My orientation!

[krenee]

I had my nursing school orientation this week. I thought I'd share about it here, since all the "nursing students" in that forum wouldn't have a need to know. Things that surprised me - I didn't realize they would assign us to clinical rotations and we wouldn't have any say in when or where we would go - they use many hospitals in the area, in groups of ten students - my first rotation is REALLY far from here (it'll be an hour and a half commute with the rush hour traffic!) and it starts at 7am. I am SO not a morning person. Oh well. That's only for five weeks and my second rotation isn't as bad, it's not as far but still starting at 7am.

We had to take a math test which surprised me - we already had to have Algebra plus pass the TEAS before applying. It was easy but only 20 questions - if we missed more than 2 we have to take some extra math course.

We need nine books for the first semester, so that'll be expensive! And they already gave us assigned reading for the first two weeks! But the funniest was this sheet with expected outcomes and skills we need to learn - I thought it was for the first semester - no, it's for the first WEEK. Ugh, we have to learn bed baths the first week, and I'm so dreading that. Well, I assume won't have to deal with any real live naked people until we start clinicals (week 5).

So I'm signed up for all my nursing classes! I had my schedule all mapped out but there was a required class they somehow forgot to tell us about - it wasn't on the list at all but it was attached to another class so the system made me sign up for it - some "independent study" thing - and it screwed up my entire schedule. So it was kind of insane, plus the classes were filling up fast because everyone knew what exact time they were opening up the classes for registration. It was stressful, but I'm all signed up.

So lots to do and ORDER - I have to order a uniform (and the link they gave us doesn't work!), a stethoscope, some "skills pack" thing, insurance, and of course all my books. I need to get my student loan worked out, get a physical with vaccinations, and my CPR certification.

Anyway, just thought I'd share!

Kelly

[JoAnnS]

Hi Joann, well, I am taking mine at Questar lll which is a part of Boces, I believe. I'm taking their LPN program. I'm in Troy, however. I plan at some point in the future to further my education and go for my RN, but I'd really like to get the experience of the LPN under my belt first.

Funny, I was just down in your area last weekend, as my brother in law lives in Clinton Corners/Rhinebeck area.

Classes start for us 9/6 also. I went to my orientation on 7/24. It wasn't bad at all. Mostly an information session.

We will be fitted for uniforms and shoes in the first couple weeks of school. Then in May or June, they do a cap fitting and a capping ceremony (an "almost there" kind of celebration). We will also be fitted for a new (graduation) uniform around that time. Our tuition includes everything we'll need for the class. Except of course our supplies, like pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Our text books, the two uniforms, one pair of shoes, scissors, stethoscope, and pen light are all included in the tuition. I haven't finished my financial aide yet, b/c there have been some set backs. I got the name and number of a girl who works through the county I work for who can help with tuition. However, I called the girl ALL DAY yesterday and she finally called me back this morning. They only received 3 grants for $1500 each and there is a 6 person waiting list on those grants, so it doesn't look like I'll be getting any money from there...Hopefully, financial aide will do the trick and pay 100% of the tuition. If not, student loans, here I come. lol. I think for the most part, any immunizations I need I already have completed as I work in health care now, I just need to get copies of them (hopefully my job will provide the record, b/c lord knows, I don't know where any of that could be). I also have to take the CPR class, mine is scheduled for 8/9. lol, I was telling my mother that I need to take CPR and she said, "Wow, I didn't need to take CPR", well, needless to say, she went for her LPN, then her RN. She's been an RN for about 13-15 years now. lol, Mom, A LOT changes.

Best of luck to you. I look forward to using this site for support and offer up any support I can to anyone who made need a shoulder to cry on when it's the wee hours of the morn, you're dog tired and you still have 3 hours worth of studying to do. Good luck to us all.

I am a stone's throw away.. too funny........

Good luck to you as well.....

I can't wait to get started.... .......

I'll be on here too........crying, asking, complaining...I'm sure...

Take care

Jo:balloons: