Julian87

Thanks for all the input/criticism people! I was certainly not trying to give you attitude. (Probably just frustrated because I had an exam the next day) I understand the pathophysiology and complications of heart failure perfectly inside out. However, with this question, one of my professors said weight gain was a correct answer. I disagreed with her, and that's why I came here to get a second opinion or two on WEIGHT GAIN (specifically) being a manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Yes, Esme, a pt with left-sided failure may be at risk for gaining weight because of developing right-sided failure (hence checking weight in all HF pts), but it is not a manifestation that a nurse would expect to see in a pt with left-sided failure. I have since clarified this question with another one of my professors who is an "NCLEX question preparer" and he agreed with me saying the correct answer, in this case, would only be crackles, and pleural effusion. Unfortunately, as I have seen many times already, the rationales and answers to NCLEX questions are not the same as what you see being carried out by nurses in hospitals, and often not the same as what text books say. This is VERY frustrating as a nursing student--being surrounded by contradiction all the time!

Thank you, kjamison! The other two answers did not address my question. The question asks about symptoms of left sided heart failure specifically.

Ok, so I have an NCLEX question that I need help with: When assessing a client with suspected left sided heart failure the nurse would expect to find: (choose all that apply) a. Edema at the anterior tibias b. Weight gain c. Crackles on auscultation d. Pleural effusion e. Hepatomegaly I think the answer would be C and D, but I'm not sure about weight gain. I know you would typically see weight gain with peripheral edema in right-sided failure, but would you see it with pulmonary congestion as well? Thanks in advance!!

Thanks! Very helpful.

My textbook doesn't seem to say. Do they have the same action?

Thanks!! I did see that, but I wasn't sure that the NLN was the same as the accrediting commision. I am assuming that the NLN and NLNAC are synonymous. Thanks for your clarity.

I am currently in an ADN RN program at a community college. I am hoping to go on and complete the RN to MSN program at GMU, after I have worked for a year. My problem is that I just noticed that GMU's requirements is that the RN program is CCNE accredited, but my program is NLNAC accredited. HELP! Is there a legitimate reason why they don't allow NLNAC accreditation? It seems slightly disingenuous not to accept them as they accredit 1300 programs per year. Any advice please!?!

Thanks for all the info - a big help. I dont have an RN yet. I have applied for a program a NVCC and GMU which is a 3 year accelerated BSN program and you dont have to have any prior college credit at all. I was wondering if there are any programs similar to this one around the DC area.

I am looking into starting a RN nursing program here in DC. Can anyone recommend a community college or school that has these programs in DC and the approximate tuition? I have been looking at the Comprehensive Health Academy but I have not got any info back from them yet. Also does anyone know of any accelerated programs around? Thanks

Hi Its good to know that theres someone else out there in the same boat as I am. Im acually getting cold feet now, thinking that I wont get accepted onto the program. I really liked this program especially as it requires no previous college credit and no prerequisites. I should probably continue applying at other colleges for other programs except I dont know where... help.... and I dont think I will find a program as good as this.... I dont want to go to MCI because their tuition is astronomical compared to NVCC and I think they have an even longer waiting list to get onto their program. Hey any of you current or graduate NOVArians out there???... please give us some advice and info about what you think and what you experienced. Thanks a ton

I honestly dont think you will have a problem at all especially because you have a Bachalors degree already so you will be one step ahead. I am finding it difficult but thats only because Ive been out of school for 7 years and its tough to get back into things. My sister has just finished nursing and she just says dont worry about all the information and books - just focus on what you are learning/studying and try to absorb as much as you can - and you will do fine. All the best .

I have been studying for the TEAS online - I dont have the study manual yet. Im finding it kind of hard though especally the math. But maybe thats only me because I have been out of school for afew years and Im really crap at math. Somebody please tell me the best way to study for these tests. Im really freeked out because I dont think I will do well and I have to get above 78% on all sections.

You should be eating meat. Protein is the best source of energy and you will loose lbs if you replace bread/carbs with protein. This is the only thing that worked for me and I dont even excercise that much. good luck.

Back to the origional question - Does anyone know of any LPN programs at CC's or tech schools in N VA or DC metro area?

No dont worry, you havent taken anything away. Its good to hear concerns and questions from other nursing students and to find out what other people are thinking/dealing with as they embark on their nursing career. And thanks to everyone who gave input on how to prepare for school - a great help.

I am currently working as a medical assistant in the UK but will be moving back to VA next month before starting college. The deal is that Ive been out of academic training for about 7 years now so will find it abit difficult getting back into it again aside from the whole nursing aspect of things.

I am starting nursing school in the summer semester. What can I do to best prepare in the 5 months that I have because I know school will be difficult for me? I know some people say take a break and relax while you can or prepare yourself to think like a nurse but I am more concerned with the academic side of things. Is there anything I can get ahead on like with reading, math, med terminology? I know there is a lot of reading involved but I wouldnt know where to start. - Any help please? Or just share with me what you found most difficult - that would be a help too. Thanks

I have applied for the Momentum 2+1 nursing program at NOVA. Does anyone have any input on Mometum vs Traditional degree program? Is it alot more intense and do you have to be a smart A student to succeed? After all its designed for HS grads so it cant be that difficult... anyone have any info on pass and graduaton rates? What is the acceptance rate like onto the program? Are there a lot of people who apply that dont get in? Can anyone give me an estimate on tuition - I cant find this info anywhere about NOVA. I am coming from out of state and looking for a place to rent but I dont know which area is best.... any ideas... are there good and bad areas? it seems to me like renting in N VA is quite expensive or is that just me? I would love to hear from some current students/grads of the momentum program. Any comments welcome.

Thanks for all the info. Do I understand right that you said - you take your admission tests during your first application interview? That scares me because they did not tell me this when they told me to come and complete the application process. They were very reluctant to give me any information about the program etc which I found quite strange.... as I am travelling a long way just to complete the application. Did you find the tuition rates quite high? What is the VA Beach area like..... renting wise? Thanks

Thanks for that. Do you have any idea what kind of starting salary they offer at Inova for grad nurses?

What is the Edelman Scholarship? I have searched for it but cant find anything related. I am also seriously considering Momentum 2+1. To any of you who are in the program or have completed it..... Im wondering how difficult it is and do you have to be an A student to succeed and qualify for the transfer to Mason? Also - was it easy to be accepted onto the program? Was there a waiting list? I have also heard some people say that in regards to employment after the progrm, employers would rather have people who have done the traditional RN programs as opposed to the accelerated programs like Momentum. Can anyone shed some light onto this? do you think its true? Thanks in advance.

Did you get any replies to this post??? This is a question that I would like some answers on aswell... maybe you have some by now. What is the MCI RN program like? is it worth the high tuition rates? Did you go to the Richmond Campus?

Im looking into starting a nursing program in Virginia. Has anyone out there been or is attending the Medical Careers Institute? Is it a good program that they run? My main question is - is the VA Beach Campus better then the Newport News Campus and why? I am coming from out of state so have no preference to where I live but I am wondering which campus is better. Also any other information you could give me about the college or the program would be great as the admin people that I have spoken to are reluctant to give me any information until I go for an application interview. Thanks a ton.