ConstantLearner2010

RN9903, I am not sure if it is too late to really help but the two classes you mentioned were very good for me. I just graduated this past Oct 2014. In NR447 there is a project regarding SMART goals, I found that to be interesting. The Capstone was not difficult, I felt that the entire degree plan was building up to writing the Capstone paper. You learn a lot about evidence based practice and how it applies to your nursing setting. If you aren't working, there are ways to apply what you learn to where you may want to work. Taking them together might become overwhelming just a little because you do have to post four times each week and those classes require pretty in-depth posts. Just manage your time well. I used to post my response to the questions on Monday and then reply to my classmates on Tuesday and Wednesday, freeing up the rest of the week to complete any projects. The first three days could be used for research as well. I hope all of this helps and good luck to you. CindyN I had to take an elective as well. I was offered Nursing History and a Computer class. I wanted to get away from writing papers so I chose the computer course. I learned a lot more than I thought. I didn't realize how much of Microsoft office I wasn't using. It is a very interactive class. There is a online tutor that you download to your computer/laptop and you practice as much as you like before the weekly quiz or tests. It was very interesting, not complicated and informative. Hope this helps as well.

Hello Everyone, I just had my one year anniversary on Dec 21 and I am very excited. In the past year I have worked very hard to prepare for this particular position. I initially applied for this position in January and was later found that I didn't qualify because my school wasn't accredited to the standards of the VA. So I graduated with my BSN in October and completed ACLS and TNCC training, all in preparation. I am super excited and nervous of course. I would like to know if there are any tips of the trade. I am afraid to have a nurse that doesn't like teaching or someone to try and disregard me because of my lack of experience. I do not have the experience but I have the drive and determination. I know it is going to take me getting out there to really learn but are there any books or quick guides that would help me during a shift? What do you recommend I take with me everyday? Any advice is appreciated. No matter what, I am going to love it! Thanks. ConstantLearner

I recently started the Day RN program, Va Beach Campus, and I am so excited. Before my acceptance I came to this site for information and found mostly bad things. I did my own research and fell in love with MCI. I also recently started a position at a convalescent center and met over a handful of nurses that attended both the Va Beach and NN campus.

I am going to MCI for the Chemistry class in May. I am nervous and excited. I applied for the August RN program but was told if I didn't make it in, because there are only 50 students selected, that I would have a guaranteed spot in the Aug LPN program. I am not sure how true that is but those words came from the mouth of my adviser. I have also applied to TCC RN program for Aug, I find out if I made it there in July. I just want to know if anyone else will be in the Chemistry class starting May 9th, oh yea, day time classes. Look forward to your responses

I understand and agree with you. I made the decision to surround myself with like-minded people and you should try the same. I need people either in the medical field or headed in that direction around me, to help better prepare me. My friends that aren't in college or want to party all the time can't help me get my degree!

Good Evening, I am attending a PCA course starting this Monday and is two weeks long. I applied for a home health care job today and they are awaiting my certificate. Once my course is complete what do I need? Attire and equipment I mean? Also, is it unprofessional to take notes when you first start working? Or to use your notes when you first start working? I mean, we are always learning right? Please let me know before I go out and buy everything I see. I'm so anxious!!!!

@ GreyGull, Thank you. I used your advice and asked those questions helping me feel comfortable with my decision. The PCA course is only 2 wks and here, Va, I can use this cert. to work in any Nursing Home in Va but not a hospital. At the end of the course we have to take a test in order to receive the cert. I may look to you in the future for help if you don't mind.

Hello All Willing to Read, I am new to Nursing but have been attending college for some time, I let the military get in the way of it. Anyway, I would like to know if there is a real difference in PCA and Nurse Aide. A local health care office offers PCA or I can take two classes through my current college for Nurse Aide. Want to weigh my options as far as the knowledge I would gain, not necessarily the pay. Thanks if anyone decides to respond. Signed ConstantLearner

Hello All Willing to Read, I am new to Nursing but have been attending college for some time, I let the military get in the way of it. Anyway, I would like to know if there is a real difference in PCA and Nurse Aide. A local health care office offers PCA or I can take two classes through my current college for Nurse Aide. Want to weigh my options as far as the knowledge I would gain, not necessarily the pay. Thanks if anyone decides to respond. Signed ConstantLearner