polycalca

^^^ This person 100% speaks the truth. Pretty darn accurate, unfortunately.

Those considering entering any of SMU's programs may want to take a look at this post: https://allnurses.com/samuel-merritt-beware-apps-t750986/ This person is 100% truthful. Just be aware before you plop down all that cash/loans.

Unfortunately, there is no outside affiliation. It's a HMO so everything is done within the organization. I'll be out around $150 compared to $10, once you factor in the eye exam as well. Oh well. It's gotta be done.

Thank you for the encouragement. I was hoping to avoid it due to cost mainly. I pay $5 copay for my regular MD and the Minute Clinic is around $80. The MinClin is also about 20 miles away. My local CVS doesn't have one.

Thanks for the details! I was hoping this is what it would be like. I"m guessing they might have been even more thorough on a kids sports physical than just a basic exam to enter a college. As @JKL33 said, what would you expect with something called the "Minute Clinic." I'm guessing the NP/PA there is probably timed and/or paid by how many people they can push through there. Alright, the Minute Clinic it is then.

I'm hoping I don't have to get undressed. I'm a little more on the chonky side since quarantine too. Not obese, but I could stand to lose 20 lbs now. Are they just checking vitals and reflexes?

Hello, A physical exam is required for my nursing program. My personal physician is not open for regular appointments due to COVID-19. Has anybody gone to the CVS Minute Clinic to get their physical done? What was it like? What do they have you do?

Thank you everybody for your advice. I think for now, I'm going to stick w/ a small 4x6 or 2x4 notepad in my pocket. I'll see how that goes from there. A notepad is worth a dollar or two and if I lost it, I wouldn't feel awful. I could always replace it with paper towels. ? Thanks!

Noted! Thanks!

You're not kidding. I've seen people walk out with like a stack of disposable drinking cups because they were in the room. ? I'm pretty sure I'm going to just get an iPad for class only. Paper pad for clinicals.

Thanks!

@bitter_betsy You have the dream line-up of Mac! ? WOW!! Thank you also for your advice. I'm still going to think about Air vs. Pro, but I'm leaning more toward the Pro. @TheDudeWithTheBigDog has definitely helped convince me the Pro would probably be best since it's free. I think it's a wise choice, since I don't have my own laptop anyway. At my school, I just learned students sometimes have problems w/ testing on tablets and iPad, but it doesn't happen all the time. The good news is my brother has a spare, cheap Windows laptop I can borrow so I can drag that along, if necessary, just to take tests. Perhaps later on I can gather some cash to get a Macbook, but that's just not in the cards for me right now and not a priority. I like the idea of regular paper or small notebook for clinicals. I know the dollar store near my house sometimes sells those small ones for 2 for $1 sometimes. Have either of you, or anybody reading this, ever used those H & P (History and Physical Exam Notebook) that they sell all the time on Amazon that cost around $15? Nice templates, but are they worth it?

I really want the Pro! The 12.9 is really appealing because I do like a bigger screen. I just feel guilty because it's going to be a gift and compared to the Air, it will be around $600-700 more for the Pro once the magic keyboard is thrown in there. I do not own a laptop, but I do have an iMac. @TheDudeWithTheBigDog Do you really feel there's a huge difference between the Air and Pro? I know size-wise it's almost 2.5 inches when getting the 12.9 Pro, but in terms of note-taking ability? I'm only going to be using the iPad for school. I use my desktop for everything else.

I actually have not started yet, so I'm not sure what the deal will be using the clinical's computers/charting system. I'm attempting to prepare in advance. ? I've been "gifted" a choice of an iPad and thought if we had to look up stuff & use it in clinical, then it would make sense to get the Mini so it works for both lecture note-taking and clinical. If it cannot be used in clinical, then it probably makes sense to ask for the regular iPad, Air, or Pro for lecture note taking. I'll probably go for the iPad Air. I love the Pro, but I don't want to be greedy. ? At least from your answer and Enarra, it appears personal electronics at clinicals are not used.

I also thought it's probably not allowed (iPad), but I have heard that students use their phones to look up stuff. What you said makes total sense in regard to stepping away and looking up meds, etc.. The main reason I mentioned an iPad Mini is because I have seen this w/ Medical Residents. Then again, they're Residents, so I'll assume it's probably a hospital-issued iPad.