RN_Newbie

Ok, so I graduated in May and past my boards 2weeks ago. I work in a facility that has a 13 week orientation for new nurses, which I am on my 10th. Nurse on avg has 6 pts (Medical/Tele floor). Most of these pts are geri-psych. or ETOH W/D.... They are constantly into something. They make me feel like I am going CRAZY! Always bed alarms, fall precautions, nurse's station lurkers, runaways....ect..... I have given myself the credit in knowing that I give good direct pt care.... It is just that I find myself constantly staying 1-2hrs late just to CHART!!! I hate this.. My preceptor is so devoted and considerate, she always stays late with me to check over my charting and answer any Q's. I always tell her that she can leave and I will be fine, but she always stays......... I am just frustrated. I guess I need a pick me up?.... I am just not so sure that I am cut out for the medical floor.. Any comments/advice would be great> I worked today and am back in the am....................... So I know coming home tom. and reading replies will help me lots.... I just don't know if this floor is for me??????

I AM FINISHING MY PROGRAM NEXT MONTH, JAN. 2008. FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS I FEEL LIKE I HAVE SLOWLY TRANSFORMED INTO SOME SOCIALLY HANDICAPPED, ANXIETY RIDDEN, BLURRY MINDED, NUT CASE!!! ALL THAT'S ON MY MIND IS HTN, TIA'S, PTL, CVA'S, COPD, DM, PERSONALITY DO'S, PIH, SIDS, HSV, AND SO ON AND SO ON.... WHO KNEW THERE WERE SO MANY ABBREVIATIONS? NOW THAT I AM AT THE END THINGS SEEM TO BE CLEARING UP. THIS JOURNEY HAS ENTAILED A LOT OF HARD WORK, BUT WHEN IT IS OVER I JUST KNOW I AM GOING TO FEEL LIKE A MILLION BUCKS. NURSING SCHOOL ADDS CHARACTER, HUMILITY, ENDURANCE, AND A HARD WORK ETHIC TO EVERY ONE OF ITS VICTIMS. IF YOU ASK ME, IT'S A PRETTY FAIR TRADE..........

Clinicals are at the end of each level (4 Levels). They range in length from 80hrs-200hrs total with each different level. As of now, they limit you to 24 hrs a week (2-12hr shifts). I do think, however, that if you are coming from out of town they will allow more hours a week and possibly consecutive shifts. It just depends on your preceptors work schedule. As for the tests, you will take multiple online (untimed) quizes and tests. You will also take a HESI exam (at the school) at the end of each clinical rotation with each level. This is timed and includes NCLEX style questions pertaining to the covered information in each level. On to acceptance. The program has been growing significantly, meaning it continues to have more and more applicants. I got in on my first application in spring 2006. It is really important to do well on your entrance HESI and to of course have a good GPA with your pre-reqs. I am not sure of the current acceptance/unacceptance ratio. You could, as I did, call the Dept. of Nursing and ask how many people have applied and how many will be accepted. I think I covered all of your Q's, but if not just ask again. Best of luck. Also, just to throw it out there, doing this program online is VERY challenging. There will be many ups and downs. Many times of feeling very alone, scared, and at times just stupid.... You just have to keep picking yourself up and pushing forward! If it were easy to become a nurse, there wouldn't be this massive shortage of them. Just make sure it is in your heart and you will succeed!!!

I will be finishing the program this DEC.!! Yeah! I currently live one hour from cc and have to commute for all of my clinicals to cc. I do not think there are any hospitals near you that are affiliated..?? I know, it sucks!!! If you talk with the clinical coordinator, Frances Zapata, she might be able to cluster your days and you could stay at a hotel in cc..? Just a thought. Good luck. Oh, and by the way, I think the program is great. It is a challenge being on your own, you definitely have to be motivated and actually want to learn the material in order to succeed. What level are you? -LW