Hey you new WCCCD Nsg students!!

Published

Hey girlies, what did you think of your very first week of NS??? Tell us!!! Aren't you happy to be there??!! You must be so excited. Do tell.

Thanks for the congrats, we are actually going in to week 4 now. I would advise you "to not listen to negative comments on nursing school", I used to hear from a few people on what a terrible thing it was. It's nothing like they said it was. I am actually loving nursing school, yes it is challenging and you do have to work hard at it. It is doable and it is rewarding. Keep up the positive attitude and do not listen to all the "rumors" you will hear out there, because most of the time, those are just rumors. I found it is better to make your own judgements on things, such as Instructor's and what is considered hard to someone else, may not be that way for you. It is all what you make it. The anxiety does not go away, it increases in nursing school. Anxiety keeps you sharp and alert. There is a lot of study time needed toward learning the content, but if you study well, then no problem. There are goals to focus on, and you have to keep those in sight at all times. It will not matter if "that teacher doesn't like me", because you are there to learn the content and then move on to the next level. You are not there to be a social butterfly or win a popularity contest. You are there strictly for yourself, you are training for your career and that is the final line. This is no joke. This is serious and a lot of hard work. If you are serious about it, you will find a way to succeed with it. It is good to stay humble and accept if you are wrong on something. We are new to this material and it is an adjustment to learn the schedule, fast pace of training and many quizzes and exams coming at you, frequently. Just work hard and stay focused. Good luck. Time management is also a good quality to gain as well. This is not like anything you have ever done before, this is not like English class or Psych class, this is no joke. This is learn the material or fail. So, just work very hard and keep your goals in sight. You can do this. I wish you much success.

Hey Thanks for the great advice. I haven't heard anything negative about nursing school, just that is extremely hard and time consuming. I have a couple of friends who are in the program now and I see what they are going through and that is what really scares me. I agree that what is hard for one person may not be hard for another which is perfectly normal. I have 2 children that requires a lot of my time and I guess that is what worries me. Will I have to choose between school and my kids. Do you have any kids? If so, do you feel nursing school takes away from your time with your children? My husband is very supportive and contributes a lot with the kids, but I still cant help but worry about the time. I know you all have probably heard all of this before. Anywho, thanks for all the great tips, I will definitely seek out some pointers on time management. Good luck in your "4th" week of nursing school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey Thanks for the great advice. I haven't heard anything negative about nursing school, just that is extremely hard and time consuming. I have a couple of friends who are in the program now and I see what they are going through and that is what really scares me. I agree that what is hard for one person may not be hard for another which is perfectly normal. I have 2 children that requires a lot of my time and I guess that is what worries me. Will I have to choose between school and my kids. Do you have any kids? If so, do you feel nursing school takes away from your time with your children? My husband is very supportive and contributes a lot with the kids, but I still cant help but worry about the time. I know you all have probably heard all of this before. Anywho, thanks for all the great tips, I will definitely seek out some pointers on time management. Good luck in your "4th" week of nursing school.

I have two children and a husband as well. It is not any different than working full time, for me. Make sure you create some family time. I usually dedicate Saturday evenings for just my family. You will find your own way to make it work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow, what else can I add....you said it ALL RN2BE2008. Okay, being in class with you for 15 or so hours per week.....are we starting to think alike? Gheeze!:roll As I read Dare's first post, I was formulating my thoughts and you pretty much said exactly what I was thinking in your post.

Dare, I remembering being sick to my stomach last winter after talking to a few nursing students in the 1st 7.5 weeks. They were SO pissed and discouraging. One even said, "If I knew nursing school was going to be this hard, I would have went into the Surg Tech program" I was scared crapless! :chair: . As RN2BE said, we are going into our 4th week. There is a lot of work and you have to stay on top of it. You have to know and understand the material and not just memorize it. You have to know how to apply it and be ready to think on your feet. Stay humble and take everyday as a learing experience for YOUR career. Sure we have stressful days (RNTOBE remember last Thursday?:scrying: ) We will have many more I hope. I kinda feel like I am "Batman Begins" we are in a transformation period. We are learning how to be safe and prudent to protect our clients and our licences when we graduate. I totally feel like a sponge when I am in class....they are not Bull#$%ting! This is real.

So as we enter week 4....RNTOBE and I had a convo last week. I told her I am still in a sense waiting for "the shoe to drop". I am trying to see when this will be rocket science hard when I totally feel like I CAN NOT DO IT and I will NEVER see my family and enjoy life just a little....as former people have said. I dunno :confused: We are moving along taking 1 week at a time.

RNTOBE, see ya in class girly! I just did module 5 and 6 talking about legal ethics and communication, it is awesome!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

"i have two children and a husband as well. it is not any different than working full time, for me. make sure you create some family time. i usually dedicate saturday evenings for just my family. you will find your own way to make it work."

oh yeah, i also ditto this. i have a 1 1/2 yr and 5 year old and a hubby who like my attention:icon_roll . i include my family when i practice skills, my 5 yr finds it a hoot. we have homework time when my 1 1/2 yr old will do some homework coloring (ha, as i am typing this, i hear them in the other room playing nurse and patient!) right now, things are centered on acedemics in my house. my 5 year knows how important education is....we shove that fact down his throat. i am not a shover, but we do shove that. non-negotiable in our house. in four weeks, i have acutally went on two dates with my husband. you will just find ways to make this work for you. what works for me, may not work for you.

right now, here is my theme song..

unwritten lyrics

album: unwritten (2004)

free natasha bedingfield music download

download unwritten now!

i am unwritten, can't read my mind, i'm undefined

i'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned

staring at the blank page before you

open up the dirty window

let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

reaching for something in the distance

so close you can almost taste it

release your inhibitions

feel the rain on your skin

no one else can feel it for you

only you can let it in

no one else, no one else

can speak the words on your lips

drench yourself in words unspoken

live your life with arms wide open

today is where your book begins

the rest is still unwritten

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You guys are awesome! I have a friend who is in her third semester at WCCCD and she was one of those that said the first 7.5 weeks was torture. She said the load gets lighter after that and if you can survive the first 7.5 weeks then you can survive anything. I know that everyone has their own issues that will conflict with studying and lab work and so forth. I am just trying to identify everything that may be a hurdle and deal with it now before (if I get in) start the program.

I am not a 4.0 student so I guess that worries me too. I hear those nursing test aren't like anything you have ever taken before.

Do you guys study in groups or by yourselves? The girl I know in the program now says to beware of studying in groups because not everyone studies the same way and that can actually hurt you instead of helping you.

One more thing, do you guys agree with not being able to work part-time while in the program. Do either of you work? I want to work as a CNA while in school and I keep hearing this is not advisable.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You guys are awesome! I have a friend who is in her third semester at WCCCD and she was one of those that said the first 7.5 weeks was torture. She said the load gets lighter after that and if you can survive the first 7.5 weeks then you can survive anything. I know that everyone has their own issues that will conflict with studying and lab work and so forth. I am just trying to identify everything that may be a hurdle and deal with it now before (if I get in) start the program.

I am not a 4.0 student so I guess that worries me too. I hear those nursing test aren't like anything you have ever taken before.

Do you guys study in groups or by yourselves? The girl I know in the program now says to beware of studying in groups because not everyone studies the same way and that can actually hurt you instead of helping you.

One more thing, do you guys agree with not being able to work part-time while in the program. Do either of you work? I want to work as a CNA while in school and I keep hearing this is not advisable.

3.6 student here! I am not sure if I agree with the load getting lighter after the 1st 7.5 weeks. I think our responsibility will grow but I think we will start to "learn the ropes" of nursing school and learn how to deal with the many, many, quizzes and tests.

I do agree about the groups. I for one am a solitary suidier. I get distracted when I am studying with someone. I may pow wow before class with a group over certain things, I may find things to add to my knowledge, but for the most part I do it alone and meditate on the information.

I am not sure about the working part, I quit my job of 10 years:( to attend nursing school. For me, nursing school is my job. I dedicate at least 30 hours a week to school (studying, practicing in the lab, actual class time 15 hours/week) That was equivelent to my part time job. When they say you eat, sleep, and breath nursing school, I think I understand. It is always in my mind. I am mindful with handwashing techniques, I am mindful what is happening with my family's body. I just try to apply what I am learing in everyday life. It is hard to explain.

Here is an example of a nursing school question (at least for our level) This is information we already covered:

How often should a restraint be removed, the area massaged, and the joints moved through normal range?

a. Every Shift

b. Every Hour

c. Every two hours

d. Every four hours

Answer: c. Restraints should be removed every 2 hours. The extremites must be moved through their full range of motion to prevent muscle shortning and contractures. The area must be massaged to promote circulation and prevent injuries.

Which would be the most common factor that contributes to falls in the hospital setting?

a. Wet Floors

b. Frequent seizures

c. Advance age of patients

d. Misuse of equipment by nurses

Answer: guess!!!:chuckle

TBC.......

See, it is not rocket scientist hard.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh yeah, I also ditto this. I have a 1 1/2 yr and 5 year old AND a hubby who like my attention:icon_roll . I include my family when I practice skills, my 5 yr finds it a hoot. We have homework time when my 1 1/2 yr old will do some homework coloring (HA, as I am typing this, I hear them in the other room playing nurse and patient!) Right now, things are centered on acedemics in my house. My 5 year knows how important education is....we shove that fact down his throat. I am not a shover, but we do shove that. Non-negotiable in our house. In four weeks, I have acutally went on two dates with my husband. You will just find ways to make this work for you. What works for me, may not work for you.

You had two dates??? I am jealous!! Husband and I were just stating we need one of those soon. I also read Modules 5 and 6. That is some serious info we need to always keep in our brains. They were not joking when they said always be careful and safe and document, document, document. I am getting all jazzed up thinking about Clinicals too, after reading all the legal aspects of nursing. As for last Thursday, yes the anxiety was at an all time high, and it was similar on Saturday morning as well. It is a good feeling to have it behind us though. We made it through that hurdle. I try not to ever say words like "it will be too hard", or " I don't know if I can do it". I used to use those words, but met an awesome counselor who told me those words are so TOXIC. The words are toxic and negative, so instead of using words like "HARD", I replace that with it will be a challenge. I know we will have loads of anxiety for the check off's this Thursday as well. I know we will do well though.

I like your song, it does say what we are going through, and it does seem like we are "Transforming", and we are. We are learning to think in a whole new light, critical thinking is new to us in this light. Okay, well I will see you tomorrow girl in Theory class. Stay warm and have a good night.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You guys are awesome! I have a friend who is in her third semester at WCCCD and she was one of those that said the first 7.5 weeks was torture. She said the load gets lighter after that and if you can survive the first 7.5 weeks then you can survive anything. I know that everyone has their own issues that will conflict with studying and lab work and so forth. I am just trying to identify everything that may be a hurdle and deal with it now before (if I get in) start the program.

I am not a 4.0 student so I guess that worries me too. I hear those nursing test aren't like anything you have ever taken before.

Do you guys study in groups or by yourselves? The girl I know in the program now says to beware of studying in groups because not everyone studies the same way and that can actually hurt you instead of helping you.

One more thing, do you guys agree with not being able to work part-time while in the program. Do either of you work? I want to work as a CNA while in school and I keep hearing this is not advisable.

I am not a 4.0 student either, so don't let that be a factor. Some of those 4.0 students may be book smart, but cannot apply things on a common sense basis anyhow. When you are a nurse do you think anyone will ask you what your GPA was in school? No, they will not care.

As for group studies, I am like DaMomma, I prefer to study by myself and then review with a few students at school. I have had offers to go to other people's houses and study at night, but that is not for me. I am an independent studier. I read, I write it, I think about it and then I retain it, "hopefully", lol.

As for working, I do not work as a paid employee, but the students who do work are complaining that their jobs are cutting in to their study time. They are not comfortable with it at all. So, it is a personal choice on that part. Good luck on your journey.

One more thing to add, when I was a Pre-nursing student, it seemed like the "nursing students" were so secretive about everything. I also run in to my friends that are in their second and third semesters of nursing school and sorry to say, they still have the deer in the headlights look on exam day. It is a priviledge to be a nursing student, something everyone works very hard at to gain acceptance, so just go with the flow and keep your head up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Once you get past that first 7.5 weeks it does get a lot better!

I suggest all to take pharmacology in the summer before you have to take it with those second round of clinicals...

My pharmacology teacher doesnt really teach. We just read the book and hope we know what will be on the test.

Anyway- I am happy to hear that all of you are doing so well! Good luck with clinicals in what...3 weeks?

Need any help with care plans just let me know...I cant say I am wonderful at them but I can try and help as best I can.

Good Luck everyone!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

:balloons: :monkeydance: We did it!!!!!!!!

WOOT, WOOT

We passed our first 7.5 weeks, it was tough, but we did it. Congrats to all of my classmates and good luck on Monday or Thursday. We are cruisin now.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Once you get past that first 7.5 weeks it does get a lot better!

I suggest all to take pharmacology in the summer before you have to take it with those second round of clinicals...

My pharmacology teacher doesnt really teach. We just read the book and hope we know what will be on the test.

Anyway- I am happy to hear that all of you are doing so well! Good luck with clinicals in what...3 weeks?

Need any help with care plans just let me know...I cant say I am wonderful at them but I can try and help as best I can.

Good Luck everyone!

I may be asking you questions on Care Plans soon, we are doing ours in 2.5 weeks. We start our clinicals on Monday, I am nervous and excited all the same. How are things going for you? I hope well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey Girlie!!!!! RN2BE, we must be spending too much time together. I was getting ready to post the same thing. Yes, we have made it....well, we can "officially" say so after our assessment class on Saturday...:chair:. Heck, after these TWO exams today, I feel like I have done battle the world:pumpiron: . I am so frekin' mentally tired right now. I did well on both, but I have to say, Theory was a trip! OMG, I really worked for that one. I will PM you later.

As tired as I am, why am I still sitting here with my assesment stuff thinking I am going to study and actually be productive....I think NOT! Man, I really need to put this stuff away....but I don't know how.:uhoh21: (1 minute later....) Okay, books are closed, tomorrow is another day!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion