collegebound

Well for software, look at Skyscape.com and Epocrates.com both have some free software that is great. On some of my books, I ordered with accompaning PDA software (my med dict. and drug guide) and I plan on purchasing a med abbreviation software, a NCLEX review, RN Notes, and maybe a care plan software. I haven't started school yet so I don't know how truly useful the free software is, but I am sure it will be very handy--it includes dosage calculations, drug interactions, conversions, etc. I can't wait to have all that at my fingertips when I start clinicals!!! Be sure you get a memory card if your PDA doesn't have a lot of memory--these programs are pretty large! My PDA, an "old" HP, had only 25MB of storage. I now have a 1GB SD card, with plenty of room to spare. My PDA is an older model not equiped with Wi-Fi or recording capabilities or a bunch of other stuff to be had on newer models but it will do everything I need it for! Good luck on your search!

We have to have black scrubs with ALL white shoes--absolutely no color anywhere! They are a brand called GelScrubs and are very soft and comfy. I can't wait to actually start wearing them!

I am a binder girl myself. I have a hard time with notebooks as the spirals get in the way when I am trying to write (when I get to that side!). Plus, like others, most of my notes have been given in powerpoint so they can be kept neatly in a binder. I had read before about debinding the books and I really think I will be trying that. It sounds like it would work out great. I just have to get over that little voice in my head that is scared of "defacing" a book. The bookworm in me shudders at the thought!

My advice would be to retake the classes until you are able to get a competitive GPA. I would under no circumstances take an "easier" class at another school. Nursing school is extremely hard. Taking the "easier" road now will only make it that much harder when you are excepted to a RN program. Take this time, while you are retaking these classes, to adjust your study methods and look for new studying techniques. It will help you in the long run. Don't give up and best wishes!!!

I don't start NS till next month but I already know mine will be vomit. To just see someone gagging starts me gagging as well. And the smell ... well I won't go on.

I loved this class. I found it to be very easy but I also found it very interesting. I have two small kids at home so it was fun to try and relate what I was learning to them. I took it online and we had small weekly discussions to post and the tests and that was it. Not too time consuming. Hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did!

I agree with Jezziemis. It is best to do some run-through practice tests. Everyone at my school that has taken the NET had far more trouble with the reading than the math. The math that was on ours was really basic--percentages, fractions, decimals, etc. I purchased a NET study guide book which had 3 practice tests--I improved speed and accuracy with each one I took. The math portion in my study guide was way more advanced than what was on my actual test. So talk to someone who has taken your version or talk to your advisor to see if there is any upper level math on it. So my advice--brush up on basic math skills, and take as many practice reading tests as you can! Good luck!

Done-Done-Done!!! Just finished up A&PII and Intro to Psych, with A's in both! Next semester I'll start nursing school (Jan 16) so I am going to relax and try to get some stuff done around the house for the next few weeks!

Good luck to everyone next semester. You guys were a great support net and am so thankful to have found ya'll. For those that haven't applied or made it in yet--I know you can do it!! For those that have--best wishes!

Made an 93 on the final and an A in the class!! :monkeydance:

I am very glad to hear ya'll are back on the same page! Chantix (varenicline) is relatively new but I am not sure when it came out. They do have a website if anyone wants to check it out. It is Chantix I believe. I have tried to quit several times in the past. I have done cold turkey, the patch, Wellbutrin and was never completly "cured." I hope this will be my time!!

It has been 2.5 weeks for me. I have been taking the new prescription drug Chantix. Of all the times I have tried in the past, this is the first time I have not had any cravings!! I love it. I do on occasion think about smoking but it is just a fleeting thought. I am confident that is the time for me to kick the habit for good! Just a by-the by--I can't figure out what zoeboboey said that angered Miracles1986 so much. If either of you happen to read this, I reread both several times and can't find anything offensive. Perhaps there was a misread/misunderstanding. This is definetely a support forum and we do appreciate everyone's input!

I'm DONE!!! My last class was Thursday the 7th. I have done nothing this weekend but play video games and lay around. It has been wonderful! But reality check, the house is still a mess and everyone needs some clean clothes. Guess that means I'll have to get back to work around the house. Good luck on finals to everyone studying!!!

I know exactly what you mean. I had her evaled by our school with no results. She scored in acceptable ranges on everything. But as a parent, I just knew something was off. I talked to our pedi who finally referred us to an OT (outside of the school system) and voila, we got results! Thanks for sharing--I know it can be difficult sometimes to talk about our kids issues and felt a tad guilty for prying but I sensed some of the same angst I had felt. I truly wish for the best for both of you! Also, I really liked the idea of "the more interuptions, the more it cuts into your time" technique. I am gonna have to try to be more aware of set time limits for all of us--thank goodness some of have some common sense--I could kick myself for not thinking of that one myself!

Took mine this morning--it wasn't too bad, mostly what was reviewed, but I didn't spend as much time looking back over it as I should have. Grades will be posted Monday so I'll know how I did then. Good Luck!

Things we do: For my oldest, 5 yr old DD: she does her "homework" by typing on the computer or working in her workbooks while I study; gets to invite a friend over to play, or the good ol' TV for my youngest, 2yr old DD: lots of paper and crayons, naptime, or day care While I too don't have any family around to help out, I do have a young neighbor willing to help out. She's happy with just a little money and I can get some stuff done. Maybe you can look for a young teen to help out a couple a days a week? I am also curious as to what makes your son "difficult." Do you think there may be an underlying issue or just a typical 8 yr old boy? The reason being, my oldest was (and still can be) a difficult child as well but last year we saw an occupation therapist and found out she has some sensory problems as well as auditory processing problems. Since then we have been going to an OT and speech therapist and it has turned her (and us) around. It was such a relief to have this diagnosed, and an even bigger relief to have solutions that work for us.

There are so many reasons! I think first and foremost would be the challenge. I think the human body is just an absolutely fascinating system and I know that I will be seeing such a variety of amazing recoveries, unforseen losses, and all that will come between. It just gives me a chill!! Also, depending on where I work, I will always see something new and different. To have a job where I do the exact same thing day in and day out would drive me nuts! (I do realize that the basics will be the same day-in-out--paperwork, politics, etc. but the patients and the issues they are facing will be different) Nursing is also very flexible. My DH has a job which may mean moving around. I will almost always be able to find a job as a nurse. It may not be exactly where I would prefer to be but a job none-the-less. Also the flexibilty in hours. With two young kids, I can work relief and not put anyone out if the kids get sick or something comes up or I can work nights, the possibilities are endless-which is what I love! Finally, the money. For a relatively short learning curve (two-year ADN for me), I will make good money. With two young DD's, that means I can help my husband with college, weddings, etc. and hopefully squeeze in a few family vacations since we have only had one since we were married and we both love to travel. I am sure I could come up with more, but I think these are the most important to me.

Without knowing more about the hospital, the best advice I can give is be yourself for the interview!! (there is a thread somewhere on the board about interview questions that you might checkout to help prepare yourself) I would also buy a NET test review book and practice. Everyone, and I mean everyone, at my school had more trouble with the reading than with the math. (I myself am a passionate book reader and didn't do so well!) I would also practice basic math skills--decimals, fractions, ratios, percentages, etc. I am not sure what version of the NET your hospital will be giving but all ours had on it was the basics, while my NET study guide delved into all types of upperlevel math. Anyway, best of luck to you and keep us updated!

I posted in the APII club but I'll repeat! For me it was respiratory and cardiac. Neither were that bad in general but trying to keep all the different pressures and volumes straight was a little much for me.

Glad to hear you did well on your lab stpauligirl! JaxiaKiley--I think essays would be the death of me, glad to hear you seem to be handling them well! Evbella--I think for me it was respiratory and cardiac--all the different volumes and pressures--I kept getting them confused. Best of luck to you next semester!

Well, this is the last week of the semester for me. Two finals and it's over. I am suffereing terribly from the end of the semseter funk. Barely cracked a book all weekend. (I did however get all the Christmas decorations out and DH and I hung all the lights outside, also did yardwork, just about anything to not have to study!) So I really have to buckle down today and get busy. Anyway, just checking in and happy studying to everyone!

Please don't beat yourself up about dropping out to be with your father. I lost my father 2 years ago and would give anything to have been by his side! I also agree with the above posters that most likely due to your circumstance you will receive full consideration.

If you feel you would do better on the lab, I say go for it!! I always feel the crunch of the last few weeks too. All the new stuff the profs are trying to cram in while I'm trying to refresh the stuff from August--Yuck! Anyway, it seems like you have been doing great so far so I would try just to not put too much pressure on myself.

I think it is doable as well. I personally took A&PI with Sociology, and Human Growth, then took Eng II over the summer. But, it was my first semester back after 10 years and I had two small kiddos at home and wanted to get a feel for things first. It worked out well for all of us. In hindsight, I think I could have added the Eng to it and been just fine but oh well!

I just asked for a gift card to somewhere like Office Max/ Depot from my MIL. I figure that I can then buy supplies as I need them. I am also turning the bedroom that is currently a junkroom into a study. So will probably buy stuff for that as well. Maybe you could ask for a NCLEX book or other study guides, a PDA, a stethoscope, shoes for clinicals, etc.