iamaca2000

As a previous nursing instructor I agree with many of the previous posts. Here are some things that may be helpful in the future. First don't just highlight in the book, really digest what you are highlighting. Many of my students highlight in their books and when I look at the book almost every sentence was highlighted. What good does that do? I am not saying you do this, I am just pointing it out. Second thing I tell students is to make sure you are keeping up with the readings. Do not wait until the night before the test to read the chapters, etc. Thirdly, get a study group together. Obviously other students passed this class that maybe you could have benefitted from their knowledge and vice versa. Lastly, and this is what I stress the most; DO NOT study with any distractions. Many students tell me that they studied for 20 hours for the test, but when I ask them if they had their phones, computers, or tv in the room many of them stated yes. Lock yourself in a room or library with no distractions and see how much more information you retain. I hope this is helpful. Otherwise keep up the good work. You will get there.

I have done the online FIM test. I passed. Only one of our nurses out of 23 did not get the passing grade. She was able to retake it however. Utilize the algorithms and review sheets. Studying as a group is helpful as well with other nurses and therapists.

Some of the ones I wished I had asked were in regards to expectations outside of the classroom. For example, I wished I had asked more specifics regarding office hours, how many committees I was expected to be on, how many faculty meetings there were, etc. I also wished I would have asked how far in advance I would know what I was teaching and if I had any say in what I was teaching. In one position I found out 4 weeks before the next semester I was going to be teaching pathophysiology with no prior experience teaching that course. Needless to say my evaluations were not the greatest for that class. I hope this helps.

My question is are you already working as an RN? Maybe it is just me but if you have not worked as a RN for long I would wait to start the MSN program. I think there are too many RNs out there going back to get their MSNs without enough experience under their belt. I don't know if this is the case for you, but I had to question it.

The questiosn that I was asked by the president included things such as "How do you see yourself incorporating our schools mission and values statement within your curriculum?" or "Do you feel a liberal arts college is the preferable choice for a nursing program, is so why?" The biggest thing I have learned is to know the school you are applying to. Definitely know in advance what the mission statement is. I hope this helps.

Everyone is different. With this being said if you have taken your general studies courses, there is a direct correlation with doing well in classes such as anatomy and physiology and pass rates of nursing school. This is not for everyone, but it is helpful for some to know this ahead of time if you are someone who struggles in these areas.

I got used to all the sites and smells until I became pregnant. Then it didn't matter what I was used to. I sucked on peppermints and put smelling oils under my nose to be able to handle some of the "fabulous" occurences of everyday nursing.

I would recommend calling the number on their website. You may be on hold for a while, but they will at least send you the important forms that you need to fill out and you can avoid dealing with the confusion on the website.

Wisconsin is a multi state with several other states regarding your license. For example, it is a multi state with Iowa so you can go work in Iowa with your Wisconsin license as long as you retain living arrangements in Wisconsin. However, it is not a multi state with Illinois. Illinois is a tough state to get a license in. It generally takes a few months. So if you are thinking of getting a license in Illinois I would begin working on it now.

I was just wondering if anyone on this thread has taken advantage of this loan? I took the loan and have worked one year full time as a faculty member. The problem is I was offered this amazing opportunity in the hospital setting as an educator that I have since taken. I can't get ahold of anyone with this loan program to see if it would possibly be still covered under my duties. Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks.

I know this is an old post but I thought I would let you know when I applied at Genesis last year I had 2 years of experience as a BSN. I was offered 24$/hr no bonus, and any kind of scrubs. I think it depends on the unit though. I am unsure of Trinity, but I had heard bad things about working there.

Mercy in Dubuque has not had a freeze. There are positions available now for new grads.

I have always wanted to get my masters. I have applied and been accepted 3 different times for my MSN in nurse education, and keep backing out at the last minute due to funds or moving. Any MSN people out there that find it not worth the money or the time? It is so expensive and of course the hospital I work at only gives 1000$ reimbursement a year! This doesn't even cover the books. Or does anyone know of cheaper MSN programs? Or should I just get my masters in something else that I could still use with nursing such as an MBA?

I have to admit, money was a thought in my head when I went into nursing. Unfortunately no one told me that Iowa is the worst paid state in the US for pay. I tried something out of nursing for about six months and I have to admit it was easy. I loved it for about 3 months, and then was sooooo bored. (and I gained 10lbs.) Nursing is definitely not easy, but I think it is in my blood.

Mercy-Dubuque have had a couple in the past months. You could apply there. Otherwise, I know that Genesis in the quad city are also has some. Hope this helps.