Introductions:"New" and "Old" Students.

girlzippy · Sep 30, 2007

Hi, my name is Michelle. I graduate in December of this year. I stumbled on this website while looking for resume samples. Glad I found it. I am 29 and live in Denver.

girlzippy · Sep 30, 2007

Hi! I just started Nursing Fundamentals this week for my RN, it is definitely >>> week! My whole class feels so overwhelmed. Sunday, Monday, and tonight we have spent over 8 hours each night studying and doing assignments. This does not include the 5 hours of class and lecture time. When do we sleep? Is it going to be this way until we graduate, or is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Clinicals start next week, we have to meet our patients the night before, do assessments, and be back at the hospital at 6:30am. With the homework and studying we are doing now we only get 4-5 hours a night sleep. And familes are just pushed to the side. Will it get easier as we get used to the huge change? Also there is so much information and the theories and concepts are so vague, we are having a hard time studying. Can anyone offer any advice please!!!

Well, I have to say med surg 1 was the hardest for me. I slept the least then and wondered much of what you are now. It does get easier. Thats should be your hardest semester. The loads lighten when you have more experience and knowledge. I strongly recomend a care plan book for school, it saved me a lot of time.

jeanise · Oct 1, 2007

Hi everyone! My name is Jeanise, I'm 21, and currently enrolled in the ADN program at Daytona Beach Community College in Daytona Beach, FL. I graduate in December 2008! My ultimate goal is to become a CRNA. I would love to attend Barry University in Miami, FL. If anyone is currently enrolled or interested like me...please contact me so we can chat. Im so glad I founf this website!!! Definetely one of my favorites!! Can't wait to met new people with my same interests!!!! -Jeanise

Mush2007 · Oct 2, 2007

Hey guys, Im Michelle, 1st year nursing student in New York. I found this website looking for help on differentiating different nursing jobs- this is great! My ultimate goal would have to be Nurse Practitioner...

Soo.. anyone else in nursing school wanna talk; feel free & email me!

:welcome:

sunshine7902 · Oct 3, 2007

Hi everyone! I stumbled upon this site while researching a term paper I need to do. My name is Lisa and I am a 1st year nursing student residing in Ohio. I'm 28, a mother to 2 wonderful children and a wife. I know I have a long road ahead of me and I think this site will offer a lot of support. I look forward to meeting new people with similar inerests and goals. I hope we can all help eachother!

adgab59SVN · Oct 4, 2007

Hi

I'm Fran have 4 chidlren 2 girls to boys ages 30,22,17,15. 3 grandkids one on the way. I am 48 years old. Just started my clinical rotations. today was first day of orientation. A little overwhelming. I am so nervous about doing my first catheter and ng tube cleaning trach, even though I did all my returns in clinical still nervous. Its pretty intense, hoping to go on for my RN, but just praying to make it through for my LVN. Allnurses is a godsend. I am glad I found this site.

JessicaW · Oct 4, 2007

Hi all. I'm Jessica and I am in my 3rd semester of an ADN program. 8 more months of hell to go and THEN I can take the exam. I work full time, am taking a full nursing course load (read = enough work for 25 credits!), and have almost 3 yo twins. Somewhere in there, I try to fit in being a wife too...but hey, I'm reaching for that brass ring to help provide a secure future for my family.

All other students: I wish you the best of luck.

Jessica

momof4ndocswife · Oct 6, 2007

Fran,

Hang in there! You can do it. I just graduated from a BSN program in May at 52!

I started an ADN program at 47, but had to withdraw 1/2 way through due to my mother's breast cancer diagnosis. I tried to later re-enter, but it was complicated. Since I had a BS in biology from 30 years ago, I found it easier to get into a BSN program 50 miles away. So I started all over and just graduated in May.

I was juggling commuting to school and also driving 100 miles on weekends to check on my ailing parents, too, but prevailed.

We, too, have 4 children: 1 daughter (29) and 3 sons (27, 23, 21). We recently celebrated the birth of our 1st grandchild and marriage of our middle son. My mother died this summer, so I provided hospice care for her and also helped my daughter with the new baby instead of pursuing work right after graduation. I began a 10 week med-surg internship at the end of Sept here in the Columbia, SC area. I felt overwhelmed the first few days, but it's slowly starting to come back.

Older brains can learn just fine. It just always took me longer to read and go through material. I was always the last one to finish tests, but usually made the highest scores because I was so careful and thorough. I was one of 5 to graduate with honors. Don't let your age scare you. Your life experiences will make you a wonderful nurse!

adgab59SVN · Oct 7, 2007

Thanks, for the encouragement. I need it. It is very intense. And some days I wonder if I am doing the right thing. But I am not a quitter. I wish I could live where I am going to school. Bult can't afford that. When you started clinicals were you scared? I have done my returns in lab. I did fine, it is just going into the real world. I know our instructor will be there with us, but she is pretty strict. And she intimidates me a little bit. But she is nice. And I realize she has pressure of her own us being under her license. But I know I will get through this, I am glad for this site.

momof4ndocswife · Oct 7, 2007

YES.... I was terrified when I started clinicals. And now I'm scared all over again with that "RN" behind my name and know that my license is on the line if I blow it!

I've still not ever inserted an NG tube down a real live patient! Can you believe that? I have tons of head knowledge. 'Did exceptionally well academically... but... now I need experience!

Nursing carries a LOT of responsibility, but plenty of people do it every day.. and you can, too! Instructors are all pretty strict b/c they want you to pass the boards and they want you to provide the best of care to your patients... AND.. they know that one small medication error can mean the difference between life and death. We ALL need to remain sober minded throughout our nursing careers. A little fear and mild anxiety isn't a bad thing if it keeps us on our toes and careful, thorough, etc.

You'll get more comfortable with each patient- clinical experience. The rewards of making a difference in somebody's life will outweigh the intimidation of instructors and fear of failure. Keep you eyes on your goal. If you want it, you can reach it!

Best wishes to you, Fran. Let me know if I can be of further encouragement. Feel free to PM me.

Jeanie

kpbmp2002 · Oct 8, 2007

hello all, i'm currently enroled in the lpn program. just started on sept.19th.

i'm only into my third week and i've had to cut my hours at work, and hardly ever see my kids or husband. the program is an evening course and runs for 11 months. so far so good, but i'm feeling extremely overwhelmed! any study tips would be greatly appreciated.

daisymae98 · Oct 8, 2007

Good Morning!

My name is Lindsey. I am a 1st year nursing student. I am 24 yrs old, married, no kids (waiting for school to get done first). I have been a CNA for YEARS and I have been doing phlebotomy for a couple yrs too. I am also taking courses towards BSN right now along with nursing. I am almost done with my 1st 8 weeks of nursing. It is extremely overwhelming. Anyone have any helpful hints and tips? PLEASE share!