ophirose

Hi All! I just graduated from the IWU RN-BSN program, and it cost me approximately $18,000 for all nursing classes, general ed. classes (7 units), books, and graduation (cap and gown are included in the price). I also did the online program (which is supposebly not any different then that on campus), and found the clinical portion of the program completely doable while I worked full time. There was a small clinical component in the assessment class, and also in the public health and management courses, respectively. Indiana Wesleyan is an amazing school with a lot to offer :)! The instructors are all also very good, and supportive!

I'm not sure what your ratio is, but one intervention that has been quite successful is hourly rounding--it's not as bad as you'd think. Hourly rounding (and teamwork) will do wonders for your patient satisfaction scores!

I am also enrolled in Indiana Wesleyan University SON RNBSN program. Although I don't think that it is super easy, I have been able to pass all of my classes with all A's. It is pretty heavy on writing papers, but if you stick to the instructions, deadlines, and grading grids, you will be fine. Another thing is that the school is pretty heavy on power point presentations and group work. IWU's nursing program is definitely unique--and you'll not only learn about nursing, but also a lot about yourself as well. Three classes to go...

I agree that floating between units is unsafe and places our licenses in jeopardy. You have the right to refuse an assignment, of course some facilities will consider it insubordination. Unfortunately, floating between units is all too common practice. Although my hospital treats nurses well, they also consider nurses to be warm bodies that they can assign to whatever floor needs them--the only exceptions to the rule are usually OR and OB. Orientation to the floor consists of a 12 hour shift, in which you "learn the ropes"--and then when you float, they usually throw you to the sharks. Fortunately for us, when you get floated to ICU, they will assign you patients that are less acutely ill, and you are only required to do what you do on your own floor--the regular staff will assist you with lines/ procedures/ meds/ and monitoring that you are not accustomed to.

PERRLA is an amazing program, and is definitely worth the $30 or so that it cost. I am currently enrolled in a BSN program, and let me just say that this program has been a lifesaver and a timesaver for me!

Most things are left for day shift no matter where you go. I work in a hospital, and have worked on both night shift and day shift. Working the two shifts is like belonging to two different cultures. Just remember that nursing is a 24 hour per day job, and not to feel bad if you cannot finish something. Take your time, and above all else, remember patient safety.

I have read most of the threads on this site related to IWU. I am open to the idea of clinicals because it can only enhance my learning.

I am starting the online program next month. I have been looking into this program for 2 years and finally applied. So far, the staff that I have spoken to have been really helpful. They do have 2 clinical classes, but they can be done in your own community and are toward the end of the program.

How many of you guys do bedside rounding? Half of our report is done outside the patient's room, and then we are to go into the patient's room and round (introduce each other, look at IV sites, sheath sites etc...) If we do not do this, we are written up. And, Yes, we have a charge nurse who lurks around the corner watching for those of us who do not go bedside.

I also started on a telemetry/ stepdown unit as a new grad. I've been on the same unit for three years. It can be difficult at times, but hang in there. The best advice that I can give you is not to be afraid to jump in there, and ask lots of questions. It will probably take 6 months to a year for you to start feeling comfortable. You'll probably want to brush up on CHF, MI, Pneumonia, Renal Failure, Strokes and cardiac meds just to name a few. Take ACLS and a basic arrhythmia class ASAP (it will help a lot).

I took the PCCN exam in August and passed--thankfully! It was honestly the most difficult exam that I have taken yet. I only used the AACN Essentials of Progressive Care Nursing and the online Pre-Test. I bought a CCRN review book (the kind with practice questions) and did not find it helpful at all. Study the topics on the outline available at the AACN website, as well as your application packet. That will help you as well. Good Luck with your Exam!

I dance and I love to do anything outdoors.

1 month after graduation, which was my choice. I applied one day and was hired the next.

I started on a telemetry unit as a new grad. It has been a great experience. There is much to learn, and a bit of advice is don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. I have been an RN for a little over a year now and am still loving telemetry! You can do it!

I know how you feel. I graduated in Dec. 2005 and started work as a graduate nurse in mid Jan. on a telemetry floor. I have been off of orientation since May 1st and work has called every day since June. I have a lot to learn still and also do not want to work extra. I screen my phone calls and have friends and family call my cell phone (work does not have this number). It is not my fault that staffing messes up the schedule.