rebecca41

That makes sense. Going to see if we can make some changes. Seems counterintuitive to me that as PACU nurses we're supposed to be at the patient's bedside doing real-time charting for the time they're with us but the computer is outside.

How does everyone handle isolation patients in the PACU setting? If you have only bays, do you just pull a cart over to the end of the bed? Do you really gown up and down as you step pass that imaginary line? If you have rooms or a room dedicated to an iso patient, where is your computer? We have COWs and right now we're wheeling it to the room doorway but not bringing it inside. Every time we need to chart something we're supposed to de-gown, step out and chart, then gown back up to go in. It's not efficient whatsoever, or it means you're trying to chart mostly everything after your patient has gone which is also not ideal. Given the short amount of time that we have a PACU patient (as opposed to an inpatient), not sure why there isn't a computer in the room and just clean it after they leave. Thanks for input. Trying to argue for a change to our current practice.

I am moving to MD in about 2 months so recently applied for an endorsement license from NY. I drove down to Baltimore a few weeks ago to try to deal directly with the BON because of all the negative comments here. I did my fingerprint card right there and within 2 days had a temporary license so I'm hopeful that the process is underway. But do a lot people still experience the temporary license expiring before the actual license is issued? My impression is that the criminal background check is needed to even get the temporary, so the rest of the process is things like (I guess) confirming nursing school/NCLEX status etc (although I don't really understand that either; how could you get a temporary license w/out their confirming that you already have a nursing license somewhere, and that you went to school etc.). Does anybody have a current ETA for a permanent license after application?

Hi - curious whether you've heard anything?? I just recently applied.

Hi. I was hesitant about doing the peds clinical: I like kids but am not head over heels about them the way some of my classmates are. Also I was nervous about seeing very sick children. I thought I might find that too emotionally difficult.I just finished the rotation about 3 weeks ago and can say it was one of the best and most emotionally rewarding clinicals I've done so far. The kids amazed me with their attitudes and optimism. My CI was really great and that played a big part in the experience, but overall I have a whole different take on peds now. I'd even consider doing it for my senior semester preceptorship but it's the hottest ticket in town so I'll focus on other areas I'm interested in. Bottom line if you were already looking forward to it there a goodness chance you'll love it. Best of luck!

Does anyone know what starting salary is at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, NY? Thanks!

sfmusso84: curious to hear how your interview went, and what kind of vibe you got from the place. I'm interested in NH as well but not for another 9 mos or so.

Hi all - just found this thread. I'm accepted for 2011 as well and look forward to meeting you all! I'm headed to the fb group shortly to sign up.... I need to take micro as my last pre req and have signed up for a nutrition class online on a pass/fail basis so I don't have to keep super close tabs on it (don't want it affecting my gpa). Took dev psych online last semester. I am very intrigued at the posting bat taking the micro class online. I would love to do that since I'm currently scheduled to be in an all day class on Saturdays. But I'm slightly concerned given the physicality of micro - sandy did you actually take the class and was it difficult to do online? Any other opinions? See everyone soon!

I am taking it this fall as my last pre-req as well. I've been accepted to Duke for their accelerated program starting Jan ... Woo hoo! Am glad for this thread as I would like the support. Took my a and p classes at a different community college and so don't know anyone at this one. Good luck all!

Hi all - just found out today that I'm accepted for the Jan term! So psyched. Badgrbabe look forward to meeting you! Anyone else out there get in and going? Who is moving from out of state? Christine

Ok, I'm using the "ask the audience" lifeline on this one! Most of the nursing programs I've looked at require at least one chemistry with a lab. I never took chemistry as part of my original bachelor's degree 20 years ago, and only vaguely remember taking any element of it in a general science class in highschool. So, I'm now signed up to take Inorganic Chem, beginning in 2 weeks, but just skimmed the textbook and was mildly terrified. It looks like Greek to me. My question is: should I be taking Organic or Inorganic, if I have to take just one and I HAVE to do well in it. I've had some friends say it should be Organic since that's more related to the health sciences, however others have said 1) Organic is much harder and most people are lucky to pull a C but also 2) that you will be lost in Organic if you haven't taken Inorganic first (even though my community college allows you to take either w/out a pre-req). I am working full time during the week so am taking this Chem and A&P I on the weekend, so it's going to be a challenging semester. To be honest, while I want to learn the material I need to just tick the chemistry box so I can get into nursing school. Once I'm accepted into a program I'll quit my job and be able to devote myself to studying, but I need to do as well as possible on my pre-reqs in order to make that happen. Any help is GREATLY appreciated. If I'm going to switch to Organic, I need to do in the next few days. Thanks! christine

Hi Blue River. Thanks for your post. I met with Admissions at Concordia today. You're right - the advisor I met with was very helpful and encouraging. I'm really impressed with their program. They're only in their first year and are seeking CCNE accreditation and it looks like they're set to get it. Good luck to you! You sent out your application for next year (fall 2010)?

I am taking A&P I and need to take a chemistry in the fall. I had signed up for Principles of General Chem and Biochemistry but just found out one of the programs I want to apply to requires a chemistry lab, and the principles class doesn't have it. Any thoughts on organic v inorganic chemistry? I've never taken a chemistry class so am nervous. Have heard organic is much harder. Any thoughts?

Thanks to you both! That's very helpful. I was a journalism major in college so didn't have most of the pre-reqs in the first place, so taking them all again while awaiting admission might be perfect timing. Thanks for the advice!

Leelababie and Stephanie - Can you give me any more info/updates on the RCCC/BOCES route to nursing? am in Rockland and want to go back to school for a nursing degree. I'm 40 and have a bachelor's degree from 20 years ago, but my GPA is a 2.7; I am taking A&P and Principles of Chemistry in in Fall '09. Thanks!