tiggerdagibit

I know how you feel. I have one main preceptor but sometimes work with others when scheduling conflicts come up. It's sometimes hard because the main one and I have a routine down, where she knows what I can and can't do on my own and the others don't. On the other hand, I like working with several so I can see how people do things differently. That way I can decide what works for me and what doesn't. I get along well with everyone I have worked with so far, but if there isn't a "click" it would be nice that you're not stuck with the same person for your whole orientation. I guess there are good and bad things both ways.

I'm a new grad and have done 4 shifts so far (on a stepdown ICU.) The first 3, I basically followed my preceptor around. I was trying to learn the equipment, the specific routines they have, the paperwork, etc. The 4th shift, my preceptor "gave" me one of our patients, but was there with me for most things. I did the assessments, FSBS, IVF changes, charting on the flowsheet.. stuff like that. I still kind of feel like a student because I'm so dependent on her, but I'm working on trying to do some things on my own when I can. It's very overwhelming because this unit is so much different than the ones I had done clinical on, but I'm enjoying it. Several nurses have told me that this is a tough unit, but everyone I've worked with has been very nice, which helps a LOT. I know it's only been a little over a week, but so far I'm very happy. I'm working nights, which I feel I'm better suited for (I HATE getting up early and would rather stay up late) and I think that helps too. I hope the rest of you are having good experiences!

cool! i have a friend that is in paramedic class. i'll have to ask him what books he uses. i'm actually lucky enough to have a 6 month orientation. that was one of the reasons i wanted the job so bad. i felt more comfortable with that, rather than the normal 12 week orientation on med-surg units. i wish you could teach me the ghost and rabbit ears! lol that sounds like something that would help. maybe i can look at the rhythm strips and figure out some things like that on my own. thanks! that looks like it will be useful.

Thank you all so much! I'm gonna write everything down and get what I can. I feel like I'll be in school again, but at least it will be specialized and I'll be getting paid for it. Much easier to pay bills that way! I definitely need to work on my ECG strips! We didn't get very deep into them during school and I had a hard time with what we did learn. I guess all of this will come to me with time and practice. I just wish I knew it all now! lol

After I pass the NCLEX, I will start working in a stepdown ICU. Are there any good resources that you could recommend to take with me to work (or to read at home?) I have RNotes as a general guide, but I'd like something that is aimed more specifically toward critical care. Also, do you use a PDA and which software would you recommend? Thanks!

Wow! I can't imagine trying to take more days than allowed. I always saved mine for the end, in case I needed them.. except for one semester when I went to a concert and didn't go to clinical the next day. It was well thought out and I told my instructor beforehand, and worth it to me. Don't get me wrong.. I'm a responsible person, but I think if you have days you can miss, you should take them IF you want to, without being looked down upon.

Absolutely!! I just graduated in May. I went to a student open house at a local hospital in December and got an interview. I was offered a job in January. Many of my classmates graduated without jobs because the local hospitals had already filled their new grad positions. I wanted to have one waiting for me so I didn't have to deal with that stress along with the NCLEX.

Wow. We were allowed to miss 1 or 2 clinical days per semester, depending on if we went once or twice a week. Everyone I know missed those days. If we didn't need them for emergency use during the semester, we took them as skip days at the end. Interesting to see how other schools do things.

I graduated a couple of weeks ago and will start working soon after I pass NCLEX. I went to a hospital open house for students in December and was offered a job in January.

Ok.. say these are your grades and what each category is worth.. Exams 75% 95, 92, 94, 92, 94, 90 Quizzes 2.5% 100, 87, 80, 100, 70, 100, 100, 70 Paper 2.5% 76 Final 20% unknown Find the average of each category and multiply it by the percentage it is worth. (exams.. average is 92.8 x 75%= 69.6) So after doing that for all categories.. 69.6 + 2.2 + 1.9 = 73.7 Divide that number by the percentage fulfilled so far.. 73.7/ 80% = 92.125. That is what your current average is. Hope that helps. I use an Excel template that I downloaded from microsoft.com and just enter my grades as I get them so I don't have to do the math after every grade received. You can find it here... http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/TC010197731033.aspx?pid=CT101436151033

I understand exactly how you feel. I have always done well in school with very little effort. Nursing school is a totally different beast. lol Trust me on this though... it will get easier. Well, maybe easier isn't the best word, but you'll figure out how to adjust. First semester was the hardest for me because it was so different from anything I had ever done. You'll develop a system and figure out the best ways to study and all that. It just takes some time. Honestly, every semester takes a few weeks before I get in the groove of it. Each schedule is a little different, each instructor is different and you may have to readjust a few times, but it will get better. Be proud of that B!! I had to learn that. Coming into nursing school, I was always disappointed with a B. Now I accept it with a smile. I've made A's, B's, and C's on tests and I learned to be happy with whatever I got because it meant that I was passing. Some topics will come easier than others too so it kind of balances out. My family and I have made huge sacrifices for my opportunity to go to school. We all understand that it's for the best in the long run. Sure, I have had to turn down nights out before a test and sometimes my husband has to take my daughter to girl scouts, etc... but it's ok! You're not a bad mom or wife. Please remember that!! You just started last month. Give yourself some time. :heartbeat

I think it's a great idea. My school requires us to have our CNA before starting the nursing program. I didn't work very long before starting, but even if you don't actually work, the training will definitely come in handy. Some of the working CNAs in my class understand some of the procedures and equipment better because they are around it all the time.

The TEAS is Test of Essential Academic Skills or something like that. Many nursing schools use it as an entrance exam. It's reading, math, science, and something else. Geeeeez how quickly I forget. lol

Congrats!!

I don't know how supportive your husband is, but if you work 9-3 and do ALL of the cooking, cleaning, and caretaking now, how well will he adjust to taking over some of that when you are in school with a new baby? All schools seem to have different schedules, but this is what the majority of students have this semester at my school. Monday and Tuesday, clinicals from 6:30am to 2:20pm Tuesday and Wednesday, classes from 9-2 and 9-3 Then you add in all the studying and reading time at home...