Start my first nursing class, TUESDAY!!! HELP

colleennurse, ASN, RN · Dec 29, 2005

I think that you can safely assume that you won't be the only one in your shoes! You will probably have some sort of orientation to the hospital and if they have you do anything, it probably won't be anything too difficult. Try to relax and good luck! :)

pvjerrys · Dec 29, 2005

If it's first day of class, there should be introduction by instructor of class objectives. Students can't perform until they know what the expectations for the course are. If it's first day of class/ lab/ clinic, there should be orientation first.

I agree with colleennurse. Relax, go with the flow. Think positive about the day, listen and take a pocket spiral notebook with you to take notes.

When you go home, review your notes and START READING THE MATERIAL as they relate to the objectives.

Good luck!

MMARN, BSN, RN · Dec 29, 2005

If it's first day of class, there should be introduction by instructor of class objectives. Students can't perform until they know what the expectations for the course are. If it's first day of class/ lab/ clinic, there should be orientation first.
I agree with colleennurse. Relax, go with the flow. Think positive about the day, listen and take a pocket spiral notebook with you to take notes.
When you go home, review your notes and START READING THE MATERIAL as they relate to the objectives.
Good luck!

Good advice for all newbies, including me!! Thanks.:)

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Dec 29, 2005

I'm transferring to a new school for the nursing portion of my BSN also.

Thankfully we have a whole week of orientation sessions, so I can't see how I WON'T know what to expect.

In any case, you won't be the only new person there and they probably will have some type of orientation to the hospital. Do as the other posters have suggested and bring a small notebook to take notes and relax--you made it into nursing school!

Enjoy the ride. :nurse:

Race Mom, ASN, RN · Dec 30, 2005

Here's my goal...and it has helped put my mind at ease.

Volunteer for every proceedure! It is crazy how my mind has gone from nervous to excited and confident just by having a gung-ho attitude. You have to do it eventually, so why not get it over with and boost your learning experience early? Once you do it a few times, it will probably be no problem to raise your hand to volunteer to be the first one to try.

Woogy

PeterboroughNurse · Dec 30, 2005

Hi,

I think it is important for you to be nice, polite, and confidence when meeting new people. Also, it is important to know the nursing students' scope of practice in the hospital. Lastly, making new friends will ease your anxiety and they can answer you many questions. :) Don't forget, if you are not sure, ASK !!!

YoungWiseWoman · Dec 30, 2005

This is the first time I've heard of the first day being in the hospital. What type of program are you entering into?

At any rate, just know that there will be a WEALTH of information thrown at you. They are going to talk a lot, and you probaly won't have any questions because you don't know WHAT to ask. Try not to let the information overwhelm you. Trust me, the fears and questions that you have are going to be similiar to your classmates. My first couples of days I felt like I was going to "crack up":uhoh3:. I had to calm myself down, take deep breaths and think positive. Be confident, but don't be a know it all. The people who are teaching you have been doing it for years, and what they say usually goes.

Good luck to you! I'm sure your first semester will go by like a breeze of fresh air.

:) Ketcia:)

NaomieRN · Dec 30, 2005

The college I am attending, clinical starts one month after students are trained in the college lab skills. I have never heard hospital on day one.

If your school is doing it, maybe it works for them. Good Luck!

dgclough · Jan 2, 2006

Hi, My program is a ASN degree thru Southwest Baptist University in conjunction with St. Johns hospital. All class work/lab work will be done at the college lab area with all clinicals being done in the St. Johns system (fairly large). The first semester is so different from what I've heard other people talk about...Here's the layout:

day 1 in hosp 8:30 to 4:30

day 2-4 in class/lab

day 5-9 in hospital

Total of 2 weeks (above) then 3 days a week split up as this:

Mon/Fri 8:30 to 11:30 class/lab

Wed 7-4:30 Clinicals at hosp.

This goes for 8 weeks then it changes to:

Mon/Fri 8:30 to 11:30 class/lab

Tues/Wed clinicals 7-4:30 on even weeks then on odd weeks no clinicals...

This goes on for 8 weeks, then the semester is over!

Fun fun! I'm normally a easy going person when it comes to new things, just go w/ the flow, but school has been so 'fun' getting in that I think I've stressed my self, I about had a nervous breakdown on Friday, I stayed home w/ the kids and hubby and by the time 5 pm was here (which is when I normally get off work) I was ready to SCREAM!!!! Was in tears, tried to explain why to hubby and nothing was really a reason to why I was so freaked out.... But I'm over that now, I'll stress again tuesday morning before class starts...

We've got 9 books, I don't know if I should lug them in... :crying2: or just a notebook and my computer and go out to the car and look stupid if I need my books...

Well, anyway, I'll do whatever I do on Tuesday. I seem to make decisions on a whim sometimes!! I'll probably carry my books in my car just to be prepared..

Thanks guys for all the info! I can't wait, but I'm soooo scared! :uhoh3:

MMARN, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2006

Hi, My program is a ASN degree thru Southwest Baptist University in conjunction with St. Johns hospital. All class work/lab work will be done at the college lab area with all clinicals being done in the St. Johns system (fairly large). The first semester is so different from what I've heard other people talk about...Here's the layout:
day 1 in hosp 8:30 to 4:30
day 2-4 in class/lab
day 5-9 in hospital
Total of 2 weeks (above) then 3 days a week split up as this:
Mon/Fri 8:30 to 11:30 class/lab
Wed 7-4:30 Clinicals at hosp.
This goes for 8 weeks then it changes to:
Mon/Fri 8:30 to 11:30 class/lab
Tues/Wed clinicals 7-4:30 on even weeks then on odd weeks no clinicals...
This goes on for 8 weeks, then the semester is over!
Fun fun! I'm normally a easy going person when it comes to new things, just go w/ the flow, but school has been so 'fun' getting in that I think I've stressed my self, I about had a nervous breakdown on Friday, I stayed home w/ the kids and hubby and by the time 5 pm was here (which is when I normally get off work) I was ready to SCREAM!!!! Was in tears, tried to explain why to hubby and nothing was really a reason to why I was so freaked out.... But I'm over that now, I'll stress again tuesday morning before class starts...
We've got 9 books, I don't know if I should lug them in... or just a notebook and my computer and go out to the car and look stupid if I need my books...
Well, anyway, I'll do whatever I do on Tuesday. I seem to make decisions on a whim sometimes!! I'll probably carry my books in my car just to be prepared..
Thanks guys for all the info! I can't wait, but I'm soooo scared!

Woman!! How do you keep up with that schedule??!! :lol2: Man, my schedule is Tues./Wed. clinicals, Mon. skills lab, and Thurs./Fri. lecture. That's it. I was told by my program director to NOT bring our books to class, that whatever she says we will take notes on and review with our textbook. You won't look stupid. It's hard to have to carry those HEAVY books around. See if you can buy yourself one of those rolling bookbags.

I feel ya on the "fun" part of getting into nursing school. That was the most "fun" I've had all my life. :uhoh3:

dgclough · Jan 7, 2006

In addition to that, I will be working (after the first 2 weeks) 2 12 hr shifts a week at my job (gotta maintain 24 hrs a week for insurance...)

So, it'll end up being

Mon: 8 - 11:30

Tues 6 - 6

Wed Clinicals: 7-4

Thurs 6-6

Fri 8--11:30

Plus I drive to college/clinicals so it's an extra 2 hrs each morning/afternoon....

I've completed the first week, passed my first competency test, found out we're a 'front loaded' college and I'll be learning everything this first semester, IV's, catheters etc...I had been warned not to expect too much the first semester (from the nurses I work with) because I wouldn't learn IV's etc until the 3rd or 4th semester...

I'll be working on the cardiac floor all next week for my clinicals!! YEAH!

I can't wait until I graduate and can do all of the stuff!!!

Everybody have a wonderful weekend