BCTC Fall 2013 Applicants

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · May 6, 2013

Thanks for the replies icantw8! I especially appreciate the CPR link.

SarahXBeth · May 7, 2013

Since it is finals week, Just wanted to say . . . . Good Luck Everyone!!!! Study Hard! Get Lots Of Rest Over the summer, can't wait to see you all in the Fall!!! :)

SarahXBeth · May 9, 2013

So for the students that are already in the nursing program... any suggestions for us to prepare over the summer? I know someone had said dosage calculations. Also, the paperwork says no jewelry, does anyone know if this includes a wedding band? Im kinda bummed about having to take out my nose piercing.... are they really going to enforce that?

icantw8 · May 10, 2013

So for the students that are already in the nursing program... any suggestions for us to prepare over the summer? I know someone had said dosage calculations. Also, the paperwork says no jewelry, does anyone know if this includes a wedding band? Im kinda bummed about having to take out my nose piercing.... are they really going to enforce that?

No problem! I remember how it felt walking in there day one with little info, and no idea about what to expect. My best advice is to study acid/base balance and fluids/electrolytes.

Dosage calculations aren't too bad. I think many people get freaked out about the fact you have to get 100%, but you have a few chances and the math isn't that complicated. If you get "the nurse, the math, the meds" know chapters 1-7 like the back of your hand and you'll be just fine. A lot of the stuff is really simple.

I don't get on here much, but I'm more than happy to help any way I can.

Good luck!!! :nurse:

Not sure about the nose ring... But you can wear one solid band as long as it has no studs or anything.

SarahXBeth · May 10, 2013

Thank you SO Much!!! I will be looking into all of this! My wedding band set is not appropriate for nursing, I didn't really consider that when I picked it out! So we were looking at some solid bands instead that I could wear while nursing and just wear my actual wedding set when I'm not nursing. I deff. didn't want to buy another one though and not be able to wear it! Your information has been very helpful, and oh man, I am nervous about that first day!!!!!

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · May 10, 2013

Thanks for your suggestion. Just ordered "The nurse, the math, the meds" from amazon to add to my growing pile of books to read this summer.

SarahXBeth · May 10, 2013

what else are you reading?

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · May 11, 2013

I went to half price books and found some great texts so I have more than just a general A and P knowledge going into our first nursing class. Here's my list:

-Fundamentals Success, a Q&A Review of applying critical thinking to test taking.

-Fundamental of Nursing, 7th edition

-Nursing Process and Critical Thinking, 4th edition

-Basic Pharmacology for Nurses

-Pathophysiology made Incredibly Easy

I also downloaded a Lippencott's and Kaplan mini Qbanks for the NCLEX and a Kaplan NCLEX-RN strategies, practice, and review book. I do 20 questions a day, and if I keep that up throughout the 2 years of nursing school, the NCLEX should be less intimidating.

I read a chapter a day from each book and take notes. I'm also reading Florence Nightinggale's "Notes on Nursing; What it is, and What is is Not". Fairly quick read and downloadable for free on the kindle.

My sister suggested pharmacology and told me that I should know it. She's been a nurse for 8 years. Everything else she told me not to worry about, so I have no idea if this will be beneficial or helpful in nursing school per se, but there is no harm in increasing knowledge.

icantw8 · May 13, 2013

Thank you SO Much!!! I will be looking into all of this! My wedding band set is not appropriate for nursing, I didn't really consider that when I picked it out! So we were looking at some solid bands instead that I could wear while nursing and just wear my actual wedding set when I'm not nursing. I deff. didn't want to buy another one though and not be able to wear it! Your information has been very helpful, and oh man, I am nervous about that first day!!!!!

I totally understand. I got engaged 6 months prior to starting, so I only had an engagement ring. I have barely had the opportunity to wear it since starting the program. I know some of the girls who have cartilage rings, etc. wear the clear retainers while at clinicals, and those with tattoos on their arms wear long sleeve solid shirts under their scrubs. It really depends on who your clinical instructor is. Don't be nervous though. I was nervous about clinicals more than anything, but they "weaned" us in to the clinical setting. We were on campus during our clinical day for the first three weeks, then we went to long term care facilities for the next 4 weeks, and spent the remainder of our clinical days for the fall on our medsurg floor. It was a great experience and completely different than CNA clinicals. You'll be fine, and I'm sure you'll love the experience.

icantw8 · May 13, 2013

I went to half price books and found some great texts so I have more than just a general A and P knowledge going into our first nursing class. Here's my list:
-Fundamentals Success, a Q&A Review of applying critical thinking to test taking.
-Fundamental of Nursing, 7th edition
-Nursing Process and Critical Thinking, 4th edition
-Basic Pharmacology for Nurses
-Pathophysiology made Incredibly Easy
I also downloaded a Lippencott's and Kaplan mini Qbanks for the NCLEX and a Kaplan NCLEX-RN strategies, practice, and review book. I do 20 questions a day, and if I keep that up throughout the 2 years of nursing school, the NCLEX should be less intimidating.
I read a chapter a day from each book and take notes. I'm also reading Florence Nightinggale's "Notes on Nursing; What it is, and What is is Not". Fairly quick read and downloadable for free on the kindle.
My sister suggested pharmacology and told me that I should know it. She's been a nurse for 8 years. Everything else she told me not to worry about, so I have no idea if this will be beneficial or helpful in nursing school per se, but there is no harm in increasing knowledge.

Fundamentals success is a WONDERFUL source! In fact, I suggest buying the Davis series for every course (med surg, psych nursing, peds, maternal/newborn, etc...)Some instructors use these books for test questions. The nursing "made incredibly easy" series is great as well. I found it especially beneficial for 212, which you should have in the spring.

Good luck!

SarahXBeth · May 13, 2013

Does anyone know when fafsa gets put into our student self service? I already did all the paperwork for verification and everything was done on time, but they have not posted it on my account. I know that every year I have received some financial aid, but now cant remember when they post how much you receive before the semester starts.

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · May 14, 2013

I believe it doesn't even post until August. I know everything must be in by July 15th.