Re: Southwest Tn Community College

Congrats on being accepted. I am a 3rd semester student at STCC. Do not worry about your scrubs or stethoscope. You will be have to buy your uniform through a company that the school uses. They will fit you for everything and help you get it ordered. I think that this happens on your first clinical day. You will have to buy a nursing "kit" that will include your stethoscope, pen light, and supplies that you will use during skills lab. This is also done through the school. They prob told you to bring a money order for this kit. As for teachers, you will not really have an option other than clinical instructors. PM me if you need more info on anyone. I am in the evenings/weekends programs, so some of the clinical instructors will prob be different, but I will help in any way that I can. Be prepared. Nsg school is HARD. I started with about 60 people in my class, and I would guess that there are only 15-20 of us left that have not failed/dropped out. Be prepared to study like you never have before. I wish you luck.
lsprrnbr

Re: Southwest Tn Community College

Thank you sooo much for all of your info!!! I'm not sure that I can PM yet. I haven't posted enough. I've mostly been a lurker for the last 3 years!! LOL Do you have any suggestions for me to get a head start this summer studying, learning terms or something like that? Do you study all of the time? I started taking my pre-reqs 4 years ago and have worked really hard...so I'm prepared to do whatever it takes. I'm very nervous though. Do you have any study tips? How do you stay organized? Sorry for so many questions...Wow, you started out with 60 students and you're down to 15 or 20 now...that's scary. One more question...Which hospital do you have clinicals? Thanks again!!! Yay you, you only have one more semester after this one. I know you're glad!!!

Re: Southwest Tn Community College

Let's see...the fluids/electrolytes test will be the most difficult. I believe that this is the second test. There is a fluids book that you will have to buy. Go ahead and start reading it. You will be tired and completely overwhelmed if you wait until you cover it in class. It is also one of those things that you will see over and over again. You need to know the material.
The instructors will give you objectives that you need to know each semester. These will help you guide your studying. Use them. I still have access to my foundations syllabus if you want me to send it to you. They have everything broken down by topic/pages to cover/what to know. It is possible that some things have changed since I was in foundations, but it shouldnt be too much.
Most instructors will give you handouts or powerpoints. You should read the material in the book to get a general idea of everything and pick up a few morsels of info that they dont mention in lecture. It will also help you gain an overall better understanding. When it comes to studying for the tests ALWAYS use the notes. The instructors pull most test info directly from notes and lectures. (Some people find recorders helpful. I don't use one b/c I dont have time to re-listen to lecture) I have seen students use nclex review books, websites, etc that they are studying RIGHT before the test. Not effective for testing, but great for overall comprehension.
Buy a nursing care plan book AFTER you have the clinical day where they teach you how to do care plans. That way you will know what info/format you need and can look at books that will be easy to use.
Some students swear by the Straight As in Nursing series. I have one and find it helpful, but it doesnt have any info that your text doesnt have-just an easier format. You will prob find it more helpful once you get into adult health.
Not sure what they told you about vaccinations, etc. You will need a TB test, Hep B vaccination series (at least started), MMR, and a varicella titer. No one bothered to tell us about the varicella titers until the last minute. I was not happy
That's all I have for now. I will let you know if I think of anything else. I hope that I am just slightly helpful. I feel sorry for EVERYONE in foundations. It sucks! Let me know if you have any questions!

Re: Southwest Tn Community College

If you could send me a copy of your syllabus that would help me out SO much! I also start in the Fall '09 and am completely overwhelmed. I dont really know how to message on this thing. What color are the scrubs? How often do you have tests? and what hospitals are your clinicals at!? I am so excited yet scared to death about nursing school. Thank you for all the GREAT information! you have helped me out greatly. If there is anything else you wish you knew when you began, please let us know!! Let me know if you need my email address and thank you again so so so much!

Re: Southwest Tn Community College

Hmm...cant figure out how to PM. Whats your email?

Re: Southwest Tn Community College

Thank you soooo much for all of your excellent information!!! Yes, you have been very helpful. If you wouldn't mind-would you email it to me too? I can't figure how to pm either...I don't think I've posted enough...

Re: Southwest Tn Community College

lsprrnbr-thank you-

Re: Southwest Tn Community College

Thank you so so much! Isprrnbr! I am going to study up this summer before my Foundations class starts so I wont be too overwhlemed!

Re: Southwest Tn Community College

lsprrnbr, Just wanted to let you know that I got your email and to THANK YOU so very much!!! You have been a tremendous help!!!

Re: Southwest Tn Community College

Just a friendly reminder.....
Please do not post email addresses on the public site. There are so many who lurk these boards and will spam you endlessly. Members will answer you on the public boards or you can relay this information via private message.

Members must have 15 meaningful public board posts in order to utilize our Private Message (PM) System and/or sending emails from member's profiles. Most of you posting on this thread are very close to attaining the 15 post mark. After that, you should be able to send PM's and emails. If you have trouble with this, feel free to contact me or post in the Admin Help Desk.

Good luck to all of you in school!