itsmycalling

Hey tinamariezzz, I do think that acceptance into the 2010 program is realistic- as long as your grades in your pre-req's are good. In terms of classes to take before the program... I can't really remember them all, but think about psych 228?, speech 101, microbiology, a humanities class, sociology... that's all I can think of. Let me know if you have other questions!

Technically, yes, there is a waiting list. IF they are offering a program for the spring (starting in January) those slots having most likely been filled. They are looking for people who have met the prerequisite requirements to begin the program. That information can be found on the Triton website.

What sort of population are you looking to serve? Oops, disregard please!

Join the club!! There are MANY (most, all?) nursing students going through the same thing. I keep telling people that my brain fell down and it can't get up. I cannot concentrate, it is bad bad bad. So, I feel your pain, hang in there. For me, studying is like a form of torture right now-- it hurts, but I keep on truckin'. This is the best advice I have to offer! Some self-talk doesn't hurt either, i.e. 'I am doing this to be the best nurse I can be, not to pass some silly test'. That occasionally helps out. Good luck!

Hmmmmm... didn't bother to read that the entry I just responded to was TWO YEARS OLD!!! That person is now a nurse!!!!! BUT, that makes me feel even better because soon enough, I will be in her position--looking back at these posts and wondering what in the world I was worried about!! Can we fast forward to next year?

Well you and I should start a club because I am in the exact same position!! 3rd semester of two year program as well. And the word "fraud" crosses my mind on a day to day basis.... BUT I will tell you that my heart is in it- I am there because I really do want to help people, so I figure that the rest will come. I am not just sitting on my butt thinking everything will just "work out" either. I am definitely trying my hardest. Hopefully it will pay off. Hang in there, I truly know how you feel.:wink2:

I'll have to get back to you will the actual name, but I did read a Consumer's report article rating these machines. If you can find that before I can find my copy-- then you're good to go.

In response to claudette737- yeah, the "cna" stuff can be a bit grueling, but just know that technically that is your job when you are a nurse-- many units a decreasing staff numbers and eliminating cna positions. Also, by the time you get to NUR 145, you will be doing all that stuff you are doing now, in addition to passing meds. Just a heads up!:wink2:

I don't think the doctor's tone of voice has ANYTHING to do with it. It was a rude comment, period. Not ok, joking or serious.

Great job. I hope I will be as kind and courageous as you if ever I have to perform this task.

Your mom will see you graduate and so will your dad. You will make it through, if only by the support of your instructors, classmates and family. You have worked hard to get to where you are. You don't have to ace nursing school, you just have to pass. Prayers and lots of luck go out to you.:heartbeat

Yes, when you are in pharm, you need to live, eat and breathe pharm. I saw Trina the other day and she is trying very hard to get the ball rolling on the mentor program. She might be having a hard time because a lot of people who said they would do it seem to have backed out. Clinicals are going pretty good for me. My second clinical experience was at Westlake hospital, and most of the nurses were pretty nice there-- a few from Triton even. Everyone is nervous about your first clinical experience-- so very normal. My advice is to: act confident even if you don't feel confident, if you are a people person use that skill to help you talk to your patient, see everything you can see, i.e. if your instructor asks if you want to see a wet-to-dry dressing-- go see it because then when it comes time down the road to do it you will understand it better, and finally, try to develop a good routine for yourself. Ask your instructor for advice on how to develop that routine. Also, really get a hold of doing your head to toe assessment, it will help you get your work done a lot faster, and it will keep you from bothering the patient all day. Ok- that's all I've got for now... keep in touch!:wink2:

I have no words (proper ones) to describe a nurse that refuses to answer call lights... whose patient is it again? Ugh.

I think this is a great question (I will graduate in May) for new nurses. I am planning on shadowing a friend of mine who is a nurse so I can get a firm grasp on how to organize and prioritize my shift. I feel like I am only getting bits and pieces from clinicals, and feel pretty disorganized. This does not answer your question! Sorry.

Hey there- I had pharm last semester and it was extremely difficult. We lost about a third of our class to pharm. The only things I can think of off the top of my head that might be useful to study prior to class would be REALLY knowing your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, i.e. how do they effect body systems such as GI, GU, cardiac, respiratory,etc. There are some other things that you could study up on as well, but I'd say start with that, as you are going to have a lot of other things to do! I would recommend that you read a little over christmas break before you start second semester. Feel free to contact me again. Did you sign up for the mentor program (where you have someone who can help you along the way?).