I have several questions

[Dave2322]

Hello my name is David and I am currently in the process of registering for my local colleges ADN program. I have been looking at NCLEX-RN practice exams and questions and I just want to know how you guys did it. It seems like you guys have to know just as much as doctors. How do you memorize all of the medications. It seems like there are hundreds of medications that your are required to know about on the spot. Snatcher question I have is about bathing patients. I am not above washing someone. I will do it happily. My problem lies with washing someone of the opposite sex. I feel like, for some patients, it is demeaning to have someone of the opposite sex wash them. It just makes me a little uncomfortable. Would it be considered rude for me to ask my cna's to wash my patients of the opposite sex?Another fear I have is not being able to pass the nclex exam. Any of you have any studying advice? I was thinking of using a program like the hurst review to help me out.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Well Dave- how we do/ did it is one step at a time. You learn the meds by reading up on them, associating them with the conditions the patients have, etc.

Don't bother right now with NCLEX questions and reviews. Register for your classes and devote your time to them. That'll keep you PLENTY busy, trust me!

As far as washing members of the opposite sex- yes, you have to do it at times. It's part of the job. You'll be fine once you understand how important bathing and assessing skin is.

Best of luck to you!

[RunBabyRN]

Don't stress about the NCLEX yet- you'll learn that stuff in school and be fine.

As far as washing patients of the opposite sex- you'll have to get yourself used to it. You'll be inserting Foleys, doing peri care, and doing plenty of other "embarrassing" things with female patients. Think of a bath as a time to connect with and assess your patient- how many other opportunities do you get to really talk to someone AND do a full skin check? :)

[Umberlee]

If your female patients don't have a problem with a male nurse bathing them or doing peri care, then don't sweat it. If you're new to the field (i.e. haven't worked previously as a CNA or in a similar capacity) it can probably seem weird to be seeing and touching naked people so much. You'll become desensitized. But don't take it personally if a female patient occasionally asks for you not to do a shower or intimate care, and I would maybe suggest running it by your patients in advance so they have the opportunity to request other staff if they are available. Especially for certain cultural or religious backgrounds. Maybe something along the lines of, "I'll be in around 10 to help you shower, does that sound okay?" Then if they balk you can try to make other arrangements. But try not to be pushing it to your aides or female co-workers unless absolutely necessary.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

thread moved for best response.

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

You learn it one day at a time. Never put the cart before the horse. Nursing will be difficult and unlike anything else you have ever done but by the time you take your boards you will be ready.

[Nola009]

It does seem daunting, but youll have your nursing education and additional studying to prepare you for the nclex. There are ways to categorize meds by their generic name which will make it come togeather a little better. Just remember to give your all with your nsg courses. You will get there. You will be fine. Oh, and we never stop learning. I justfeel like building upon a solid foundation is easier than actually grasping that essential knowledge basis for the first time. Thats why nursing school is so hard.