Diddledi

I did a Hurst review about a year ago (while just 2 semesters into nursing school). I have used the Hurst manual thru the rest of school and it was my main prep material to take my NCLEX. I took the Q bank tests via Hurst and........I graduated Dec. 14, took my NCLEX yesterday on Jan. 17. The test shut off after 76 questions (thrilled me) and you know I had to check the PearsonVue site right away :-) I got the good pop right afterwards AND my license is showing up in the Board of Nursing today! I actually enjoyed the test and celebrated mentally every time I got a SATA question as I know those are higher level questions! I am celebrating and start orientation for my job in ICU on Monday. Woohoo!

Do you ever get any IM's about your posted topic? I am desiring to move to WA and it appears that my chances for work, as a new grad are much better in Spokane. I would enjoy learning more but this is a very quiet forum.

Question for you...I do not see opportunities for ADN prepared students in that part of Washington. Do you have any info that would show otherwise as it would be helpful to me. I am graduating this December, from a CC in Alabama and desire to move out there but don't see how it will be possible. Not meaning to take your topic off point but to ask you for separate info. You can PM me, if you like. Thanks!

Hi all! I am looking to transfer from AL to Spokane and wanted to know if anyone can fill me in on any details about Deaconess. For example, do they do computer charting? I am used to picking my own scrubs as far as style, color and patterns. What is the rule @ Deaconess? I guess the biggest question would be ...do you recommend, or not recommend any areas of Deaconess? I will appreciate any input. Thanks!

Both hospitals have excellent care but a very different vibe. You will see the mission statement for Flowers to include "treating patients like family" and the staff all wear scrubs of their own choosing. Some nurses like that and others prefer the navy blue/white designation for RN's at SAMC with other staff in their assigned color scrubs. Just a different feel to each location. As far as charting, Flowers does have computer charting in the ED and L & D but I do think the rest is paper charting. Pros n cons there as well. Good luck in your search.

I tried to send a PM to thank you for such an inspiring message but your box is full. My e-mail is [email protected] and any items that you can forward to me, as well, would be very much appreciated. I have gone to a Hurst review and plan on doing a brush up visit before I take the NCLEX. I graduate in December and I can see it is going to be a wild adventure to the end! Diane

Something told to me by an instructor...just remember to do and see all you can - within your job description, not your knowledge or skills checked off in school. That is sticking with me as I head into a tech job as well. Enjoy!

I am currently on scholarship with a local hospital. They pay for tuition, $100 toward uniforms, provide lab kits, books. 2 year commitment made and I hope to find it all goes well when I graduate :-) I'll let you know!

I am just wrapping up my first semester. We learned some basic skills like making an occupied bed, bed baths, etc. and then it was time to go to the hospital! First two times, we were working with a fellow student and the rest of our clinical days we were on our own. We were given one patient and did assessments, took histories, did all AM care, vitals, the works. We could not give meds as we were in the midst of going through check offs on these skill areas. I am excited about passing meds this next semester and know that the intensity will increase but hey, we didn't get into this to sit and have an easy job. It already has a sense of being soul satisfying when you can provide comfort for a patient! Good luck on your decision.

I am in exactly the same position - going to looking to work after 2nd semester. I think it gives the hsp a chance to get to know you and vice versa. I want to make sure to get some practical experience but not jeopardize my learning experience or grades. I look forward to hearing from more people about how many hours generally is ok while going to school full time.

I recruited friends, families and friends OF family so I could practice skills. I learned, during practice for the female Foley catheter insertion, that the square tissue boxes do a good job standing in for the required body parts LOL practice, practice, practice and then practice some more!

I saw the title and had to toss in my two cents! I used to be the rep for EpiPen and in the midst of nursing school. EpiPen is near and dear to my heart. I remember an allergy nurse that told me a story of bringing in a new MA to show her how the device worked. She grabbed a trainer, put it to the correct position on her thigh and went for it. She had explained that with the trainer you will hear a click, how to reset it, etc. The problem was...the nurse had grabbed a live, expired EpiPen, that had been left by a patient. The nurse ended up giving herself an injection of epinephrine! Imagine the shock when you think you are working with a training device and voila...she ended up with a nice strong HR and everyone around just couldn't stop laughing. Anyway, part of my job entailed instructing health care professionals, patients and their families, how to use the EpiPen. It isn't difficult but when your natural adrenaline is through the roof due to anaphylaxis occurring right in front of you, simple instructions learned long ago can fail you :-) Enough about that...back to studying.

It is amazing to see how we use our legal addictive substances to get through the program. I have done the caffeine thing as well but now find regular study w/o so much cramming is best. One of my fellow students was pretty into exercise and never did need any pick me ups because his energy stayed strong and he never gained weight during school. Maybe it is time I find time/make time for a Zumba class and get some walking in while listening to a lecture...trying to find healthy choices or it will be harder to respect my words if I am overweight and stressed talking to a patient about how to live in a healthful manner. I'm just saying...I have to decide I am worth it and make the time. Best of luck to all of us working through a RN program...it is so worth it!

I am a nursing student and it is great to be able to read such succinct explanations about the diff. between HR and pulse. Thanks so much. I am hoping to head into cardiac nursing so the more I learn now, the better :-)

Why would any reasonable person get mad at that question? CEU means continuing education units, I believe :-)