I'm beginnning to doubt the 2-yr program I just graduated from. In reading some other posts, especially from new grads and nursing students, I find a lot of things I didn't know, like potassium I.V. tubing, where to give Lovenox s.q., what to mix calcium carbonate with, etc...
We were an evening program, and we knew we "lucked out" with a lot of easy professors, but I assumed when I graduated and passed the NCLEX I wouldn't be behind others from other programs.
I'm also concerned about the NCLEX. (I wrote this in the survey they just mailed to me.) Some of the best nurses I know, or have had the privelage of working with, did not do so hot in classes or on the NCLEX. I trust them with my life, but here I am, low self esteem and all, and I passed with 75 questions!
My point? I don't think classroom, NCLEX, or even clinical is a good predictor of success. At least in some cases. I wish I had a tougher clinical, although I'm glad I didn't get kicked out.
what school is this...I'll be applying to nursing school next year. Im applying to Mountainside, County College of Morris, and Sussex County College...
I went to PCCC. I think their day program is excellent, and probably in retrospect their night program too, but I just don't have confidence in myself. If there are opportunities for you to "slip by" (ex. Not having to be observed doing a certain skill), don't take it. Let them give you a hard time in school. I think you'll be a better nurse for it. I was always afraid of being kicked out, so I just prayed I wouldn't get the hard patients. Trust me, you'll get them sooner or later, and you'll have a lot more assistance as a student.
I'm beginnning to doubt the 2-yr program I just graduated from. In reading some other posts, especially from new grads and nursing students, I find a lot of things I didn't know, like potassium I.V. tubing, where to give Lovenox s.q., what to mix calcium carbonate with, etc...
We were an evening program, and we knew we "lucked out" with a lot of easy professors, but I assumed when I graduated and passed the NCLEX I wouldn't be behind others from other programs.
I'm also concerned about the NCLEX. (I wrote this in the survey they just mailed to me.) Some of the best nurses I know, or have had the privelage of working with, did not do so hot in classes or on the NCLEX. I trust them with my life, but here I am, low self esteem and all, and I passed with 75 questions!
My point? I don't think classroom, NCLEX, or even clinical is a good predictor of success. At least in some cases. I wish I had a tougher clinical, although I'm glad I didn't get kicked out.
I to started to doubt my training. But the important thing to remember is that because you see the weakness you will do something about them. And like others have said before the people who hire you know the type of training most get they know they have to add to it once they accept you. I agree with you that being able to write a good assignment or pass the NCLEX just means you are 1. a good writer. 2. a good test taker. Neither of which have to much to do with the actual job of being a good nurse. One has nothing to do with the other. :balloons:
I just graduated from Delaware Tech Stanton Campus - you know, just over the bridge from you. We have a lot of students that live in southern Jersey. Anyway, I was just talking to one of my nursing instructors and she said they're going to start a weekend program. I would assume that would be within the next year. They currently have an evening clinical and afternoon class program along with the regular day program. You should look into it.
nelligolitely
25 Posts
I went to PCCC. I think their day program is excellent, and probably in retrospect their night program too, but I just don't have confidence in myself. If there are opportunities for you to "slip by" (ex. Not having to be observed doing a certain skill), don't take it. Let them give you a hard time in school. I think you'll be a better nurse for it. I was always afraid of being kicked out, so I just prayed I wouldn't get the hard patients. Trust me, you'll get them sooner or later, and you'll have a lot more assistance as a student.
-Nellie