ann4997

Which accelerated program did you attend? touted as a 2nd career/2nd degree Bachelor's degree, but there were many new grads - BSN-RN What prerequisites were required for your program? Statistics, A&P Iⅈ Microbiology and Pathophysiology What is your overall feelings towards your nursing education in an accelerated program? It was a tough and humbling experience. I was used to getting straight As, but I wasn't so "lucky" with this degree (maybe because I had a home and family this time); it was all school all the time. The program was 12 months and all of what a traditional 4yr nursing program covers in the first two years is transferred from your previous Bachelor's degree (all the English, philosophy, history and core). The "accelerated" part was doing the junior year over the summer (may-august) - only nursing classes. Once the summer is over you join the "traditional" nursing seniors for your senior year. Do you feel like you were prepared adequately? Yes, I believe I was prepared very well. The program I went to has a great reputation and now that I have gone through it I can see why. Everyone wishes they had more clinical hours, but our program required more than the state mandate. How long did your program take? 1 calendar year; 12 months Do you think you got a good return on your investment? Yes. While many people advised me to just go to the community college because in the end ADNs and RNs get paid the same. My motivation wasn't just pay; I already had a Bachelor's degree and have designs on getting a Master's so it made financial sense to get my BSN. Also because I have a family I wanted the least impact on them (with me being away from them) and if I did the ADN it would have taken two yrs; so the accelerated BSN also made logistical/time-wise sense. Would you advise others to pursue an accelerated degree? I would advise others to understand what their goals were and do their research to find the best program to fit into their livves and budget. If someone were in a similar position as I was when I started, I would strongly advise them to pursue the accelerated degree. If you had it to do it all over again would you obtain your degree the same way? Why/Why not? Yes it was a perfect fit in my life and goals. Also, now that I am working, I feel that I got an excellent education. Hope this makes sense -- and I hope it helps. Good luck

Wow! Thank you all so much for this post and your responses - I thought something was wrong with me and felt so guilty about the home-me. I am so frustrated with people complaining about minor bumps, bruises or other ailments and can I look at it and "fix" it. I do have compassion for people but all of these people telling me about all of their booboos is tiring.

interviews of any kind can be nerve-wracking, but it is one of those things that do get easier with more experience (so interview as much as you can) and prepare. there are many links out there on how to prepare for an interview, from your appearance to standard questions and how to answer them. also, make sure you know something about their facility and have a good answer prepared for why you want to work at their facility (not because i need a job). understand the type of clientele they serve; are they a community hospital, what sets them apart from another hospital in the area and what you think you can offer them. i switched careers and in my former life i interviewed people and while you don't want to sound too reheorificed, articulate is good. they might ask you things like "describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult patient/co-worker/family member." it is fine that those experiences are from nursing school or if you can't think of any from nursing go back to any experience as such (retail co-worker, lab partner in school - anything). they want to see how you deal with conflict. it is better to have something to relate to them than to say that you have never been in a situation like that. they want to see how you react etc. they almost always will ask you what are your best assets and shortcomings. don't just list attributes - give examples of each: "i am a quick learner - as evidenced by my success in an accelerated nursing program." or "i have problems delegating or asking for help, but i am working on this by understanding that i can't do everything and making sure that i follow through with that person to make sure that things were done." you get the idea. i would write out as many of those questions that you find as well as your complete answers. read it though - without trying to memorize it - and that will help you not be too nervous and "tongue tied" during the interview (just like an exam - you study to prepare; the more prepared you are the less nervous you are). also, if they ask you something that you don't have experience with think about your prepared questions and think if anything is similar and say "i don't have that exact experience, but..." i know this might not help you with the interview that you just had, but it will help you for future interviews. for example, many places have hr interview you first, then if they think you are a good candidate, then they usually have the unit/nurse manager conduct their own interview (for which you might want to study the ailments you would be dealing with on that floor so you can give some basic answers, for example: what are sign and symptoms of hypo/hyper glycemia - whatever medical situations you may encounter for the job you are applying). i would rather be over-prepare than under-prepare. while experience does play a role, they also want to see if you are a good fit with their staff. they might get someone’s resume and see all kinds of great experience, but when they come in for a personal interview – they might not show the kinds of personal attributes that they are looking for (are they over-confident, are they willing to learn “our” way); you just never know, so don’t sell yourself short. lastly, the thank you note is a great thing to do - always. i recommend a hand written note, but if you know time is critical you can send an email, but i would still follow that up with a hand written note. it is also appropriate to make a follow up phone call a week after your interview to inquire of the status of the position, however don’t keep calling back. ask them when they think they will make a decision; when should you expect to hear from them. if they decide not to hire you, you can tell them that you are interested in working there, and are they aware of any other positions for which you would be a good fit. i hope this helps…good luck and don’t give up!

Hi. I agree with the previous posts about taking your pre-reqs at a community college - you will save a ton of money. You should research the programs in which you are interested, because different programs actually have different pre-reqs and you want to make sure that they will accept the transfer credits from that CC. Also, I too changed careers (from Education background too) and got some of the same eye-rolls that you are getting, but let them roll all they want -- you need to do what will make you feel fulfilled. I looked into Gateway CC because it was close to me, but changed my mind because I wanted a BSN (my long term goals are to get a Master's and teach nursing when I get older). So, more research lead me to Quinnipiac's accelerated BSN program. Because I already had a Bachelor's degree, they transfer your general credits and then the program is 12 months of just the core nursing classes. That made the most sense for me and my family (4 young children) - whether I did a 1yr or 2yr program it would be a big impact on my family so better to rip off the bandaid with the 1yr program. I didn't know it at the time when I went to school, but there are other colleges/universities around that offer accelerated programs. I would check them out and that way you will have an idea of how you want to proceed and what requirements you will have to meet, etc. I was only able to take 1 pre-req at a time because of my young children/schedules, but I am glad that it worked out that way because I was able to put in the necessary work/time into the classes to get good grades. GPA and grades (especially in your pre-reqs) weigh heavily in one's chances of getting into nursing programs - I sure you have heard it is incredibly competitive. I hope this helps...good luck to you on your new journey :)

In my hospital we use gravity unless it is in the orders that you can use a "gentle push." It goes fast enough. With the plunger assembled you check for residual, then disassemble it and leave the syringe in place as you pour your water flush, your meds and final flush. You are right, that in nursing school we are taught to crush each med and admnister separately. Just as when you cursh meds and administer them orally -- you are supposed to give each one separately because once they are crushed you don't know which is which anymore and if for whatever reason if you weren't to give the whole amount how do you know how much of what med was administered. I too crush my meds and mix them (as was shown to me on orientation) unless there are a lot, then I set up a few in separate med cups. I administer the syups last to make sure they get flushed completely and so none of the crushed meds stick to it (had that happen before and had to use extra water to clear it out). Anyway, I hope this makes sense and I hope it helps.

As the previous poster said - you answered your own question. If you are ever unsure of something it is more important to be safe (and ask a question) than appear that you know what you are doing and make a mistake. NEVER be afraid to ask questions -- put your pride aside and practice safely. Good luck...

Some facilities have policies on debriefings for different kinds of "critical incidences." There is a lot of research that suggests how beneficial they can be for helping people realize their role and how to get past the distress without feelings of guilt or "if I only...Maybe if I...". Debriefings, as such, usually contain a counselor or a professional peer who can help guide the session as well as assess the need for individuals who might benefit from further counseling. If your facility doesn't offer debriefings, maybe you could look into an EAP; it sounds like you have some thoughts/feelling that you are working through and might benefit from speaking with someone. Good luck to you.

second career; accelerated BSN-RN: 40. Est. MSN 45

I say absolutely get off of that rocker, make your plan and get to nursing!! With that said, I just want to share some things that I have learned. I agree witht the above poster -- if you have a Bachelor's degree in anything else look into an accelerated BSN. I am a second career new nurse and I have a husband and 4 small children; I wanted the biggest bang for my buck and for me the BSN was the answer. I had a lot to consider because my kids are used to me being there for them for everything (I only taught a few night classes so they really had me full time) so I did a lot of research into the programs in my area as well as the job market and I learned some things that totally drove my decisions. What I learned was that the few hospitals in the area that I was interested in working were trending toward "BSN preferred." That helped drive part of my decision -- then I looked at the accelerated programs because I wanted to be away from my family as least as possible -- I wanted to rip off the bandaid. So I then went and met with the schools (information seminars and the coordinators of the accelerated nursing programs) and found out what I needed to do (prerequisites, volunteer hours, and papers to write as to why I want to be a nurse...) and what kind of time frame I was looking at until I would graduate. In those information seminars and meetings I learned some other important things: it is incredibly competitive -- meaning there are hundreds of applicants for 26-32 spots (depending on the school) so grades/gpa are incredibly important - starting with the prerequisites. I applied for my program with a girl I met in a prereq and she didn't get in and in really frilly language her decline letter said her grades didn't reflect the commitment that this nursing program requires...it is too bad really because she would have made a better nurse than some of the people who got better grades than her. Anyway, I guess what I am long-windedly trying to say is going to nursing school is more than just deciding to do so -- it truly takes focus and dedication especially because of the competitive nature of things now. Your prerequisites can be done part time and some online (make sure that the nursing school approves of the places you do your prereqs from -- you don't want to waste your time). Once you get into your program I don't know that working full time will work only because as some of the other posters have said you have to be flexible for these programs and clinicals etc -- they don't really bend for you. My accelerated program was one calendar year -- besides all the class time and clinicals, your free time is study time. I have to say though that my friends that weren't in accelerated programs spent as much class time/clinical time and study time than I did, and at the end we take the same test, but we have different credentials. We graduated in May and they are looking into their BSN bridge programs now (more time and money -- two things I don't have). Do your research, make a plan and go for it! Find out what is going to work best for you in your life and make it happen -- it is soo worth it. Best of luck! p.s. don't forget there is financial aid

Is it possible to have any of the nurses or the nurse manager that you worked with on the L&D floor that would be willing to write you a letter of rec that you could take with you when you relocate? I too thought I wanted to work L&D after I graduated (successfully completed my senior capstone in L&D and had recommnedations from several nurses that I worked with) and was told by the nurse manager at the hospital I did my preceptorship that they are willing to hire me (they had a spot opening in August, which was fine with me) but would start me in postparturm and would transition me to L&D after about a year. I have heard this same practice from other collegues who worked L&D. I have also heard that it is very hospital specific as to whether they are willing to hire new grads because it is considered a specialty. So I guess it will depend on the practices of the facilities where you are moving. Just so you know, for a few reasons I decided I wanted to get a firm foothold in nursing and went the medsurg route and am thrilled with it. I fancy myself transitioning into L&D later on when I have more experience because I feel like it is in my blood, but for now I love the diversity of medsurg. I don't know if getting a certifications ahead of time may help and a lot of times you will have to complete training at the facility in which you work because they like to train you "their" way. I hope this helps...good luck to you.

If you haven't taken the drug screen yet, make sure you take your prescription bottles with you so they can make copies of them. I would not give your employer a heads up (it is really none of their business as long as you take your meds appropriately) because you are right, you don't want to be labled (unfortunately, some people have firm thoughts on these things). The health officer will verify your prescritions either with the prescribing doctor or the pharmacy and that should be the end of it. As other people said, it is against the law for them to deny employment for someone with a valid prescription. If you already had the drug screen, the health officer will still call you and then it is just a matter of getting them the info they need to verify your prescription. Unfortunately, sometimes the employer finds out that the screen was positive before you have a chance of clearing it up. But again, they still aren't supposed to deny employment. Hope this helps...good luck

hi morningland, i too am a recent grad and have started a new job and totally understand where you are coming from. as a new grad, i feel that it is doing yourself a disservice to be overly confident to the point where you don't ask for help when you probably should -- that will definitely lead to a mistake. have confidence that you want to do the best job for your patients. in your scenario you demonstrated sound clinical judgment -- questioning giving a med when the clinical picture is out of focus. i have high expectations of myself and can be hard on myself and honestly have been a bit frustrated with myself because i thought i would be able to get up to speed a little quicker than how things are progressing, but my preceptor has helped to put things into some nice perspective for me and maybe it will make sense to you too. your first year of floor nursing is like your 3rd (plug in whatever value fits according to whatever program you did) year of nursing school. given the right environment, (and ignoring those rude, competitive crab-apples that tend to "eat their young") and hopefully you will find a job that offers a good new grad internship-type program where they know you are new and provide training - not just for "this is how you get meds out of the pyxis...how you dilute this med...how to pack this wound...etc. but also how to organize yourself, track your tasks - time management, see the "big picture". they encourage you to anticipate what is coming next (given a set of circumstances), critically think, plan and prioritize -- create habits that minimize opportunities for error. no one is expected to be completely self-sufficient as a new grad. i am definitely using this time to get a solid foundation of how best to time manage and stay organized. for example i am still trying out a report (brain) sheet. i have been utilizing my preceptor's sheet, but i am finding that i write down way more than she does (you mentioned brain fog, there are certain things i don't even try to remember because if a doc asked me for a value i would want to give an accurate one and at this point i still get a little flustered) so i saw another nurse (newer hire) use a different sheet and i asked her for a copy and i am going to test that one out next shift. it's a work in progress that i am sure i will find a grove with. to jeeptj: in general i feel like i work with a great team of people -- from the nursing assistants to my fellow rns, the nps and even most of the mds are very helpful and willing to answer questions. there is one particular nurse and asst. that are a bit tough to work with; downright unapproachable, rude and you are right -- they don't want you to succeed. they frustrate me, but i still have to work with them and i refuse to let them ruin my day or morale. if the situation allows, i will go a little out of my way to stay out of their paths and ask others my questions or for help. when i have no choice, i put a smile on my face and deal with them plainly and matter-of-factly. it's not my nature to "kiss up" to people, but i do believe that kindness and manners go a long way. i know it's not the key to the universe, but don't let others bring you down. try to find a few people you have a good rapport with and when it allows just stick with them (like minded people kind of thing) and when you have to deal with the crabs, know that you can do anything for a short period of time. a quote that i like and try to live is: be the change you want to see in the world. (mahatma gandhi). i hope this helps. lastly, while i am trying to go easy on myself because i am new, i summed up my new job to my dad like this today: i really, really, really love my new job (tons to learn but i just love it) -- such a variety of diagnoses and conditions -- totally exercising that old gray matter!! i used to think that i would make a good nurse; i learn fast and thought i would be able to get up to speed relatively quickly -- now i wonder when i will really feel like i am an actual nurse and not just playing "dress up"!! lol so, be fair to yourself and look for a position that provides good training -- i hope this helps! good luck and congratulations on your impending graduation!

There was a particular hospital that I wanted to work at after I graduated and I didn't persue other hospitals as vigorously because I was waiting for a position to become available for me (which it has, finally and I am sooo glad I waited -- I love it!). Anyway, my mother is friends with someone who sits on the board at the hospital (unfortunaitely she didn't have any pull as to who gets hired and where) and she called me before my last interview there to wish me luck. When I was on the phone with her she said that there are so many other people that are coming in for that same position and you need to stand out some how. She said definitely let them know how much you want that particular position and why (what you know about the facility, population, etc.) and how they would benefit from your particular set of skills. You do have to sell yourself -- it's not bragging. Good luck and don't give up :)

Another homework question? As the others have said, the answer is no, unless there is a protocol/standing order to follow. That includes O2 (although, as others have said, you would respond to the situation by applying the O2, then get the order). Even if a patient says, "well, at home I take Xmed for my Xsymptom and I can get it otc..."

Is this another homework question? Depending on the facility and or specific floor you are working on there will be standing orders for different condtions as well (protocols).

I have to say that I feel very lucky after reading some of these responder's experiences. The economy is very difficult and it is no excuse for poor behavior. Nursing is a second career for me and I have to say honestly that I never had such a difficult time securing employment - my ego definitely took a blow while searching for a nursing position. With that said, while I was going through my nursing job search, I did the internet thing; filling out applications on hospital's websites responding to postings and I only got one nibble from that. I had the most luck and best experiences contacting people directly. I worked first in a skilled nursing facility and am now working (starting) a dream job at a dream facility. I feel very fortunate. I can totally relate to SHHHH with walking away from an opportinity where the facility wasn't welcoming and didn't behave professionally regardeless of them being busy and that the person who made the appointment wasn't even there: all of what you experienced there is indicative of the culture of that facility and I would bet that if you took that position it would have sucked the life out of you. Lastly, knowing that there may be jobs out there that aren't your ideal positions, I still maintain that it is easier to find a job when you already have a job (disclaimer: as long as you are able to practice safely and your license is never in jeopardy because of practices of the facility). Best of luck in your search

I also have to say that I respectfully disagree with a few points of edga. I am a second degree RN and proud to say BSN. I was an older student (>25) and I have a larger, young family so I researched carefully my options. Many people said to me to just go to the local CC (which has a decent reputation) and I did many of my prerequisites there, but after I sat through their informational seminar and the one of the BSN/accelerated track -- hands down I wanted to get my degree from them. Yes it cost more, but I look at it as an investment in my future. I also am planning on getting my Master's degree - I don't want to be a NP, but once I decide where I will specialize, I will get my degree in that field. Maybe I will teach one day -- I feel it is important to give back and I believe that those who have a good deal of clinical experience as well as classroom theory make good nursing instructors (just my opinion from the instructors I thought were great). As for ADN vs BSN - there are inherent differences in the curriculum. Is it fluff, does it make you better at the bedside? No and No. I think that the biggest difference between the to types of degrees is noticed most when they are new grads. In talking with an instructor (went to nursing school with the dorms and curfews that were described - now has her MSN), she has worked with all types of degrees/diplomas and she said that the education of a BSN is apparent as a new grad -- she said their critical thinking skills are unmatched (as a whole, yes there are great ADNs and subpar BSNs -- I graduated with a few!) initially. Initially being the key word because over time and with experience the good nurses (no matter their degree) will develop the critical thinking skills and become very skilled in their area. Other posters raised other valid points on education being valued/required in many fields. For example (depending on the state) law enforcement wants at least an associates degree and I know of a handful of officers in the Northeast that just got their JD in law -- a doctorate -- and they don't want to be lawyers, it is to be better at different aspects of their job. As a nurse we have an awful lot of responsibility; it is not just about how good you are at bedside care. We have to be ever vigilant about all of the aspects of our patient's care and triple check that nothing will do them harm given their condition, their history, etc -- is that rate correct, is that dose too much, should I hold this med, is that bruise suspicious, do they have any barriers to discharge...? The list goes on. Also as others have posted, this economy is horrible. There is no nursing shortage -- or the only shortage is in experienced nurses, which raises that age-old conundrum of "how do you get the experience if no one will give you the experience?" The schools are pumping out more grads than there are openings for -- it is a real problem. A very smart woman that I know who is a retired RN and is respected in her field and sits on several boards at a few hospitals said to me to take anything to start out with, just to start to get the experience -- ltc, snf, anything -- put your name on the school nurse sub list and at least you can show that you have been doing something -- something better than "do you want fries with that...?" Good luck to you in your job search. I know it's frustrating, but don't give up.

I was recently invited to shadow on a floor for which I interviewed and I wore scrubs. Like a previous poster recommended, I would also suggest that you wear solid scrubs and wear your hair up, small earrings, no nail polish (I had just had my nails done and removed my polish because so many places have policies on fake nails/nail polish - I didn't want to take any chances -- look like you are ready to work and that you fit in. Even though you aren't going to be doing any real hands on, direct patient care there are things that you can do -- ask the nurse you are shadowing. I offered to do various things (not trying to suck up in any way - no my personality), because I like to be busy and it is my personality to be helpful -- hired or not. Whatever I did worked, because I got the job (yay, me!!). Also, I agree with "onaclearday" about how wearing business clothes while you are walking in a room with nurse could put the patient off -- perception is right. If you are wearing scrubs and look like a medical professional and the nurse you are shadowing is asking the patient how they are feeling, etc. I believe they are going to be more relaxed and would be more forthcoming in relaying their personal information to you than if you had business clothes on. Just my opinion. So, I am glad that your facility got back to you and you know what to wear, the only other thing I would do is to bring a positive attitude and be assertive. If you do meet with the nurse manager after you finish shadowing I would talk with them about things you saw that you liked and how whatever attributes you have could benefit THEM. How you would fit in or they would benefit from employng you because of x,y,z. Best of luck to you.

Hi. I also would love a copy of your pt sheet. When you have a chance, could you also email me one [email protected] Thank you in advance :)

I know it is hard when classmates -- friends don't make the grade and you move on and they don't...but you are moving on -- congratulations! I don't know what kind of test it is and I rarely had a professor in nursing school grade on a curve, but I have had other professors do so and how they chose to do so wasn't always so straight forward. You could ask the professor how they derived thier curve if you really want to know... As for why people with 62% or 55% didn't get any points, maybe 8 points you received wouldn't help them anyway or maybe the teacher is using different criteria. Also, when I went to nursing school, we weren't allowed to discuss our grades_period_ doing so was a violation of our honor code. They didn't want the nasty competition that grades can cause and because there were different sections of classes they didn't want us to discuss grades so the other sections couldn't stress over if they were doing better/worse than the other section -- they wouldn't even tell you what the class average was so you can ascertain where you fit in it. I never thought it was such a big deal, but now after seeing your post, I guess I do -- knowing each other's grades does create more stress. Sorry, it's late for me here -- I didn't mean to ramble. Bottom line: be glad you passed and focus on continuing to work hard and get good grades; don't let this distort your focus. It is unfortunate for your classmates; provide them with some comforting words, but don't let it bring you down -- don't spend too much time dwelling on their situation, that is for them to worry about and fix. I don't mean to sound callous, but I have seen people get sucked into other people's problems and they get so stressed out it affects their grades -- don't let that happen to you. Again, congratulations and keep up the good work!

I too am a new grad and recently worked in a snf with about 32 patients on my 11p-7a shift. I didn't get much of an orientation and every night I worked was a race against time. I didn't have too many midnight meds or treatments but my 6a medpass was outrageous! We all know that we have that hour window before and after the scheduled med, well I had to stretch it a bit and started my medpass at 4:30 and usually finished by 6:30 so I had time to make any additional comments in the charts (depending on my wing -- all 32 patients needed to be charted on -- paper charting and electronic charting), make sure my 24hour reports were complete for the oncoming shift, update any changes in vitals, completed I&Os etc. Like you, I had a lot of finger sticks and about half would need coverage. I also had a few gtube patients (by gravity) so that took extra time. I hated waking people up, but I did it (waking up sick people to give them a prilosec just fries my bacon!) and talked to each one: "Good Morning Miss/Mr. X it's Ann your nurse; how are you this morning? I have your pills for you, and some nice juice; let me raise your bed up a bit so I can help you take them..." It took extra time, but I felt that it was easier being pleasant them, they tended to be more cooperative. I had a few patients that always refused their meds and some that did periodically and I would document it as such and would pass it along on report. I would hope that in time that the powers that be would see the pattern and make a change (just slip it to the 9a medpass). I don't know if this helped or not, but don't give up, it gets easier as you get used to the pace and the patients. Good Luck!

To Gold2010: Hi all. I hope this isn't terribly inappropriate, but I didn't know of another way to contact/help this person. Gold2010 -- I recieved your message and unfortunately I am unable to send private messages yet. I would love to help you set up a study plan if you can think of another way we can contact eachother. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks

Hello all NCLEX preparers! I took and passed my NCLEX-RN this past July in one try. I felt fairly confident going into the test -- I feel like I prepared well. I took some comprehensive pre-assessments to see where my strengths and weaknesses were and organized my content accordingly. I studied only 2-4 hours per day broken into 2 sessions. I studied the material I was weakest on first (for about an hours or so) and then did at least 100 questions per day in all content area. I would flag the ones that I got wrong to understand what I was missing and add that to my "list" to review. I used Mosby's and Kaplan (both had cds and workbook questions) and they both had examples of the new alternate type of questions that I could practice. Having a good strategy to quickly eliminate distracters and choose the correct answer is useful as well (there were test taking strategies in both of my books that I thought were very helpful). Don't cram - like trying to do thousands of questions in just the few days prior to the exam -- it just will psych you out. It's like a marathon -- you do need to be well rested and fed so you can concentrate and focus and don't "freak out" during the exam. This worked for me; I passed in 75 questions (not bragging) and if I could do it -- you can too!! The studying is worth it. Find a plan that works for you, but make sure you have a balance with rest or exercise or whatever you do to relax. Good luck to everyone!

I too am a new grad and am working in a LTC facility and am making $29/hr with a very low night differencial. I am thankful to have a job too, but will keep looking because the patient load is crazy and I only oriented one night!! Hope this helps. Good Luck!