We got into the CLC Nursing program...now what

I am the same way...I want to know what I need to be doing now to get ready for this. Now, how do the shots AT CLC work? Do they roll that into your tuition or something? Do I get my CBC with my physical? I'm lost and just want to have all my ducks in a row as far beforehand as I can!!!

Any help would be appreciated!

I took the Phlebotomy Technician program at CLC last Spring, and I had to have much of the same bloodwork done. Most of it they can do right at CLC, for a WHOLE lot cheaper than you'd have at your doctor's office. Make an appointment with the Health Center and they'll walk you through it. I have to do the same to see if everything is still acceptable or if I have to have anything repeated.

I had a couple of ladies in my Micro class this past summer who said that a rolling backpack was really the best way to go - apparently there are LOTS of books you need to haul around!

Anyone know about the CPR certification classes? Looks like the ones CLC offers are all filled through December. As part of the Phlebotomy program I got a CPR certification but it's the Bystander's Basic from the Save A Life Foundation - I don't know if that qualifies or not. I guess I'll have to call the Nursing office.

Regarding the physical - I had to have a complete physical this past July prior to having knee surgery. Does anyone know if there is a document somewhere that details what is supposed to be covered on the physical and how long it's good for? Trying to remember if it was covered in the Info meeting handouts...

I did take the CPR class at CLC, but that stinks that it's filled!!! Mine was just the refresher course, so not sure if that makes a difference. Keep checking here and there - you never know when an opening might come up! It does have to be the CPR Certification for Healthcare Providers. Call them and they should be able to tell you what you need to do. I took mine last year in November, so I'll end up having to take it again next year.

Physical, I would think one from July should be ok (I'd think within a year), but I cannot remember for sure what they said. I haven't done it yet...I'll go in December or something. Why do they make you do that? What kind of stuff are they looking for? I haven't had a physical in so long I don't even remember what it consists of...LOL

Ok, I just called CLC because I just need to know what I need to do to be prepared (makes it hard when you work full-time and have a 2 year old to do things at the last minute)

At this point, all we need to worry about are our immunizations, Physical and CPR...I think the rest of the things will be taken care of afterwards. I assume CLC administers the Drug Test or do we have to do that on our own?

Anyhoo...just thought I would share!

Lori

Well for starters, congratulations!

Step one to the CLC Nursing program is to relax. Are we relaxed yet? That's good. Keep relaxing.

What is your orientation date? You should have gotten a letter about that with your acceptance letter. Whatever that date is... that's how long you have to relax. So do it.

Feel free to make an appointment with the CLC health clinic. Tell them you are a CLC nursing student and you need an appointment for immunizations. Bring any immunization information you have with you. They will use that and a checklist to get you all set for the nursing program. They can bill it directly to your student account, so know your student ID number as well. You will need a physical as well. The health center does not do that, but will give you a form for your doctor to fill out. It's nice to get it out of the way before orientation so that you don't have to stand in line with all the other nursing students, but that's up to you.

Do you have your CPR certification? Is it up to date and do you have a card? Do you have insurance and proof thereof? All of this will need to be taken care of by your second week of class so that you can go to clinical. The health center must clear you for clinicals (they should, in theory, directly contact your instructor, but make a copy of ALL of your information because they can and do lose things). The instructor will ask for a copy of your CPR card and insurance card during the first week of class.

Now. Go back to that letter about orientation.

Most of your questions will be answered during orientation. You will also have your drug screen during orientation.

Hopefully they will have the Nursing 172 module packet available in the bookstore at that time. If so, you can buy it then. It's $40-$50. They will also give you a book list. Prepare yourself. The list is HUGE and if you buy every book it will cost you about $1,000. More than tuition. BUT you DO NOT NEED all of those books right out of the gate. Some of them you don't really need until later semesters.

Initially you need your Fundamentals of Nursing Book (Potter and Perry), the accompanying Nursing Skills Book, a nursing diagnosis book, a nursing drug guide, and a Psychiatric book (Varcarolis). That will get you through at least the first three weeks. The exact title and editions will be given to you AT ORIENTATION, so I wouldn't worry about books until then. During orientation I would write down the cost of the books from the bookstore so you can price-shop online later.

There will be one math/medication module for you to complete before you come to class. It's pretty easy.

The grading scheme, your instructors, uniform/stethoscope information... all of that will be covered during orientation.

The CLC program is largely self-study.

I should just reiterate that.

The CLC program is largely self-study.

There. Now you've been told. Twice.

More questions?

Hi everyone,

I'm in too. I can't believe the time has come, finally.

I started with the health dept. in Aug. I took old shot records in then and was told that they just draw blood and test for everything now. The results were back within a day or two and then they knew exactly what I needed to get. You should get in soon because if you need the Hep. series, it takes months. You get the 1st one then wait a month for the 2nd, then it is 5-6 months for the third. Don't panic though, as long as you have the first one or two, you have enough to start the program.

For the CPR, I was told to contact firestations and ask about their next class. Just make sure it is the healthcare provider class.

Congrats everyone. I'm so excited about being able to chat with you all.

If you have spare time before January 22nd I suggest that you do the following:

-study nursing abbreviations
-practice drug calculations (you'll have a test within the first 6 weeks and you need to get 100%
-get a drug handbook and learn how to use it quickly and effectively
-get a watch with a second hand
-start trying on white shoes so you're not doing it last minute
-get a rolling backpack...some people in my class got their's at Walmart and they were really cool looking.
-Be prepared to shell out cash...drug test, background check, immunizations, blood tests, physical, cpr class, module packet, books, black pens (you'll soon learn why I say "black," a good steth - the ones at clinical are few and far between and not so good
-brush up on A & P
**when I think of more I'll add on