Cal State Northridge CSUN Accelerated BSN Fall 2008

softballgirl09 · Apr 2, 2009

Make sure to keep a copy of all your forms and send the letter of intent back to the health sciences office. The change of major form doesn't have to be submitted right away. You can do that the day of orientation. It's best if you do it in person.

levoila · Apr 2, 2009

Make sure to keep a copy of all your forms and send the letter of intent back to the health sciences office. The change of major form doesn't have to be submitted right away. You can do that the day of orientation. It's best if you do it in person.

Thank you so much for all of the helpful information that you've given us!

I now that we're supposed to be receiving information about the uniforms and stuff soon, but I was wondering if you could tell me what the uniforms we'd wear to clinicals are like and if the uniforms are basic white scrubs. I would rather order them ahead of time, if possible.

Thanks again for all of your advice!

softballgirl09 · Apr 2, 2009

Sure. Fortunately we don't wear whites. There is a specific red/black top and black scrub pants that is required. Your packet will have the website and style number of what you need to get. I don't want to give you too many specifics in the event that they change anything. I believe they are finalizing the updates and you guys should be receiving it soon. You are going to have quite a few things to get together by orientation and you may feel overwhelmed at first but just take it one step at a time. Just order your uniform and supplies as soon as you get the list so that it arrives sooner than later.

levoila · Apr 2, 2009

Thank you for the prompt reply--I was about to order white scrubs because I assumed that that's what we'd be wearing--what a relief. Thanks again.

One more question--what has been the most difficult thing about the program so far?

softballgirl09 · Apr 2, 2009

You may also want to schedule a Dr.'s appointment now so that they can fit you in by early May. You'll need to have vaccinations and things so at least you'll have the appointment in place by the time you get the packet. It will specify what you need.

levoila · Apr 2, 2009

By quite a few things do you mean the Healthcare provider CPR, vaccines,titers and stuff? I am currently taking a CNA class so I had to get all of that done a few months ago, so hopefully that will make getting started easier.

levoila · Apr 2, 2009

Great thanks!

softballgirl09 · Apr 2, 2009

Probably getting adjusted to this new career. I volunteered in a hospital for two years prior but that only gave me a small perspective as to what it would be like as an actual RN. There is soo much more to the job than meets the eye. Learning medications has probably been the biggest challenge. There are soo many and it's important to really understand what you are giving and why. The demand in first semester is also very difficult but school is school. We've all done it and if you are in the program you were obviously successful at managing a rigorous schedule. The problem is you can't really prepare for it, you just have to do it. They can teach you all they want but you wont really put two and two together until you see it in the clinical setting. A good critical thinker makes for a good nurse.

softballgirl09 · Apr 2, 2009

Yeah, you should be covered then. That's a big relief!

levoila · Apr 2, 2009

Do you recommend a particular meds reference book? Do you recommend getting one now and trying to memorize them--making flash cards?

softballgirl09 · Apr 2, 2009

I bought a med book but ended up uploading one to my phone as well so that I could have quick access during clinicals. You also need to create care plans so if your med book is viewable online or via CD that's helpful for copying med info into them. You'll hear more about this once you start Fundamentals. You can start trying to memorize but it's really hard out of context and probably not worth it. Just enjoy your vacation before you start because you are going to be dying for a day off once you do. There are some that you see more than others in the clinical setting so it will come with practice. You'll have pharmacology first semester anyway so that will help. I used Davis's Drug guide for my phone/PDA. I know others bought Mosby's Nursing Drug Reference and it seems to be pretty good. Other liked Lippincotts . I had previously purchased Prentice Hall Nursing Drug Guide which came with the CD which was nice but it wasn't very user friendly with info in regards to nursing implications.

levoila · Apr 3, 2009

Thanks, softballgirl! I'm going to look into ordering one. I looked a few months ago and got the impression that some are updated yearly, so I wondered if it was worth waiting for the new edition. But, since classes start in May and I'd need it for that first semester, I'm going to go for it. I truly appreciate your advice!:urck: