jennabean55

I agree with what the previous individuals have said, it all comes down to getting into a rhythm. The hospital I work for has a printable patient profile that shows everything that the patient is currently prescribed or having done in terms of treatment. I previously used this, but then found that it was much easier to just look it up and write down the important things. I also took it upon myself to create an easy sheet that has all the basics (i.e.; Name, Dx., Hx., Allergies, Abnormal labs, Reminders, I&O, etc.). This has helped tremendously and makes giving report much easier. Just remember, focus on on the core things: why they are there and what you are doing for them. Practice makes perfect :) Good luck!

Before I started nursing school, I really wanted to specialize in Emergency Nursing. There were no "if's, and's or but's" about it! Once I got into nursing school I kept an open mind about the potential roads I could venture down. I loved everything about school, especially my clinical experience. Getting the chance to work alongside other nurses and see/do various things/procedures was the bread and butter of my nursing school experience! There were areas of nursing that I was NOT looking forward to (i.e. Pediatrics and OB-GYN). Turns out I loved every second of my Pediatric and OB-GYN experience!!! I would come home soooo excited and pumped about what I had the chance to experience! Seeing a live birth was totally breathtaking and it was an absolute honor to witness. I guess the best advice I can give, is keep an open mind. What you think you might hate or dread could actually be the field you eventually specialize in. Best of luck!

In the program I was in, we started with 29 and we graduated with 19. I was very thankful the be apart of that group of 19!

Born and bred in Southern California, Orange County. I moved to Western Pennsylvania two years ago to be with my boyfriend and to start Nursing School. Ugh....pre-reqs, I remember those! California's way of regulating, LOL. I was shocked when I moved to Pennsylvania and they didn't require pre-reqs. Moving here was the best thing I ever did! Where abouts in Cali are you from? And where are you residing now in PA?

That's why I sat there for 10 minutes debating whether or not to open the letter, haha! I was just given the scholarship based on my GPA. I needed to maintain above a 3.0. I also applied for other scholarships during my program. Our secretary was awesome and great at letting us know about funding and scholarships! I just graduated May 5th. Don't be discouraged. It took me a while to get into a program. I was originally from California and it's an average 2-4 years because of program impaction. I ended being placed on a couple wait-lists while living there along with a couple rejection letters. I was also in a bad relationship where my Ex was holding me back from school. Once I ditched him, I moved to Pennsylvania and got accepted instantly! It was a total godsend!

You do what you need to do when it comes to school and work. I had to work while I was in Nursing School. I had no choice. My bills weren't going to pay themselves. I also needed a car to get me from 'A to B' and it was nice to have some extra spending money. I worked an average of 12-40 hours a week while in school depending on the time of year. It was strongly encouraged by my Nursing Program to NOT work. I was bummed, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from attaining my dream of becoming a Nurse. I let my employer know well in advance what my school situation was. They were very understanding considering that they had several nursing students work there previously and currently there were two other nursing students (I waitress at an Italian Restaurant/Lounge). Like I said, you do what you need to do. If you need to work to pay the bills, it's understandable. If you can afford to not work, then take advantage of it. Nursing School is very difficult and is going to require a lot of your time, effort, emotion, and patience. The way I look at it: If I can do it, then you can do it too! Best of Luck!

Oh man! Gone are the days I ever have to wear my nursing school uniform, haha! We had White "Landau" pants that tended to fit tightly around some of my classmates ankles and had a funky stitch down the front of both legs (didn't understand the dynamics of the style). Ours tops were nice...Maroon "Cherokee" with a fitting material that tied in the back. It had a couple pockets with our nursing department logo on the top left. We were also required to purchase white lab coats with the nursing department logo on the top left. For our pinning ceremony a couple weeks ago, we wore our lab coats and it looked really nice :)

It honestly depends on the school. I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask the school what to expect whether you're accepted or rejected. Needless to say, when I was rejected I received an envelope with three papers. They were placing me on a wait-list and wanted to know if I was okay with waiting. When I finally got accepted by the nursing program of my choice, I received the same sized envelope. All I remember was my heart pounding when I saw where it came from. I think I sat for a good 10 minutes before convincing myself to open it. When I slowly pulled the envelope out, all I saw was "CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ACCEPTANCE!" I screamed and showed my Dad. He said, "Oh, you also got an academic scholarship..." I almost died! I was so pumped that I got accepted and didn't read the rest of my letter. A couple days later I received a LARGE packet with all of my new Nursing Student information. Best of luck!!!

I honestly think that it's the program you're in and I'm really sorry to hear this. What school are you going to that accepts 1000 applicants?! That just seems a little wild. Let me just tell you up front that not all programs are like this. I think you just might have gotten the short end of the stick and it really blows. It also seems as though you also got a little dose of false advertising from the program you're currently attending. When I was applying to NS I did as much research as I could before investing my money, time, energy, and emotion. I had a couple schools narrowed down, but when they started telling me the high turnover rates, red flags started going up. Once I found the school I was comfortable with, I jumped in 110%. Yes, there were things I really didn't agree with, but I knew that not every program is perfect. There was also some disorganization, but it was fixed. The second my program began, they emphasized that there was NCLEX-World and the Real-World. They did an awesome delineating between the two. I should be taking my boards in several weeks so I'm really excited and nervous! The other thing to keep in mind is that you are going to lose respect for people regardless what profession you get into or where you're educated. Some of the things I've heard RN's do and say would make your skin crawl. But the thing I need to keep in mind when I start practicing as an RN (or even when you're still a nursing student) is you are the one advocating for that patient(s). That patient(s) is your TOP priority. As long as you know that you yourself did what was in the scope of your training and you don't let the one's you've lost respect for hinder the care you're giving, then that's all that matters. I know that you're 2 semesters in, but you need to do what you need to do. Whether you decide to take a different path with Physical Therapy or you chose a different nursing program. Best of luck and I hope that all turns out for you!

I used "Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses" when I was in Nursing School. I LOVED it! It came with a CD and it also had an iPhone app that you can download, which were both convenient. I still use the book religiously and really like the detail it has. Your program might require you to purchase a specific reference manual, some you may like, some maybe not so much.

In every nursing program you get students from ALL walks of life. Although it may not be made aware, everyone (including faculty) have their own personal struggles that they learn to separate from the professional setting you'll grow accustomed to. Do not let whatever happened to you in your past determine what your future holds. I know that sounds cheesy, but it is what it is. If you let the negative thoughts bog you down, you're going to dig yourself so deep that'll be hard to get yourself out. You need to do things that make you happy. For me, music and giving myself 5 minutes to watch funny videos on YouTube meant the world. I didn't rely on others to necessarily lift me up. Needless to say, you need to do things that work for you. Staying organized will probably be a wise thing to do. I have a monthly calendar which helps me with my organization and keeps me on task. Stay positive, stay realistic, and enjoy yourself! Good luck!

The nursing program I was in did NOT require us to receive the influenza vaccine, it was optional. We were required the basics (Hepatitis B, MMR, DTaP; if not the vaccine, then the titers). We also needed a physical, TB test, background checks, and finger printing. Now that I think of it, it was a LOT of work! Haha. Needless to say, as far as I know, the influenza vaccine is NOT required and I believe that there might be an affidavit that you can sign for religious or personal beliefs exempting you from receiving the vaccine. Look into it. Centers for Disease Control has a lot of great information, so educate yourself. Hope everything goes well!

I use to teach CPR and 1st Aid for BLS through AHA. It'd be wise of you need to make sure that your program or employer accept the accredited certification site before paying for anything. I know that AHA does have online recerts for ACLS and BLS, but you need to actually schedule a time to take the practical portion of the course.

We were required to take ATI throughout the entirety of my nursing program. The ATI exams also accounted for 10% of our grade. If we didn't meet the programs standards, we were required to remediate. I liked taking the exams because I felt like it was somewhat preparing me for the computerized questions that I was eventually going to be exposed to with the NCLEX-RN. We also received books and had online access to the books, photos, videos, and tests. ATI also had an NCLEX-RN predictor. We took this twice. The first time we took it, it determined if we needed to take a Cognitive Reasoning Course (similar to Kaplan or Saunders) our school taught that helped with review for NLCEX and testing techniques. There was a cost that went along with the class, but I felt that I benefited from the course. After the Cognitive Reasoning Course we took the ATI NCLEX-RN predictor. It was awesome to see the improvement in my scores. Yeah, it's a total bummer that it's out of your control and your program is requiring it, but go into it with an open mindset. I felt the same way you're feeling now, but I took a lot more from ATI and I feel much more prepared. Just graduated this past weekend so you're almost there!!!

I just graduated May 5, 2012 from Nursing School. I could NOT wait for NS to arrive any faster the second I found out I was accepted to the program. I was so eager and excited to learn and practice what I was taught! Although you may not think it, time will fly by! In regards to A/P...the professors are going to expect you to have a BASIC understanding once you first start NS. The further you get into your nursing courses, the professors are going to expect you to know and understand more. Your instructors should be giving you a syllabus that includes a schedule of what you'll be learning each week. This is where you need to take advantage and keep a couple steps ahead by reviewing that basic A/P. The books we used for Med-Surg and High Acuity were the same and I absolutely LOVED them! "Brunner & Suddarth's Medical-Surgical Nursing" by Lippincott. It included discs as well as an awesome website (thePoint). The website includes the book itself, NCLEX-style questions, and videos/pictures (which really helped me). Keep a calendar and plan out when you can study. This helped me because I worked throughout NS. The calendar was convenient not only for me to see what each month looked like, but my live-in boyfriend appreciated it as well. I also enjoyed the satisfaction of putting a line through each day I completed..."one more day down, one day closer to graduating!" Personally, I :redbeathe NS. Yes, there were days from hell, but those days made my completion worth it in the end. You have a large group of support here on AllNurses, so take advantage of it!!! Best of luck to you my dear!!!:hug:

"The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel determines the way you act." This is what I was told by one of the best (probably THE best) nursing professors I've ever had. That statement has thus been my compass for my success not only in nursing school, but also life. I'm originally from Southern California. Once I graduated high school in 2004, I began my journey with pre-requisites required for nursing school. Being that I had a failed marriage and an ex holding me back from reaching what I most desired (becoming a nurse). I eventually left CA and moved 2,400 miles across the country to Pennsylvania to start nursing school in 2010. Moving was the hardest yet best decision I've ever made. I've endured frustration, sleep-less nights, gallons of coffee/energy drinks, thousands of dollars in tuition (thanks God for financial aid!), thousands of miles on my vehicle(s), hundreds of clinical hours, hundreds of hours studying, emotional meltdowns and panic attacks; you name it, it's probably happened. This is what might happen to you, most likely it will. Nursing school is NOT for the faint of heart and is NOT a cake walk. If it was easy, everyone and their mom would be nurses and I'd be a millionaire. I'm a firm believer in what you put in, is what you get out. Yes, you might have a poopy instructor, but you can't win em' all. Be realistic about things and stay organized with your life inside and outside of nursing school. Make sure you take time for yourself and let your family/friends know ahead of time how chaotic life will be for you once nursing school starts (Trust me on this one especially...my boyfriend and I are better because I made him well aware of what my schedule was going to be like--having a communal calendar is AMAZING!). I just graduated Nursing School this past weekend, May 5, 2012. There many times I doubted myself and felt defeated. I've met some phenomenal nurses, doctors, techs, classmates, professors, and patients. There were patients that made me cry both sad and happy tears. Those tears made me a better person and reminded me why I chose nursing. Nursing school was by far the most FANTASTIC opportunity I've had the pleasure of experiencing. Relish in the moment and determine the way you want to 'think' during your journey in nursing school. I had a BLAST!!! Good luck! And if you ever need anything, be it advice or a shoulder to cry on, you know you have a family of support and experience here :) -Jen

I am sure will do fine! I was super nervous as well and I am not a very good test taker (bad test anxiety!). I actually placed in the 90th percentile so it really lifted my spirits and confidence! Good luck!

Most nursing programs are very selective when it comes to outside courses and transferring them over. Personally, I moved from California to Pennsylvania over a year to ago because of nursing school and my boyfriend. I had taken numerous courses and the nursing program I'm in only accepted the basic courses (i.e. English, Math, Psychology). I have also taken some nursing courses (i.e. Nutrition and Pharmacology) and the program did NOT accept them. Unfortunately I had to take them over again, but I have to do what I have to do in order to be a nurse. Several of my classmates were also in other nursing programs before they got to my school and they had to take the classes all over again. It's frustrating knowing that you've already paid for, taken, and passed these essential nursing classes, but they schools reasoning behind it is that they want to make sure that all the students are on the same page when it comes to classes and the NCLEX. Hope this helps and good luck!

Most schools on the west coast are impacted. I was born and raised in Southern California (Orange County) and I was placed on wait-list after wait-list. I received either A's/B's in all of my pre-reqs and tested in the 90th+ percentile for the TEAs test. I even applied to Northern California schools as well as schools in AZ because I have family there. I had no luck. Each school has different standards and requirements which totally sucks. So consider yourself one of the lucky ones if you actually get into a nursing school in CA. I applied to some nursing schools on the east coast and got in without any issues. Currently I am in my 2nd semester of Nursing School in Pittsburgh, PA. I know that moving across the country isn't always an option for everyone, but I had to do what I felt was necessary in order to achieve my ultimate goal as a nurse. I am satisfied with my decision to move for school and I wouldn't have it any other way. Best of luck!

I am in NS right now in Pittsburgh, PA and I love it. I'm originally from Southern California and was placed on a wait list for 2 years. My grades and test scores were decent (87 on TEAS, "A" in Micro, "B" in Anatomy and Physiology). I was tired of waiting so I looked at my odds. Keep applying to get into schools in Cali or go away for a couple years and get in right away? My school is very competitive with getting in, and like all other NS, it's competitive after you get in. I personally feel that grades are not what completes the package with Nursing students. It's much more than that (ie. compassion, communication, personality, etc.).

She does not eat alone. I don't plan on inviting her to any of the study sessions I attend because things would never get done due to inability to show up on time and keep quiet as well as staying on topic. I've spoken to her on several occasions outside of class and everything is self motivating for her. The only time that eyes are rolled is when she interrupts the class because she was in the restroom demanding that something gets repeated. In regards to her being treated badly by us, that's hardly the case. She is not a girl, she's a grown adult woman with two grown children who makes it known that she was Radiation Tech several times each class before she got fired. As for the Autism? Autism: Symptoms - MayoClinic.com is a great website. Sadly she fails to exhibit any of the signs and symptoms of Autism. When I do graduate I am not going to ever expect sympathy from anyone. Nursing is a self-less , client (family, community) focused profession that demands the maintenance of health and well-being for individuals. Don't get me wrong, I do feel sorry for her. I want her to get her act together so she, like us can be prepared for the real world of nursing. And whatever the faculty eventually decides to do, so be it. I wish the best for her, I just hope she figures it out before it's too late.

See that's what I don't understand. When the semester first started, the professors all got on their soap boxes and made it clear that tardiness was unacceptable. Apparently the "rules" are bent for Tornado. She is one of the rudest individuals I've ever come across. God help us all (mainly the patients) if this woman succeeds at becoming an RN.

Yeah I guess you're right mzchas...justice really wasn't served. Only temporarily.

Like every nursing school, I have that one classmate....you know, the obnoxious one that chronically shows up late asking questions that she would have already known the answers too, but she was late, so she didn't? The one that makes up all the excuses in the book and has absolutely no consideration for anyone but herself? The one that mouths off to the attending MD because she feels as though she's somehow entitled to? How this grown woman has gotten this far into the Nursing Program astounds me... Our class has dubbed her "Tornado." She is one hot mess needless to say. So today she shows up 20 minutes late to clinicals (surprising? Hardly, since she's late for everything). She literally ran into the clinical instructor when she finally arrived. Absolutely priceless. If this were her job, she would have been canned a long time ago according to our instructors. Needless to say Tornado was dismissed from clinicals that day. She now has to attend Friday's clinicals and pay $50.00 out of pocket. This lady has made her bed and now she has to sleep in it. There are consequences for everything in life, both good and bad. I certainly learned something from her experience. I wonder if Tornado learned anything.

I want to work in the Emergency Department or Trauma Unit. When I was doing my rotations for phlebotomy I had the opportunity to work on all floors of the hospital. Out of all of the floors my favorite was ED. I loved the spontaneity and the constant change with the patients.