your MEDICAL INSURANCE CARD - A COPY OF IT (FRONT AND BACK). Put this in your wallet or purse/backpack. You'll need this for class and you should carry a copy with you. MEMORIZE your SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER! You will need this for applications to intern in medical facilities. This is confidential information, no worries about anyone seeing this that is not an employee of the hospital or facility.

Do you have a RESUME'? Please bring it to class if you have one. We're creating forms for your interviews at site and for future employment. IF YOU DON'T have a resume', please print out a sample from www.about.com. Go to the section regarding student resume or entry-level resume.

Take care and have a great night.

Mrs. Erceg

Don't Strain Your Brain

Use it...don't lose it. We'll talk about the brain (nervous system) this week.

Thank you Taylor Q. and Krishna....great job today as classroom managers!

FREE DINNER on Tuesday at the Medical Explorers meeting - 6:00 p.m. at Valley Care Pleasanton. The meeting is in the conference rooms next door to the cafeteria. Come explore the possibilities in connecting with local medical specialists and learning more about career choices. They meet on the last Tuesday of each month.

HOMEWORK: Please ask your parents for your MEDICAL INSURANCE CARD - A COPY OF IT (FRONT AND BACK). Put this in your wallet or purse/backpack. You'll need this for class and you should carry a copy with you. MEMORIZE your SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER! You will need this for applications to intern in medical facilities. This is confidential information, no worries about anyone seeing this that is not an employee of the hospital or facility. Do you have a RESUME'? Please bring it to class if you have one. We're creating forms for your interviews at site and for future employment.

See you tomorrow!

Mrs. Erceg

Poor Mr. Cheese

Well, I have to thank our surgeons, Drs. Mach, Fouts, Singh and Krause. I appreciate our pathology team too, Dr. Smith, Dr. Correa and Dr. Wong. Great job everyone! You performed the biopsy, got it to the pathology lab, presented a definitive diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma and will proceed with a procedure to excise the lesion. Thank you Imran for being a nice, compliant patient.

Amanda P. and Kinsey....thanks for being classroom managers today!

AMAZING! Thanks go out to Hannah, Kacey, Param, Taylor G., Lexi B., Haley, Imran and Rajdeep. I am so proud of you all for attending the film/speaker regarding the young man from Uganda. I am sure that was a life-changing experience for you all. Thanks Param and Kacey for loaning me the DVD you purchased. You all looked great in your t-shirts and you will all receive certificates for your portfolios.


FREE DINNER on Tuesday at the Medical Explorers meeting - 6:00 p.m. at Valley Care Pleasanton. The meeting is in the conference rooms next door to the cafeteria. Come explore the possibilities in connecting with local medical specialists and learning more about career choices. They meet on the last Tuesday of each month.

Next week...nervous system (brain and spinal cord) PLUS.....introduction to medical coding.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Mrs. Erceg

A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On!!!

Today was the "Great California Shake Out" drill. For many of you, the "earthquake" was at 10:21 a.m. At GHS today, in my PM class it started at 1:25. Everyone did a wonderful job. Thank you Dr. Param for meeting the needs of our "injured" students. Neema, Catherine and Ruby led the way to our designated meeting spot out on the football field- 34th yardline on the scoreboard side. We will be doing a write up for our internship binders so you'll know what to do at site if there is an emergency evacuation. Great job PM class!

Thank you Armaity, Emilia and Nandor for being classroom managers today. I really appreciated your help.

HAVE YOUR SCRIPT READY for the role-play!

Don't forget to talk to your family about having a medication schedule of all prescription and non-prescription (OTC) drugs with them at all times. Their lives may depend on it.

See you tomorrow. We'll work on our medical abbreviations and legal terms.

Mrs. Erceg

Nice Job !

The patient education/counseling role-plays have been excellent. I am so proud of the professionalism exhibited. I can see that I have a group of compassionate healthcare professionals. Keep up the good work and I look forward to more.

Thank you Michelle and Julie for being classroom managers today! I thank you for your hard work.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Film: STORIES OF WAR - A film and speaker of the war in Uganda. The speaker was a child soldier and is on tour. Sounds very interesting and intense. Please let me know if you are planning to go. I would like to give you a portfolio certificate.
Thursday, 10/21 (tomorrow night) 7:17 p.m. CrossWinds Church 6444 Sierra Court in Dublin.

LifeStyle Rx Community Health Fair - Sat. 10/30 VOLUNTEERS have come forward - Arcadia, Marysol, Katelyn, Jamie, Emilia, Hannah, Lexi B., "G", Lauren, Haley, Param, Cortney, Kalo and Rajdeep. Show up at 10:30 a.m. and ask for Summer.

GETSET: Girls Exploring Technology Science Engineering Together
There are wonderful opportunities available. See you career center specialist at your school.

HOMEWORK: Complete the abbreviations assignment from today. Use the internet if necessary.

See you tomorrow!

Mrs. Erceg

The ABC's of Melanoma.....A B C D E

Hi Folks -

Check it out......what does the ABCDE represent? Tell your parents about the warning signs of melanoma. You could save a life!
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Thank you Marysol and Hannah for a job well done.....excellent work as classroom managers!
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HEALTH FAIR: Saturday, Oct. 30th at LifeStyle Rx. WANT TO VOLUNTEER? There are 2-hour shifts available starting at 11:00 a.m. Certificate worthy! They need help with flu shots, children's areas, smoothie tasting, etc. There will be a lot of booths to visit too! Please see me tomorrow if you are interested in being a volunteer. They really need your help.
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Suggestion: "Finals Study Hall" for High School and Middle School Students
-study for finals
-finish projects
-escape distractions (925) 373-5504

Livermore Public Library 11/16 and 11/17 3/1 and 3/2 6/6 and 6/7
Civic Center Library
1188 S. Livermore Avenue 4-8:30 p.m.
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HOMEWORK: Read/Review today's packet of 4 handouts on abbreviations.

Have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

The Skin You're In - The Integumentary System

We'll continue looking at what the skin does for us and a little about skin cancer.

Thank you Katelyn and Lexi B. for being classroom managers today!

Pharmacology homework due tomorrow: (not here today? Just follow the directions below using a piece of binder paper).

Using your handout, parents, relatives or the internet, find 2 prescription meds and one OTC (over the counter) med and list them on the medication schedule. Do not list anyone's real name as the patient or doctor. What are the indications and usage of these drugs? What is the milligram dosage for each? How often are they taken? Tomorrow we will work on this and find out information about these medications.

WEBSITE for NURSING INFO SESSION 11/17- PRE- REGISTER AT:

www.concord.csueastbay.edu/prenursinginfo

See you tomorrow!

Mrs. Erceg

Nice Work !

Thanks to all of you that have been helping me during "crunch" time. October is a tough month for me as I take on the mounds of paperwork necessary to ensure a smooth transition into November...and....internship!

IMMUNIZATIONS: DEADLINE for all immunizations, vaccines, TB testing, etc. OCT. 22nd. See me immediately with any questions or concerns!!!

Thank you classroom managers Taylor M. and Patrisha for all of your hard work today.

Do you or someone you know take more than one prescription medication? Please get a list of the complete names of the meds and bring to class next week (Tuesday). We'll talk about this on Monday.

DRESS CODE ALERT - Second warning - : Please do not wear any inappropriate clothing to class that shows the chest area, stomach, hips, etc. No shorts or skirts that are very short! I run a classy program here and I want it to stay that way.

Uniforms, Badges and Lanyards...oh my! They are finally ready to hand out. It will cost you more than just money if these items become "missing". Take good care of these items so you look professional and polished every day.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Erceg

What is a Healthy Relationship?

Hello All,

There is a homework assignment due tomorrow. Please make a short, 5 to 10 item list, of the hallmarks of a good personal and/or professional relationship. Example: open, honest communication. You can even do it in handwriting! No need to type it. Just put it on a piece of BINDER PAPER with your name and date on it. Please turn it in when you arrive. Make sure your list is thorough and concise.

Thank you Veronika and Jessica for your help on Tuesday and Wednesday as classroom managers. I have to thank Danielle and Eva as well for being today's managers....THANK YOU!

Some of you have new seats. :/

Please let me know if you would like to sign up to go to the nursing program information meeting or the CMAA meeting. I will give you copies of the flyers.

TEST TOMORROW. Review the terms we covered in class during test preparation.

Have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

I can feel it in my "bones"

Tomorrow, please draw the pictures in the chapter on the skeletal system, pgs. 119-121 in the red textbook and get ready for the test on Friday.

Thank you Veronika and Jessica for being classroom managers today and tomorrow!


Have a great evening.

Mrs. Erceg

The Best Medicine

Hi Everyone,

The best medicine is a great big hug. Get one at a location near you (like Mom or Dad).

We're talking about prescribed medications this week and associated abbreviations. We have a lot more to cover this week too, so hold on to your hats!

Thank you Kyle and Sheevena for being classroom managers today! Great job.

Test this Friday....study the 70 words! We'll look them over in class too.

Have a great evening!

Mrs. Erceg

Happy Friday!

Thank you Alicia L. and Annette for being great classroom managers!

Have a great weekend and remember to.....b r e a t h e. Talk to your family about the "70 Great Stress Busters". Remember, you need an open mind, a kind heart and a calm demeanor to do well in Medical Occupations!

For those of you going to U.C. Davis this weekend, have a good time and bring back a lot of good information to share. Some of you will be helping out with Good News Bears...that's wonderful.

See you Monday.

Mrs. Erceg

Babies, Babies, Babies

Hi Everyone,

Did you tell your parents that there was a baby born in class today? Well, some graphics of that were shown that help us understand the birth process.

Congratulations to Weston! You are now finished with your "project". Do you feel a bit lighter? Have less responsibility? You did a very good job! I can tell you have patience...a wonderful trait.

Thank you Nameeta, Jessica and Nicole for being classroom managers today. Yipppee...I love CM's.

Lets discuss stress reduction again tomorrow. How do you manage your life so you are not physically, mentally or emotionally stressed out? Talk to your parents and be ready to discuss your ideas. Talk about it as a family. Stress reduction is one of the most important skills you can learn.

Flash Cards....show me your cards tomorrow. Don't stress about it if you are not completely finished! Our goal - 10/7. Didn't meet the goal? See me and we'll work it out.

Role Plays next week! Practice educating your patient/client with the paper you wrote (MTP #3) Do not come to class on Monday without your paper/script. Props are not necessary, but are welcome.

If you have not turned in an assignment...do not leave the classroom until you have given me the reason for not turning it in. I need your honesty, cooperation and plan for completing your work! I need proactive, Tigger behaviors. Don't try to be sly and step out without seeing me. This is not how an intern behaves. Step up and say the three phrases...."I'm sorry... etc.

See you tomorrow!

Mrs. Erceg

Got MTP4?

Hi Everyone,

Be ready to turn in MTP4 tomorrow. No late papers and no papers in handwriting! Attach information about the product, service, etc. to your typewritten assignment.

Thank you Kamal and Shannon for being classroom managers today. Can you all see that without the CM's, I can't put quality time in teaching and taking care of students? Yes, it's true.

Do you have questions about the reproductive system that you would like me to address during lecture? If so, please write out your question and put it in the "Note Apple".

Completion of your 3 x 5 cards are due tomorrow. Don't be stressed about it. You can finish these in class tomorrow!!!!

If you are available and you are college-bound...please check out the Tri-Valley College Fair at Dublin H.S. at 6:30 tomorrow evening. Bring evidence of your visit to the fair and I will give you extra credit AND a certificate. Be sure to get information from at least 10 booths.

Take care and have a good evening.

Mrs. Erceg

Understanding Achondroplasia...

....and other forms of dwarfism. Good film, huh? I think so. It helps us with our perspective of all patients - no matter what their appearance - and that they are there to get our help and not be judged in any way. I could tell that you all "got it". That makes me proud of you.

Thank you Jamie and Elissa - great job today as classroom managers.

Deadline approaching: 10/7 3 x 5 Cards and MTP #4 (typed with attachment)

Also 10/7 - COLLEGE FAIR AT DUBLIN HIGH 6:30 TO 8:30 P.M.

See you tomorrow in Medical Occupations!

Mrs. Erceg

And the winner is.......

__________ _________ is the winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine! Who is it?

http://www.nobelprize.org/ 2 - 3 paragraphs TYPED answering the following:
1. Who won?
2. What was this person’s accomplishment?
3. How did this discovery affect mankind? Womankind? (In your own words)
20 POINTS DUE TOMORROW, TUESDAY 10/5.

Thank you Madhy and Amanda for being classroom managers today!

Lymphatic and reproductive system coming up. Any questions you'd like addressed in class regarding the reproductive system?? Just write out the note (with or without your name) and put the note in my "apple" note holder near the front door.

UPCOMING DATES - REMINDERS:

GHS: 10/5 SENIOR PARENT NIGHT 10/6 SENIOR PANO PIC
10/12 SENIOR COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT

ALL STUDENTS: 10/7 COLLEGE FAIR AT DUBLIN
10/7 UC DAVIS VOLUNTEER MEETING

10/9 - 10/10 UC DAVIS PRE-MED CONFERENCE

10/9 S.A.T. 10/16 P.S.A.T. 10/23 CMAA MEETING

Take care!

Mrs. Erceg

Keeping an Open Mind? I Certainly Hope So !

Hi Everyone,

You all did really well during our discussion of open-mindedness and the "circle of control". Let's remember that you have a choice about what you say and do, not what OTHERS say and do!

Hey....Ben! Hey......Dominique! I apologize for not giving you recognition as classroom managers on last night's blog. Thank you both for working hard yesterday and keeping your teacher organized.

Speaking of managers.....thank you Cristina and Alex - you were both so helpful as classroom managers today and you both took good care of our guest speakers.

I hope you learned a lot from our guest speakers from Heald College and Tri-Valley Haven. We'll talk more about fundraising for the holiday program, okay?

Medical Terminology Flash Cards - Must be finished on Thursday 10/7. A to Z.
You will have time in class to work on these, during 2nd period (if you don't have a class), during lunch or after school on Monday, Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday!

Book Check-Out: Remember to bring in the red DHO textbook if you borrowed one!

MTP #4 - Keep your eyes open! There are plenty of "scams" out there, just waiting to be purchased by the uninformed buyer. Be sure to follow these directions:

Watch for something that is "too good to be true". TYPE TWO full paragraphs on what the product is, what it allegedly does, and whether or not it works! I'd love your opinion of the advertising as the last sentence of the 2nd paragraph. ATTACH the downloaded info, the article from a magazine or the details of the television advertisement. You must tell me if the product is reputable and proven to work.

Practice your scenario-based role plays with a family member or friend. Be ready to educate your patient or client....that's me! Teach me all about the condition, disease, etc.

Who do you think will win the NOBEL PRIZE IN MEDICINE? The announcement will be made earrrrrly Monday morning. On Tuesday, there will be an assignment due regarding the
winner(s). http://www.nobelprize.org/

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Mrs. Erceg