Hi All! (question about working in NS)

[RNstdntSVSU]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to this site. I start a 3 year RN/BSN program this August and I am very excited!

I have a few questions for everyone.

1) I got hired as a campus health educator. I'll be working ten hours a week. Do you think this is going to hurt me in the program?

2) I've been browsing at stethoscopes. I hear Littmann is the best brand out there. Do you guys think it is worth getting a nice stethoscope for clinical? The Classic II seems like a reasonable price, plus it comes in my favorite color, orange. I don't need to decide right away, I wont need it until I start clinical in January.

3) Any tips for surviving NS? I'd be glad to hear 'em. School has always come pretty easy to me and I'm scared NS is gonna kick my behind. I maintained a 3.8 in prereqs, so I'm hoping I have the brains for this. Like I said, any tips/input appreciated.

Thanks in advance!!!!

[DayDreamin ER CRNP]

Just cruise around this board and you'll find loads of answers to your questions.

A lot of students do work while in school but it all depends on you really and what your job expectations are and when you will have to work vs your class/clinical times.

good luck!

meredith

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

1) I got hired as a campus health educator. I'll be working ten hours a week. Do you think this is going to hurt me in the program?

I worked 32 hours per week as an LPN/LVN while completing an RN program. My grades did not suffer. In fact, completed the nursing program with honors and passed the state boards on my first attempt.

2) I've been browsing at stethoscopes. I hear Littmann is the best brand out there. Do you guys think it is worth getting a nice stethoscope for clinical? The Classic II seems like a reasonable price, plus it comes in my favorite color, orange. I don't need to decide right away, I wont need it until I start clinical in January.

I would obtain a cheaper stethoscope for clinical such as a Prestige, a NurseMates, or a Sprague Rappaport. You can hear good with these brands and they can be purchased for less than $30. During clinical rotations, the more expensive stethoscopes tend to grow legs and "walk off."

3) Any tips for surviving NS? I'd be glad to hear 'em. School has always come pretty easy to me and I'm scared NS is gonna kick my behind. I maintained a 3.8 in prereqs, so I'm hoping I have the brains for this. Like I said, any tips/input appreciated.

Just focus on the big picture instead of trying to memorize facts. You've got to hit the ground running and never look back. Keep up on the required reading and do not procrastinate or fall behind.

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

If you're going to buy a Littmann (which I personally suggest, as there's definitely an increase in sound quality when you go from two tubes to the Y-junction) get it from someplace like allheart.com which will engrave your name on the stethoscope. While it doesn't make it impossible for such a steth to grow legs, it does provide a nice deterrent.