KarmaInMotion

Daytonite, you are so awesome ... I am very interested in how HTN falls under decreased cardiac output. Could you perhapse start me on the path to understanding. Something related to pressure and yet inadequate movement? If you get the chance to take me to the water, thanks!

Sounds like you and I have smilar brains lol. The power of skimming can be great when the reading adds up. I always feel like I am playing catch up if I read word for word every little thing. I try to skim and look for things that I feel may be important before lecture if I can. All of my theory instructors give us some form of a supplemental outline, so then that turns into a main focus. Make not of anything that is stressed on or repeated. If it is allowed in your nursing program, a recorder may help. It will take more effort than your pre/co-reqs did. But since you did so well in A&P and micro, if you retain it well, that will help you as you progress. I think it helps while listening to lectures to think holistically when physiological issues are the topic. Imaging in your mind or as doodles or word games simltaniously as the lecture is going on, or if you come up with something while you are studying is good. Examples - my daughter is learning angles in math, I told her the way I always remembered the difference between obtuse and acute was obtuse starts with 'O', so I imagine a big 'O'pen mouth, for acute I just think oh, cute and little... Insulin is "for bringing the sugar in", when the "sugar is gone" we get glucagon (that was courtesy of my nutrition instructor)... I'll draw little quick doodles along side of my notes too, like a little arterial 'Y' segment with a scribbled blob and an arrow to it showing that a bifurcation is a good spot for plaque build up. Do whatchya gotta do to get you through! Oh, and you're gonna have to have a sitdown with hubby and tell him he's gonna have to chill or deal with his hang ups on his own. Believe me, if he comes home and gets in a mood over a few dishes and you're doing some studying because you're worried about the topic or grade or what ever, or trying to, or have been up all night before getting ready for clinical - that will only amp up your stress level. I went mortal on my husband when he tried to get moody while I was in school... There are no guarantees that he will always be the bread winner for you and the kids. Life happens, inury and illness happens, and so does death - he should appreciate you working toward being able to provide for the family and kids as well as meet your own achievements... And if anything should ever happen... It'll sure be better than working for 'MegaLoMart'... Of course, that's just my not-so-soft-spoken way I talk to my husband sometimes.

well, this means the pt is urinating bilirubin and albumin. Do you have a lab book to refer to? Also, from a google I found the bili and albumin are linked

If I understood, your pt is getting the procedure b/c of evidence of a GI bleed? Just wanted to add, b/c the pt's colon has been cleansed and is NPO, does not mean the bleading has stopped. This just means there are no food substances present to help the blood show up and be observed - at this moment. Unless the procedure was b/c of a suspected GI bleed based on CBC and other S/Sx? If only suspected, then I might try another Dx with more supportive info. Just a thought ...

It can be done. It takes time mgmt - which i was never great at, but i am getting better. I think that says alot lol. For me and my family, sometimes because they can't read all that is going on in our minds, I have to keep reminding them, individually and in different ways, what is going on. Many people, including instructors, suggest posting a schedule to help your family see what is going on. I write all school related things, assignments, papers, quizes, exams, etc on a calander - posted in the kitchen - for my husband to see. Sometimes, if he still doesn't get it, I will read outloud some portion of paper or text to him that sounds complex and ask him what he thinks. lol he responds with a smart*ss 'exactly!' I think that helps to remind him and give him an idea of what I'm going through. Always take some time for your family and YOU - It can be done, even if it's one bubble bath a month or before or after exam day for you. For your family, snuggling up to a show on the couch or on the weekend AM in your bed can be little gems that don't take much effort. Too much of anything while neglecting other things is not healthy. Don't strive for perfection, and don't beat yourself up for any slips. The house will not implode if it gets messy. The kids will not become malnourished on more quick meals for 24-48 months out of their lifetime; anyway, even quick can be balanced and healthy. You always have time in a day to say 'I love you' and give hugs and kisses - that's enough, there is no neglect, so don't feel guilty. Don't kill yourself for a high grade, strive for passing and understanding - which should result in a decent grade anyway. Positive affirmations - when I neglected doing these for myself, I noticed I was more stressed. When I began to do them again, I noticed I felt and did better. If you are religious, don't forget to pray. Avoid negative people, if unavoidable try to keep your responses and thoughts positive. Think about it like you would a patient, you don't want to pass judgement, but you don't want to get that caught up in all of their issues that are beyond you. Negative people can have a way of attatching a chain of negativity to a person and bring them down too. I've seen it happen. However, don't hold on to your worries. It's great to vent and release those worries from your body with fellow students that understand. You will always have the nursing school student connection. Share your successes as well. I tell my 9 yo, "mommy got a 90 on her test!" She gives me her proud smile, says "alright!" and gives me a hug or high 5. You could make a smiley sticker chart for your 4 yo to reward you when you do well. My parents are taking us out to eat to celebrate making it through the semester. Every little bit is like an extra pebble of support that helps keep you going.

around me they don't hire you as a PCT unless you get the training for it, or have gone through your first semester of nursing school. you have to have some kind of clinical time in, be it through a certification program or part of NS. at least from what i have seen. oh btw my first healthcare clinical experience WAS nursing school. It's not uncommon. I'm guessing about 25% - give or take - of my class had the equal level of no experience as me. 50% of my clinical group as well. you'll pick it up sooner than you think. not too many others are that far ahead of you as far as experience either, or else they'd be LPN or RN already. they may have seen more, but you will soon enough too.

roflmao, me to a T 28 years of my life here. I seriously live on the north side of the edge of 80 and any visits to the other side are brief and considered "trips". thanks so much for this post. gotta sent it to FIL, he worked construction in chicago for a significant portion of his life. way too many stories 'bout going outa state or 'down south'.

hey cuteazz1. Classes usually start at 4. Some days it's only couple of hours, some days until 9 - one of those longer days for me is b/c I am not a CNA, so I'm getting some further instruction/class time. But the other day is our clinical day. We aren't doing clinicals yet, but when we start them, they said it will be until 9:30. And I have no idea yet what the method/plan/rules will be for clinicals when we get to having to gather patient info. When we start pharma., I'm guessing it would have been until 9 all week, but this year pharma. is online. I can't tell you for sure how consistant this general time frame is though since I don't know any prior evening NS.

Maybe something else cute and germ related similar to hand washing. My sister always had an odd nose phobia with my kids. lol She was afraid they would stick things up their nose and have them get things lodged or something... Anyway, what evolved from this was a cute song she made up called "Do not stick your fingers in your nose". Something along this route could incorporate cold season and using tissue for coughs and sneezes, or if they don't have tissue available why to cover up using the arm instead of the hand. Also, for older kids, you could go the route of not sharing drinks with your BFFs or "long term" (2 week :chuckle) BF or GF. I was also watching with my son this cute song that was germ related on Yo Gabba Gabba about germs and not eating your food after it falls on the ground. You still hear teens or even parents (if they only took micro! ) saying "5 second rule". I remember, something with that similar concept, when I was a kid the saying "God made dirt and dirt don't hurt" for that precious fallen candy. You know this still goes on. All sorts of germie related things if you think back to your childhood, or have any or observe any kids' behaviors.

check out their admissions criteria page http://www.jjc.edu/new/admissions/nursing-admissions-criteria.aspx It took me 2 yrs to get co/pre reqs out of the way. A's and B's on the courses they look at. My application GPA was better than my entering GPA, but both were still above 3.5. My teas score was in the higher half of the 80's. When I tested, the proctor said the 2 main point biggies were teas score and (from number 7 on their site) the "Calculated GPA based on grades for ENG 101; PSYCH 101; PSYCH 215; HEAL 109, BIO 250; BIO 251." Those top 3 bullet points in # 7 are your ticket. Basicly follow that list and strive for the best grades possible. Other things on that list might help on points if you are borderline. But there is no real way of knowing where you rank and compare yourself to others that are also competing. It's all about accademic performance really - get good grades and test well. Work hard and you can do it. And it of course does not stop there, cuz we work hard in NS too. :)

Oh what wonderful information verytallnurse! lol What I ment about being scared was not directed toward you or your information, just some of the personal feelings of entering into nursing school. As far as teachers, it sounds like I have some great ones that really want to prepare us to be great nurses. Wonderful! I think I will do well then. I love teachers that want to make the student use their brain rather than just listen and memorize. I am begining to view this as a positive challenge ahead of me now, so thank you for helping ease my mind in this brief time of uncertainty :). Now if I understood you correctly, the teachers are not fans of many questions interrupting their lectures? And I should save my questions for after, or before the following scheduled lecture... Normally I am a ? asking type of person. But I do notice when it irritates and can control myself lol, and I undertand this will be a different learning platform than "regular" classes. So thanks for that heads up. You probably saved me from getting on a profs. bad side lol. Great example of a WHY question and delving further beyond basic answers. You're AWESOME :bowingpur, thanks!

Not a nurse at work yet, but when I started school again I came up with a quick good low cal and filling idea that I would store and bring with to school. I would make minestrone soup in a large sauce pan. Mix in left over or canned chicken, and some instant barley. Adjust it to what you preffer or how much you want to make. Can add more veggies that you like, chicken broth n more barley or more chicken. what ever to suite your taste. I did that for when I wanted to make something quick and healthy for the whole family for lunch too.

Argh... and let's not forget about diabetes and the its effects on the kidneys. Around me I notice dialysis centers keep filling and are constantly trying to expand to accomidate the growing need. I think people are ignoring how diabetes is going to affect our global health and won't realize it until we are at a critical point.

Oh thank you sooo much verytallnurse for your response and insight. So I guess I should invest in a good printer since mine acts up alot lately . I knew we would have papers to do, but by the way you make it sound, alot of papers will be due. Well at least one of my fears has been confirmed rather than remaining an unknown any longer lol. I'm hoping to start with being able to use the library printer while I watch for sales. As far as teachers, this is who I have this semester: Lisiecki Danielle, Sullivan-Stromberg, Nordmark Samijean, and Kestel-Branchaw. The last time I looked them up on rate my prof., I could only find a little info. on 2 of the teachers. So I don't know if the other 2 are newer or what? The good thing is that what I did find was quite positive. And please do keep any tips comming! I think I'd rather be scared and prepared than just scared LOL.

I wouldn't be so concerned about the age range and where you fit in really. Nursing students and nurses come in all ages. I have known some like you that knew since they were children they wanted to become nurses and went straight out of HS. I have met many like myself starting later. As well as others like my FIL that started after 50 (he was in construction before). If you're worried about feeling out of place, or something like that, I have found a majority of the time, nursing students tend to create the greatest of bonds together. I think the support has to do with an understanding of striving toward the same goal.