Ok Class of 2017, Where are you??

PedsRNWannaBe · Aug 27, 2015

Had my first day yesterday! Such a lot of information... Although I felt a little overwhelmed in the moment at orientation, I'm feeling a lot better now that I've printed everything out and gotten everything I need. I'm so excited about hands on clinicals, and although the theory classes seem like a lot, I'm excited about that the whole thing.... How was everyone else's experiences this week that got started??

glamcakes · Aug 27, 2015

Hi everyone! Just wanted to give another update. I am in the second week of my program and so far there is a ton of reading of course but the information isn't hard to grasp. I was so freaked out about dosage calculations being self taught but it was just like augurey and several others have mentioned it's not as hard as it may seem it is certainly easier than college algebra or intermediate algebra for that matter. The thing that makes the program overwhelming for me are the clinical, virtual hospital, and skills check off schedules. There are so many skills we have to learn in such a short amount of time on top of having 2 tests a week. I'm keeping stress at bay by just taking it one day at a time

I record the lectures and listen to them while I take notes on my powerpoints and read key points in the book. Hopefully this method works I'll know after taking my test on Tuesday. I had my first dosage calculation test on Monday I think I did okay. Good luck to everyone starting this month!

LovelyLocs, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 29, 2015

You guys are awesome! Keep up the great work :).

glamcakes · Aug 29, 2015

My dosage calculation test grade was just posted I got an 84%! I wish it would have been an A but I'm happy with the grade I received. For those of you are worried about dosage calculations please don't! It's not impossible I have very poor math skills.

I was worried sick about being able to get through it. While taking my pre-reqs I had to complete math 20 which is the lowest foundation of math and work my way up to college algebra. I'm doing well with dosage calculations so don't worry.

NurslingNicole · Aug 30, 2015

That is nice to know! I'm not the best at math and dosage calculations has me a little worried.

Purplecat4 · Aug 31, 2015

Hey everyone. For me it's the second week of classes in my accelerated program.

It is pretty overwhelming. We have so much reading to do! I'm taking 6 classes (18 credit hours) and for each class I have to read at least 3 chapters a week! For example, this one class I had to read 9 chapters and another class 7 chapters in the same week. I'm not sure if they even expect us to read everything because there is not enough time in the day to do that! I'm using their powerpoints and audio lectures some professors post along with the reading. I also try to record the classes in case I have time to listen to them again.

I had my first skills lab on Friday. I got to wear my uniform and we practiced taking vitals on each other. Which consists of taking temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. My vital signs check off is this Friday! I still need to practice taking blood pressure to familiarize myself with the numbers on the Sphygmomanometer.

I also have a math dosage calculation exam next week. We have to teach ourselves because she expects us to already know it... and we have to score 100% to pass because she says there are no mistakes to be made in real life. I get it, but come on. We have two other math tests later on so cut us some slack on the first one. It's not bad, but if I had someone or something to teach me I know I would get it!

I know it's hard, but I keep reminding myself that it will be worth it in the end after I graduate and get my license. It helps me stay motivated!

augurey · Aug 31, 2015

So, how are classes going for everyone?

If you've not started yet, how are you feeling about the start of classes coming up?

I'm going into my third week now. I feel so, just, all over the place. I'm starting to see which days are best for doing what, so that's slowly coming together. I'm officially grateful for getting my schedule and due dates in my phone as I nearly forgot about my ATI being due this week (even though I know something is due weekly). It's nice to have a reminder. I have 3 due this week. It took me over 4 hours to do just one of them yesterday. It was very busy the last few days, so it just completely slipped my mind.

We practiced vitals last week in lab, and our skills check off is coming up on the 15th. I'm a little nervous because, starting this year, they want us to role play during the check offs rather than just listing the steps. There's a bunch of information they want included during the check off, so it's not just the particular skill (like we have to mention certain points in each section). I'm thinking writing out a script that includes everything I need to know. It's not hard stuff, but it's a lot of information. It'll be good for us because it won't be long before we're in clinicals and need to "play" the role.

I've got all of my paper work filled out for time that will need to be missed after the baby is here. I feel so unbelievably fortunate that they are working with me and allowing me to make up everything I miss. I'm just anxious because the due date is the 10th, which is smack in the middle of first quizzes and tests.

We have our first math quiz this Friday (4th); first exam is next Friday (11th); first check offs the following Tuesday (15th); and first med term quiz that Friday (18th). I'm going to talk to them about being allowed to go in at least for the quizzes/exam/check off even if I'm not "cleared" to go back yet. Especially the check off as I don't want to screw my partner over, and the first exam as it's 100% fill in the blank if the actual exam is missed (and I'd really rather not, especially on the first). So I'm feeling very anxious about the timing. I know my midwife will clear me ASAP (medically reasonable anyway). She's been there. She knows.

My second lecture was last Friday, and I feel horrible that I had to miss it. I was being monitored in L&D overnight and had an ultrasound in the morning (in the hospital) to see if they could send me home or if they needed to deliver. I emailed my instructor the night before class (which started at 8am) to let her know what was going on (another reason they are so great!). I was discharged around 9am, so I rushed home, changed, got everything together and ran out the door for class that ends at 10:50 (though the first class lecture was done at 10). I got in there about 10:30 and lecture was already done, but they were going over questions anyone had. I felt guilty about missing, but I was at least able to touch base with my instructors and filled them in a little more.

The seniors bought everyone lunch that day and were going to meet up there so we could ask any questions. On one hand I was happy because it had been over 12 hours since I had eaten, but on the other hand I felt a little embarrassed as I was worried someone might think I just showed up for a free lunch Though in all fairness, I forgot about it at the time!

Afterwards we got to talk to the seniors. Out of almost 100 students, only me and one other person stayed to talk to them. The information they shared was INVALUABLE! I feel so fortunate that they talked with us. They gave us so much helpful information, including on the best way to study for lecture and handle check offs! Even our A&P class, they gave us resourceful information.

So, the important bit out of my novel is: If you have the opportunity, talk to the seniors! They may be able to offer you invaluable information that will get you started on the right track.

krrbrr, ADN · Aug 31, 2015

My class doesn't start until the 21st and I am EXTREMELY nervous! More than anything I've been trying to look up ways on how to reduce stress and anxiety so that I have a game plan for when I do get overwhelmed in the program!

Good luck to everyone who has already started and all that are starting in the near future!

NurslingNicole · Sep 1, 2015

My class doesn't start until the 21st and I am EXTREMELY nervous! More than anything I've been trying to look up ways on how to reduce stress and anxiety so that I have a game plan for when I do get overwhelmed in the program!
Good luck to everyone who has already started and all that are starting in the near future!

I start on the 21st too. To prepare, I have been reading as much as possible about nursing school advice on AN and some of the pages that I "like" on Facebook. So nervous though...

Golfer87 · Sep 1, 2015

Week number two and Test number two. Just another week in nursing school.

Michelle D-J, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2015

Hello all,

Week One is officially done! =] Much less stressful than I had anticipated...when they gave us the summer reading, I was definitely under the impression we were going to be tested over it right from the beginning. Not so....we have had a decent week of orientation, already some lectures but also some time to get acclimated to course expectations, scheduling, clinical groups, etc. Had our first actual lab time today in scrubs for the last half of the day; practiced hand hygiene, sterile gloves, sterile field, and PPE.

Absolutely wiped after being back at it early each day after a more laid-back summer ( only three classes, two online). Still processing it all, trying to figure out how to logistically carry/manage materials, study time....Oh I should let you know I had my husband cut off the binding to my Fundamentals book, so I could 3-hole punch and carry only those chapters we needed to go over this week. Everybody was oohing and aahhing over it in class!! =] He was so nervous, he had to practice on an old cookbook first!! lol He recommends placing the book between two boards, screwing those boards together to clamp the book, then putting the whole thing through a table saw.

RELAX PEOPLE---WE GOT THIS!!! =] Keep checking in, I'm looking forward to hearing about everyone's experiences!!

God Bless~MLDJ1970

Michelle D-J, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2015

NursingNicole,

Not sure what kind of student you are, but if they have provided any type of syllabus or pre-reading assignments that will give you a heads up on the kind of prep work they expect. Not so much in the lectures, but definitely in the lab, they expected us to have already looked at the procedure in Perry and Potter, and to have watched the videos that come with the publisher's site BEFORE stepping in to the lab. Best hint I can give is something my friend just said yesterday: "If you're working on schedule you are actually behind!" In other words, do as much prep work (reading, going over procedures, papers) as you can. Good luck!! Keep us posted!

God Bless~MLDJ1970