MCC: Class of 2014 orientation notes

Autymn · May 1, 2012

Morning Simply and thanks so much for sharing ---

Can you give those of us in pre reqs a little more details of your particulars? (You have finished pre reqs, applied and have been accepted into NS starting in Fall 2012?) I noted down your tip on the amount/fees for the background check and the lab kit; anything else you can remember that is additional costs near/by first week of starting NS?

*Smiles -- they put all you 'guys' together to see which of you will break out and be gender-benders, be classy and gentlemanly-intrusive enough to mix it up with your female class/team mates ;o) Very cool that you got to speak with/get info from current NS students there at MCC.

You highlighted 'surprised at how much time is involved' and that you are only signed up for NS 1 and 2 -- can you add more of your thoughts or details on the 'how much time is involved' details?!

Thanks much,

Glass-Half-Full

simply_commenting · May 1, 2012

Glass-Half-Full: Would be happy to recall what I can, they provide many handouts. (it also helps me get clarity). Yes, I have been accepted for starting this Fall, 2012.

- books: $375. However, that may change because I haven’t gone through the paperwork to see if I’m missing something. This is for two years which seems awfully low. Don’t quote me on this.

-scrubs: you go to a specific dealer because they have the MCC logo on them. they suggest getting 2 pairs at least. tops: $19-24, bottoms: $16-21. lab coats: $24-27 (only one needed). Price dependent on size.

-stethoscope: expect to purchase a mid-level pair for $30-50. (they suggest littmann)

-medical liability: $20 bucks one time payment I think.

Summary: there are many little costs here and there, but they add up.

Other Notes:

- Health/physical: you need it. Also, Tb shots, MMR, tuberculin, Hep B, varicella or proof of it.

- CPR card (they do offer a class for nurses through MCC)

- Proof of medical insurance

- Learn algebra. Yup, we will be tested on algebra I. (in September) Ratios, proportions: think…what would a nurse have to do?

- watch: get a waterproof one. I'm thinking walmart, $6

-shoes: all leather, white, tied. Sketchers were one brand. They give suggestions. No clogs.

- jewelry: not much, no necklaces.

Time Commitment:

Required by all:

Mondays: 8:30-11:30 lecture, 12:00-1:30 pre-lab

Thursdays: 8:00-10:30 lecture,

Variable:

Lab/Clinical: you have to do one lab and one clinical – to be picked at a later date. Clinicals are every other week and change each semester. Labs I think are every week (not sure). There are multiple times for both lab and clinical and limited spaces. They said it would make more sense once we pick them.

Example:

Clinical: 7-2:30pm, Nashua Tuesday/Wednesday

Lab: 12-3:00pm, Friday.

My Notes: make friends with 2^nd year students.

New notes: be gentlemanly and make friends with opposite gender

My situation:

I had a BA and actually completed A&P (I & II) – working on microbiology as we speak.

MCC accepted everything from my BA which only left Nursing I, II, III and IV (when I transfer micro). So 4 classes in 2 years. The intensity was much greater than expected since they tell you working more than 24 hours is detrimental. Hence, looking into a job where I can study is paramount. I was also told through the grapevine at another CC I applied to (and was accepted in) that the minimum is 94 or 95% on the entry exam - the demand for 2 year programs is higher than BA programs, surprisingly. Note you can only take the exam once every 6 months. So if you can get it done EARLY you can decide if you need to take it again.

Thoughts:

- about 20 some odd froshmores came into the orientation. Which, to me, says volumes about how they feel about the program. They were extremely helpful and I thought it a good gesture on MCC to do this. I wish I wasn’t so overloaded with information, but I will be calling one of the guys to ask more.

Autymn · May 2, 2012

Very cool - thanks so much for filling us in. You sound excited -- best wishes!

simply_commenting · May 2, 2012

Autymn: Thank you! I am excited, but ultimately elated - my life was in a weird limbo waiting to see if I would get into a program. To draw an analogy here, it's like hearing the gun go off for the race: i have hurdles to come but at least the race has finally started and I can see the finish line.

Above post edit: Samantha corrected me on this one, I am quoting her (thanks Samantha!) "First semester, you have class twice a week, clinical twice a week for 6 weeks, and lab once a week. Lab eventually goes away in 2nd semester, but then you have clinical twice a week for the whole semester from there on out."

mo91291 · Oct 15, 2012

Hi Simply,

I just took my TEAS on Saturday and scored within the 97th percentile of the program, but my overall score was only an 86.7. Is now what you would consider "early" to be taking the TEAS, or do you think that there will not be many more people who will influence the percentile? Just wondering what your thoughts are as a current student! Thanks!

simply_commenting · Oct 20, 2012

@mo91291, When applying to another adn program, people there said 95% percentile or above was typically the range. But having a&p I & II and micro will add more points (i did not have micro at the time). you score should be ok - besides, you are only allowed to take the TEAS once every 6 months. I believe I scored a 96% which makes you a nerd in comparison to me.

simply_commenting · Oct 20, 2012

Class of 2014 Mid Semester updated:

So, already it is mid-semester and I have two tests (3 including the math) behind me and 3 tests in front.

Here is what I have learned:

1) Get a senior buddy! i cannot stress this enough. At least for the first test or so until you figure things out - they come in huge.

2) The book most used this semester by FAR is Kozier "fundamentals". Carpenito is second. Pharmacology Third. This is a month and 1/2 in. Also, the library has ALL the books. henke is always taken out before math exam. Oh, get whatever Drug Guide you like.

3) Tape the lectures. I had a 3.9gpa going in, i do not have that now. seniors have said it makes a difference. listen to seniors

4) there is way too much reading. however, you must learn the "right" way to read. and also the "right" way to study. This is my method to keep track of what i've done. I made a spreadsheet and as best as i can represent it.

Lec: 1 --Skim Reading--Listen Lecture--Q's Book--Q's Wrkbook--ATI Q's--Tables Chap--NCLEX--Qs Online--Read

Kozier Ch 8: X X

Kozier Ch 10: X X X

Lec 2: --Skim Reading--Listen Lecture--Q's Book--Q's Wrkbook--ATI Q's--Tables Chap--NCLEX--Qs Online--Read

Kozier Ch 5: X

Carpenito: Wheelchair

5) tests are really "think like a nurse" or "think about what is important to read".

6) NCLEX questions. i haven't really done it enough, but i'm starting to.

7) Clinicals are a lesson in "holy crap there's too much to learn" Cleaning up someone, am I being clean? what are ADLs? Many times they just throw you in and make you figure it out. Patients are nice usually and understand. You say, "I'm a student and need to ask you questions". Positive attitude and paying attention to patient seems to be the best way to go.

8) Preparing for clinicals takes much time. You look up drugs and write them down. You go to your hospital on your time and write down diagnoses and try to understand what put your patient in there in the first place, and what you can do to improve their health.

9) Clinicals do NOT start right away, the 1st 3 weeks or so are labs preparing you for clinicals (they dont throw you in there too badly)

10) Try to pick group "2" of clinicals. Whether it is A2, B2, C2, whatever. MCC is doing alternating weeks this year (and probably next due to the success) which means group one has the first week, group two goes the following week, then group one goes, then group two goes..etc.

11) What I know I feel is NOTHING. At other times I'm surprised at how much I've picked up but I still feel I'm sooo overwhelmed. However, they are good about only overwhelming you to a certain point - no one expects you to be super nurse the first few times. So far I focused on some serious basics: how to make a bed, how to properly clean a patient, where stuff is, what to focus on.

12) You learn fast what's important: patient care, know what drugs they take and have an idea of what they do, this in turn helps you in understanding common diagnoses, etc.

13) Don't go crazy printing things out, you only have 300 copies in library to print - BE SURE WHAT YOU PRINT! Of course you can buy more, but it adds up quick. Print up toolbook they provide, syllabus if you feel like it (it's a syllabus....do u REALLY need it?), print up powerpoints for lectures with 3 slides per page.

14) Make friends - don't be an a$$. I find helping others is far better than being protective of what you think is "an edge up" This is one choice that has turned out to be an amazing cooperative experience ALREADY. Makes me proud of my career decision already and I'm still so new. I am surrounded by like-minded people: smart enough, modest enough, constant worriers, extremely thoughtful (most at least),

15) Be organized on how you will study and how your week will go. I use my spreadsheet above as one example but I constantly have to say "ok, this is what i want to do and this is how much time i will spend" and actually do it.

16) it's so much easier late at night to post on allnurses than do studying.

...brain is on empty.