EXmpFUTURErn

Hello there, I cannot speak about healthcare facilities in Arizona. I lived in SD for four years (military). I know what you mean about the clique's. They stick together and yes- they will speak their language. It is their comfort zone. Yes- they may be speaking about you or they might just be having a conversation about what they did on their weekend. They are your co-workers though you don't need to like them, just to tolerate them. In the military we had three languages, English, Tagalog, and Spanish. Trust me when I say "I know what you are talking about". It is not just females that have "cliques" but males too. I look at things though and here it is. You are there to do a job. People will talk about you whereever you go, whether in a foreign language or not. People will do whatever they want to do whereever you go, cliques or not. Who are they to you? At the end of the day when you go home and put your feet up and relax in your environment, does it really matter? I know that not everyone will like me, that's life. I know that people will talk about me behind my back, that's life. It's how you deal with it. Me, I ignore them. America is one big melting pot, and everyone at one point in time had relatives that were foreigners. We are all one, it's time to cope, they are not going anywhere.

I agree, it all depends on your prof. I bought my packet of books from my campus bookstore and it cost around 200.00 (had 2 lab books and a study guide along with the text). I didn't open my book the whole semester. My teacher had made printouts of what HE wanted us to know. I don't regret buying my book, I'll use it as a reference at some point (I hope at least). Some students tried to sell their's back and were only offered 50.00 for it. My point, I think you might be better off waiting to see what your teacher wants. You might end up spending your time and money on something that isn't needed.

For anyone who is wondering- I just started my school in the fall 2006. It had been over 5 years since my chem and bio (have to have it to get on the wait list). I took those my fall semester along with general psych and sociology. In the spring I took Micro, A&P1, Human growth and development, and my 2 pe classes. If anyone wants any info on any of the classes (through FV), I might be able to help. I've busted my ass and got on the wait list right before xmas 2006. I received a letter last month for the nursing program. Start fall 2007 I will be starting the nursing classes. All I will have is A&P2 and already have it scheduled for fall. As far as day care, I know FV has the Child Development Center. Depending on the age of the child, it's $2.00 and hour that you are in class. They will watch your child when you are a clinical, they will watch your kid if you need to study in the library. You are supposed to be on campus though. There are exceptions i.e. clinicals. ONE THING I'VE LEARNED:If you plan on taking classes at UMSL, take your microbiology at FLORISSANT VALLEY!!!!!!!!!! It is the same teacher at both campuses and it's easier at flo. I know a girl that was in my A&P1 class and was taking micro at umsl. We were comparing the two classes and you only have 4 tests the whole semester at umsl and there is no lab- just lecture. At flo there is lab and that is where you can make up some of your grade (if you aren't the best at lecture test). I learned a lot in my lab too! It's kinda neat to see what lab techs have to do to know what kind of infection a person has. Just giving anyone a heads up. If anyone has questions about teachers, or how a class is ran, I might be able to help. Just trying to share what I've learned

I have not worked at St. Johns Mercy. One of my good friend's mom is a RN at a nearby hospital. I asked her about the scoop. St. John's is a union hospital. It is the only one in the area. Good thing- it's hard for you to get fired. You always have the union to support you. Bad thing- you might work with idiots that CAN'T get fired due to the union. You will have dues taken out each month. Depending on the position (FT, PT, PDM), the dues may not be worth it. The good news that I have found is most area hospitals keep up with St. John's pay (they are competing against the union). Think about this though- if you are getting paid more at St. John's, is it worth it if dues are taken out? This is what I have found out about it. Don't know if it helps anyone or not. Me personally, I was born there, I've been there for surgery. I think it is a GREAT hospital. I have not worked there though. Things might be a little different behind the scenes (if you know what I mean).

Say something! I was in the military for 4 years and had similar situations to this, except I couldn't say anything (chain of command thing, lower on the totem pole). YOU can say something. I would actually say something to the medical assistant- politely of course. Let her explain what happened. If you are good at reading people, her body language will tell you if she screwed up or not. Maybe this girl has no clue that she's doing anything wrong and no one wants to say anything to her. Maybe I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt, but give her a chance to "fix the problem" by letting her know.

Okay- so I've been reading up on stethescopes. I want a littman, but I am on a small budget. I've never worked in the medical field before, and starting school in the fall for RN. I've been debating over which scope to get. There's the master classic 2, classic 2, lightweight, cardio 3, and master cardio. For someone who has never worked in the medical field, I've been told to get a cheapy just to get through school. I like having top of the line things. My theory is, if I pay the money the first time around for the excellent, less money waisted down the road. I am on a fixed income though, and I've found a website where the cardio 3 is 124.99 (not including shipping), the master cardio is 138.99, lightweight is 37.99, classic 2 is 60.99, and the master classic 2 is 71.99. I'm trying to keep it under $100.00 but having trouble deciding which one to get. If anyone could help me out a little better, I would appreciate it. I know they all have soft-sealing eartips (which I heard is the only way to go) and some are 28" and some are 27". Please help. Anyone?