viperblue72

Unfortunately, I don't remember the books, but I remember specifically reading this in the text book for my ADN through Excelsior in 2012 and my BSN this year through Western Governor's University. In practice, I have noticed that in psychotic patients who are agitated there seems to be less "leakage," when using z-track as the muscles are often tense and the patient is constantly moving during injection. I know this is just anecdotal but maybe it helps.

I loved it. It's thorough and you learn a lot. Some of it is tough. I can pm I you have specific Questions. Here is a reply I sent one person and there is a lot of information I posted on another topic too. Each class is a bit different but your mentor may provide extra guidance or help through extra docs or docs that are no longer available publicly-mine did this for some. For instance, while biochem can be a bit complicated, they jut took down the most helpful videos, so my mentor save them for future students. Do the reading. My best suggestions were in the post, but each class has different approaches and once you know some of your first classes, I can maybe give you a bit more advice. If you have access to two monitors that can be a huge help. I didn't but wished I did. Microsoft one note is great for copy/paste note taking on the fly. Use a speedtest to check your wireless speed as some things are slow to download or upload but might be quicker through an Ethernet connection. Just can save time to have that ready ahead of time if applicable. If you have the classes with labs, order them before you start ANY class. Also do the asynchronous cohorts, better than waiting on "class" discussions.

Heres a response I sent to another student, I also posted some detailed stuff on another post a few weeks ago. Each class is a bit different but your mentor may provide extra guidance or help through extra docs or docs that are no longer available publicly-mine did this for some. For instance, while biochem can be a bit complicated, they jut took down the most helpful videos, so my mentor save them for future students. Do the reading. My best suggestions were in the post, but each class has different approaches and once you know some of your first classes, I can maybe give you a bit more advice. If you have access to two monitors that can be a huge help. I didn't but wished I did. Microsoft one note is great for copy/paste note taking on the fly. Use a speedtest to check your wireless speed as some things are slow to download or upload but might be quicker through an Ethernet connection. Just can save time to have that ready ahead of time if applicable. If you have the classes with labs, order them before you start ANY class. Also do the asynchronous cohorts, better than waiting on "class" discussions.

For the lab, start ALL the experiments ASAP-they can take over a week. You have to grow bacteria and then inoculate dishes, etc. Read through ALL the help documents and watch ALL the videos. They will be very helpful. For the test, take a practice test, find out your weaknesses. Read through ALL the material with a focus on your weaknesses and take a second practice test. the Objective took me about a week, the lab I worked on while doing other classes-it took me a while to get the initial s. epidermidis to grow. Definitely need to set up a well-regulated incubation box-don't want to kill the bacteria!

About 25 hrs a week. I suggest reading the material, but if it's familiar territory skim until you find new info. Don't waste your time but do take advantage of the great resources available. Use the course search and course tips to find good resources. When viewing a panopto video loin at the top for the course label, click it to see all related videos. Some of the courses have videos that will save you so much time and effort trying I decipher what is really being looked for. What are you taking first? Also take a practice test As soon as you open the class. Do this before ANYTHING.

I agree with the above. You definitely want to decide on a broad topic for community health and start getting field hours asap. That will move things along quicker, even though the mentors will tell you not to. Most of the mentors give you lots of helpful information to go along with the classes. If you have any specific questions about a class I have 39 credits down in 55 days so you can message me if you want.

Same story here. I'm 39 credits down in 55 days at WGU. You learn a lot, get credit at an affordable rate for knowledge you have or pick up quickly. I LOVE it. The lab kits were actually pretty cool, so the labs aren't a big deal-most of it is somewhat hypothetical responses anyway.

Western Governors University is competency based, therefore self paced, and flat rate tuition of about 3500 per 6 months for as many credits as you can complete. I've completed 39 credits in 55 days.

Don't be deterred from psych nursing because of size. You only need to be quick to assess and respond so you can medicate or call codes when necessary. Some of the biggest, most agitated patients will at times only respond to women, often smaller women. A lady who can have that stern motherly voice is all some patients need. Small framed women bring a very important dynamic to psych nursing.

Good luck! I went through Excelsior and from registration to receiving my degree in the mail it was less than one year. You can do it! Don't be overwhelmed by the negative reports about the CPNE. It is stressful due to the amount of money and time invested, but it honestly is not that bad since they TELL YOU WHAT TO DO! I used Robb's CPNE study guide. It was cheap and effective.

Actually the difference in ADN and BSN by most state boards of nursing is an emphasis on leadership, not critical thinking. The emphasis in almost ALL ADN and BSN programs is critical thinking, because the NCLEX is weighted in critical thinking (of course nursing knowledge is required too.) viperblue72 LPN, ADN, soon to be BSN

I had two separate occasions in which a patient deliberately kicked me during a violent patient situation. One even told my nurse manager "he made me kick him in the balls." Apparently the word "no" didn't go over so well. I couldn't exactly walk away though as it was only two small female left to restrain the patient if I left.

Two suggestions: ATI-we used this during school-find the books/cds on amazon or used somewhere-should be cheap. Very good at preparing you for the style of questions. I even saw some questions word for word on the NCLEX. I didn't use ATI after I finished because it would all be repeat, so I used a used generic NCLEX review book and studied 10-20 questions each morning and night for a few weeks. I felt confident going in to the test. There is no need for a ton of resources or to spend a lot of money. You don't even really need the latest version of the books. Focus on eliminating a few answers by reading the question critically. The test is as much about critical thinking as it is about content knowledge.

Having been a primary lead and responding member in countless codes/physical interventions, I can tell you the things that help me most are: 1. If time allows prep mentally for a few seconds beforehand-imagine scenarios and how they would play out ideally and what you can anticipate happening vs. what your response would be. 2. I think you mentioned using CPI-practice the moves!! Even if you don't have someone to practice with, walk through the palms up, arm around the waist, etc. 3. Take a minute afterwards, even if you don't have a debriefing policy, to talk to team members and also do some deep, focused breathing and focus on positive thoughts. 4. Humor-often at staff's expense in a safe, private environment (such as the med room) has always helped me deescalate myself following an event. 5. during the events you have to be mindful of your environment, breathing, and positioning. Not breathing calmly will just make things worse. I cannot stress the importance of mentally prepping just before and physically walking through the motions enough. This is the primary thing (not the other 10 staff members in the room,) that saved me and another nurse from a razor blade. Don't ever feel weak for asking for a minute afterwards to decompress-it is best for YOU and also your patients.

Props on deciding to work as a CNA. This will put you ahead of the other nursing students as long as you keep your eyes and ears open during your time at work. Ask questions and observe. 1. mention any particular classes or certifications you have completed. 2. Address your attention to detail, desire to serve others, and caring spirit 3. Count your hours and present them on your resume under education, this can be significant because it may put you ahead of fresh out of CNA class applicants 4. Don't discount other jobs-for example, when I applied for a CNA job and my first nursing job, I focused on my experience as a waiter and ability to "triage" the needs of customers and also on my experience working a front desk as an example of human interaction/customer service, and my experience working in a florist/nursery for its attention to detail. Focus on your strengths from a variety of areas, not just what you lack from not working in nursing.