rollyp80

The hospital I work at has Meditech...In my ICU we document Q2H and PRN. 3 head to toe assessments, 0800, 1200 and 1600. Q2H assessments which are focus assessments like IV sites, Neuro assessments, Skin, etc. are done at 1000, 1400 and 1800. Narrative notes are done with head to toes and PRN. For me it just becomes routine and I'm just used to it. It was the way we were trained on our unit, so most of us don't have a problem with it. I think it's important, seeing that any one of the assessments or conditions can change at any moment. I hope this helps. I mean with a patient load, it is possible. It only becomes difficult if we ever, which is rare, take a third pt.

I bought the notes on ICU nursing book, it is very helpful and very clear about what is being said.....doesn't read like a text book ....so it gets you out of that school book feeling....although I have to say being a new ICU nurse and actually being there to experience what I am reading go hand in hand...... hope this helps.

BSN and looking into a MSN or DNP......I would definitely recommend it if you plan on furthering your career and education! :grad:

All I can say is learn from the situation and be glad that it was not you. The persons involved did something totally unethical and yes they do deserve the repercussions of their actions. As terrible as they may be. To you, and your other classmates, just be sure you learn from the situation and be sure to read and understand your nursing practice acts and nursing standards. (http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/CodeofEthicsforNurses/Code-of-Ethics.aspx) Please understand that we as nurses need to take these standards seriously, because they protect patients, and our jobs. Be well.

If you don't have any previous experience in a hospital and don't know anyone who could help you out, I would recommend that you apply at the hospitals that you had clinical. Most places like that will remember you and might give you a chance. Good Luck!

I got my letter yesterday and I tested on the 11th of July. My friend says it takes about another week to send that letter off and for your lic. to show up on Illinois Board of Nursing Lic. lookup. Ugh....so over waiting.....I got a job waiting for me...and I'm tired of doing CNA work. I've been doing for 4 years.....I'm ready to be a nurse already!!!! Arghh!!!! God give me patience with paper work! lol:smackingf

Thank you all for your input....It is very much appreciated. I like the idea of asking what interests the unit nurses, but our leadership clinical has us working on many different units, different positions (managers, supervisors, staff, etc.). We are to create our own work days, and utilize what we learned in Leadership lecture. After my first day on my own today, I'm extremely excited. I feel like I'm getting a grasp of what being a nurse is like, meeting many new people and creating my own workday and accomplishing so much. Since I won't have the ability to actually ask the unit what they would like to learn, due to time constraints and not actually getting to that floor till next week, I'll have to use some of your inputs. I do realize, as mentioned prior, it might be a little difficult having a nursing student provide a inservice especially if it's long and boring, which is what I'm attempting to avoid. We are allotted 10-15 mins, about whatever we want to teach, and I agree that I would like to avoid what many of these nurses already know. I want something inspiring, something exciting and fun, but also something educational. I really really do like the Nurse-related internet sites idea.....I'm just trying to figure out how to incorporate that properly. I also like the idea of doing something on how certain legislations or new impacts on nursing and healthcare. I think one thing that all of you agree on is something new!!!! so that's what I'm going with. THanks So Much!!!!!

As a Senior student I welcome you aboard. Please keep up the excitement and love for wanting to be a nurse. Sometimes, as rough as the ride will be, it's all you have to get you through. Make friends, learn new study habits, and read, read, read!!!! Once again, welcome....and if you need any help or insight....don't hesitate to drop me a line!

THey have approx. 150 or more applicants a year and they accept 40 students. Yes, you have to take teas test to get in.

Well I am currently a senior in my last semester of the program. I am currently enrolled in an intersession clinical for our leadership rotation. 2 full weeks of 645-1500 clinicals. I'm totally psyched!!! We have a project where we are to provide an educational inservice for the RN's on the unit. I have no problem talking with other persons or providing an inservice, I'm just stuck on what to teach about. So the question goes out to all of you experienced RN's. What would you be willing to actively listen to and what do you feel would be a beneficial inservice provided by a Senior student? I do work in a hospital and can think of a few things, like discharge procedures, patient education, charting.....but I don't want to come off like a pain in the butt senior trying to rub someone the wrong way.......help! Thanks so much in advance!

: ) yay for you!

Great Job! :)

I'll be happy to answer those questions for you. 1. I pay approx. $4000, per semester, summer was about $1000. I'm a resident of Illinois, so I pay residential prices. I don't live on campus, most students don't. I live on the far north side (Edgewater neighborhood) and drive everyday, which can range from 30-45 min avg. Many students drive a similar drive from the suburbs as well. 2. You must first apply to Chicago State University. Once you get accepted you'll have to take classes that fall. After your acceptance make an appointment with a nursing advisor, sometimes can be a pain to get an appointment. Just be proactive and you'll be fine. Then they'll advise you on what classes you need, one is usually a bridge nursing course, and maybe a psych or statistics.....depending on what yo have completed already. During the bridge course they'll help you complete your nursing application and all the needed requirements. Then by that Christmas you'll be notified if you got accepted. 3. As far as HESI is concerned. We don't take HESI until the end of the whole program, and must past in order to graduate. Throughout the program, there are ATI tests after the completion of every rotation, which in an essence are very beneficial to test taking and preparing you for HESI and NCLEX. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.....I'm more than willing to help. : )

I'm currently a student at CSU and in the Nursing Program. I think the program here is just as competitive, challenging, educational and deserving of it's certification. Just like any other University there are some exceptional professors that I adore, and others that get the job done. Classes are small. Students come from all walks of life. Clinicals mostly take place at Southside hospitals, County, and some south suburban hospitals as well. The NCLEX pass rate is one of the best in the state and the program has gone through many changes to get there. The chair and other staff members have worked very hard to make CSU a reputable program. The school has undergone a lot of bad press over the last 5 years in regards to administration and other issues. From my personal opinion, growing up in the suburbs and never hearing of Chicago State, I think CSU is an unknown gem in an urban setting. The students are wonderful people and I have made wonderful friends while going thru the program. I can answer any specific questions you might have. I hope you consider CSU.

AWWWWWWHHH : ) nursing's lil perks! lol.....

you give me motivation to be an ICU nurse right after graduation.....no one ever said it was going to be easy.......But we can do it! u rock!

good luck.....: )

Not so much for the single payer system. As much as I think the insurance companies aren't fair. I just think the government taking away a free market (bite by bite), is just horrible. Ideally I feel it would be wonderful if everyone could have some health insurance. I do agree with a government option to keep the insurance companies on their feet. And I also believe in personal responsibility.

I think we all come into this profession looking and seeking different paths. And we are all lucky that we have so many avenues to choose from. I totally and fully respect you for the path that you have decided to take, because it is what you seek and will make you happy. I have full respect for those nurses, as well, who spend their careers in the field of med/surg. None of these paths are easy.....because it takes special people to fill each role. Just remember your calling and follow your path. You'll do wonderful!

I have to admit that they love it. I still talk to a group of friends who attend their program. They say it's hard, but they seem happy. The group of students become really close. I wish you the best of luck!

Chicago State....it's a wonderful program.....it is difficult like most programs.....I'm not sure that any nursing program is actually easy...but yes...I would recommend it....you get so much diversity.....so much insight to urban nursing and your outlook on your future is not taken for granted.....The group of people I have met have been a blessing...both students and staff......It's cheap because it's a state program as well...and just a lil longer than your assoc. degree.....think about it...totally worth it.

screw truman...I had a 3.6 GPA and I didn't get in....when I applied they did it by lottery....some people I knew got in and had lower grades in their pre-reqs than I did.....but whatever...I'm in a BSN program now and will graduate only a year later.....will make more ....and will be able to apply to a grad program.....: )

I think it makes sense....plus the last 2 years of school are usually a lot more challenging than basic general ed. classes. My school only gives credit for transfer and your GPA is determined by the classes in the nursing program..... The honors categories are: 3.50-3.79 (cum laude), 3.80-3.94 high (magna cum laude), and 3.95-4.00 highest (summa cum laude).

I work at a small community hospital in Chicago that is slowly moving toward full computer documentation.....but the secretary should be the one doing so....and ofcourse the nurses can do it as well to help out......but I finished clinicals at one hospital who has everything on computer....and the nurses walk around with these handheld scan gun thingys....all I can say is wow and how much easier it is on everyone.....your job is totally laid out for you....and all the orders fall under each patients name throughout the day.....and it turns red if you need it to be done and forgot....it's truly amazing....really....ok...I'lll shut up now....lol

Personal opinion.....isn't getting married to someone about being with someone who supports you in what you do and how you choose to live your life. Statistics say marriages are not lasting very long anyway. So if she were smart she would keep her own interests in mind and take care of herself. She is obviously smart and independent. So incase her marriage does end (which I hope it goes well) she might need her career to get her through.