Broward College Central Campus January 2011

dizzyray822 · Jan 26, 2011

I wouldn't worry as much about the pharm tests- just the picture I'm getting; I'm in Pharm on Monday night and it seems like our instructor is quite easygoing- she did mention that nothing would be on the exam she didn't go over in class; so I'm not even sure I would read the book word for word. I record her lecture, personally (Livescribe).
I WOULD pay a lot of attention to math. I personally heard the math instructor and my clinical instructor walking out of the library and they didn't notice me walking out at the same time, and one of them said- "Math's a real killer"; whereupon, I turned around, and saw who it was...and they sort of jokingly made shoo-away hand type motions, something like that. So. One exam in math. Three classes. I'd be studying. (NO CALCULATOR-whaaaattttt?)
For theory, what I'm focusing on for the test is what the counselor who came in (you can't post names on the forum, it won't let you, and if you do, a mod will come over and delete it), suggested: paying attention to the modules, finding those answers in the textbook, and then applying the concepts to powerpoints; with any additional time left over, reading more 'word for word' the text.
And in clinical, my husband went to the lab today and did the computer test taking thingy, and he said it really was AMAZING. There are lots of chances to fail clinical, so in my head, that's where the most hours needs to be devoted. And then the second most, to theory, followed by math, and then pharm.
Wonder how quickly we'll see the classes dwindle.
I have TONS of anxiety about performance type things- speeches, demos, etc. I had to do sterile gloving twice in health care core because I was so anxious I messed up and my thumb touched the glove. Don't know how to get rid of that, but I guess it's just one of those things you have to suck up, because it's not going away for 18 months, and I certainly don't want to drag it out longer than 18 months just because of anxiety, lol.
Any suggestions on ANYTHING from a current or former student at Central?

I'm currently at Central and almost done. I had BAD anxiety when I started the program. I break into hives when I get nervous and it's just an awful experience. I have become much better over time but I still get nervous and break out. One thing that helps me is deep breathing. I learned that from the nursing guidance counselor. However, the instructors all know your nervous and anxious and they totally expect it. If youre in a situation (like return demo) where your anxiety gets to be too much then take second to regroup. Not too long because it's timed but tell them to give ypu a second to breathe. They understand. I had to do this during PII return demo and it helped. I just asked for a second to breathe and regroup and she completely understood and even complemented me later on doing that because it helped. I passed them both the first time. It's not easy but you'll get though it if you really want this. Plus...no more return demos after Process II....which is wonderful. GOOD LUCK!!

Carriexg · Jan 30, 2011

How's everyone feeling about our upcoming math exam? And Vital Sign check offs? And Return Demo?
I never thought I'd say this, but I'm most confident in theory class. Lol. I guess it makes sense. I don't actually have the opportunity to injure a patient in theory! (Or....make a bed. Looking at it from a broad view, it's kind of hilarious to be so scared and anxious about things like *making a bed!* *positioning a patient!* etc. You know in a few months we'll look back and laugh at ourselves for being so silly, unless I'm the only one who is so unsure of my skills.)
Anyway, can't decide what I'm looking forward to least- return demo or the math exam. Hmm..

hey alison, did ms. berger say that if we can do that packet that we should do fine on the math test?

alisonelizabeth · Jan 31, 2011

hey alison, did ms. berger say that if we can do that packet that we should do fine on the math test?

I was wondering the same thing, because the packet seems a lot easier than what we were doing in class, and a lot more straight forward....but I don't remember! I would ASSUME that if that's what she made as her sample problems that that's somewhat similar to the type of questions she'll ask on her exam.

Are you the Carrie in my clinical group Tuesdays with Prof T?

Carriexg · Jan 31, 2011

I was wondering the same thing, because the packet seems a lot easier than what we were doing in class, and a lot more straight forward....but I don't remember! I would ASSUME that if that's what she made as her sample problems that that's somewhat similar to the type of questions she'll ask on her exam.
Are you the Carrie in my clinical group Tuesdays with Prof T?

Yep :) I finished the packet and found the questions and answers pretty straight forward compared to her questions in class too, I'm hoping it'll be like the packet. Good luck!

alisonelizabeth · Feb 1, 2011

So, passed the math test on the first try and the vitals on the first try- although I made a really dumb mistake with my stethoscope when going to do the apical pulse and forgot to turn it so the bell was ON, so I was listening to....nothing.....lol. So I have to practice that in the lab, no biggie:)

DEFINITELY freaking out about return demo. Not at all confident.

Was wondering something completely unrelated though, regarding the hospital scholarships. I know they go off of GPA, but does anyone know if they consider any other factos? For instance, I just found out today that I've been accepted into the Honors Institute and Phi Theta Kappa, so I'm wondering if that would help me out.

dizzyray822 · Feb 2, 2011

So, passed the math test on the first try and the vitals on the first try- although I made a really dumb mistake with my stethoscope when going to do the apical pulse and forgot to turn it so the bell was ON, so I was listening to....nothing.....lol. So I have to practice that in the lab, no biggie:)
DEFINITELY freaking out about return demo. Not at all confident.
Was wondering something completely unrelated though, regarding the hospital scholarships. I know they go off of GPA, but does anyone know if they consider any other factos? For instance, I just found out today that I've been accepted into the Honors Institute and Phi Theta Kappa, so I'm wondering if that would help me out.

In GIGU I applied for the Memorial scholarship and after a long process I actually got it. During the interview at the hospital one of the nurse managers mentioned that she doesn't care about GPA...she wants someone sincere and compassionate. To be honest... I dont know what they look for but that was my experience. The interview was a big deal and from their questions they want to hear about you and your experiences in the hospital and how you felt about certain things.....not about your grades.

alisonelizabeth · Feb 2, 2011

In GIGU I applied for the Memorial scholarship and after a long process I actually got it. During the interview at the hospital one of the nurse managers mentioned that she doesn't care about GPA...she wants someone sincere and compassionate. To be honest... I dont know what they look for but that was my experience. The interview was a big deal and from their questions they want to hear about you and your experiences in the hospital and how you felt about certain things.....not about your grades.

Well, I'm glad that it seems they want caring and compassionate nurses-that's a plus;) I love the Memorial Healthcare system. I've had struggles with a few other hospitals, and they've been wonderful in providing patient care.

However, given that these hospitals are sure to be looking at TONS of students likely not even from just Broward College, and throughout all three campuses, there has to be a way to immediately disregard some people from their selection and interview process. When the scholarship reps came by our theory class, they said they looked at our GPA; I just didn't know if they looked at anything else.

Congrats on getting such a competitive scholarship at such a truly wonderful hospital!! I'm sure you deserve it!!

alisonelizabeth · Feb 8, 2011

failed my clinical return demo today. i got an automatic failure for forgetting to put the bed in the lowest position before getting a basin to measure the urine.

next tuesday i go at 9 am to retest, and am so nervous...we need 100% accuracy to pass this time around, whereas today they were VERY lenient. i would have passed today had i not made that one mistake- i asked her that. and i definitely made mistakes other than that this week, aka, i wouldn't pass next week if i made those mistakes but DID lower the bed to the lowest position before getting the basin to collect urine.

obviously, very very upset. i was pretty good with everything else. so to have that one thing that failed me....MAN, that burns. and knowing i can't miss any little thing at all next week seems just short of humanely impossible.

think i'll curl into a ball now. hope everyone else did/does well.

dizzyray822 · Feb 15, 2011

failed my clinical return demo today. i got an automatic failure for forgetting to put the bed in the lowest position before getting a basin to measure the urine.
next tuesday i go at 9 am to retest, and am so nervous...we need 100% accuracy to pass this time around, whereas today they were VERY lenient. i would have passed today had i not made that one mistake- i asked her that. and i definitely made mistakes other than that this week, aka, i wouldn't pass next week if i made those mistakes but DID lower the bed to the lowest position before getting the basin to collect urine.
obviously, very very upset. i was pretty good with everything else. so to have that one thing that failed me....MAN, that burns. and knowing i can't miss any little thing at all next week seems just short of humanely impossible.
think i'll curl into a ball now. hope everyone else did/does well.

Aww...It happens....your just so nervous but try to think straight and just get it done!! Good luck on your next try.