Hospital Classes

[CBsMommy]

I am waiting to hear whether or not I've been accepted to the nursing classes for Fall 2009. I've already completed everything as a pre-req and just need the core nursing classes and pharm to graduate with my ADN. My question is this: Our local hospital gives classes on such things such as Basic Trauma Care and how to deal with patients that are addicted to drugs/alcohol/etc. Do you think it would be good to take some of these classes over the summer or do you think this might confuse me between the way the hospital trains and the way we are supposed to learn at school? I'm trying to get a head start before I actually do the nursing classes and since we are going to be doing clinicals at this hospital, it's a good idea to get used to the way they do things? What do you think?

[cursedandblessed]

Have you taken a course in medical terminology, dosage calculations, is your CPR up to date? Is there a CNA/PCT course? Or Phlebotomy?

Med term, will help you break down the medical words, a CNA/PCT course will give you basic skills, phlebotomy is always good in helping to find veins (not that we will be doing that anytime soon) for IV access, plus if there is a certification i(n the phlebotomy or cna course) involved you can work a bit as either a CNA or phlebotomist if you need some $$$, or if you have to wait another semester to start.

[buttercup99]

I'm just wondering if you have to be a nurse before you can take those courses at the hospital. If not, then go for it. It will be fascinating and will give you a background in concepts to do with the way nurses practice. I don't think it will confuse you. There are always slight differences between how different places do things but the broad concepts are the same.

It's great that you are so eager to learn in your own time. I believe this shows that you will make a great nurse!

[CBsMommy]

Hi Cursed and Blessed - I have taken the CNA course and do have certification but I work full time in the mortgage industry now and although I would LOVE to work as a CNA for the experience, I just can't afford it, although I will be working as a CNA through school to supplement my student loans. I am done with a medical terminology class and also my dosage calculations class. I really only have the classes left that need clinicals, like med-surg, OB, Psych, etc and Pharm (which they won't let you do until you get into the actual nursing school). But thanks for those suggestions!! I always make these suggestions to anyone thinking about nursing school!

Buttercup99 - Thanks for your reply! The hospital does have courses that are for staff only but some of the courses are for the general public, which is pretty fantastic! I think that I am going to go for it because 1) I really do love the hospital and any excuse to go to the hospital is reason enough for me!, 2) I do think that it would give me an advance in my classes in some respects, especially how to deal with the addicts as that course doesn't go into as much medicine as it does mind set, if that makes any sense. At least I would get to see and feel prepared when dealing with patients with those types of backgrounds.

Thanks for your help!!!

[cursedandblessed]

EKG's I have a heck of a time with those??