MammaNurse2Be

1. record lectures 2. rewrite your notes 3. write the objectives from each lecture 4. act professional, responsible and ethical 5. remember that you are interviewing for a job with every single person you meet from the teachers, lab teachers, janitors, CNAs, dietary, unit clerks, xray, lab techs, pharmacy. Introduce yourself by name and ask theirs. Try to call them by their name and thank them after each shift, lecture or class. If someone goes out of their way to provide teachable moments, thank them. 6. At clinical, offer your services whenever possible, "can I get those vitals for you? Can I help you with the bed bath? Anticipate how you can help your nurse and cna before they ask. If your patients are fine for the moment then offer to help your nurse with her other patients. 7. Never sit around saying there is nothing to be done at clinical. Find something. There is always something to do. 8. get a study group together. offer your notes and others will reciprocate. 9. don't gossip and help your classmates where you can. Offer encouragement and kind words to others even when they make mistakes. Point out the good you see. We all have had bad days and when the good is pointed out, it sure can make you feel good. 10. start studying for the test with the first lecture, don't wait or you will be overwhelmed 11.keep your papers organized. always print out extras of things you may need. why? there will always be a classmate that forgets theirs and it is nice to be able to help. then on that one day that you forget, you will have so many people willing to jump to help you because you bailed them out. 13. bring a good supply of healthy snacks for studying and clinical. all that brain work and concentration makes you so hungry. drink your water 14. exercise regularly, walk or run while listening to lecture, meet your class mates before or after class, go to the track, take your breaks and walk around the building. anything to keep your blood moving. 15. form study groups and go over lectures and nclex questions, talk out rationales and thoughts. listen to others opinions respectfully. 16. have fun!!! these are some of the best times of your life!! at least they are mine....

My first suggestion would be to talk to your doctor. You mentioned several things...overwhelmed,depression, anxiety, lethargic, not getting things done, menopause, don't feel like yourself, sleep issues. I'd write these concerns, along with all of the medications you are taking and visit with a doctor and/or therapist to see if you can't tease out what is going on. You clearly state that something is just not right. Good for you for recognizing that and realizing things need addressing before starting school. I wish you good luck with school and hope you get to the bottom of things quickly!

When someone shares their dreams, no matter how far fetched it may seem, I wish them the best....and I mean it. Just like when my kids say they want to be fashion designers, rock stars, writers etc. Not once would I roll my eyes behind their back. What is the harm in having dreams and aspirations? I am sure plenty of people rolled their eyes at me about my dreams. But I am following mine and am as happy as ever.

In my school you get what you get and there are zero trades or special requests considered. Period. I just food out that I am switched to sat/sunday clinicals and I have 3 kids. I ave to be there 0630 -1430 both days. I had to smile and say ok. There are about 600 other candidates that want my spot. They don't care if I have to drive or if I ave to hire more help. Can you spend the night with a friend or rent a room closer to where you will be? U can do anything for 10 or so weeks.

There are many students in my class that work although I don't know how. Many are trying to reduce hours as we speak. I find that where there is a will there is a way. If you want it bad enough, then you will be able to figure out how to make it happen. Don't stay in a job that makes you miserable. I would try to make it work. I love nursing school!

I have littman master cardiology special edition and I love it! Bought at stethoscope.com, super nice engraving and it arrived in 2 days.

Front row for me. It is a huge pet peeve of mine when people in the 3 rd week decide to move and take other peoples seats. Lol I am a creature of habit!

Sorry for the delay! Was at soccer practice with kids and trying to type on the iphone so excuse the run on paragraph... As I was saying, had to let go of guilt that I was somehow going to make her all better if I was there with her the whole time trying to make it all right. Not saying you feel like that. Just I did and felt that I wasn't entitled to happiness while she was suffering. That last time she almost died, I had been in ICU with her non-stop as I couldn't even leave her side for fear she would die. I kind of had this letting go with it all. My picture in my head reminded me as if I were in this life raft and she was drowning. I had my hand over the side doing all I could to pull her in the raft but never could get her over the edge. I let her hand go and watched her slip under. I cried so much that day. But, what I did was realize that I had to go on and that this very well could be her time to go. It was very sad. I totally turned her over to the Lord and prayed for His Will to be done and I prayed that I would be able to walk whatever road he wanted. since I have been living this way, life has been going so much better for me stress wise. My mom did recover and has lived better than I ever thought possible but she is still always one little thing away from ICU. With this most recent issue, I told her that I place my trust in God to see us through. No matter what happens. I'll let him worry about the details and I know He will give me strength to cope with what I need to when the time comes. She knows I cannot leave school right now. So, my brother will have to stand in for me and finally step up to the plate. With that perspective, i no longer worry what will come my way because I KNOW for a FACT that He will give me strength. I pray He gives you strength too. Sorry for the ramble...but this has been on my mind lately too. Best of luck to you!

So sorry you are going through this. I am too. My mom lives out of state and is not in good health either. She has almost died several times with the last having an ischemic attack in her gut and she has an ostomy bag. She weighs maybe 85 lbs and now has been told she has spinal stenosis and has to have major surgery so she doesn't get paralyzed or have further bowel issues. We have had a second opinion one from a trusted dr and both agree on the surgery being imperative. Along with that she has kidney disease and high bp. So, here is how I have wrapped my head around it. I love her terribly. I even had her live with me for 2 years and lost two pregnancies at that time. I did all I could for her yet I know I cannot control what ultimately happens. I had to remove that level of guilt. I'll type or 2 in a second.....

I am happy to report that overnight I became a morning person! Lol I have been getting up at 5 and going to bed at midnight. I am hoping that once I get into a better routine, I can go to bed earlier than that. Last night I got barely 4 hours so tonight I am going to bed by 9. I only have one chapter left to read for tonight and my dinner is totally prepped and ready to eat after the kids have soccer and baseball. Overall I love school and am excited to be going! Ps, I have used many of these suggestions to get me organized!

Can u explain the vics? Do u carry the pot in ur pocket and put under your nose b 4 entering room? Details for newbie please?

Thank you all; it means slot to have the support. :)

@crazier than you.... No problem. I should have clarified! I am cautious with my health to a fault and sometimes it is a silly thing like white pants that finally puts me into gear.:)

I have associate in science for physiology and associate in science for natural sciences.

Hopefully you will glean at least one new skill to add to your orificenal of study habits. I have an idea... What if you take notes and share your top three favorite tips? When I know I have to report back to someone, it enhances my focus and the time goes by faster. :) plus, I have loved reading all of the great notes people have been sharing lately. I am a printing crazy person!