Razzy_Ruby

Hey there, I got hired in my first year of nursing as a PSW and i know another student that got hired before she even started. I know many students who got hired at different facilities, and they don't ask for certification if they know your n the nursing program.The first year of nursing helps because the skills you learn are essentially skills performed by PSW's. It can be rough at first starting as a PSW. I know when I started I went from caring for two residents in placement to taking care of 9 which kept me busy. Its definitely a good experience though; you gain and strengthen skills and the pay isn't bad at all.

Hey there, I haven't graduated yet but I'm in my fourth year so almost there! There are positive and negative aspects within the collaborative program between Laurentian and St. Lawrence. Mind you I can only speak for the Cornwall Campus. The positives include the small class sizes and the amazing teachers that we have in Cornwall. For the most part they are all nurses so they understand us better. My class consists of 26 students so everyone knows your name. I found that the start of each semester is very disorganized. As well, Cornwall is a smaller community so placements can get competitive, however there are still many opportunities. For instance, I was able to complete my consolidation at CHEO in Ottawa. As well, I got the opportunity to travel to India and Nepal for three weeks with fellow students. We volunteered at an orphanage, it was a truly amazing experience. My number one tip would be to get and agenda and write everything in it. SLC hands them out at the beginning of the year for free, or if you want buy your own. I also got a huge laminated calendar that you use dry erase markers on. I put it up in my kitchen and wrote all assignments and tests etc so i could see everything. Never buy books on the first day. New are great but very expensive. I bought new in my first year and spent close to 1700$. There are sometimes books post in the book lists that are only recommended or not even used. Wait until you attend your classes to find out what you actually need. Many of the older years will post o blackboard that they are selling books. Have a life. There are some students that must achieve that 4.0 but the thing is when you graduate employers arent interested in your GPA. Work hard but make time for yourself. I hope this helps.