Happy Holidays

Hi Folks,



Keep up the good work at your sites everyone. Your commitment to the program is appreciated.



This will be the last blog entry of 2008! Wow, time has flown by. Here are reminders for tomorrow:



1. Time sheets must be turned in each Wednesday, so bring it in tomorrow. Take some

extra blank copies with you today for your folder. I take points away for each late

time sheet, so be careful! Call me if there's ANY problem getting it signed or turned in on

time. I have posted your hours in the classroom.

2. Remind your site that the first supervisor evaluation is due on January 14th.

Show it to your supervisor on January 5th and give them plenty of time to review it.

3. VIOLATIONS noted at site will be discussed tomorrow. Please remember you are

representing yourself, the program and your instructor.

4. Be mindful with your time/time sheets. I have noted students not at their site when I

visited and they did not call in to let me know. That is a cut and affects your grade and

your credibility.

5. We will talk about training plans and requests to increase responsibility at your sites

tomorrow.



I know you are really working hard out there. I rely on all of you to do the very best you can and know I am available to help you when needed.



By the way, if you want to bring in food to share tomorrow, please do!



Take care and I'll see you tomorrow. I also want to wish you a wonderful time with your family and friends over the holiday.



~Mrs. Erceg

Happy Monday to You

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are staying warm and dry in this crazy weather. I know you're out there doing a great job and I have visited a number of you already today with more to see.

Please get your time sheets signed for the week of 12/8 to 12/12 and turn them in on Wednesday. Bring your folders to class and check the blog tomorrow as well for reminders.

Take care,

~Mrs. Erceg

A Note for You

Hi Folks,

I'll be off the radar on Thursday 12/11 and Friday 12/12, so if you need someone urgently regarding the Med Occs program, please call Tri-Valley R.O.P at 925- 455-4800 and talk to Susan, Anna Lisa or Mitzi. They will help you. If it is informational only, please leave a message on my cell phone or email me at lerceg@livermore.k12.ca.us

Get those hours in! After review, many of you did a little more last week, some not enough. Be sure to set your goal for 2.5+ hours per day to meet the requirements of the program.

I meant to give you the dates the supervisor evaluations are due... here they are:

1/14/09 2/18/09 3/18/09 4/22/09 and 5/20/09

There will be an assignment given in January that requires you to choose a career area to explore and you'll interview someone in that field. Please start considering what career area you would like to research and who your interview subject may be.

It's not mandatory, but if you and your family would like to offer up some goodies to share with your site that would be very nice. Perhaps some cookies or other holiday treat? We like to show our appreciation at every opportunity.

Feel free to bring in treats to share on Wednesday, 12/17. WATCH for the blog entries on Monday and Tuesday, 12/15 and 12/16!!!

Thanks and get those hours in!

~Mrs. Erceg

Hello Medical Professionals

Dear Students of Medical Occupations,

You should all be very proud of yourselves. I can see that you are committed to doing a great job at your sites. I enjoy visiting you and watching your progress...fantastic. There are more opportunities coming up at the V.A. Hospital to work directly with patients and delivering bedside care. Some of the veterans need help with craft projects they are making for holiday gifts. Please see me for details.

Mark your calendars/or enter into your cell phone----to check the blog on MONDAYS and TUESDAYS in preparation for our Wednesdays in the classroom. There will be reminders that you'll need to see. Please remember each week to check the blog on those days.

FOR TOMORROW: Timesheets! - filled out completely. AM class - you are required to complete 2.5 hours per day and the PM class 2.0+ per day. Site info forms are due and I'll help you with those in class. We will review our site activities and work on medical terminology.
Keep those stuffed animals coming in! Clean out your closets and ask your friends to do the same. In-class assignment tomorrow is to identify tasks that were easier for you due to classroom activities, assignments or lecture, as well as new tasks that are challenging for you. I'll ask you to write these down tomorrow in class as we share our individual stories about site activities.

GHS: Panoramic pictures are in. I will arrange for you to see Jodi Robison in Student Services to pick yours up.

Great job everyone!

~Mrs. Erceg

Congratulations are in order!

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday, December 1st marked the first day of a new adventure in Medical Occupations. I spent the day at the V.A. Hospital yesterday with the students touring all the departments. Today, I was able to see nearly all of you at your site. For the few that I didn't see, I'll be visiting later this week.

I look forward to hearing all about your first two days tomorrow. Remember to keep track of all of your tasks that you are currently working on at your site and write these down on the back of your time sheet each week. There will be several assignments to track your progress and develop a training plan. I want you to have a good site experience and to do that, you and I have to work together and communicate well.

Reminders: Make sure you are completing hours - minimum of 2.5 hours per day. If you are leaving early for any reason, please let me know so I will not miss you when I come to monitor you at your site. I have a hectic visitation and curriculum prep schedule, and I appreciate you helping me by keeping me informed. Please bring in your folders and business cards tomorrow.

Take care and congratulations on completing your first two days of community classroom.

~Mrs. Erceg

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a great week, you all earned it! Have a great first day at your community classroom sites!

~Mrs. Erceg

The End...and the Beginning!

Hi Everyone,

Tomorrow is the last day we are together before internship begins on December 1st. I know it's been hectic, but don't forget I am very proud of all of you for taking on this challenge. For many, it is a new experience - the world outside school and home. I know you'll all do very well.

TOMORROW'S SCHEDULE: GHS here at 8:00 a.m. LHS here at 10:20 a.m.
DHS/FHS here at 1:05

FOR TOMORROW: Please do some Internet research by typing in the following on your favorite search engine: Pros and Cons Universal Health Care

In order to get full credit on the assignment tomorrow, you'll need to express your responses/opinions in clear, well-written paragraphs. Each paragraph will be three to five sentences.

Well, I'll see you tomorrow. Please anticipate your needs and mine regarding any last minute questions or concerns you have and I'll be happy to help you.

~Mrs. Erceg

Pros and Cons Regarding Universal Health Care

Hi Folks,

The pictures came out great...even the funny ones! You all looked fantastic. I want you to be well informed about the pros and cons of having ONE health care system for all U.S. citizens.
I am looking for opinions and good write-ups for the assignment.

Here are some helpful websites to get you ready for Friday......

Scroll down past #33 on this site and those areas will help you a lot:

http://wiki.idebate.org/index.php/Debate:Health_care,_universal

Here's another: http://www.capmag.com/article.asp?ID=4511

...and one more - http://www.amsa.org/uhc/uhcres.cfm

We'll talk more about it tomorrow.

Take care,

~Mrs. Erceg

Getting Ready!

Hi Folks,

I'll need to do an orientation with student groups tomorrow....Axis, V.A. and Valley Care. I have more info for you now.

Please wear (or bring) your uniforms/badges tomorrow for a class picture.

For the afternoon class, you can bring your potluck items tomorrow.
In regard to the morning class, we'll decide tomorrow if Thursday or Friday will work better. Think about that one, okay?

More community classroom prep tomorrow.

I NEED SITE CONTRACTS! If you have not turn yours in, please turn it in right away. Thanks!

Take care and I'll see you tomorrow.

~Mrs. Erceg

Greetings to All

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for being good "critical thinkers" today. We're covering important workplace skills this week and we will continue tomorrow. We will also cover medical insurance basics. Please ask your parents what type of insurance coverage you have...who is your physician? Who is the primary provider of insurance in your household? Is there a co-pay for E.R., office visits, Rx? Does anyone in your extended family have Medicare? No need to share this info, but it is very useful as you become adults to know about medical insurance as well as insurance for other components of life.

I NEED SITE CONTRACTS! If you have not turn yours in, please turn it in right away. Thanks!

CLASS PICTURE on WED 11/19 - Bring (or wear) your uniform shirt, pants, badge and lanyard.

LHS - Special finals schedule with me on 11/20 and 11/21. GHS - Schedule confirmed.

DHS/FHS normal schedule.

Take care and I'll see you tomorrow.

~Mrs. Erceg

Final Community Classroom Preparation Time!

Hi Folks,

After next week...Thanksgiving and then community classroom begins! I am so excited for you. You will learn so many new things and bring new information to share with the class.

We'll do a lot of prep work next week and get ready to go out. Have your uniform, lanyard and badge on the ready for class pics!

Take care,

~Mrs. Erceg

Career Choices with an A.A. Degree

Hi Folks,

I saw this online and thought you might like to look into some of these careers.

http://www.allhealthcare.com/careers/articles/1892-the-10-best-jobs-with-an-associate-degree-

See you tomorrow.

~Mrs. Erceg

CPR Training Time

Hello Everyone,

Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for CPR training Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
I will need full cooperation during the entire class. This includes being very quiet during the video segments and instruction - thank you in advance for your attention. I will not certify anyone who cannot perform the skills and/or pass the test on Friday. I have to be sure you are all meeting the requirements that the American Red Cross has established. Thanks for understanding.

I hope your weekend is going well and I'll see you on Wednesday. We'll get started right away. Please stow your gear in the back of the room when you arrive...backpacks, purses, etc.

Take care,

~Mrs. Erceg

Have a......

GREAT WEEKEND!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I'll see you on Wednesday for CPR.

~Mrs. Erceg

Do you have the time....and the dates?

Hi Folks,

Please work on those calendars! Please create a free online, printable calendar so you can work out schedules with internship supervisors. Everyone should have a uniform shirt, badge, lanyard, scrub pants, shoes and a smile ready for meeting your site personnel. I know I've got a lot on my mind with placements, but continue being patient and it will all work out....that's for sure.

We'll continue our lessons tomorrow, including CPR prep. REMINDER: CPR training on 11/12, 11/13 and 11/14 - all during class sessions.

I'll work with you again tomorrow regarding contracts, names, addresses and other site information.

See you tomorrow and have a great night.

~Mrs. Erceg

Surviving Medical Occupations

Hello Survivors,

You're doing great and keeping up with the program. Remember to get your contracts signed by a parent as I hand them out. Please return them to me right away.

I really admire you all for being flexible. I needed you to work on your own today. The skits and survival lists are great. We'll keep working on your desert island experience tomorrow, and practice medical coding.

Internship starts on December 1st. Please tell your parents we're gearing up and getting ready. Reminder: CPR TRAINING 11/12, 11/13 and 11/14.

Have a great evening,

~Mrs. Erceg

Germs, Germs, Go Away......

Hi Everyone,

Practice washing your hands in a whole new way in preparation for working with patients. We'll continue our discussion on infection control, medical records and we'll do more coding practice tomorrow. Time to go vote....

Have a nice evening!

~Mrs. Erceg

Happy Halloween !

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. I hope you have a scary, fun Halloween.

See you next week for more internship prep. That's not so scary!

~Mrs. Erceg

Thank You

Hello Everyone,

I just have to tell you.....I was SO impressed with the scenarios you wrote and how attentive you were while others shared. It is not always easy to be patient and you did a wonderful job.

I hope you are all feeling more comfortable about taking vital signs. We'll continue practicing tomorrow. Please remember to take your resting heart rate (see previous blog entry) and listen to people on the telephone - how do they answer? Politely? Professionally?

Keep showing me the behaviors I expect of medical interns. I know you've got what it takes, so continue working on being the best you can be. That's all I ask.

Take care and have a lovely evening,

~Mrs. Erceg

What is your "Prognosis"?

Hi Folks,

Congratulations, both classes had great attendance today and did a good job practicing vital signs. I suppose I can say your prognosis is excellent.

I have been hard on a few of you lately. I have to demand the best behaviors in class so I can trust those behaviors will be transferred to your internship sites. I promise the site supervisors that my students are very professional and ethical. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and mature attitudes.

A question to think about regarding our community classroom experience... What is the most efficient way to schedule patients throughout the day? How can they be greeted, escorted to a room and cared for with dignity and professionalism?

Take care and I'll see you tomorrow for more vital signs and patient check-in practice.

~Mrs. Erceg

Can You Say "Sphygmomanometer" ?

When your parents ask you what you learned today, say you took someone's blood pressure with a stethascope and a "sfing-moh-man-nom-meter".

We will practice vital signs again tomorrow. Please take your resting heart rate tomorrow morning and tell me what it was. Don't get out of bed, find your carotid pulse when you wake up and count for 60 seconds. Is this pulse rate different from your pulse rate you have in the middle of the day?

See you tomorrow!

~Mrs. Erceg

Happy Friday!

Have a great weekend everyone. Be prepared, my future medical professionals.....

next week is packed full of fun and excitement! Vital signs, CVS, Respiratory System...you name it! We'll have a lot to do...but let's work hard and get it done. I'm watching for those ready for internship.

Be good to yourselves.

~Mrs. Erceg

Hey!

Today was a good day. You worked hard and I appreciate your attentive and mature attitudes. Please keep those behaviors as your standards for success in the program.

Take good care of the sub tomorrow- and please refer to the schedule posted on the cabinet near the door - it is written in blue. Adhere to the schedule and thank you all. I'll be available by cell phone if you need me or call Foothill High School and ask for Room A5.

Keep taking pulses!

Take care,

~Mrs. Erceg

Reminders for You

For those of you who have not turned them in......Please bring in your UNIFORM SHIRT/SCRUB PANTS checks and order forms tomorrow!! (Wednesday 10/22)

I really liked your game designs. The students had fun playing them. We just need to work on talking and disruption during play. I am watching for behaviors consistent with the course and internship. Practice a lot of self-discipline tomorrow, and every day in class. I need to trust that my students are clear-thinking and focused at their sites and not easily distracted. If someone in class starts to distract you, please look directly at me or nod your head side-to-side, indicating "not now - we'll talk later". Be in control of your environment or see me to help you.

FOR TOMORROW: Assignment (graded 10 points) - Come prepared to write down what Cheyne-Stokes respiration is.

~Mrs. Erceg

Happy Monday

Hi Folks,

Please bring in your UNIFORM SHIRT/SCRUB PANTS checks and order forms tomorrow!! I have to send in the payment a.s.a.p. I want us all looking really sharp for our class picture. Please let me know tomorrow about purchasing your scrub pants from me or if you're on your own with that. We'll keep coming up with new places to buy the pants in the Tri-Valley area.

We have our work cut out for us. There are some topics to cover this week, CVS, Respiratory, confidentiality, appointment scheduling and CPR preparation. Did you know that the goal is to perform 100 chest compressions per minute? That takes a lot of strength. I heard that if you listen to "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees, the beat of the music is exactly the rhythm needed for CPR. Ask your parents, they'll get a kick out of that.

Tomorrow we'll finish us playing our medical terminology games and keep them on hand for review.

Have you taken your pulse lately? (Or someone else's?)

Take care and have a great evening.

~Mrs. Erceg

Before you get out of bed.....

Try taking your pulse! This is known as a "resting heart rate". Instructions: Before getting up out of bed, look at a clock, find your carotid or radial pulse and watch the numbers on a digital clock or your cell phone. When the minute changes to the next, start counting for the full 60 seconds, (until the minute changes again). What is your RHR versus your pulse rate you took in class? Is it different? Why would it be (or not be?). Take a family member's pulse tonight too!

Great job on telephone triage. Practicing this helps you prepare for future phone calls and staying calm in an emergency. Patients will rely on you!

TOMORROW: TEST- Endocrine, Reproductive and Nervous System.
TURN IN ASSIGNMENT "Pioneer in Medical History" DATE STAMP IT !
FINISH the medical terminology game and play within your own group only.
(find any last minute updates or changes to ensure it's easy to play)
DVD/FILM: "Patch Adams" with Robin Williams
(A.M. CLASS - Special Bell Schedule tomorrow - Rachel will help.)

REMEMBER: There is a substitute tomorrow. Be the wonderful people I know and love.
I will be working hard at the conference and in the field acquiring sites for you.
Please follow up on your own personal inquiries too.
- Check/Form due on Monday 10/20 for shirt and/or scrub pants + CPR.

Have a great evening and a great weekend.

~Mrs. Erceg

It's "vital" you know your vital signs !

Keep working on taking your pulse, or someone elses! You can never get enough practice. Do you remember where the pulse points are?

Let's try to finish the med term games tomorrow. Prepare for the test Friday and turn in your paper on a pioneer in medical history too.

I'll work with many of you tomorrow on internship prep. Please ask a parent or friend....is there a spot for you at a local doctor's office or clinic? Ask that they call me and I'll send my letter or go see them on appointment. I'd love to secure more internship sites.

Take care,

~Mrs. Erceg

What are your intentions? All good....I know.

Hello Students,

Thank you for writing your "letters of intent" today. I am really looking forward to reading them. We talked about attitude today and how important it is when working with patients and co-workers. I need all of my students to show their ability in maintaining a good attitude even in the face of adversity. I make sure you have a teacher ready to help you every day (me) and you are training to be ready for working with patients in a kind and polite way. We have to let things go for awhile sometimes and show our best attitudes on the job. Great work today on that. I really liked your comments about taking the high road even if you're feeling low.

I will ask you to work on your medical term games tomorrow and hopefully finish them. Please bring in any materials you may need to complete the game. We'll also work on developing our skills and eventually getting to "telephone triage" and emergency response calls.

Remind parents about order forms for the uniforms. These are DUE 10/20.

Students attending the advisory meeting tomorrow- please see me when you arrive.

By the way, I'm seeing good progress in behaviors. There are still a few of you who are having trouble with self-discipline. Please remember to not disrupt the class by talking during lecture or questions being asked by another student. Thanks very much.

I am looking forward to working with all of you on your CC sites!

Have a wonderful (Hunter's Moon) evening. (Full moon from dawn to dusk today)

~Mrs. Erceg

Game Designers Unite !

Hi Folks ~

Keep thinking up great ideas regarding your medical terminology game design.

Remember: 30 Legitimate words/abbreviations, definitions of those, study guide to help prep your audience a bit - no answers, just topic areas, catchy title for the game, colorful, durable and have all the pieces/equipment you need. I have a 6-light buzzer, bell and a kitchen timer here in the classroom. Don't forget! Keep writing on your log/notes to ensure receiving a grade. All members of the group must contribute equally.

This week we continue with the lymphatic system as well as work on "telephone etiquette". What does your greeting say on your phone? How do you answer a telephone in a business setting? What are the legal and ethical implications involved in using the telephone?

Take care and have a great evening.

~Mrs. Erceg

Do you know anyone who is a mind-reader?

Remember to communicate well ! We can't always know what others are thinking and encourage them to talk to you about their needs and yours.

Another great week, I hope you had fun. I sure did.

Next week: Lymphatic system.

Test next week - Reproductive, Endocrine, Nervous and Lymphatic systems.

Have a wonderful weekend! (make flash cards - or go online to studystack.com) Fun !

~Mrs. Erceg

Go Where You're Needed

Thank you all for passing my "test" this week. When I told everyone..."new seating chart", students proceeded to find their seats -most of you. This was a test of cooperation, flexibility and adapting to a changing environment. Good job. This is what good employees/volunteers are made of. My no-whining policy is in full effect. :/

I'll send home the order form for the uniforms and CPR tomorrow. Please advise your parents that they can call me if there are any questions.

Tomorrow: MT #4 due and the medical research paper (homework).

Please have your parents call me if there are any questions regarding the TB tests, thank you.

More brainy stuff tomorrow too.

Have a wonderful evening!

~Mrs. Erceg

Thank you

Hi Folks,

Thanks for representing the program so well today during the field trip. I feel the information received today was helpful to you in making some decisions about college.

DUE FRIDAY: MT #4 and the homework assignment on medical research.

SATURDAY: CMAA Meeting at "On the Border" Restaurant (Topic: EMS Services/EMT)

I am working diligently on site placements. Please bring in any information regarding site preferences. I'll need the name of the facility/physician, address, ph# and contact person in their office or clinic. I'll be meeting with all of you in the coming weeks and setting up your interviews.

I'll see you all tomorrow and thanks again.

~Mrs. Erceg

Hello Travelers !

Hello Students,

I'll see all of my morning students as planned - at 9:20. We'll have lunch in the classroom
(a.m. class) and leave around 11:45 to head to LPC.

Field trip reminders:

1. Arrive at LPC no later than 12:15 in parking lot "H".
2. Make sure you have your parking pass - place on dashboard. (a.m. class gets theirs tomorrow)
3. Wear comfortable clothing - something casual but nice. No shorts or tank tops please.
4. SHOES: Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes only. We will be touring a science laboratory.
5. Cell phones must be off and put away during the tour.
6. Leave heavy bags and backpacks locked in the car.

CALL MY CELL IF NECESSARY TOMORROW after 11:45 a.m.: (510) 305-5111

Thanks and have a great evening!

Mrs. Erceg

p.s. You were all very brave today - thanks for being tough. TB tests are necessary for all
health care personnel.

p.s.s. Thanks to Joyce, Tammy and Sharon! More stuffed animals for "Good News Bears"!

Just Say "No" to Drugs, Say "Yes" to Health

Hi Everyone,

We found out what certain drugs can do to the human body when used inappropriately. Just say no to brain damage and life altering drama - say no to drugs. (Unless prescribed and used correctly!)

Please ask your parents about home remedies. Some of these really work! Some don't. Share yourfindings.

Our focus is the brain and nervous system this week. Use those fantastic brains of yours and bring your comments and questions to discussion and lecture this week. Show me the participation !!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL STUDENTS ! PERFECT ATTENDANCE FOR BOTH CLASSES!

Have a great evening.

~Mrs. Erceg

Homework

Friday night homework? Yes...you know what to do! Tell your parents about your nice progress report, show it to them. Tell them what you learned today - I know they'll appreciate all of your hard work. You all deserve a round of applause for good attitudes and classroom conduct.

Practice telling time in "military time". It's the way things are done in a hospital. Was the baby born at 8:00 a.m. or 8:00 p.m.? Is it 0800? I'll ask you to tell me what time it is a lot next week.

Next week we'll study the nervous system and special senses.

Have a great weekend!

~Mrs. Erceg

Okay, I missed one....

Well, nightly blogs are my thing...but last night the only one that got out was for the GHS seniors.

Don't despair! I will not miss very many all year.

I am SO PROUD of my classes! Everyone had such great questions today, you were all very engaged in the lessons and attentive. You were polite, punctual and have had great attendance. These are the behaviors I hope for and will rely on when you are out at site.

REMINDER: Tues: TB Test Wed 10/8 FIELD TRIP TO LPC - have lunch prior to the event, wear appropriate clothing and closed-toed and closed-heel shoes. I'm looking forward to this!

Tomorrow we'll continue our lessons on the reproductive system, PDR and legal issues/ethics.

Take care and have a great evening.

~Mrs. Erceg

p.s. Is it "prostrate gland" or "prostate gland" ? Lie down and think about it. LOL

For GHS Seniors Only.....

Hello Class of 2009 ~

1. Please make sure you check your transcript you received today. Look at the credit summary box - the third column (Def) lists the credits needed to graduate. Current classes are under "Work in Progress". These credits should equal or exceed the number of credits to graduate. Make sure you are enrolled in the correct English classes that satisfy the English requirment at UC/CSU schools. See your counselor if you have questions!

2. Return the transcript release form and return it to the counseling office. All colleges, including Las Positas, will be able to receive a copy of your transcripts when requested.

3. Senior Parent Night/College Workships (Blue Form) MONDAY, OCT. 6th - We will discuss senior activities and the college application process.

4. Read over the college application handout to understand the process and when apps are due.

Go Seniors! 2009 - Woo Hoo!

~Mrs. Erceg

What is a PDR?

Well, I know you can answer that question now. We'll work in the PDR again tomorrow and I'll have a special assignment for you to do in class. Let's talk about drug interactions and by the way, talk to your family again about medic-alert bracelets. They save lives!

Great job on the abbreviations today. You really remembered them well. Tomorrow we'll talk about the reproductive system.

GHS students: Bring in green and blue forms. Disneyland form is mailed from home! Ask your parents to mail in the registration and check to the address listed on the form.

See you tomorrow for more fun and adventure in Medical Occupations.

Have a great evening,

~Mrs. Erceg

Hello All ~

Today we started looking at the endocrine system. We'll finish the film regarding achondroplasia tomorrow and talk more about hormones and what roles they play. This week we also look at the reproductive system, abbreviations, legal and ethical issues and pharmacology.

IMPORTANT DATES: 10/7 TB testing
10/8 FIELD TRIP to LPC
10/9 TB tests read and documented

NEW CMAA MEMBERS!!! Congratulations to: Rachel, Brittany R., Natalie, Madelyn, Grace,
who joined last week and today.....Poonam and Heather.
WAY TO GO!

Please bring in names of medications that you would like to look up. We are going to learn how to use the "PDR" - Physician's Desk Reference. If you have one, please bring it tomorrow. THANKS!

Have a great evening.

~Mrs. Erceg

Happy Friday Everyone !

Hello Students,

I love the drawings you did today. Some of the "muscle" people are very colorful characters.

Next week I will be meeting with each of you to discuss your progress in the class. I will want to talk to you about attendance, academics, attitude/participation and other classroom behaviors.
You already know that your work and attitudes in this class, along with your other classes, will prove to me your readiness for community classroom. I have confidence you will all do very well.

We will cover the endocrine and reproductive systems next week as well as pharmacology. Feel free to bring in questions and names of medications (no personal information attached).

MT# 4 will sneak up on you, so please get it done. This assignment will take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Have fun with it. Find something that's "just too good to be true". Another assignment, due 10/17, is the "Pioneer in Medical History". Tell me who you have chosen so I can give you an idea how much research material is available.

Have a really great weekend.

~Mrs. Erceg

Is is the "right eye" or the "left eye"? OD? OS?

....or is it both eyes? Well, you certainly learned a lot of medical abbreviations today. You all did a great job defining the abbreviations on the handout. You'll be using a lot of these next week when we cover pharmacology. By the way, your examples regarding the personal qualities of a healthcare worker were very impressive. Keep up the good work. I'm enjoying the observation of brilliant minds at work.

Tomorrow we will review our terms on the board, draw some pictures of muscles and continue our discussions on internship prep and medicolegal/ethical issues. Please be prepared for these discussions.

By the way, are you keeping an "eye" on the website: www.nobelprize.org?

Have a great evening,

~Mrs. Erceg

p.s. Joke: Why didn't the skeleton cross the road? Answer: Because he didn't have the "guts".
LOL LOL LOL HA HA

p.s.s. Psssssst...I'll ask you what was on the blog tonight. If you can't answer....uh oh.

Hello From Mrs. Squeaky

Well, the laryngitis was a little better today. I hope you liked the DVD on "Life Before Anesthesia" - Ugh. What a thought.

I'm looking forward to meeting with all of you one-on-one next week. I need those kind of meetings with you so we can really understand each other. I need to really know you and have a good relationship with each student to make the community classroom experience work...and work well. I am observing behaviors in class to help me determine if students will be placed in the community. I send out the very best, and only the best to clients, doctors, clinics and hospitals. Continue to prove to me how mature and responsible you all are.

Grades and progress reports will be available at our meeting. Please bring your questions and your requests/information regarding community classroom.

Please print out your MTP #3 tonight (due Friday!) so you can feel satisfied that the work is done and printed. I am looking forward to seeing this assignment. It is such a great skill to know how to research a disease and how they are treated. Knowledge is power!

We'll continue our work tomorrow on bones and muscles, abbreviations and legal/ethical issues.

Have a wonderful evening.

~Mrs. Erceg

Can you say "laryngitis"?

Thank you all for your patience - it's tough to teach when you can't talk well. Thanks go to Diana and Renee for being my "voice" today by reading aloud to the class when needed.

We'll continue learning about bones and muscles tomorrow. I'm off to rest and get better. This week we will look at medical abbreviations and legal terms too.

Thanks and I'll see you tomorrow!

~Mrs. Erceg

p.s. Do you know of any "Pioneers" in Medical History?

Bones and Muscles This Week!

Hi Everyone,

Another busy week ahead...but nothing we can't handle. We are learning about the skeletal system and muscular system, as well as medical abbreviations, and legal and ethical issues. Here are some reminders for this week:

Please use classroom # now (925) 606-4800 x 3640 - Do not use my cell phone # at this time. Please leave all messages at the classroom phone #. Thank you so much.

Please bring in the field trip form- we almost have them all.

MT Project #3 due Friday. Please have your paper reviewed and edited. I'll help if needed, okay?

WE HAVE TWO NEW CMAA MEMBERS! Natalie and Brittany R. Congratulations!

Have a great evening and I'll see you tomorrow.

~Mrs. Erceg

Happy Friday !

Hello Everyone,

Just a few reminders for Monday:

Forms - GHS students/forms and both AM and PM Field Trip Forms

Vaccinations/Immunizations were due Friday. Please contact me if you have not turned them in.

CMAA Membership - I'm looking forward to having new members for the East Bay Region of
the California Medical Assistants Association. Looks great in the portfolio and on the resume' !

Next week: Bones and Muscles, Medical Law and Ethics, Medical Abbreviations...and more.

Take care and have a great weekend.

~Mrs. Erceg

Medical Terminology in a Flash (or with Flash Cards!)

Dear Students,

So...planning on making some flash cards? I hope so! They will help you in preparing for tests and exams. Make cards for prefixes, root words, suffixes and abbreviations. Remember, color coding and the card ring - keep them nice and organized. This is not a requirement, just a strong recommendation.

Some of you still need to turn in vaccination information. Please get them in!

Also for tomorrow, please turn in field trip forms and for the AM GROUP only....the GHS info sent home for parents to sign.

COLLEGE FAIR TONIGHT! LHS 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Extra Credit - 10 points for info on health and/or medical programs at colleges from the health fair. You have to prove you were there, so have someone sign the materials for you.

Confidentiality and HIPAA - more on that as we prepare ourselves for the workplace. Please bring in any stories from parents, family and friends that you can share. How does the rumor mill ruin people's reputations, privacy, etc.?

TOMORROW: MT #2 is due and we have a test on UTS/DIG/INTEG/BODY PLANES.

Have a lovely evening,

~Mrs. Erceg

Doing things in "Advance" is a good thing !

Dear Students,

I know end of life issues are a tough thing to talk about, but you did really well! Advance directives are a really good tool for families and health care workers. This process takes away confusion and guilt about a friend or family member's wishes. We'll be referring to it again in class. Tomorrow, please ask me...."What's a notary"? "What is hospice"? "What is palliative care"? I'll have answers for you.

Brianna - THANK YOU for all of the stuffed animals. They will be very much appreciated by those in need. I encourage all of you to talk to your friends. Remember, clean and gently used "friends" are needed. Thanks to all students who brought in stuffed animals and teddy bears.

Reminder about call in procedure: PARENTS: I need a call before class start time or note within 24 hours of an absence, thank you.

We are having a canned food drive at school. Care to donate one can?

FIELD TRIP - OCTOBER 8th - PLEASE make sure the time is written on the form --
12:15 to 3:15. We'll meet at LPC at 12:15.

This trip is to visit the programs in allied health at LPC. O.R. Tech, Health and Human Services, EMT and Administrative Medical Assisting.

Thanks and have a great evening.

~Mrs. Erceg

Who's your favorite "Pioneer" in Medical History?

Hi Folks,

We're looking up some people that had (or are currently having) an impact on health care. There were a lot of great suggestions today from the text. Keep looking...there's quite a few people to choose from.

PLEASE REMEMBER: Pack a snack! Healthy snacks are a must to keep our bodies fueled and running smoothly. Our brains need fuel too.....it's hard to focus when we are hungry and brains work better with good nutrition!

For tomorrow- What's a skin biopsy? Why do we send specimens to a pathology laboratory? You probably know the answers, but let's talk about these questions tomorrow.

Have a nice evening, okay? I will if you will !

~Mrs. Erceg

The Skin You're In

Hi Everyone,

The integumentary system is interesting and is our first line of defense. We must protect our skin in return. Do you remember the A, B, C, D and E of melanoma and skin cancer? We'll talk more tomorrow.

Reminders for PARENTS - Please call if you were unable to come to "Back to School Night". I will be happy to speak with you on the phone, or better yet, meet you in person. Also, please be sure your son or daughter has brought their vaccination and immunization information in to me. All students have been reminded there is no gum chewing in class. This is preparation for the community classroom experience.
My number (925) 606-4800 x 3640

The nobel prize announcement is right around the corner! Be prepared for the 20 points of credit for bringing the name(s) of the winner of the Nobel prize for Medicine/Physics. This is a great site to look up famous people in medical history too. (You'll be getting a biography assignment). Go to the website: http://www.nobelprize.org/

This week we'll talk about HIPAA - the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. As health care workers, we must protect medical records and information for our patients. What is HIPAA? Do you know?

Have a great evening.

~Mrs. Erceg

Thank you all !

Hello CMAA East Bay Region Students and Guests ~

45.....count 'em....45! I was so impressed by all the people that came
to the CMAA meeting this morning. Thanks to everyone for coming. I am hopeful that many of you will choose to become a member of CMAA and consider taking the certification exam next summer and become a California Certified Medical Assistant.

We learned quite a bit about how to save our backs and prevent injuries through ergonomics.
Congratulations on earning your CME Certificates. (Continuing Medical Education)

Take care and I'll see you Monday.

~Mrs. Erceg

Happy Friday !

Hello Medical Occupations ~

Another great week with all of my great students.

I'm really looking forward to seeing many of you tomorrow and here are the details:

California Medical Assistants Association
East Bay Regional Meeting

On the Border Restaurant/Dublin PLEASE ARRIVE AT 9:45 A.M. Thanks!
Saturday, Sept. 13th 10:00 a.m.
Speaker: Betsy Leff of Keenan and Associates - "Ergonomics in the Health Care Setting"

For those of you ordering lunch, please bring along the amount for your meal. By the way, feel free to invite friends and family members.

Reminder: IMMUNIZATION/VACCINE INFO DUE 9/19. Please have your parents call me right away if needed.

Have a wonderful weekend!

~Mrs. Erceg

It's great getting to know you and your families!

Hello Future Medical Professionals,

What an incredible turnout last night. So many parents and family members came to the classroom to find out what you do in Medical Occupations every day. This quote sums up my feeling about teacher/parent/student communication:

"Kids thrive when they feel the adults in their lives see them in a consistent way. So parents and teachers should try to use the precious minutes together in person or on the phone to reach an agreement about a student's strengths and challenges and to unite on the best ways each can respond to them". So, with that said, I would like to thank the parents and family members that came last night. For those who were unable to make it, I will be happy to meet with you over the phone, or hopefully here at school. Please call me to make an appointment or feel free to email at lerceg@livermore.k12.ca.us

Website to help you with MT #1 - the one with pronunciations: http://ec.hku.hk/mt/
Website to help you understand more about "flatulence": http://www.heptune.com/farts.html

The bears and animals got picked up today...THANKS to all who participated. We're still collecting by the way...so all of you can still bring in stuffed animals. Ask friends too!

GREAT job on your feedback today regarding the article in Consumer Health Magazine. I have a lot of really great critical thinkers....our future medical professionals!

Sending my best to you and yours,

~Mrs. Erceg

Back to School Night

Hi Everyone...


Your parents and families are about to arrive. I'll see you tomorrow for more fun with the digestive system!

Have a great evening!

~Mrs. Erceg

What is an appendix?

Hi Folks,

Why do we have an appendix? Do you know? Is there any information out there that you can bring in and share tomorrow? If you do, there's a reward for you. Write it down or type it on a piece of paper. Hand it in to me and I will date stamp it immediately.

Tomorrow, we'll talk more about the digestive system. What is flatulence? What is borborygumus? If you can answer either one of these tomorrow, I will be very proud. We'll have a "gas" tomorrow.

Do you have a DVR or TIVO? Program some documentary type shows about health education or medicine. Maybe you'll find some good shows to watch and keep you informed. There's one I found..."Discovery Health" and "Dr. Know". There is also..."Dr. G - Medical Examiner".

Remember to bring in your immunization records!!! DUE 9/19 !!!! Talk to your parents and your doctor's office.

Back to School Night tomorrow !!!! Parents: Bring your questions - see you tomorrow.

Have a great evening!

~Mrs. Erceg

It's Good to Be Back

Hello Students,

The classroom phone is taking messages now, but continue to use my cell phone # through tomorrow just in case! (510) 305-5111 - make sure it's programmed into your cell phone.

Thanks to all of you that participated (and may still participate) in the Good News Bears program. Our countertop is filling up and feel free to bring in more. Some of you asked friends to help... and they did!

Please get started on the MT Project #1. It's an easy one...due Friday 9/12.

PLEASE ask your "Back to School Night" representative (parent or relative) to be here on Wednesday night at 6:30 for Period 1 and 6:50 for Period 2. For my afternoon class, ask parents to arrive at 7:30. Room 108 - Granada High School.

We have a speaker set up for the CMAA meeting on Saturday, 9/13. Invited friends and family too. They are welcome to come. Please bring about $10.00 if you can so you can order a light lunch. It will be at the "On the Border" restaurant in Dublin (Hacienda Crossings) at 10:00 a.m. to about 11:30 am. We will have an education session, you'll earn certificates and see us honor a newly certified Medical Assistant!

Wasn't it nice to hear the R.N. speak today? She's only a few years older than you and look what she has accomplished. Remember, she's available for questions in the future.

Remember immunization records! I need those by 9/19. Talk to your parents about it.

Share this tonight: HEPATOSPLENOMEGALY - Share what you learned today!

Have a great evening,

~Mrs. Erceg

Happy Friday

Dear Students,

I hope the last two days went well and you liked the substitute. I'm sure you did a great job on the assignment. The California Medical Assistants Association (CMAA) conference is going very well. Good speakers today and we had an open forum discussing matters regarding the organization. I wish you could have been here. There were a lot of students from the local community college's Medical Assisting Program. They were helpful in getting us through the day. The conference ends on Sunday. More educational speakers tomorrow and Sunday.
There are lots of new animals in the classroom.....grrrrrreat!

Next week, we start the digestive system. Nutrition is so important to your mood and overall health.

I'm looking forward to seeing you Monday!

~Mrs. Erceg

Mind, Body, Spirit

Dear students,

I am enjoying the medical conference in San Luis Obispo. I have a lot to share with you when I return. I hope you are doing well on your assignment, "8 weeks to optimum health". Take good care of your mind, body, and spirit, and have a good day tomorrow.

~Mrs. Erceg

I'll Miss You All!

Hi Everyone...

I'm so proud of the way you handled yourselves today. It's obvious you are interested in taking good care of patients one day. You were very attentive during lecture and discussions. Good questions today about the urinary tract system. Keep them coming!

Talk to parents and relatives.....I want to have a record number of folks here for "Back to School Night" on Wednesday, Sept. 10th. Thank you in advance for communicating to parents how important that evening will be to you, me and your future community classroom sites.

Tomorrow and Friday I will be at a medical conference for CMAA (cmaa-ca.org). The sub will need your help and cooperation and I know I can trust all of you on that. The instructions are on the board for the 8-week plan and an extra assigment by the sign in sheets. Please leave sign in sheets for me. If any questions come up you need help with, ask Ms. Mancuso next door or call my cell phone. The number is (510) 305-5111. I'll be checking for messages.

A lot of stuffed animals came today!!! Yippeeee! Please bring one or more in as soon as you can. Jeannie from Good News Bears will be here tomorrow to speak to the afternoon class.

The 8-week plan video/assignment is scheduled for tomorrow and Friday. Check out Dr. Weil's website tonight. This will help you quite a bit. www.drweil.com

Keep checking the blog. I'll do my best to blog you while I'm away!

Take care and have a great couple of days. See you Monday.

~Mrs. Erceg

Time for Anatomy

Hi Folks,

This week begins our journey into anatomy, medical terminology and pathology. Keep those binders very neat with tabs for ESLR's and a combination tab for the three subjects above.

Please bring in your stuffed animals! Kids (and adults) really need them.

Back to School night is September 10th here at GHS. LHS has theirs too, so LHS parents....I need your help on this. I would like to know if a parent or relative can be here on that night at GHS to learn more about medical occupations.

We are looking at careers in medicine this week and medical specialities. Have your heard of any that are unfamiliar? We will continue to investigate. Here's a site: www.bls.gov

We had some tardies today and one absence with no call in advance. Please be very careful to not let this happen. It has already affected a few students, but no fear! Just make sure a call comes in to me before the beginning of class time!

Keep those immunization/vaccination records coming. We need to collect those as soon as possible.

Have a great evening and thanks for another great day. I hope you had fun

~Mrs. Erceg

Happy Friday Everyone !

Hello Students ~

Thanks for a great week. I appreciate your wonderful attitudes and enjoyed meeting you all. It is a privilege to have students committed to the program.

GREAT JOB on the ESLR (Expected School-wide Learning Results) presentations today!!! Wow, you really understood the concepts and developed fantastic workplace applications.

Here are the questions from the handout that people were having trouble with. I'll review these on Tuesday. Feel free to bring in all three answers.....I will reward you with respect and gratitude...and maybe a prize.

* How many bones does an adult have? (The other part was how many a newborn has).
* If you weigh 80 pounds, about how much weight is muscle?
* How much longer will your hair be in one month if you don't get a haircut? Now, figure how long it would take for your hair to grow three feet.

Thank you for a wonderful week. You have really helped me look forward to this school year. It's all about professionalism, commitment and compassion, right?

Take care and have a great weekend!!!

~Mrs. Erceg

Lions and Tigers and BEARS....Oh my !

Dear Students,

The A.M. class got a bear-y good presentation on the "Good News Bears" program today. What a difference a bear hug and some attention can make!

Next week, the P.M. class will benefit from the same speaker. Wouldn't it be nice if we could collect a few "gently used" stuffed animals, bears, beanie babies, etc. to show Jeannie when she returns next Thursday? To "freshen up" your stuffed animal(s) give them a spin in the dryer with a dryer sheet. Talk to friends and family about a contribution.

Presentations of the beautiful ESLR posters tomorrow! I will be taking a photo of your group with your poster. Prepare to talk about life experiences and applications in the workplace. We will follow that up with the Life Skills Assignment.

Your website assignment is due tomorrow. Please date stamp it and turn it in when you arrive.

Please ask your parents to help you gather your immunization and vaccine info and bring in a copy. If a parent has questions please have them call me - (925) 606-4800 x 3640. Thanks!

Don't forget....check the blog each evening, including Fridays. Nearly every day there is a new entry.

Take care and thanks for another great day. (Bring in info for your info cards too!) :)

~Mrs. Erceg

Do You Hap-pen to Have an Epi-Pen?

Hello Folks,

Thanks for bringing in your write-ups on the "Epi-Pen". Those students that turned them in will receive extra credit - 10 points. Do you know anyone that needs to carry an Epi-Pen or needs a Medic-Alert bracelet or necklace? Well, you know how to advise someone now, right? In this class we gather a lot of useful tools to help our patients, our families and ourselves.

The ESLR posters are coming along fine. Many groups are almost finished, others need to catch up. I'm very impressed with the work so far. Let's finish these tomorrow and present these to the class on Friday.

AM Group - we have a guest speaker tomorrow from "Good News Bears". PM Group - this speaker will come see you next Thursday, 9/4. We will also finish the film on ASL.

There is an assignment due on Friday, 8/29. Please see the blog entry dated 8/11.

NO HOMEWORK TONIGHT (at least for my class!)

Have a great evening and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

~Mrs. Erceg

Med Occs Rocks!

Hello Fabulous Students,

Great work today. I was very impressed with your sign language. It really takes a lot of courage to try new things. I hope you continue to practice and perhaps take an ASL class in the future.

We will continue to work on our ESLR project tomorrow. Please bring in any graphics, magazine pictures, etc. to apply to the poster. There will be a brief presentation done by each group to explain their design and each person's contribution after we're finished.

For tomorrow, bring in 2-3 allergies, implanted medical devices or other conditions that require a medical alert bracelet. For help, ask your familiy or go to www.medicalert.org

Please talk to your parents about obtaining a list of your immunizations and vaccines. This will be needed for internship. Thank you.

Due tomorrow: AM class : Student Activity Form and Photo Acknowledgment Form
PM class: Photo Acknowledgment Form

Pssssst!..... for a reward, bring in one paragraph on binder paper explaing what an "Epi-Pen" is. This must be handed to me upon arrival - otherwise, it will not count. Put your full name on it.

Have a great evening!

~Mrs. Erceg

Thanks for a great day!

Hello Students ~

I enjoyed today very much and I can tell you are all professional, committed and compassionate!
Throw a few medical terms at your family tonight and tell them your teacher was very impressed with you. We have a great year ahead exploring medical careers.

Don't forget to fuel your bodies with good nutrition. Carry healthy snacks and pack them in your bag tonight.

AFTERNOON STUDENTS: Class begins at 1:05 and ends at 3:05. Please bring in your information cards given out in class today. See you tomorrow.

Have a great evening.

~Mrs. Erceg

Welcome to Medical Occupations !

Welcome 08-09 Students!

I hope you are ready for a fun and exciting year. I am very anxious to get to know all of you.

What you need to know about me is my motto...."Your success is my reward." I work hard to make your experience in my class the best it can be. I see my class as adult school, not high school. I expect behaviors consistent with the workplace; show up and show up on time, anticipate the needs of others and act accordingly. I ask that you smile, (always good) work hard and absorb all you can. What you learn in this class prepares you to work with patients and their families. Imagine what it means to be a health care professional.

Please laugh at my jokes - that always goes over well with teachers. Attitude is everything! Great attitudes bring great results! Have I mentioned that smiles work great with me?

Here's your first assignment: Look at five (5) websites online that help you with medical terminology, anatomy, medical news and information and careers in health care. Find your favorites. Print out the home pages and bring these to class. This will be due on Friday 8/29 and I'll give you credit toward your grade.

Here's one to get you started: www.studystack.com (Click on the book "medicine")

I sincerely believe that each and every one of you has the potential for greatness....you are already off to a good start!


I know that the 08-09 year will be fantastic!

~Mrs. Erceg

p.s. Read the blog every day for homework.