StudentGrace

Wow. OP is only expressing her feeling how ADNs are sometimes put down because they do not have BSN as evidenced by the instructor's comments. We can all be very proud of ADNs or BSNs that can pass their NCLEX first time and with 75 Qs to boot. I honestly do not feel this was an ADN vs. BSN, only OP restating the her feelings that ADN are just as prepared for the most important initials RN.

I bought mine on allheart.com. It was around $139 and had a student nurse kit from Littmann that gives you a CD with heart sounds, ID tag and extra ear buds(mail in form with proof of purchase). It was the best thing I could do for me for getting through nursing school, especially if you have to do nursing home rotation because some elderly heartbeats are really hard to hear. If you are a member of the National Student Nursing Assoc you can get $10 off with a promo code. Also, I bought mine with a friend and we shared the shipping costs.

I took an 8 week course, well actually 7 week because exam is on week 8, but did fine. The A&P book had study questions at the end of the chapter. Also, we got a coloring book/study guide book that helped a ton. The book also had a website you could log on and take practice tests and review online flash cards. The biggest thing that helped me was a study group. 2-4 people max.

I got a Timex indiglo "Expedition" watch. Water resistent and has small military numbers with the slightly larger regular hourly numbers. Maybe $30-35 at Walmart/Target/KMart. Also, Dakota Watch Co typically have kiosks in the mall or you can order online and can get something similar. I like my Timex though and it works for me.

I took the TEAS test after not being in school since 1986. I was also weak in Math. I actually did very well on the test. I remember some general science questions, reading comprehension, grammar, simple math, algebra and some higher math. You can review the type of questions free on the test preview website, but I think the test is curved based on national results.

I am currently in term 3. I can try to help?

I am currently in my third term so I can only tell you what I know so far . . . Classes are day classes and can range between 2.5 to 4hr classes. Depending on if you have any transfer credits determines which classes you are required. The admissions group schedule your classes according to the program - you don't schedule your classes. There are some opportunities to request a schedule change if there is a change possible (ie. if you have to take Speech Wed/Thur you might get to switch to Mon/Tue, etc). A few classes are available online. Most of my classes have ended either by 1pm or 2pm and even a couple ended by noon. By the time you get to clinicals, I have heard they are during the day, however, we were told that if the clinical is only available is 2nd or 3rd shift then it is what it is (but I haven't heard anyone having to do this yet). A lot of my classmates work while attending school. It is a great school and I'm glad to be there.

Congratulations girly27. I am in my 3rd term there and it is going well. There are some tough classes and some easy - which classes may be totally different for you than it was me. You will do great - the teachers are really good and want the students to be successful. Just keep your focus, nursing school takes determination and committment . . . and don't be distracted by students that are not as committed as you are. ForeverLaur - I have heard of the Hesi test (or at least that it exists), but we take the TEAS test so I don't know if they (admissions reps are for all the programs, not just nursing) would know how they are similar or different. However, the dean of nursing is a wonderful lady and may have a better idea. You can even e-mail the DON program and I'm sure she would get back to you.

As a nursing student, the blogs have helped me with a view into the realistic world of nursing - common complaints, suggestions and humor.

try http://www.steeles.com/catalog/3MclassicII_special.html 3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Special BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Edition Pink Model 2815 $64.99

TALK to the person in your care and assess what they know and what they don't and what they expect. They were not frozen in time and all the sudden thawed and put into your care. The Amish are typically very friendly and kind and although maybe not educated as we would think in terms of school and college, they are very educated in general knowledge of raising a family, raising/breeding animals and running a business in today's world. There are many different "orders" of Amish, some more strict than others, but one state does not have one type and another state has another type, but several types within within any state and sometimes within any county. They typically seek their local doctor dentist for most issues when needed and do not use a hospital unless absolutely necessary . . . a nice break from some "English" that use the ER as their one-stop doctor shop.

Right now Borders stores has workbooks that are used for kids over the summer to help them with the transition from one grade to another. Seems remedial I know, but it really helps with some of the basics. Also, check with your local school districts for summer and adult enrichment classes. Some local communities offer adult continuing education classes to help those obtaining GEDs and offer math/algebra classes that will help with refreshment. Ask your local highschool or college for a list of math tutors. Libraries have all types of books that will help with math refresher and preparation tests (GED, SAT, etc). I, too, had math phobia when starting nursing school simply because I have not had math since freshman year of high school and I graduated in 1986! I got lucky because my nursing school algebra teacher was AMAZING at teaching adults who have not had math for a while and breaking it down so that we could understand it. That is why I am suggesting going for some sort of adult enrichment/GED type math class - they are used to folks who are scared of math and haven't had it for years.

No worries, you will be fine. I am over 40 and even though there are students my age, most are much younger. While I do not have much in common with them, I find that I can socialize in school with them. They do not ask me to go out with them outside of school, which at first kind of made me feel weird, but then I also reminded myself I'm kind of beyond that and it doesn't really entertain me any longer to go out partying. Like the other poster stated, keep your focus on what really is important. If you are finding the lack of friends and socialism getting the best of you (and sometimes it will), find a club to join, a reading group at the library, or a craft class to attend. Sometimes one of these "non-nursing" events are a fun way to relax and get to know people beyond school.

check out the name tag at the bottom. it is engravable also - $4.99 http://www.steeles.com/catalog/3MclassicII_special.html

www.scrubs.com - i found a watch attachment that you can attach to any stethoscope.