FDBMath

I always scratched my head over the material in lecture. Once I started getting into clinicals where I can apply what I have learned and see it in action, it all made sense. My head was spinning trying to remember chem 7s, CBCs, ABGs and everything. Once I could get into a patient's chart and see the correlation between the lab values and what was going on with the patient, it was like a light turning on. Don't stress too much, it will make sense (maybe not all, I still scratch my head about some stuff). Good luck!

Volunteer at your local hospital. You will have an excellent opportunity to see nurses in action and see if it is something you want to do. I did that, and as a result, I just finished my second semester of nursing school and am halfway to the NCLEX.

A lot depends on the facility. A teaching hospital will most likely be better than a private hospital. I was fortunate to be at a teaching hospital and got to see some great procedures (BKA, ORIF, double mastectomy and bilateral lap salpingo oopherectomy) where there was an attending walking the resident through the procedures. They were very open to questions and very helpful. The students at the private hospital didn't get to have the same experience. Be open minded and be ready to stand for a long time, possibly with a lead apron, and not see a ton because many procedures are don't through small incisions. Good luck!

I would echo this. Nursing school can be a real time suck while in session. Enjoy the breaks. If you feel the need, read a bit of your fundamentals text but don't go too far overboard. As far as supplies, get a good stethoscope. I like my Littman, but other may have different ones they recommend. Lots of cheap pens and pencils, notebooks (at least one small pocket sized for pt notes when at clinicals), a good clipboard (I have found my folding one to be indispensable), a good cheap watch that if it breaks or gets ruined, you won't miss it. Comfortable shoes, not to expensive for the same reason you want a cheap watch. Also, make sure that whatever paperwork you need to complete before school starts you get done ASAP. A few people in my program were freaked out about getting it done last minute. Also, if you haven't been vaccinated for hep B, start the series now.

Absolutely agree with this. I have been able to remove a picc and help with removing a chest tube and jp because I asked. All great experiences that most of my classmates haven't done yet. All because I asked when I saw them on the orders for my patients. Don't be afraid!!!

Cheap watch, comfortable shoes, clipboard (the folding nurse one is great), lots of pens and pencils, some sharpies, highlighters, lots of paper. Some good shears, a good stethoscope, drug guide (hard Copy or on your phone/tablet if allowed). Everyone has their favorites, so do some research. I prefer cheap watches, if it breaks or gets covered in some body fluids, I don't worry about the $25 I spend on a new one. Good luck!!

There are far worse things in life than not having your clinical instructor's endorsement for being a psych nurse. Did you want to be a psych nurse?

Basically the answer I got was because it needs to be sterile on insertion and care. I asked if that is the case, why doesn't pulling a foley need to be sterile?

Fair enough. When pulling the PICC, you are removing it from the pt. I get insertion needs to be sterile because you are introducing something into the body. However, removal is removing and not introducing. On a side note, disagree is rather strong. I just am trying to understand the rationale.

Hello everyone, I am a second semester student and have a question. My med-surf clinical instructor stated that removing a PICC line is a sterile procedure. I questioned (in a nice way) why that is the case. She really couldn't answer. I get why inserting them and site care would be, but I don't get why the d/c would need to be. Everything I have found about it just says it is with no reason given as to why. I have no problem doing it using sterile technique, I just am curious why it needs to be. Any of you more experienced and educated nurses know why the removal would be sterile? Thanks!

Oops, double post...

Hi everyone, I am also in the semester ahead of you. I truly recommend listening to Denis. He is full of information and has proved very helpful and a wonderful advocate for our class. When he says to make a class Facebook page, make a class Facebook page. It has proved extremely valuable as a source for study guides, commiseration, shared experiences, information about what is going on in the program for our class and memes. Congratulations and good luck!!

I would guess it is the same for all. I don't see anyone being ostracized or left out and everyone seems to move easily between any groups. As for the groups themselves, they are just about what bench you are on during breaks and they are pretty fluid.

First semester nursing student here. Everyone in my program is very helpful and friendly. We share notes and study materials and help each other out with the subjects we are god at. I feel far more connected with my fellow students that I have known for about 2 months than people I worked with for 19 years.

You shouldn't have to be enrolled in any program to volunteer. Most hospitals have websites that have links to volunteer opportunities. Many of the different units in the hospital will have positions for volunteers. I have been volunteering in an ER at my local hospital. There are volunteers throughout the hospital.

Just remember quantity does not equal quality when it comes to studying. Find your effective study strategies and you can balance everything. Just be disciplined enough to say when and where you can let go. I am a current nursing student and can tell you that everything posted here is true. People have different needs when it comes to studying and different ideas as to what is acceptable in terms of personal success. Also, as many have said, what you are ok with concerning grades may dictate what you can live with socially. Personally, I have to make time for my wife and kids. They are what keeps me grounded. Understand nursing school is demanding, but it is also manageable.

I would volunteer at a hospital to see what nurses do. That is what I did when thinking about changing careers. Now I am 6 weeks into my first semester of nursing school and am happy I had some idea what I was getting myself into. Good luck!

I wouldn't worry at all about what an instructor in a CPR course says. They don't know what you are capable of or how you will perform as an RN. The only ones that can tell you that are your instructors at nursing school, and even then, they could be wrong. I would take their criticism with a large grain of salt, be proud that you responded in a fantastic way, passed the class, and are moving towards a goal. As far as filing a complaint, that is up to you and worth your time if you feel strongly about it. Good luck!

6 weeks into my first semester. 43 here, will be 45 when i graduate. You are not too old by any stretch. If you want it, go for it. The only advice I will give is to go all in and don't regret not doing it sooner. You can't change the past and it is not worth the anguish. Trust me, I struggle with that. "If only I had started this path 10 years ago..." Too late to change it. If it is for you, you will really enjoy it. I haven't done anything super cool yet, but we just started and are only doing assessments, vitals, and basic patient care. Looking forward to meds, that starts in a couple weeks. Good luck!!

As others have said, 35 is not too old. I am 43 and just started (about to start my 3rd week).

As previously stated, it depends on the school you are applying to. I am going back to school after earning a BS in Biology in 1995. Because this was so long ago and many of the prereqs I took back then, I was limited in the number of schools I could apply to. However, there were a number of schools that had no recency requirement for classes. I was able to identify those schools through talking with the schools and checking their list of prerequisites and requirements. Good luck!!

I am switching jobs from teaching to nursing (beginning nursing school in August). My wife is very happy and excited for me to start the career. I agree that those who are predisposed or interested in nursing and not put-off by the idea that it is for women only are already in or pursuing that career. I will say people are starting to change the idea about this. It has been my experience that all of the people who I have encountered (relative strangers and friends) have all been very positive and supportive.

Nothing new here, just waiting on the drug test. Doing the TB test this afternoon. Getting excited for this to start! Fortunately, I had a full physical in mid-March. Don't need to get another one.

I haven't heard from them beyond a confirmation email that I have accepted a spot in their fall 2017 cohort. In it Karla said she was planning on sending info either last week or this week.

43 and starting an ADN program this fall.