ss624

Hmmm I would just say get as many nursing study books as you can (without breaking budget, of course), and study the reading portion of them. And make sure you read slow enough to grasp what it is telling you. I think it is still a timed test, so that may be nerve wracking, but just really try and focus and get enough sleep. If it's difficult for you because of concentration, they do offer earplugs that I recommend you use. Good luck!

And I'm not sure what you mean by micro points?

I don't remember exactly, I think the first time it was really low like 160, then maybe about 180. When I did get in I had 203 and I started in the fall.

Hi guys :) I graduated a year ago from FSCJ's ADN program. I know it can be difficult to get answers on here about the programs and what to expect, so I just want to offer to answer any questions you guys may have about the program, good professors, etc. Let me know, and good luck on acceptance!! It took me 3 tries to get in, so if it's a no go this time around, don't give up! Oh and I got my letter around July 23rd :)

I start July 1st!!

Hi! I'm a T1D as well:-) I've been a nurse for almost 5 years. I was working 8 hour shifts in a nursing home for 4 years, and now do 12 hours in a hospital. I must say that the adjustment to 12's wasn't easy, but after a few months my body adjusted as I predicted. I also use a pump and a CGM, which is a lifesaver! I always make sure that around 9 or 10 am, no matter how busy I am, I have a snack. Then lunch a few hours later and another snack around 4 or 5 if I need it. This was very difficult when I was new and super busy, but it worked out. Also, keep hard candy in your pocket and a juice out in the breakroom for quick boosts :-)

It can be VERY difficult as a new nurse, and all of these things you are experiencing and struggling with are very normal. The hospital is a crazy place, and some doctors and nurses get enjoyment out of making others who are new feel like crap and worthless just so they can feel high and mighty and good about themselves. I worked at a nursing home for years, and just recently started at a hospital. When I first started at the nursing home, I felt lost and like I had no idea what was going on. Eventually though that all changed and I became more comfortable. Now that I'm in the hospital, even though I'm not a new nurse, all those feelings have come back and of course many people treat me like I know very little. It's extremely difficult, especially when you're the type of person who's brain just doesn't work the same way as other nurses, like things don't click as easy. But it does get better, I promise. You'll get into your groove. I'd say give it a year and if it's still not for you, move onto something else. That year of medsurg experience can be very valuable to other employers. Best of luck :-)

Does anyone know what the Jacksonville, FL hospitals currently pay new RN grads? What about new RNs with LPN experience?

Hey everyone! Just wanted to say that I'm currently finishing up my Term 1 in the ADN program now, and I have to take time off to have a baby in March :) then I'll be starting my Term 2 with you guys in the summer. Just wanted to say hello, and if anyone has any questions at all, feel free to ask. I can give you info on the teachers/classes, and I'm sure a few other things as well! Take care! Sarah

well, nevermind, I guess I should read all the emails before asking questions! i figured it out.

I just tried to log into blackboard for the nursing tutor thing, but after I click on "Connections" in BB, it just says "please wait while the module loads" and then it never loads. Anyone else have this problem?

My thing is that I applied for financial aid and got denied. So I talked about worksource, but our household income exceeds what qualifies for worksource. So, I have no financial aid set up but apparently I'm still getting a card? I guess they're just sending them to everyone, because I don't think I should be getting one.

So does anyone know if your doctor ha to sign the titer part of the physical? I got my blood drawn over 2 weeks ago and they FINAlLLY got the results back today, talk about cuttin it close! But I have a feeling I'm going to have to wait another day for them to sign that part, ya know. It only says you need a copy of the actual lab report in the nursing packet, so I don't know?

Yea I was a little surprised as well to hear that a pregnancy paper will be in the letter packet, but that's what Angie shroder, from the nursing office said. It's only a form you need if you're actually pregnant.

I didn't get anything about payment deadline in the mail, or the pregnancy paper that was supposed to be in each packet. Now that I mention it, if anyone DID get a pregnancy form for your doctor to sign, and you're not using it, could I get it from you tomorrow? :) It would just save me a long trip to the northside (even though I'll be doing it a lot anyways), and I'd greatly appreciate it! See you all soon!

Thanks ladies!! I'm getting more and more excited...about everything! I'm going to ask my boss if I can come into work like an hour late Sun, usually something like that isn't a problem and if I tell her it's "for school" :) it should be fine. That way I won't have to rush off quickly. Sorry about your car NursRatchet! How frustrating. That's so nice of Marina to help!

Yeah on my NAT there were quite a few A & P questions, as well as quite a bit of biology. There really wasn't a good study book that I could find, except my old A & P book, which (in most books) in the first few chapters has the majority of the biology you'll probably need to know for the NAT. Good luck!

Ok so am I the only one who hasn't received an orientation packet in the mail? And what are these book boxes? How do you guys know about them? :)

Thanks!!!

Ok so I got it, panera at 1 sun.....I can come for maybeeee half an hour but I'll be there! My life has been so crazy lately, just got back from vacation where I got engaged!! And I just found out I'm 8 weeks pregnant! So I doubt I'll be finishing the program with you guys, I'll have to take like 6 mos off or something, but I'll def be staring with you! Oh and I've completed the LPN program at FSCJ already, so if anyone has any questions, just let me know! I look forward to meeting you all :)

I work sun but not til 2...what time is everyone meeting at panera?

In Jacksonville you really don't work in offices or labs much as an LPN, it's more nursing home and home health. They have medical assistants now that can work in dr's offices for like 12 to 14 an hour I think. That was my experience in job-hunting at least :)

I would definately apply to the LPN program. The deadline dates are the same as the RN, the first of Oct, June, and Feb. I did LPN first, have been one for 2 years and feel quite comfortable going (or trying to!) into the RN program. I would at least apply and if you don't get into the RN at least you can fall back on that, it's only a 12 month program too. Good luck :)

I was born and raised in Alaska and have been here in Florida now for 6 years. As far as education goes, my mother is a teacher and she told me that FL ranks 50th in education costs, meaning we are the least-funded. Nurses do get paid much less than up north. LPNs up north get paid what the RNs do here. I make 20 an hour working evenings as an LPN, with no holiday or OT pay. Not to mention the healthcare laws here, and what skills CNAs and LPNs are limited to utilize. I have only been a nurse here, so I can't compare it with anything more than hear-say, but to me, between the low pay, the high humidity, and the church-based poitical system, I am starting to regret settling down here. Like someone said above, the florida lifestyle gets old real fast, especially for the young or middle-aged adults.

Unfortunately they only offer the bridge program once a year, starting in summer, and I didn't apply for summer term. Either way, it will be a good refresher course for me, it's amazing the things you forget from school when you don't use them on a daily basis.