Lehman's Fall 2014 Nursing Program

Destin293 · Jun 25, 2014

You're very welcome! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! It always helps have information ahead of time. Another piece of advice I have is to be very flexible. The nursing department will suddenly throw stuff at the students with minimal notice, so you have to be ready to adapt. Last fall, there was about 2 or 3 weeks until the end of the semester and we all received an e-mail saying everyone would be evaluated on their physical assessment skills by professors in the department -- anyone who didn't show or didn't do well, wouldn't pass. Then we received an e-mail saying that on that same day, there was a mandatory student gathering. And then we received an e-mail from the 301 professor saying that she tried to push back the final, but after being told she couldn't change the schedule, the final was actually being moved up a week. It threw us all into a frenzy (especially being the 1st semester), but, that's just how it is. Oh, and the 301 professor is the same as the med/surg professor for spring -- you will be getting an e-mail from her requesting that you read over break. Unfortunately for the accelerated students, our break was only 2 days and she expected us to have the first 6 chapters read...it didn't happen, lol.

den621 · Jul 7, 2014

Hi, so I finallu received my acceptance letter and I will starting 8/28. I also have to take the CPR class on 7/19. How was the dosage examination? What would we need to know? Thanks

Destin293 · Jul 16, 2014

The CPR class is a joke -- it's done on the computer and then you're taken to the lab to do a few chest compression's and thrusts on the dummy...you really don't learn much, but it's an easy way to get the certification. Some of us are considering taking a BLS class once we finish next month so we know how to actually perform CPR correctly...or we might just skip by that and go for the ACLS instead.

The dosage calculation exam is easy. Someone will be doing a brief review just before giving the exam so you'll know what to do. And everyone passes -- you keep getting it back until you answer every question correct (most people only had their's handed back once or twice at the most). There should be a review packet and it will be helpful to review it before you go..but if you don't, it's okay. The biggest thing to remember is D/H x Q (Dosage Ordered/Have on Hand x Quantity on hand) -- then you'll also have to know the flow rate calculation which is pretty easy, too. This is a good website to use for practice: Drug Calculations Quiz Page

I know you didn't ask about the stethoscope or uniform, but I will talk about that, too.

There is an order form for the stethoscope and pen light. You could order from the school, but you could also order online. You will have a better choice of colors online and it may be a little bit cheaper...plus it's free 2 day shipping if you sign up for student prime on Amazon (totally worth the $29 for student prime if you decide to keep it after the 6 month free trial is over). Do stick with the Littmann, though -- I had a cheaper one thinking it wouldn't make a difference, and the quality of sound was MUCH better with the Littmann. They also recommend bandage scissors...don't waste your money. I have yet to be in a clinical placement that didn't have their own bandage scissors at the bedside for patients who needed wound care (which is pretty much the only time you'll be using them).

Regarding the uniform, do take your measurements accurately and enter them into the website. It will give you the size you need for the top. A couple of my classmates sized down and it looked way too tight -- like, they couldn't pull the back of the shirt over their rears, tight. They do run big, but if you do end up gaining a little weight while in school, you'll be happy to have a little extra room (1 girl had to cut the bottom of her uniform, another has the sleeves so tight now...I was glad I went with the recommended size because even though I did gain about 10lbs in school, the top still fits decently).

For the uniform pants, don't order them through Dove. You could if you want to and have the money to spare, but there are so many other cheaper places available. I just went to Walmart and picked up 4 pairs -- they were only $8 each. Something WILL happen to your bottoms...either you'll spill coffee on them, have a pen explode in your pocket, get them muddy, etc., so it helps knowing you didn't spend $40 on 1 pair. And buy leggings for underneath. White pants are a little see through, especially if you get a cheaper pair, so just putting on a pair of leggings underneath helps hide everything. Also get a 3/4 length white shirt for underneath when it gets cooler out.

Do get the white loafer style shoes. Most of us ordered the nursemate shoes from Amazon. They were expensive (I think about $50 or $60), but they are comfortable and are what the school wants. Don't try to get away with sneakers...some clinical instructors won't say anything, some will be angry you didn't listen. Just safe yourself the headache and order them. Also be sure to order a cheap watch. Nothing fancy or crazy -- just a basic watch with a second hand.

Best of luck!!!

ahreeol · Jul 18, 2014

Hey Destin293,

I know this answer was directed in regards to someone else's question but thanks again for being so informative. I can honestly it has helped ME tremendously. Do you mind if i talk to you about my schedule? I want to know what professors to avoid for fall and so far i think i have decent ones.

Since Allnurses.com doesn't let me PM people yet, please email me at [email protected] if/when you get the chance.

Thank you :)

Destin293 · Jul 19, 2014

Sure, you can ask me about the instructors. I will send you an e-mail!

JasonKa · Jul 21, 2014

Hi anyone here got into their RN-BSN program? I graduate from my CC in 2015 so I am looking to do my RN-BSN at a CUNY school

ahreeol · Jul 23, 2014

JasonKa,

Don't hold me to this but from what i understand getting into the RN-BSN program is relatively easy. Well, not easy easy lol but easier than the generic/accelerated route. If you have good grades i wouldn't worry too much about getting in.

Good luck thou!

den621 · Jul 29, 2014

Hi, I just received an email in regards to textbook required for the courses. I was wondering if all the text book? Some are required and some are recommended. Please let me know what you think. Thanks in advance.

Destin293 · Aug 7, 2014

@ JasonKa: I don't know much about the RN-BSN program, but I do know it's HUGE!! At pinning, there were over 200 RN-BSN graduates compared to about 40 of the generic and accelerated students (and that's just counting the ones who came). There is no pressure to educate the students to pass the NCLEX since they are already nurses, so I do think it's much easier to get into the RN-BSN program. I also know that a lot of the classes can be taken online and they are starting an entire online program. That's about all I know about that.

@ den621: I'm not sure exactly what ones are recommended, but from the list I have, the APA publication manual is recommended. It's up to you if you want to buy it. I never did, but didn't have an issue using the purdue website for APA. You're going to use APA for EVERYTHING!!! And I mean everything.

For 301, there's the medical dictionary. I didn't buy it nor do I know anyone who bought it. The terms will be strange at first, but they aren't anything you can't look up on the internet. The math for meds, you don't really need it. Yes, you will be doing dosage calc. on every exam, but it's easy calculations. If you're really struggling, go for it, but it's not needed. Fundamentals Success: Buy it and buy it before classes start. Try to do a few questions each night because it will get you in the mindset of NCLEX style questions and you will be using it to study for the HESI. We are even using it again to study for the NCLEX. Nursing drug guide -- this is a toss up. You do need a drug guide for sure, but most prefer to just use an app on the phone because it's easier to look them up. Micromedex is a good one that's free, but there are also ones that you can buy. I originally had the book, but carrying it to clinical was a pain and I just used what was on my phone instead.

ahreeol · Aug 31, 2014

I didn't ask the question(s) but like always, thank you for providing such insight. :)

nifty_n · Oct 14, 2014

ahreeol, I'm wondering if you can give an update on how the program is going for you so far, thanks.

hopefulnurse10038 · Nov 22, 2014

Just wondering how you all are liking the program also! Thanks!