The Truth about Hinds ADN program

I'm graduating in December almost definitely. It really depends on the teacher and whether or not they think you respect them, or whether or not they like you. If you don't communicate with them properly (get scared or don't communicate with the nurse assigned as well) they will practically crawl up your ass when you're doing clinical skills. Spend some time with (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME) in the learning lab or by yourself as much as possible; no matter how much you think you can do a skill you will almost inevitably mess up something if a teacher is breathing down your neck, so it really helps to practice. I never had a problem with tests, but most everyone else I know has had problems with them. Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Safety, and Pain in that order are your priorities if all the preceding factors are pertinent on a test question, but only when the problem of airway is there. If the client is breathing fine but has +2 post-tibial edema while sitting in a chair, prop up the feet (circulation). If a client has just had 4 mg of morphine and has a RR of 16, a HR of 76, a normal BP/temp/oxygen saturation but states they feel sedated/dizzy/tired, put side rails up times 2 and hand them the call light and tell them to ask for assistance with ambulation (safety). Always think ABCSP with priority questions. A big helper is covering up each question, then uncovering the question, then uncovering each answer and writing a "Y" for yes, a "M" for maybe, and a "N" for no and then pick the best answer; it helps to decrease confusion and focus on the problem at hand.

Gentle TOS reminder:

Another biggie is don't make derogatory remarks about the teachers; they have feelings, too... I think (j/k). If you feel the need to complain, do it away from everyone else to a trusted friend because you never know who's listening. I haven't had to complain in a while, but it also took me a while to realize it's not the smartest idea to say something mean about a teacher, although I never got in trouble for it. It's kind of like a, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you" sort of thing. Be nice; these teachers know what they're talking about and if you disagree, please pay particular attention to not being rude. I have heard people argue with teachers and these people didn't think they were being rude, but how they said things did sound a little rude.

I was exactly where you are last year. I was so excited to start nursing school, but was scared to death of what I was about to get into all because of the negativity that I had heard. Honestly, it's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. Relax! Do what you need to do: stay ahead, read, listen in class, study, practice your skills, and don't be afraid to ask for help! Remember your ABC's (airway, breathing, circulation) on tests, take one question at a time, and decide what will cause the patient the most harm when you have a priority test question. Just don't go in hating the instructors and thinking negative! Keep your head up and don't forget...it's only 4 semesters! It will fly by!

Oh, yeah...nursing is not for everyone and the majority of the rumors come from those who aren't prepared and are not taking it seriously! Good luck!