joanie2341

I was in a similar situation my last semester of school. I went to the dean, the instructor was fired and I was placed in another clinical group where I learned so much more! You're better off being honest! Keep us posted!

I work in a busy ER with lots of mental health pts coming through. We don't have our own psych unit so we use a 24 hr psych triage nurse to help place the patient once the pt is medically cleared and certified by the ER attending. Last night I had a...

I'm a new grad in a smaller community ER. I worked there as a tech for about 9 months prior to taking nclex. I had 10 weeks orientation. My suggestions: Get a small notepad with tabs for each letter (I use an address book with letter dividers) to t...

Don't let that advisor discourage you! I went to JJC (in my early 30's at the time) and there were 2 women in their 40's in my group alone. I think the average age of a JJC nursing student is 31 or around that. If you've got the grades and the pre...

Agreed!

I graduated in December from an ADN program. I was immediately hired into the ER as an RN in a small suburban Chicago hospital. Everyone from my clinical group has found a job in a hospital (the last one being this week). I was lucky enough to do a...

I'm a new grad working in a community hospital ER. I've been on orientation for 6 weeks now. There was a situation yesterday that would like some thoughts on. My preceptor and I had a 19yo female pt with sickle cell that came in for back pain. My ...

Just a word of caution about some of these neighborhoods. I wouldn't walk from the "L" in Pilsen or Humboldt Park at night by myself. Take into consideration what shift you will be working. Obviously you need to always be aware of your surrounding...

I don't know of anyone for whom the PVT did not work. Congrats, nurse!

Have you reached out to people you know that are in healthcare? Don't be afraid to ask friends/family members to ask their managers. What about asking your former classmates? Keep on trying! I know it's not easy out there. Most of the people from...

How are the classes going so far? I just applied and still need to have my transcripts evaluated. But I'm hoping to start in the fall!

Congrats!!! Good for you for sticking with it!

I think it was a couple weeks after applying that I got the notice to sign up for the TEAS. Like Moribee said, only completed courses will count towards the requirements and what they look at. I had everything except Micro and BIO 251 done when I ap...

I just started in the ER and have heard of nurses talking about this but have yet to see it. And now that I see what is involved in resuscitating patients, it's not a bad idea!

Joliet Junior College has an evening associate's program. But you must live in district to be accepted. You will find that is the case with most community colleges. Good luck!

Also, send a money order with your application to the state. I've heard that speeds up the process too since they don't have to wait for a personal check to clear. Congrats!

Inspired26, how is the program? I am thinking about starting the RN to BSN there. Any thoughts are appreciated! Thanks!

I would say that about 75% of the students work. Most of them part-time. The ones that did work full time worked evenings, nights or weekends. I thought 2nd semester was the hardest. There is an insane amount of work that comes with your Labor and...

I am a 4th semester student, so here are some words of advice. Be prepared. For theory, try to read the topics before the lecture. It will enhance your learning. Show up prepared for clinical. Always bring your stethoscope, pen light, drug book an...

Good luck to you all! But if you don't get in, email and ask what position you are on the waiting list. I know that at least 5 or 6 people in my semester got in off the waiting list. But keep your phone on you at all times! If they call and you d...

I had a friend just get hired at Rush. She has her ADN but a bachelor's in another field, plus 5 years ICU experience.

Third semester is set up much like second semester. There are 3 rotations - 2 med surg and 1 mental health. With my schedule I will have class 2 days per week and clinical one day. I will be starting third semester next week, so I can't really give...