CSN Spring 2016

For me, pharm was the hardest. I had a difficult time with it. Then fundamentals. Get used to using the questions from your book (and the quizlet app) Those are the kind of questions that are in the tests (NCLEX style). I had a very tough clinical instructor (those that are in know who she is) but she prepares you more than any of them. Just be prepared for clinical. Lab was really easy. I would look at the lab info the night before to see what we were doing and that's it.

For me, pharm was the hardest. I had a difficult time with it. Then fundamentals. Get used to using the questions from your book (and the quizlet app) Those are the kind of questions that are in the tests (NCLEX style). I had a very tough clinical instructor (those that are in know who she is) but she prepares you more than any of them. Just be prepared for clinical. Lab was really easy. I would look at the lab info the night before to see what we were doing and that's it.

Did u guys bought that Nclex book for review before exams or quizzes? I've read before from someone who would study hard, and still exam, then she bought this nclex style book, everytime she have an exam she uses this book.

Also, whenever you guys have an exam, does the teacher give you guys anything to study that will be on the exam? like Study material to help u guys for a upcoming quiz or exam? Or they dont help you at all? and just says, all chapters will be covered?

thank you :)

There's no study guides in fundamentals. You get one in pharm, depending on the instructor. Everything in Nursing 101 is testable, including stuff you learn in lab and clinical. BUT, the clinicals, labs, and lecture correlate with each other more often than not.

Youll figure out out what you need to do after the first test.

I will say this:

-One instructor says don't read the books, just study the slides and info online.

-The other instructor says read EVERYTHING.

Wow....ummmmm... I would really have to say that med surg was my biggest pain, then pharmacology, then fundamentals, then mental health.

Like I thought that first semester was time consuming and tough but nothing compared to second semester. You hear that second semester is the worst out of all four.....believe it! OMG!

Organization is definitely key first and foremost! I use the app MyHomework....learn to spread out your assignments so that you are not overwhelmed. I work graveyard three days a week, have a husband and a small child. When I say it can be done, it can be done.

And find books that help you to learn concepts easier. I love using Demystified books. I find that they help me alot in my studying and break things down barney style.

I will be the first to tell you that I am the queen of procrastination when it comes to studying especially because of work and family but when I study, I study hard. All I can say is just make a schedule and stick to it. My family knows that if I have an exam, for three days straight I come home, sleep from like 5pm-10pm and study from 11pm-4am. It's what works best for me. (Random I know but after sleep and a with a quiet house, I can focus way better).

I felt like second semester had alot more assignments and was more time consuming than first semester but only because most of your assignments are due the first two months. After that it becomes manageable and alot less stressful.

Hope this helps guys! I'm excited for all of you to start. It's such an amazing experience and boy does time fly. I can't believe I'm going to be in third semester already! It feels like I really just started! Just don't give up and find a group of people that you can study with and talk to every semester. I'm not the type to study in groups but I learned this semester it helps so much talking thru everything. Rationales are your best friend remember that [emoji6]

You sound a lot like me not into groups and procrastinating haha. It reassuring to know I'm not the only one. I know not keeping to myself will only benefit me so that's going to be a goal of mine. Thanks for mentioning the apps and books too! Funny.. I remember reading when you got accepted haha. Congrats on being half way done!

Can you guys explain what happens in clinical? I've heard multiple times it's the most difficult. My interpretation was that at the beginning you learn the on the job skills and then once you go out to different sites you are basically working. Then I heard there are tests and such so I guess I don't understand how that all works.

It depends on your instructor. But, this is how it worked for me...

First three weeks of clinical are ACE. It's a just like lab, but 6 hours long. You learn some very basic things there. But it's still a lot of work.

Then in the first four weeks of clinical after ace is long term care. You will be assigned a patient as a group of four or so in the beginning. There, you will learn to give meds (the 6 rights) and do some vitals. You will also be assigned a couplet patient (2 people to one patient) where you will do more assessments and stuff with them. Your first written paper will be due around this time.

After the four weeks of long term care, you continue on to sub acute care (kind of like long term rehab). You will be assigned a patient every week or every other week. You will continue to fill out your clinical worksheets every week. My instructor made us type them up. You will also learn how to write out all your assessment findings. You will be tested on how to do your clinical assessments, then do a head to toe assessment. After awhile, you'll also have to complete your second paper. Another thing about sub acute was that we were required to go in a couple days before clinical and complete our clinical information worksheets.

At the clinical work site, you will do basically everything from wiping asses to feeding, showers and baths, patient care of all kinds. If you're skiddish about being around another naked male or female, you'll have a difficult time. Also, during this semester, learn how to control your emotions. Especially around patients. You'll see stage 4 ulcers and I've watch classmates throw up in their mouthes from it. You need to learn how to be stone faced and calm in those situations.

Hope this helps.

(For whatever reason, autospell on this website blows. So if there's weird words or misspellings, it's that.)

It depends on your instructor. But, this is how it worked for me...

First three weeks of clinical are ACE. It's a just like lab, but 6 hours long. You learn some very basic things there. But it's still a lot of work.

Then in the first four weeks of clinical after ace is long term care. You will be assigned a patient as a group of four or so in the beginning. There, you will learn to give meds (the 6 rights) and do some vitals. You will also be assigned a couplet patient (2 people to one patient) where you will do more assessments and stuff with them. Your first written paper will be due around this time.

After the four weeks of long term care, you continue on to sub acute care (kind of like long term rehab). You will be assigned a patient every week or every other week. You will continue to fill out your clinical worksheets every week. My instructor made us type them up. You will also learn how to write out all your assessment findings. You will be tested on how to do your clinical assessments, then do a head to toe assessment. After awhile, you'll also have to complete your second paper. Another thing about sub acute was that we were required to go in a couple days before clinical and complete our clinical information worksheets.

At the clinical work site, you will do basically everything from wiping asses to feeding, showers and baths, patient care of all kinds. If you're skiddish about being around another naked male or female, you'll have a difficult time. Also, during this semester, learn how to control your emotions. Especially around patients. You'll see stage 4 ulcers and I've watch classmates throw up in their mouthes from it. You need to learn how to be stone faced and calm in those situations.

Hope this helps.

(For whatever reason, autospell on this website blows. So if there's weird words or misspellings, it's that.)

Thank you sooo incredibly much!! So basically all assignments are based on your interactions/findings with patients?

Lastly, NEVER be late or unprepared for clinical. So prep your information and all your supplies the night before so all you need to do is grab the bag and go.

Yes. All of your clinical worksheets are based off of your actual patients. Same with both of your papers. So that's why you can't get ahead now.

Yes. All of your clinical worksheets are based off of your actual patients. Same with both of your papers. So that's why you can't get ahead now.

Thank you for clarifying!

Oops. The first paper is based on a person of your choosing. But the person must be at least 70 years old. The second paper is based on one of your patients at the clinical site.

Hi all,

I know this thread is a little old, but I have a few questions for you seasoned veterans

I applied for Fall 2016 with 34 points regular track, so I should be hearing from them soon. Last year they called everyone on April 20th so I'm hoping they call that early this year as well.

Anyway, my question is regarding orientations. I have a "nonrefundable" trip to Thailand planned for May 23-June 1st.

How soon after finding out acceptance was the first orientation? Do you have to attend all 3 orientations, or just pick one? How does that all work? If they happen to schedule it the week I am gone and miss it, does it disqualify me? Or can I make it up?

Thanks for the help!