QuietRN

Did you take a critical care course before having those 3 weeks on the floor? My hospital requires a course that they provide (and pay you to take) that is 8 weeks - like nursing school with class time and clinical time on the unit you are hired to work. Then after you pass a crazy hard test- you then continue on to train with a preceptor for 3-4 weeks. I felt it was the perfect amount of time before going out on my own.

I agree with Taffey. Take the CNA course at CSN! I also did that when I first decided to go back to school to become an RN. I really enjoyed the course. The gross stuff takes some getting used to - but really, it's all natural. Everyone poops. :) I now just finished my first semester in the nursing program and I still love it! When doing prereqs, I recommend taking as many classes as you can online! But CSN is a great school and I don't think you'll regret going there!

Hey all! I was hoping someone might have some info for me on how to become a "NAP"? I am just finishing first semester, and would really like to work a little this summer to keep up my newly-learned skills! I keep being told that becoming a NAP is more about WHO you know! I've searched for these positions online - and only two results came up (one of which says it's no longer available...and the other link just won't work).Can anyone tell me what I can do to become a nurse apprentice? Any helpful hints would be great!!! Thanks so much!

I agree with LoveAlwaysV! I'm in my first semester of the nursing program as well. We have 4 tests plus the final. Each of our regular tests are only worth 40 points...so every single point is a big deal! At least you have a lot of points to work with! For the past 3 tests I have made up my own study guides. We have a syllabus that lists all the learning outcomes (which are the same as the ones listed in the beginning of each chapter in our fundamentals book). I take those and type them up along with all the info I can find to answer them. (It usually turns out to be like 8 single-spaced typed pages.) Just finding the answers is a great way to study! We have powerpoint lectures, and the answers are quite often right in there. So - if you have them - study powerpoints as well. I've read a little quote somewhere that said "In nursing school 'C' is the new 'A'!" You're passing so far...focus on that!! Keep aiming to pass each test one at a time and before you know it you'll be through first semester! Good luck!!

I honestly found Bio189 harder than anatomy/pysiology! But that was just me!! I agree though, take 189 because 095 isn't worth anything towards getting into the program. Just make sure you have the time to study hard in that class to pass so you don't have to start it over again! I found 223 and 224 to be great classes (but I took them at NSC over the summer)! They apply more to what you'll be learning in the nursing program. I decided I wanted to go back to school to become a nurse in Oct 2007. I started an online sociology class in December2007...and then took a full semester of prereqs in spring08, finished up all but one prereq in the summer, applied to the program and took Microbiology in the fall. I was accepted...and started the program in January09! And I have a hubby and two small kids! Just like the others said..."If I can do it, anyone can!!" I am totally loving school right now!! It's a lot of work...but it's not so bad (yet?)! It was definitely worth the time and effort to get in!! Good luck!!! (And for professor info....try searching for ratemyprofessor or something like that)

I'm a firm believer in getting enough sleep. Cramming for a test is never an effective way to study. Your brain is so overloaded with tons of new info (assuming you haven't read the material previously) and there's no way it will retain that info! If you're suffering from lack of sleep, you will also have a hard time retaining the information. So, my advice is to not put off studying until the night before (to begin with)...but to get enough sleep ("enough" is relative) that night before so you can at least focus while taking the test. Good luck!

Congratulations on making it this far!! I'm in my 8th week of my first semester and I can tell you that all the hard work you've done (and will do) is so worth it!! The previous poster gave some excellent advice! I second everything she said! However, lots of people said their first day was no big deal. Mine was! We got right into lecture - covering 6 1/2 textbook chapters worth in 3 hours! And it hasn't stopped since! I haven't found any of the work to be hard - it's just A LOT! Being organized is super important so that you can keep track of all the different assignments and chapters to read. I agree with the advice not to cram for the tests. Don't get behind in your reading! I don't know if you are anything like me - but I think I made it through high school w/out hardly reading any of the textbooks! And I did pretty well in not reading throughout my prereqs in college. I've learned that nursing school is not the place to skip out on the reading! No longer are we trying to learn the material just for a test, only to forget it the second we're done. Now we have to retain so much of what we're learning because it will eventually apply to our chosen career! So, anyway, my advice is to read, read, read! If you can, get the chapters read before class (even the first one - if you already have your syllabus). If you find the first couple weeks aren't too exciting....don't worry - it gets better!! Just wait till you get to give your first insulin injection! It's so exciting!! Good luck!! :)

St. Rose hospitals are wonderful!! However, like the previous poster said - the economy is awful right now! Not many places are hiring. However, since you have lots of experience - you probably have a better chance (if you're not picky about what specialty). You should also look into the Southwest part of the valley. There's one huge master planned community you should look into as well - it's called Mountain's Edge. It's beautiful and very family friendly!! They have this AMAZING park within the area (I also have two little girls - 4 1/2 and almost 2). I so wish I lived down there (I'm in the southwest...but a little north of mountains edge). Anyway... good luck with your decision to move!

Okay, honestly....do you like what you're doing right now with your current job? How is it "wasting your time"? You're making money from the job, right? I don't see how that's a waste of time. I don't recommend going into something that you don't want to do (just cause your hubby wants you to). Did you like the CNA course that you completed? Were you able to get lots of clinical practice to get the "feel" for it? It's a hard job to do! I, too, have my certification, but haven't actually worked as one. I am now going through the nursing program (and so far, it isn't anything like being a CNA). If you want to be a teacher - you should look into going to school for that!! It's never too late to decide "what you wanna be when you grow up" and then achieve it! Don't let someone push you into doing something you'll be unhappy with; it's your life - do what you feel is best! good luck!

Woogy! Thanks so much for the great post! I just barely finished working on my two practice drug calc tests. I was worried about whether I was doing it right or not (and am awaiting response back from my instructor to see if I'm on the right track). But then I read your post...and I think I answered them right! Yea! The thing I have a hard time with is the conversions...so I really need to get working on memorizing them! Anyway...thanks for the great advice and the examples!!

I survived the first week! The classes were just normal classes, I felt. It's the stuff you do at home that is awful!! I don't think I've ever done this much textbook reading in a week before! And all the videos we have to watch - UGH! I'm actually looking forward for things to get more "interesting." I haven't had lab yet (since last monday was a holiday)...so that will be a new experience. I guess I thought I'd have this huge feeling of "Oh my goodness! I'm a nursing student!" this first week...but it just hasn't really hit yet. I'm still overwhelmed with the thought of all that needs to be accomplished in 15 weeks...but if I just take it a day/week at a time - it's not so bad (YET)! I am enjoying the online pharm class though! I find that book to be so much easier to read than our nursing fundamentals book! (Has anyone else noticed the TON of mistakes throughout the potter&perry book? Seriously - their editors must have fallen asleep "reading" the book too!!!) I really like the "my nursing lab" site. I think I learn better when I have quizzes I can do. It provides a challenge for me to try to get the best score (since it's graded automatically). I can't seem to get higher than a 92% on them though....which is frustrating to me! I am learning to hate those multiple right answer questions (where you have to click on ALL of the right ones to get the answer right). Any suggestions on how to handle those better? Is there a trick to it?

I'm sorry I can't give you any advice dealing with UMC....I'm just barely starting the nursing program next week! But what I CAN tell you is : you won't want to live in the area around UMC! Just be prepared to drive a distance to get to work if you want to live in a good neighborhood! :) Good luck getting the info you need! And good luck with the move (if you decide to make it)!

Very good suggestion!!! Thanks!! I have a Tide pen... are the shout wipes better? That is too funny that you had to wear such an awful nurses cap - I'm sorry!! I guess I need to count my blessings that my head can stay "cap free." And I'm also grateful that we only have to wear our uniform to clinicals (not for lecture or lab). :)

Wow! You're all so awesome! I got teary eyed just reading through all the support! It's just good to know that I'm not the only one, ya know? It helps knowing that others have been through this (and survived)! I will definitely have to just "take little bites" and take it one day/week at a time. That syllabus totally overwhelmed me - but I realized that I was looking at the big picture. I need to just focus on what I can get done right now. I'm almost done with my first weeks reading (and my first week is next week)...so I hope that helps me get a good head start. I wish I could record in class...but we're not allowed to. So, I'll have to stick to good 'ol flash cards. Does anyone find doing the book's quizzes (in the book or on their website) to be helpful in studying? I guess I'm not as worried about being able to handle the school work as I am about neglecting my children and hubby. The past year, doing pre-reqs, I've been able to just do my studying at night after the girls go to bed (and still pull off A's). I'm worried that won't be enough time and that I'll actually have to study during the day. It's hard enough for me to leave them for class hours - but I hate having to lock myself in my room while they're awake. *sigh* I guess I chose this path, and now I need to "pay the consequences." I will keep telling myself that I CAN DO THIS! And hopefully my girls are young enough that years down the road, they won't really remember all the hours that mommy was away. And maybe they'll gain a greater bond with their daddy for all the hours they'll be spending together. Thanks again for all the comments so far! Keep 'em coming! I'd love to hear some more study tips (when, where, how, etc). I'm working on getting organized...but I'm sure I'll find a better method once school starts and I see where my stuff works best. Oh, and thanks for letting me know that I'm not the only one who will look ridiculous in my white uniform! :chuckle They might as well make us hold a huge flashing sign that says "STUDENT NURSE - Run Away!!" (And thanks for the idea of having an extra pair of pants in the car - just in case!) You have all lifted my spirits. I hope I will be able to have the time to check back here occasionally for that wonderful moral support!!

My ADN program starts on Tuesday and I think it's just started to hit me. I must be insane to WANT to go through this!!! Last night I was organizing my stuff and putting my 132 page syllabus for Nursing101 into a binder and arranging it into weeks (15 in total). I was so completely overwhelmed at all that has to be done for this one class. I have two little girls (4year-old and one who thinks she's 2 already...but won't be for another few months). My hubby works 2 jobs, but is very supportive of me going to school. But I don't think he realizes what he's getting into either. I don't know when I'm gonna have time to read all that's required, let alone get all the papers and quizzes and other stuff done too!! I just keep telling myself that other people have been here and done this and survived! I guess I could really use some help from Moms who have made it at least through their first semester (though any words of encouragment from ANYONE would be greatly appreciated as well)! Class hasn't even started and already I feel like I'm sinking.... *blub blub blub* (Oh, and another note that anyone can respond to - Are you required to wear a specific uniform? Our school makes us wear WHITE!!!! Hello? How dumb is that?! And they can't be "scrubs." I feel like I just need a little white nurse cap to pin to my head and I'll be good to go! Ugh!)