sKris

I have seen SafeSets and they look really neat, but we don't have pressure/art lines. I think they would also be cost prohibitive for our purpose.

Thank you! I have literally spent hours trying to find these. I don't know why I didn't think to ask here sooner!

I currently work in a busy oncology unit and we have recently had an increase in CLABSIs. We are looking at possible ways to limit the amount of times we are accessing central lines. Right now with a typical blood draw there can easily be 4 or more access events (flush/waste, draw (possibly multiple syringes), flush, flush). in a previous hispital I worked in we used double stopcocks which allowed a closed flush/waste/draw system and allowed for only one access event for the blood draw. After discussing with my clin spec she is very interested, but I can't seem to find an example of a double stopcock to show her what I'm talking about. Anyone use this type of system and can provide me a manufacturer/part number?

We filled out a paper listing our first choice area and our least favorite area. Not everyone will get what they want, for example last year they had a total of 4 peds spots and many more requests. Instructor input is heavily weighed along with grades.

I spoke to one of recruiters yesterday and she said they should finish reviewing packets today or tomorrow and hopeful start making phone calls the end of this week. Good luck!

Good luck! You've got this! It's official--my name is now listed on the BON!!!! I'm a nurse!!!!!!

RN. It was either 13 or 14 SATA, which I thought seemed like a good amount for 75 questions. They were relatively hard, but I've never been good at SATAs. The 3 alternate format were all drag and drop in the right order. They were not as hard as the practice ones. Overall I thought it was pretty similar to the Kaplan practice, but perhaps a little easier.

Test turned off in 75 questions and I got the good pop-up!!!! I had 13 SATA and 3 alternate format questions. So happy that its over! Now just waiting for my name to show on my SBON (no quick-results here).

I decided on Saturday to move my testing date up by two weeks to today! I just need this to be over. I've done all the Kaplan QTs with good results (60-70s), but none of the QB. Hope I'm ready! I'm so nervous I've only told two people that I'm taking it tomorrow. Good luck to everyone testing!

Good luck tomorrow. It's going to be a crazy year, but it will go fast.

Good luck tomorrow! It's going to be a crazy year for you guys, but it will go fast!

We had some input on our clinical area for preceptorship. Some people got what they wanted, others did not which is to be expected. I must say my preceptorship has been the best part of the program. I was very fortunate with my placement and have had a wonderful experience. 6 shifts left!! Also be prepared that many are working night shift in preceptorship. As for books I sold almost all of mine back. The only thing I'm really keeping are the reference books (drugs, labs, etc) and pocket guides. There were definitely books on the list that I never really used. And others I I only opened to site for a paper. A lot depends on your learning style. Amazon has a great buy back program.

You really don't need a lab coat or sweater unless you want one. If you get cold easily then the sweater may be a good idea. I think the only time I wore my lab coat was when I was in L&D for two days and you had to wear something over the hospital scrubs to eat in the cafeteria, but the nurses had ones in the unit you could borrow. Either way, don't waste money on a patch for the sweater/lab coat if you do buy one. Also the patches are cheaper at NoVa uniforms.

We had orientation Monday and Tuesday of the first week. The previous class had an orientation week before. Apparently it changes year to year.

Sorry, I missed that this was in the advance practice forum. Hopefully next semester will be better and you will have instructors who are actually interested in teaching. If professors are consistently not holding office hours or accommodating student meetings I'd take your complaint up the chain. Good luck.

I would suggest making an appointment with your professor to go over your exams one on one. The feedback will really help you target your weaknesses and improve your test taking strategies. There is a pretty big learning curve on how to answer nursing questions.

Did you go over the exam afterwards? What types of mistakes are you making? Are you over thinking? Bringing extra info into the question? Hard to say without examples.

You will be at multiple different sites throughout the program. So far I have been in four different hospitals, although some people in our group were at Fairfax more than once.

Yes there are extra immunizations. They provide a physical form, but you are not required to use it. Some requirements also have a designated time frame, so if you jump the gun you'll have to do it twice (like the drug test).

I would suggest NOT attending the May orientation. The nursing school had very little information to pass along at that point. If you wait until June you will likely get more of your questions answered. :)

Communication is not their strong suit. I'd expect some general info in the next few weeks, but don't expect to know clinical site placements and stuff until a week or two before the semester starts. I'd also hold off on buying books for a little while because both semesters they changed a book on us after the initial list. Also some books weren't really necessary. If you have any specific questions Margret is very friendly and helpful. I'm also happy to answer what I can. Try to enjoy the next few months--the craziness will come soon enough. :)

Call the nursing office. 703-993-1926. The administrative assistant is super nice and helpful and will either answer your questions or get you to the right person.

There is a preview including the lab facilities on April 21st from 10:30-2:00. I'm sure you could call the nursing office for more info. Good luck with your decision and let me know if you have specific questions.

Congratulations!