kangaroo621

i am starting at norwalk in the fall & got an email explaining what we'll need for uniforms/shoes for clinical (see below for contents of email). so now i have a few questions... may be silly, so bear with me! -i know they want us to all look the same at clinical, so i understand why they'd want us to wear the same brand scrubs in the same color... but why oh why do they care what style #'s we pick? some look virtually identical, but one is "approved" & the other is not on the list... why? -does everyone actually stick to these exact styles/brands, or are things actually a little more laid-back than they make it sound? -similar question about the shoes... are very small (white) logos okay, or again, are these guidelines to be followed exactly, no ifs/ands/buts? -someone mentioned that we need to wear long-sleeved shirts if we have tattoos that would show otherwise... any specific requirements there? thank you so much for any information you can pass on... i would really appreciate it!!! the uniform that you are required to wear during clinical experiences consists of a white scrub top, royal blue pants and a white lab jacket. the style numbers listed below are available at the uniform factory, many uniform stores and in selected catalogs. do not substitute other style numbers for those listed below. women -white scrub top brand: landau style: 8219 or cherokee: style: 759 (unisex) -royal blue pants brand: landau style: 8327, 8512 or 8501 -white lab jacket style: 7551 men -white scrub top brand: cherokee style 759 (unisex) -royal blue pants brand: landau style 8550 or 8555 -white lab jacket brand: landau style 7551 footwear: shoes are white leather, (usually oxford style.) may be nursing shoes or plain white athletic shoes. not permitted: clogs, moccasins, sandals, canvas tennis shoes, or athletic shoes with visible writing or symbols

JaRoJoCT, I wanted to send you a message, but it won't go through. I was wondering if you might be interested in meeting up before orientation & possibly carpooling once in a while? Our commute is looking less appealing with gas at $4/gallon You can email me at [email protected] if that's easier.

I'm a little confused... maybe some of you guys can help! My letter from Norwalk said orientation was in mid-late August... how are some of you getting assigned reading over the summer? I realize some of you have orientation a few months earlier (lucky you!) but aren't we all doing the same program/same timing? Also, did you get that kind of information, or stuff about immunizations/CPR, etc... in a 2nd packet of info, or just with your acceptance letter? I feel like I got very little info. Is there a 2nd mailing after they get my letter accepting the seat? I just mailed it a few days ago... Just feels like I have NO info... blech!

JaRoJoCT... Norwalk was my 1st choice this year. I tried Gateway last year & got wait-listed... A few people told me that a ton more people applied to GWCC since they have the night-time program... so I figured I would rather commute a little farther & get in than wait another year! I'm a little nervous about the commute, but at this point, anything will be tolerable as I've been waiting for this for a long time. I've driven it a few times & it has taken anywhere from 30-55 minutes. Then again, I'm sure I haven't seen the worst of it : ( I re-took some pre-reqs at Housatonic this year, though I got my degree in upstate NY... I'll be looking forward to seeing you at orientation... the time cannot fly fast enough!!!

Wait... You're going to Norwalk in the fall & are in Milford?? Me too... Clearly we're going to be meeting at some point!!!

I'm not sure if there's a wait-list... my letter didn't specify : ( Sorry! Best of luck to you!

Finally got my letter!!! I'll be at Norwalk for Fall 2011 : ) Anybody else for Norwalk? Haven't heard it mentioned by many other people... speak up!!

As #21 on that wait list, I am really glad I didn't know that last year. I might have completely lost it!!!

Unfortunately Mixy, I'm not sure that's true... I was #21 on Gateway's wait-list last year and did not end up with a spot... The wait-list for Gateway had over 70 people I think, and they didn't even make it to me.... I retook A&P I this year and got an 'A' instead of a B+, and if we're to believe the MyCommnet early notifications, got a spot at Norwalk this year : ) Who knows how the wait-lists will work out this year, as the #'s are always different... but I wouldn't assume it's always going to work out. Not trying to be pessimistic, just provide info for people.

orourkco, I checked on June 11 & the list hadn't moved at all since I last checked on May 11th, when the list had moved 2 spots. It was pretty disappointing that it hadn't moved at all in a month. I'm with you... at this point I'm going to focus on next year. I signed up to retake A&P I, since I did well, but not incredibly well. I can't really change my GPA significantly & I did really well on the TEAS. So... A&P this fall is my only real way to change anything for next year. It will also give me something concrete to work on in terms of nursing school. If I get a last-minute phone call asking if I want to start this year? Of course... but at this point I'm not holding my breath anymore. I about lost it when I saw an incoming call from GCC... and then they just wanted to update my contact info. I got my hopes up for like 30 seconds before she finally spit out what she was calling about. FRUSTRATING!! Who knows... Matt says it's not too late -- to stay positive. Maybe the list will move in big jumps... just not between May/June 11... I guess that means I shouldn't check on July 11... I just don't want to know if it hasn't moved!! Kangaroo

jdoll -- so some people were accepted without their A&P II grades in? I don't quite understand how that works... About the people waiting to decide until orientation - I guess that's your perogative as you put down 2 deposits.

It made me really sad too : ( I wanted to ask a million more questions - like have you gotten through all the accepted students' replies yet, or are there more to be processed, or is there ANY chance at all, etc. but I was too disheartened to ask more for fear that it would just be worse. I'm just really surprised that it didn't move more based on what students from previous years are saying. I'm willing myself to be patient. Not working so well... is it?~? Orourkco... I know how you feel - it's an awful feeling & an entirely helpless one too! I'm sending you patient vibes... hopefully there's good news at some point!!

I talked to someone at Gateway who said I'd moved up 2 spots on the waiting list now that the deadline for students to accept has passed. Ugh. Somehow I thought it would move a lot more than that : ( It is so tough to stay hopeful with this... Hope others have better news!!

I was waitlisted at Gateway as well... She said they do pull people off the waitlist as classes are beginning so those spots don't go to waste. Spots open up at the last minute for the spring semester as well - though that would be a long time to wait! Also, she mentioned that people take themselves off the waitlist before a spot opens up, or say no to a seat opening up for the same reasons as those who say no originally... Maybe people don't realize there are people waiting on their decision -- so if they decide in August that they're not going, they think it doesn't matter to anyone but them? Who knows...

orourkco, At least for Gateway (not sure about the other 4), people have to send in their decision by May 3rd or (May 5th?). However, the admissions woman also said that things often change after that date as well -- all the way up until classes start in both fall & spring semesters -- due to people being accepted elsewhere, finances changing, moving, etc. Unfortunately/fortunately(?), she said that sometimes people just won't show up to the 1st week of class, the school calls & they say they're not coming. So the waitlist can even move that 1st week of classes! Which list are you on? Hopefully people who hear from the waitlist can check in to keep other people updated as to its progress : ) I know how you feel right now - I'm in the same boat & not loving it!

Matt, where have you guys been doing clinicals this year?

I just spoke to someone at Gateway -- the waitlist numbers we're all getting ARE school-specific. There is NOT one big list for all 5 schools. I wish they would make all this clearer in their letters : ( I'm #21/71 at Gateway... Just hoping that leaves me some chance!! To everyone who has been wait-listed... keep us updated if you get some news!! Congrats to everyone accepted :)

Does anybody know how many people were accepted off the wait list for Gateway last year? How many people are in the fall class? How many in the spring? Is there any way of knowing if they've started accepting people off the list? Or what number they're up to? If you know the answer to one of the other CT community schools, I'd love to hear that too...

Hey, I figured I would join the list :) I'll be starting Yale's GEPN direct entry program for ACNP's in 2 months --woohoo!!! Can't wait to move down to CT in a few weeks! Kangaroo

AK556: Can I ask which 'your group' was? What did you hate about it? Any way you could be more specific? Were you a GEPN or RN at entry? I'm starting the ACNP program in the fall and am curious about past students' experiences... Thanks, Kangaroo

Hey everyone, I got my Tdap vaccine this afternoon and now (about 4 hours later) it is REALLY painful. I still have the information sheet about the vaccine from my doctor, and I know people can have soreness or pain at the injection site... but my entire shoulder & upper arm is really sore and stiff -- like I got checked too hard in a hockey game. There's no redness or swelling though. Is this typical? I'm going to call my doctor in the morning (they're closed at this point) but I just wanted to see if this was normal?? I understand you cannot give me medical advice -- I'm just trying to determine if this is out of the ordinary! Thanks, Kangaroo

Fancy Face... Having gotten several tattoos I will second the idea that it can be an entirely safe and sterile experience -- again you just have to do your homework!! Make sure you figure out exactly what you're getting yourself into both in terms of a studio's artistic talents & health standards... sterile needles & work environment are critical, as is the artist's knowlege of the risks associated with their work. Best of luck... and be sure to see samples (preferably in person!) of someone's work before agreeing to anything!! Kangaroo

Doesn't seem like medical advice to me, but I could be entirely wrong. Here's some info on antibiotic use from the redcross.org: http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0,1082,0_557_,00.html#ant "Antibiotics A donor with an infection should not donate. The reason for antibiotic use must be evaluated to determine if the donor has a bacterial infection that could be transmissible by blood. Acceptable after finishing oral antibiotics for an infection (bacterial or viral). Acceptable 7 days after an antibiotic injection for an infection. Acceptable if you are taking antibiotics to prevent an infection, for example, following dental procedures or for acne. Antibiotics for acne do not disqualify you from donating. If you have a temperature above 99.5 F, you may not donate." I don't think Wellbutrin is an issue -- I know I have donated blood while on another antidepressant, and there is no mention of antidepressants on the site. Worst case scenario... you show up, wait a bit, aren't elegible and have to go home -- they won't be mad - it happens all the time. Kangaroo

RN2Be... As someone who majored in microbiology... I take offense!!! Just kidding! Here are some tips... -Try to do your reading in small chunks -- you are more likely to remember it than trying to cram it all in at the same time and your attention span won't be pushed so far! -Try to do the reading BEFORE your class. That way you will know what areas you have trouble understanding and can ask questions during the lecture if appropriate... it will also keep you up to date better and if all else fails and you get behind, you're jsut reading it after class... not weeks later -review your notes after class with friends -- this can help decipher some of the language barrier issues you might be having... and it helps you study too!! -lots and lots of flash cards... there is a ton to memorize in micro - note cards are great since you can pull them out for a few minutes virtually anywhere -go to your teacher (even if it's intimidating that you don't completely understand what he's saying 100% of the time) and ask what you can do to keep up stay on top of things -it is good you are realizing NOW that you are struggling, instead of near the end of the class... even just that awareness will be crucial GOOD LUCK & I hope you don't hate microbiology for ever!! Kangaroo

Like some previous posters... this seems so backward -- if there is something good in the world (like amazing health coverage), shouldn't the aim be to make it available to all? Saying it should be taken from those with bigger paychecks is just crazy! Fight to RAISE the standard of care, not lower it! Obama seems to be looking to improve the lives of those less fortunate by providing equivalent benefits no matter a person's salary or rank. Sounds promising to me.