After months of document submittal, subjecting myself to immunizations and physicals, taking pre-reqs and 2 entrance exams, doing several interviews, and finally getting accepted - I'm ready to start on January 4th.
The school had its orientation last Friday. We were fitted for uniforms, given our textbooks, and informed of the class/clinical schedule for the first 6 months. I'm happy to report that we will get a very occassional day off here and there, but in late May, they give us a whole week to regroup, catch up, take care of business, and generally live life for 7 days!
The school director reinforced the notion that NS will be difficult but not impossible. The critical point being that we simply can not get behind. We need to understand all the concepts that we will be taught, because sure as snot, the one(s) we don't "get" will be the one(s) that will hang us up on NCLEX. She explained how the NCLEX CAT is designed and that if you show weakness in an area, you will get repeated questions to fully check for understanding (or not) of the subject. That was enlightening.
She further discussed the 4 levels of brain work that will get us through the next 11 months.
memorization (and lots of it, no getting around it)
understanding (the boatloads of material)
application (of the above), and finally
analyzing (all that we've learned)
Nurses aren't born, they're created. And I need to get going cuz they want us to hit the ground running. They gave us our first assignment due on the 4th. Eight chapters and complete the workbook. There will be a vocabulary test and a shorter quiz on the first day of class.
On your mark, get set, go.....
Anyone else want to start a new thread for January 2010 starts to share experiences? I'm game!
Yes, I do plan on staying in esthetics. I made a declaration last year I would follow threw with my dreams of becoming a nurse. I was a candystriper back in 1982 and that foundation has always resonated. My girls are grown, now is the time. I did CNA to get points for the program I'm going for. Now, I am in acute care @ St. Jude's Hospital for my clinicals and learning so much.:)
Well, hello friends! It is funny and delightful to find you here, by accident!
After being delayed by marriage etc. I finally feel it's time to get on with the nursing education.
So far I realized that I will be pursuing LVN. Just need to decide which route to take. Community College/CNA or going directly through vocational schools (more $).
Is it worth waiting at this age, or the wait is not so bad and is worth it....
Glad to see you here. Have you been researching schools near you? In your area there seems to be some good programs. Let me know which ones your considering. Also, don't forget to look into ROP near you. Much more affordable, but very competitive. Well worth it though. You are one smart lady, will do great. I have found great info. here @ allnurses. You are in good hands. Keep in touch, my friend.:redpinkhe
Hello toshea.....db called me last night to tell me you ladies were on here. So funny, I was looking at this site in the morning, but decided not to read (knew I would get drawn in and sit all day). I'm going to email you about local options. :flowersfo
Hello All, I am starting school on Jan 5 and Im very excited I know it will be hard but I'm determined to finish with a high GPA.I will have to work part time and I'm also the mother of 3.I know this is going to be quite a journey for me,but I'm ready!!Let's get it!!!!
I just wanted to say Congratulations and the Best of Luck to all of you! I am in the last 3 weeks of a 12 month program. Stay focus and try not to get behind! Oh, and this may seem silly to add but make sure you eat right, sleep, and get some type of exercise. It will help you cope so much better. For those who have families and jobs get yourself and planner and try to stick to schedule. Good Luck!!!
I've spent the better part of the past three days getting ready for a test (nursing ethics/legalities) and a quiz (maslow's hierarchy) that'll be given on the first day. in addition to these 2 chapters, our assignment included 6 more chapters on assorted information.
the text that we're using for fundamentals weighs about a ton and has small type.
the authors make NO reference to patients, instead they use the word "client."
supposedly client infers that the patient is actively involved in their healthcare, as opposed to "patient," which infers a more passive role.
I start the 14th, I just bought my books today. I did my gen eds full time, but am cutting back to part time now that the nursing classes are starting (I have three small kids and dh works on the road, plus I work casual on-call as a PCA). It should only extend everything by one semester, so I should graduate summer '11!
I also just finished the battery of shots and physicals and paper work! My orientation is this wednesday Jan 6th! and then class starts on the 19th! I am sooo excited!--but SERIOUSLY nervous! I have 3 children under 4, and it has taken me a year to get the pre reqs done. I am staying positive and just using my fear of failing as motivation for success! I'm glad I just found this site!
I am already sleep deprived and we're out of eggs, milk and coffee! and there is no time to go shopping.
so far, the instructors have all been interesting, have high energy and have extensive educational and experience backgrounds.
the instructor for NF is equivalent to a comedy traffic school instructor. he's articulate, sharp as a tack, engaging, and with years as a nurse (and still working), has the background that has provided him with stories and examples. b'cuz of that, students love him and they learn lots in that section. he can be tough though, we've been warned!
I am already sleep deprived and we're out of eggs, milk and coffee! and there is no time to go shopping.
so far, the instructors have all been interesting, have high energy and have extensive educational and experience backgrounds.
the instructor for NF is equivalent to a comedy traffic school instructor. he's articulate, sharp as a tack, engaging, and with years as a nurse (and still working), has the background that has provided him with stories and examples. b'cuz of that, students love him and they learn lots in that section. he can be tough though, we've been warned!
OMG! I ran out of those things in the beginning too. My husband is deployed so I have to do all the shopping. It will get much easier to plan a time for shopping. Sleep deprivation is a little trickier to manage. It's great that you have found some really good instructors like that. They are a really good resource. I wish you all the best.
and then class starts on the 19th! I am sooo excited!--but SERIOUSLY nervous! I have 3 children under 4, and it has taken me a year to get the pre reqs done. I am staying positive and just using my fear of failing as motivation for success! I'm glad I just found this site!
:uhoh3:
toshea
16 Posts
Yes, I do plan on staying in esthetics. I made a declaration last year I would follow threw with my dreams of becoming a nurse. I was a candystriper back in 1982 and that foundation has always resonated. My girls are grown, now is the time. I did CNA to get points for the program I'm going for. Now, I am in acute care @ St. Jude's Hospital for my clinicals and learning so much.:)