KatyAtlanta

I used the text for the 2103 class, just skimmed thru and mostly paid attention to the terms and definitions. I remember how cold that room was! I always had a sweater, even in July!

Hi Eniles2, Paeonia & Constance, Congratulations to you all! Here are a few tips on the books you've mentioned. I haven't seen your list, but I expect you're to get Kozier & Erbs Fundamentals (a fat white book) and the accompanying workbook. You'll use the K&E all the way thru school; it's that important. I've heard you don't have to do the workbook anymore, but do it anyway. You'll be very surprised how many things you'll recognize on tests! Look online for books. I've had pretty good luck with half.com and amazon (both new & used). I haven't used eBay, but know some who have and they've been pleased. Second, and this is just a personal preference, I really wouldn't go the rollybag route. I lugged books in a messenger bag for a while, but then realized I didn't really need them in class. Most of the teachers use PowerPoint presentations. Some of them post either the slides or an outline (Burger) of the lecture ahead of time. I did best when I read the book at home, printed the PowerPoint to take to class to take notes on, then reviewed the parts of the book that the PowerPoint covered at home. Again, this is just my preference, but sometimes the lecture won't exactly follow the book order, so I'd be fussing over finding a place when I needed to be concentrating on the lecture. (Also, you walk a ways from the parking area sometimes. The rollybags are cumbersome & they're a pain in the rain.) Good luck with whatever way works best for you! Oh! Another thing...there is an exemption test for 2103. It isn't hard; you only have to get a 70 or 80, I forgot. But I got 12 points over the requirement, and didn't study all that long for it. It used to cost $25 to take the test, but if you pass you get a refund for the tuition for that class. Check with the learning center. What did you think of your orientation? Did the current seniors give you any good info? Take care, and best of luck to you all!

Well the bright side is that you'll likely get an A and that will help with your overall GPA later. If you test out, you only get a Pass/Fail so you don't get the points to help raise the GPA if those nursing Bs start to creep in!

Melosaur, I couldn't agree with you more! I read the chapters before lecture. I bring only my binder to class and take very good notes. My heavy books stay at home! Then I put it all together to study. It took me a whole term to realize that I wasn't gaining anything by lugging those books into lecture. I actually think I'm able to pay more attention to what is being said when I'm not busy finding it in the book. Plus, it's nice to travel light. I can't imagine pulling one of those libraries on wheels!

Are you serious? This is a television show. Frankly, I think it's one of the most entertaining shows on now. I can't see how it in anyway damages the "image" of dedicated, hardworking, professional nurses. For the record, I also love The Sopranos, The Tudors and Mad Men. Neither I nor any of my friends are so intellectually challenged that we confuse Italians, Brits or anyone from the 60s with the stereotypes portrayed therein. Another thought...Nurse Jackie caricatures the doctors even more than the nurses. Will we begin to hear whining from the AMA?

Most at my facility say, "mersa", but we always write. "M.R.S.A" (American)

Have you considered the raspberry? It'd look great with your navy scrubs, and is, in my opinion, much prettier, and a bit more subtle than the baby pink.

Of course Chemistry helps you become a good nurse! EVERYTHING we learn helps us to become better nurses. I happen to think that everything we learn helps us to become better companions, friends, mothers, fathers, spouses, neighbors, etc. Why wouldn't we want to learn everything we can? AND, why wouldn't we want to keep it up throughout our lives, long after we've passed the NCLEX???

This is only a bit off topic... I don't understand the "waiting list". At our school, you might be wait-listed only until they see if all the first round acceptances take the spots offered. If someone who gets in decides not to take the spot, then it'll pass to the next most qualified applicant. However, that only applies until classes begin, then all bets are off. If you don't get in that year you re-apply and compete again the next year. When a school is said to have a "two year waiting list" does that mean that spaces in future classes are promised to students who don't make the cut in a given year? And does this mean, for example that a 2007 applicant with a 3.25 GPA and a 75th percentile RN-PAX could possibly take a 2009 admission slot over a 2009 applicant with a 3.5 GPA and a 90th percentile RN-PAX??? That doesn't seem fair. Just asking for clarification. Thanks!

I think it looks very much like the Aeroflot stewardess uniforms from the 70s!

We are not allowed to attend our clinicals if we have worked past 11:30pm on the night before. It's a safety issue. You might be able to do the night shift while you're getting your pre-reqs, but I wouldn't count on being allowed to do it in NS.

Okay, this won't be popular...we're "supposed" to be able to do everything, but have you considered postponing school until your youngest begins kindergarten? Maybe you can get some pre-reqs done online. Then you can enjoy your children, they can enjoy their mommy and you'll get outside to see if there are children in the neighborhood. Plus, you'll be able to see your husband when he's not sleeping! Like I said, this won't be popular, but its undeniable that school will still be around whenever you decide to go, but your children won't stay little very long at all.

Congratulations! You've chosen a very, very good program! I hope you'll be very happy there. Thanks for sharing your good news!