RaElrA

I am a student working as a Nurse Tech. I do not pass meds, although I must check the charts, labs, VS, etc., then "troll" for a nurse who has the time to administer said meds. Frighteningly, I have little or no supervision for these duties. I basically do everything other than take the meds out of the Pyxis and hand them to the patients. What these girls can or cannot do as Techs, having failed the NCLEX, I don't know, but I'd sure be careful if I were the preceptor...is your license not at jeopardy for your preceptees' actions? Mayby I'm wrong...I'm just a Tech...

Yes, I hated them the first semester, but finally "got it." Care plans help us start thinking like nurses. Now that I've been working as a Tech, I can see a benefit from having done them...in the real world, things are happening so fast that the rationales need to be second nature. The more care plans we have done, the faster we can come to the right decision in a given situation, really. So...just grin and bear it, huh? I have two more semesters of doing them myself. : )

Hey, Laura, what is up? I'd love to hear how your summer is going and ALL. I'm working full time at ETMC and restoring a 50's trailer on my cousin's farm--I've named it "El Paraiso," and I'm doing the whole thing in early Hippie/Tiki Bar/Nuevo Laredo kitsch. What a combination, ahahaha! It's so isolated that no one can find me unless I hang out the pink flamingo windsock on the light pole. It's coming along, and I'll be able to move in by the end of the month. Rent is FREE, so it's going to make the last two semesters easier. Erin and I will carpool, so we can both afford to drive in from the country, LOL. Well, that's it--I'm working nights so I'd better get a move on. Later, Raven

You can work at either local hospital as a Ns Tech I (PCA duties). After 2nd semester, you can apply for NTII, which allows you to begin doing some nursing duties. I have been working about 6 months as a NTI and am moving up to NTII on 5/16 (hopfully, lol), so I can give you more info on the job duties after that time. At ETMC, you bid on your shifts online, and you can work as little as 8 hrs per month. Call Jan Hicks @ 903-531-8289 for application info. Good luck!

Congratulations! You will be jumping into my class--I'm looking forward to being able to talk to those of you who have been working as LVN's. We'll be dividing into two groups--one will have OB first, one Pedi. This program has a great reputation--you should have no trouble passsing the NCLEX. I'm looking forward to meeting you!

I got into the program the first time I applied, but I had 105 points--I went into it with almost 4.0. The LVN to RN program if that is what you are asking, is only 2 semesters. They jump into our 3rd semester and finish with us. If you start with LVN, the program is one straight year. Our ADN class began with 40, the class after us began with 44. We are down to about 30, but will pick up more 3rd semester when the LVN-RN transitions come in--probably @ 60? But we will split into two groups, so still about 30 per class. Later!

All your classes will transfer for your BSN. TJC is a great school, and you are lucky to have gotten accepted! I'm at the end of my second semester, and will graduate in May 09. I've talked to UT, and know for a fact that all my classes transfer, so you have nothing to worry about. I see that you are a CNA? Being familiar with "hospital life" will be a huge benefit to you--I have been working as a Ns Tech, and it has really helped me. Good luck, and feel free to contact me with any more questions!

Are you taking care of yourself? Wearing good shoes? Making sure you have good nutrition? Not lecturing, just want to help--I'm older than you. I have found a supplement (Sea Aloe) that really boosts my immune system and energy, and I added two things: I put cocoa power and habenero sauce (just a drop) in my coffee, and drink orgainic chicken broth--lower sodium than regular (again, with habenero sauce, but lime, not cocoa, lol) at night while studying, instead of snacking on God-knows-what. I went from such low energy that I wanted to quit school to feeling great. It's cheap, and worth a try, huh?

LOL! I'l be 57 when I graduate next year. It's never too late! I find that my life experiences are a plus. Yes, sometimes I feel like "Edith Bunker goes to nursing school," but I love it and would make the same decision again.

I love Dansko. The rest of my body may feel like I got run over by a truck, but my feet feel fine. There is one brand I want to check out, though...MBT. They are ugly, ugly, ugly, but if they work... Has anyone tried them?

Oooookaaaay, I must amend my initial message. I got a pda, and loaded the drug book. It was so helpful that I purchased more programs. Oh, my, what a help. At the end of this month, Ackley's Ns Dx Handbook will be available through Elsevier, and I'll be getting that, too. This little gadget feels like my "brain in a box." If I am tired or just plain frozen with fear, I can whip it out and find the answer. Plus, no more lugging books to clinicals and trying to find a place to stash them--they are all in my pocket. I just may enter the 21st century, after all, lol. I would recommend it to anyone who can afford it, or like myself, cannot afford it but have plastic.

Thank you so much for that helpful message. As a student nurse who will be experiencing this next semester, this message will stick in mind and potentially save me in a similar situation. Yes, I've read this, but given facing it for the first time, would I have remembered it? I will now. Thanks again!

Crimson, I took your remarks as honest and caring, not negative. Few males would be as candid--I must applaud you for that!

I was in a similar situation many years ago, but not with nursing school being in the equation. I did not go. I should have. It would have kept my children together, and kept them both with me. If I were you, I would take advantage of your ex's offer, and keep your kids together. If you've been accepted in Texas, it is only a matter of time until you are accepted there. In the meantime, you could work or take some extra beneficial classes. It'll all work itself out, really!

I feel for you! I've had similar problems financing my education, but I finally broke down and borrowed money from Sallie Mae so that I can work part time--you might contact them at www.Salliemae.com or 800-392-4856. Also, if you have been rolling at 0% (I do that too), you must have a decent credit rating. I was able to use a convenience check from one of my cards at a really low interest rate--have you checked with your credit cards to see if that is available? I took the money from both and stuck in in a savings account, so that I can divvy out what I need each month. I may have to live in a toolshed and drive my trusty Corolla for the rest of my life, lol, but I will get through school. Oh, one more thing--it is too late for this year, but between January and March, you might apply for every scholarship you can find. Even the small ones add up. Good luck!