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.

Perhaps try that "Pearson" trick I have heard about. It is actually posted on here somewhere (try searching), but I think the basic trick if it lets you register again or not will give you a hint if you passed or not.

Attending now. I am enjoying the program and am glad to be able to have this opportunity.

I am a current student and can also test to the complete instruction you are taught at AI and the clinicals are at the best hospitals. I have argued before that if there is any kind of problem with passing that one should consider the committment of the student, time committment and maturity. There are some students in my classes that are struggling, but they also don't come to class regularly. You cannot do an accelerated course and miss half the classes. If you are struggling the teachers are more than willing to take time out of their schedule to help a student or come in on off hours to help. Also, AI uses "ATI testing". This from what I hear (based on postings here on allnurses) is one of the best around for preparing you to pass NCLEX. Given that AI have a near 100% pass rate, I would have a hard time basing the program on one person's problem with passing.

I found this online on NSNA "Study Tips by NSNA Members" September/October 2008 Imprint. Although, I don't know if this is what you are looking for, I thought it pretty useful. A mnemonic for "the basics" by a nursing instructor. You could try to search on NSNA.org for more tips. (Sorry if long . . .) KIWIS PLeaSe - K - Knock on the door: this alerts the patient that you are coming in to his room. I - Introduce Yourself: a common courtesy. The patient has a right to know who is giving him care. W - Wash your hands and don your goves: essential preventingthe spread of communicable diseases. I - Check the patient's ID bracelet. Depending on the orientation of your patient, this is also a chance to ask the patient his name for clarification purposes. S - State the service you are about to perform. The patient has a right to know what you are going to do to him, especially when it involves physical touch. Remember, the patient always has the right to refuse treatment. P - Provide for Privacy. This is when you should be aware that the door is closed, and the curtainis drawn if there is someone else in the room. Additionally, if you are giving a bed bath, make sure to keep the patient adequately covered. L - Check Locks. This is a safety issue. Check to make sure the IV is locked, running as per doctor's order, or wide open in the case of Continual Bladder Irrigation (DBI). Check to see that the bed is locked. When you leave your patient's room, make sure that the bed is in the lowest position and the call bell is within reach. S - Bring in your supplies. Bring in all the appropriate (and possibly extra) supplies into the room. Nothing makes a new nurse feel worse than having to inconvenience a patient to run and get the correct supplies.

Morningmom is right - the DON went down to Georgia to meet with the NLN board for final processing. So the school is accredited and waiting final ribbon. AI has a much better reputation than what you think as far as hospital hiring. As I might have mentioned previously, the area hospitals are in favor of AI. This was an important step to achieving accreditedation was for the board to hear hospital opinions. AI is just hard to get into. They only take 30 students per quarter. It is accelerated and crazy busy, but it is sooooo worth it. The instructors are great and the Math/Algebra teacher also teaches at Akron Univ so they are not your bottom of the barrel crew. Morningmom is also right about Akron General not hiring ADN without experience, but then again, I know Children's won't hire smokers and are crazy tough to get in there. I thought I heard that Summa also screens for smoking as well, but not sure.

Being a female I never really thought much of this as an issue, but I guess I can see where it would be. When I had my son I had a male OBGYN (because it was who my sister had and also who my insurance included), my previous OBGYN was also male. One the day of delivery (one month earlier than due date), my OB was out and the other MD in his office (also male) had to deliver my son. Near time for the final moment, a nurse came in to ask if I minded a few students to come in. Sure, no problem . . . and 13 students came in. By the time I had my son I belive there were 17 people in the delivery room. And I honestly could have cared less who was male and female and what percentage of students were what. If you enjoy L&D, go for it. It is more important to a patient that the nurse loves the job they are doing because it shows in the care. I cared more about the care received and the experience of the moment to care if my nurse was male or female.

My school told me to check out www.testprepreview.com or www.atitesting.com. This was very scary and intimidating to me, but I score an 80 after being out of school for 20 years. The break down is Reading 40Qs @ 50mins, Mathematics 45Qs @ 56mins, Science 30Qs @ 38mins and English 55Qs @ 65mins. If I remember correctly, the questions were multiple choice and you could move on to the next section when you were finished with one section - it's time on the computer so you can start the next section if you like. This was my experience anyway. Good luck to you!

I took my test at the school and rec the results right away. When you register to take the test, they also ask for your home email address so you can access your results from home if needed. My school requested an actual copy with the application when I turned it in. I'm sure they get it electronically, but they requested a printed copy as well. Check with your school. Good luck on your test!

Prior to starting clinicals, my school requires the 2-step test as well as other vaccines.

Same with me. All questions were on the computer and at the end of the test the results were given and you can print the results.