gabass

I started NS this Fall. After reading several reviews, I went with a CD-27 by GRX Medical. My professors love it - they are constantly borrowing it and have compared it to their Littman Master Cardiology scopes. I found a thread on this website where this scope was reviewed. The website is GRCmedical.com; however, I would recommend getting it off of ebay. They are listed for under $20 with a free penlight. I can hear through this scope very well. It is a heavy duty quality - my professors have warned me to keep it close during clinicals because doctors will "borrow" it and not return it.

Everyone in my program tends to discuss grades - almost a topic of bonding. I really do not mind sharing my grades, but it seems I get rude remarks when I make good. I tend to average on the upper end of the class. I never ask what others make - if they tell me, so be it. If you are making high grades, it can put you in a difficult situation. Last week following our test, I heard one classmate say she made the highest grade (very few did well on this test). Then, another student said she actually had the highest grade (2 points better). I sat silent, until asked, and I actually had the highest grade in the class (only missed 2 questions). I then got the cold shoulder. I never asked - I was praying that I wouldn't be asked. So, it is risky...I think I am going to start saying, "I did pretty good" or something like that.

My only fear would be that this "venting session" could get out of hand and classmates could start naming professors, etc. Then, you may be associated with the rumors/talk that gets back to them.

We have not started clinicals yet, so I wander how I will react. Your story about the prisoner cracks me up...I used to work at a prison and I have a fear of walking in and seeing an inmate that was once my caseload. That would be too weird...it has been a few years since I left case management, so I am hoping all of the ones I worked with are deported by now (all short timers facing deportation).

I did not lose my job, but I knew it would be impossible for me to continue working. My school is an hour away from my home, and my job was another 30 minutes away, so I knew I could not swing it. Thankfully, I have a very supportive husband. I know it is tough, and I hope things work out for you.

I had NO medical atmosphere experience before entering ADN RN program. I have several classmates who are CNAs, but I really can't see where they necessarily have an advantage. Most of them are so acclimated with how they have done things in the past that it is hard for them to change. Granted, I am sure they will be much more comfortable with the environment when we start clinicals, but so far the grounds seems level, so to speak.

There are several fine schools in Georgia. I am in an ADN program at a community college. Maybe look at South Georgia College or Middle Georgia College. Both have great ADN programs that have limited to no waiting lists.

I had to take the NET after being admitted to the Nursing Program. At my school, they do not use the scores for admission into the program. They simply use them as a building block to determine 1) what type of learner you are; 2) your strengths; 3) your weaknesses. It really wasn't that bad for me. I had to use basic math that I have not used in a while.

Awesome post! I am a newbie to nursing. We have 2 nursing buildings on our campus. The first year sudents are in a seperate building for lecture, but our skills lab is in the second year building. I really hate going to that building because I feel like someone may kidnap me or eat me for lunch...LOL We all have a common goal. Us "newbies" are just completely freaked out rather than somewhat freaked out....

I read my textbooks and use them as references. Our powerpoints reinforce the textbook. Our instructors also add additional info (real world scenarios, etc.) Our instructors give us partially completed powerpoint slides via the web. Then, they display more detailed slides during lecture. They like for us to read the chapter, review skills book, discs, etc. before class and complete the checklists.

We did check-offs this week also. My own lab partner friendly quizzed me in front of the instructor as I was bathing, bed-making, performing ROM, and positioning her. It really didn't bother me because a patient could genuinely ask me questions when performing these exercises. I know fellow students will try to quiz others in front of instructors to "make them look bad" or whatever. My solution to this is know my materials frontwards and backwards. I am not in nursing school to make friends, but I am also careful not to be "labeled" by fellow students or instructors. I actually heard one student (40ish) make a comment that one of the "little girls" (19-20ish) did not "deserve" to be in the program. Excuse me?? She is getting an immediate start in her education - something we all should admire. And, she had to meet the same qualifications as others. I wish I would have done this straight out of high school

I had a friend that did her pre-reqs through Devry. They were accepted by the community college in which she was enrolling for her ADN; however, the university she went to for BSN made her retake all of them...strange, but I would check and double-check. Does the community college offer any of the pre-reqs online? This could also be an option for you (may also be cheaper).

I have not started clinicals yet, but hopefully things will be okay for me.

I get nervous, but I think I am pretty good at masking it. Our checkoffs are done with our 3 regular instructors, and while they are very professional, they are also very real and down to earth! This is my first semester and I am loving it!!!!

Our instructor gave us the revised answers from the publisher. It should be available through the Evolve website also. I actually like this book - maybe I am weird.