Calypso123

Don't get overwhelmed with everything thrown at you. It will all work out. For clinicals: You don't necessarily need a hemostat, a sharpie, and scissors. Scissors are nice to have, but i haven't used my hemostat once. No one checks to see if you actually have them. Take advantage of open lab hours. Ask Chris for help, and other students. THe more you practice the more you will feel comfortable. THe sterile dressing change is the hardest lab. Each teacher expects different things, so don't be surprised if one teacher tells you one thing and another the complete opposite, as far lab test outs go. Stay on top of your quizzes. It will eliminate unneeded stress. Your first day prepping for clinical will be the absolute worst day in the clinical setting. No one really knows what to do, and no one knows how to read the charts. Read what you can, and do what you can. Expect to be working on your first care plan for about 4-8 hours. It will be a late night. I think most clinical instructors will realize that you don't know what you are doing for your first care plan, and will give you a break. So don't freak out too much. Care plans become much easier as time goes on. The amount of time/work put in it highly depends on your instructor. So, get to know what your instructor expects of you. Usually when you have a tough instructor you will learn the most. Be prepared to have to do at least a few very long careplans every semester. Everyone in the acclerated program agrees that the 3rd semester of the program has been absolute hardest so far. For me, the 1st and the 2nd semester weren't too bad. I could get by not studying too much. Just be prepared to be bombarded in your 3rd semester. With that said, if you have any extra classes you need to take, take them now!!!! If you have any questions, be sure to ask!!

GN's get hired at Cardinal Glennon for $18.50/hr.

I am in UMSL's accelerated program right now. I graduate this August. Have you bought all your books for this semester? I have a couple I could probably sell to you...or anyone else who might need them.

Hi! I'm graduating from nursing school soon, and moving to Atlanta, GA. Can anyone help me with these questions.... 1. Do you know which hospitals offer Loan Repayment? Also, I noticed CHOA offers Stafford Loan Repayment- does anyone know anything about this? Is a contract required? 2. Will hospitals in Atlanta hire you as a GN, or do you have to be a RN? What do you work as until you pass your boards? 3. I'm interested in Peds. Are there alternative options to CHOA? THANK YOU!