Brookes1129

I have also heard some not-so-good things about their ADN On-Line program, and I am pretty sure that is what they have lost their accred. in. I know a few people and they go to Chamerlain in the BSN program and I have not heard any complaints. You can check with the advisors at school about their NCLEX pass rate as well and can compare that to other area schools.

Thanks for all your words of advise! It really makes me feel better!! I never thought of the silver lining.... I can use the "Sorry, I can't... I have to study" excuse to get out of things I don't want to do! I just wonder if I will ever have an opprotunity to get to say it when it really isn't true!!!! :chuckle

Is anyone else having a hard time with that sentence? "Sorry, I can't... I have to study?" I swear this has been the only thing I say to people outside of school! I know we have to take down time, but sometimes I feel like my friends and family secretly resent all the time and effort I am putting into nursing school, and at times, I actually feel guilty for having to tell people no. The worst is my friend just died suddenly and the funeral is a plane ride away, my entire social circuit and family are going... but I had to say no. Who can afford to take 3-4 days out of school? Basically, with this post, I am just looking to see if anyone else ever feels guilty about the time and effort it takes to make it in nursing school and how do you balance school and life??:typing

Before my first Fundamentals exam, I asked my professor to tell me how she would study for this exam. Her advise was very helpful (she is the one who wrote the test after all) and I ended up getting an "A" on the first test. So, I would try to speak with your professor and they can always point you in the right direction.

I was under the impression that clinical hours also include the time spent in the lab... so, I will have to call and check with St. John's because I was planning on getting a job there over winter break too!

I have been told by my clinical instructors to get the 8 hours you need to sleep the night before, eat a balanced breakfast and do not lock your knees! But, I think all of us have had a time where we were like, "Oh my god, I think I am going to pass out!!"

I am also a XL student nurse. The WORST thing is when you have to get sized for scrubs. But, this day and age, somewhere, everywhere is someone who has a little extra "junk in the trunk!" So, dont let it bother you and don't let the other girls make you feel bad about yourself. They may be thinner than us but I am sure the have insecurities just like us!! Good luck with nursing!

In the Ackley Nursing Dx Handbook, the first 50 pages or so is an index with common diseases listed. You can look of DM and see what fits your patient the best. I glanced at it and it looks like Ineffective Health Maint. r/t deficient knowlege regarding care of diabetic condition may fit nutrition teaching. Also, for the activity intolerance, I think that is a seperate dx (not listed under DM, but activity intolerance) and in ackley you can look through the different types and compair them to your patients defining characteristics. Good Luck.

Micro is important when you take Patho because they are going to go back to things you learn in that class like immunity, pathogenic vs. nonpathogenic, etc. So, it is important to have that under your belt for future reference. However, Chemisty really has helped me with my dosage calculations because the entire course is primarily all about calculations. Due to what I learned in that class, I have not missed a single dosage question so far in this program. But, at the same time, the instructors in nursing programs really dumb down the dosage calculations for you! (I tune them out because I already know how to do it from Chem!) But, if I had to choose between the two, I would go with Micro. You ARE going to need to have that base of information for Pathology when you get into a program. Good Luck!

Actually, you can bypass St. John's training program if you have 80 hours of clinical time completed, which you generally do after your first clinical semester. I was told this by the recruiter for the PCA position, she also advised you would just need some form (St.John's provides the form) filled out by your clinical instructor to confirm you have reached the 80 hours. Then, you just have a one or two day hospital orientation. St. John's also has a better starting salary then some of the area hospitals.

Another thing to keep in mind. Beginning 2015, you will actually need your doctorate to be a NP. I am currently in Fundamentals and my teacher advised us of this upcoming change. Remember that means you have to have additional schooling after your MSN. Good Luck!

Right, the one night per week is only from RN-BSN. If I were in your position, Angela, I would def meet with an academic advisor either at UMSL, or a community college. This way you can begin to chart out what you need to do to reach your goals.

If you want to work as a LPN or a CNA, you still have to complete some type of training program at the a Sanford Brown College. If you really want to pursue your RN, this is not the way to go. The PCA program at St. John's is the best way to get your foot in the door. You are not going to make a lot of money in entry level healthcare no matter where you work, but you have to start somewhere. But you have to take St. John's 5 week course, (and YES, you get paid the entire 5 weeks), then take an exam to pass (which I was told is a piece of cake.) And that is it. The course is like Mon-Fri 7:30-4 or something like that. And then after you pass, you are placed on a floor that works for them and you. However, if you do not pass the final test, you are terminated. But, the test I was told, is not that hard. Good Luck, and relax. It will all work out.

thanks for all of your input!! i really appreciate it!!!!! good luck with your nursing careers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:twocents::twocents:Just an assessment of how much it costs for a nursing degree these days. How much do YOU have in student loans??? The whole bit: living expenses, books, clinical fees, all the physicals, etc. :twocents::twocents::twocents: