jabernathy

We were taught to pinch the skin, push the plunger, then release the pinched skin. If you release the pinched skin after you pierced it, the needle is bound to slip back to the surface.

I always wipe down the phones/computers/desk at least once a shift. And I definitely wipe down my stethoscope several times a day--and I am a total hand washing/glove nazi. My immune system is just fine, but so many of the hospital patients (especially ICU) just don't need to be exposed to anything else. Maybe it's a bit overboard, but I would not mind if someone wanted to call me "crazy pants"!

i did the kaplan review course a couple of weeks ago at my school. my scores were similar to the op. the kaplan instructor told our class that we should strive for a 65% on the first three question trainer tests. for question trainer tests 407, we should try to get a 60%--getting a 60% equates to a 95% chance of passing nclex. the last 4 question trainer tests are all passing level questions. so you are really doing just fine!

I had a job at a large company (700+ employees) for 10 years and was also used to the business world of total professionalism, business casual dress, hour long lunches, weekends and paid holidays, great pay, etc. I did a lot of charity work on the side and found more satisfaction doing the charity work than in my job. I started pre-reqs, applied for nursing school and I am currently finishing my second semester, first year. I had NO previous experience in healthcare--I had no idea how to use a blood pressure cuff, etc. I loved the learning/school side but honestly, did not enjoy clinicals the first semester because it was just something sooo different. My second semester, I grew tremendously in confidence and learned to relax a bit. Yes, the culture is VERY different because there is a HUGE emphasis on the touchy-feely side of reading emotions and providing support--but I LOVED that part. If you can try to work as a nurse tech/aid to get some experience, it may help since you feel more informed about what you will eventually be getting into. But, many of my fellow students had no experience and we learned together about the ups and downs of nursing. You will get plenty of experience during clinicals too, so you may learn if you just love working with children, with the elderly, with cancer patients, etc. Some of my fellow students also had 5-10 years experience in various other aspects of the health profession, but honestly, they do not automatically do better (gradewise or in clinicals). Yes, some people have the calling early...some get the calling once in school, and others get the calling later. You don't have to love every single aspect of nursing school or clinicals to end up as a great nurse. And you will learn that your background in business may help you land a job in administration after you have gained experience as a nurse, maybe in quality assurance, etc. Don't sell yourself short--just go for it!

I am keeping my same study habits--I had low to mid A's on every test so something must be working right! I read the chapter 2 days before the lecture. We get a sheet of objectives from the teacher and I highlight the answers in the book and write the page numbers on the sheet. After the lecture, I go home and type out the answers to the objectives. These typed answers were extremely handy when it was time to study for the finals! I have definitely gained a good 8-10 pounds because my workouts took a backseat. So I think I will try reviewing my notes while walking the treadmill!

There are several nursing students who are NOT science buffs, myself included. Several of us were previously employed in jobs that are the opposite spectrum of nursing, but we all wanted to make a change. I've seen brilliant students and some who just seemed plain out dumb--but we all learned what we needed to know. Some excel on tests, others excel at the bedside, or in the lab. The fact that you have full support financially and don't have kids can be a huge plus. Lots of students in my class juggle a family (including myself) and there are lots of days that I wish I didn't have to cook, clean and care for others, but I'm still pulling an A! To get you ready for your science classes, take Biology I first. Then take A&P 1, then A&P II. Some people take Chem with A&P II. Then take Microbiology. Look at the schools you want to apply to and get their pre-req list and go to all their orientations to get a feel for it. Nursing school is pretty hard, but it is also very applicable--you learn info and get to apply it right away so it is way more relevant than your typical college courses.

I get up at 5:30 am every morning except on Thursdays (clinical days) when I get up at 4:30 am. My classes are not till 8 am or 9, but I wanted to get my body on a schedule to be able to just get up at around the same time every day. After 3 months of this, I have to say that I automatically wake up at 5:30 am now. I also bought some minty shampoo and conditioner--I forgot the brand, but it is in a small clear bottle and the shampoo is dark green and sold at any beauty salon. When you put it on your scalp, it actually tingles and wakes you up very quickly, and it seems to tingle your skin as it rinses off. I also play upbeat, party music in the shower and in the car on the way to school. I make decaff coffee at home the night before, then chill it in my fridge overnight so I have iced coffee to drink. If I still get a bit sleepy, I will pop a Altoid mint--those are really good at giving you a natural jolt!

I was terrified my first three clinicals (and I've only had three so far). My hands also shook and my mind seemed to go blank whenever my instructor came to observe me doing anything. I totally understand the desire to be able to NOT show how nervous you feel. I realized that I needed to NOT drink any coffee before my clinical because the extra caffeine was NOT helping my nerves. I thought I would need a little coffee to help me wake up (since we had to be there at the crack of dawn). Little did I realize that my nerves would keep me alert, no coffee needed. My third clinical, which was last week, I actually was so nervous that I forgot to drink my coffee that I had brought with me in the car. As the morning went on, I realized that although I felt nervous, my hands did not visibly shake and I felt that I was able to calm my racing mind. Perhaps it was just because this was my third clinical and I was getting more used to it. But I would still highly advise you to skip the coffee that day to try it out.

Had my first clinical experience yesterday. Got to give my first shot which was very nerve-wracking! I had squirted way too much hand sanitizer and it took FOREVER to dry my hands and I was too nervous to think of any small talk. Then, I could not get the cap off--the syringe was very different from the kinds we practiced with at school. I finally got the cap off, only to bend the needle! I was mortified and had to ask for another syringe from the nurse who was watching me. My clinical instructor, the pt, and the pt's son were watching me too! Pt was sitting in a chair and not in bed, so that threw me off too since I had to kneel in front of her to give her shot in her abdomen. I'm glad my first one is over and I know I will be MUCH more comfortable for my next one! I heard stories about my fellow students who encountered their first smell of a raging yeast infection. We were all too nervous about clinical to remember to bring Vicks but we will definitely bring it next time!!!

I also have a little girl who turns 4 next month. She's been in daycare for several years now, so it was not as hard for her to adjust as it may have been for other little ones. I've been in school for about 6 weeks now and it's been quite an adjustment. I listen very intently in class and exert 110% during all classes and then I study every single minute I can before I need to pick up my daughter. I get up early in the morning to clean the house and make meals so that I can spend as much time as possible with my daughter to help alleviate her stress. I will also get up very early to study on the weekends. One other tip--if there's a test or assignment I have to do and my daughter is really wanting attention from me that evening, I will pull out a special giant white board so she can draw. It is such a special treat that she can be entertained for quite some time with it. Quality time and quantity time are two different things so just make sure that whatever quantity you CAN spend is quality--then you won't feel like a bad mom. Hang in there!!!

Definitely get out the A&P books and flip through the pages to refresh your memory.

I start my first day of NS next Thursday. I have been too excited the past few nights to get much sleep and spend most of my time perusing this web site...and looking online for nursing shoes and watches! I am also in total "nesting" mode. I've stocked up on peanut butter and jelly and toilet paper--for some reason, I just feel better knowing that in case I come home completely wiped out one day, at least we can have PBJ sandwiches for dinner--and we have toilet paper! I've sat at Barnes and Noble for hours reading the books about How To Survive Clinicals, etc. I don't know if I feel more empowered, or more nervous, ha ha!

I have several nurse friends and a couple of LVN friends--all in Houston. I am also in Houston and will start nursing school at Alvin next month. My LVN friends tell me it is hard to find a decent job since YES, they are being phased out to some degree. My two LVN friends make about $20,000 less than the RN friends (about same experience level). One LVN went that route because she was not sure if she would be cut out for the medical field--she loves it and wishes she had gone for her RN--and yes it's hard to go back once you are working but it can be done. I would suggest going RN if at all possible!

Reading all these posts are sooo encouraging. I was in a great job with great pay and benefits for 10 years...but deep down, I wanted to be a nurse. So three years ago, I bought some books and studied for college placement tests. Then I kept working full time and took 1-2 classes online for 2 years, then finally took the plunge to knock out my science pre-requisite courses before applying to nursing school. I am 32 years old, married and have a 3 1/2 year old. I have sat in classes with 20 year olds who lived at home and did not work, and yet they couldn't seem to get their butts to class in time, they didn't really study or prepare for class, etc. Those students had ideal situations (in my mind, yet they did not use it to their advantage). I aced all my classes because I was forced to set a schedule because of the other demands on my time. I am proud to say that I will start nursing school next month and I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I just bought my first set of scrubs two days ago and have tried them on countless times already, just to savor the feeling. During nursing school orientation this week, I met students who were young, older, recently married, recently divorced, recently widowed, with and without children, with and without supportive spouses/families. It all depends on YOU. If you pursue school now, you may feel guilt because you will have less time for your child. If you try to put it off, you may feel guilt because you waited. From what I've seen and heard, there is NO perfect time to go to school. This online community is awesome because we all know of others who were worse off in their situation...and THEY DID IT. Go for your dream and you will be able to post your story for others to inspire them, too.

For the germophobes--dump in the bleach and hot hot water and ease your mind. You can always add clothing dye to the wash if your scrubs are starting to fade a bit. :)