ellenrn2000

Hi meagang, I'll start Chamberlain's online MSN informatic next month. Just a curiosity, how many of the Chamberlain's MSN core courses were you able to receive credit from UMass Amherst's DNP? Thanks, and good luck.

Congrats!!!!

Years ago, I took Dr. Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio's 2-day live CCRN review. She was absolutely AWESOME! I'm not sure if she still teach the course, she is fun, dynamic, and knows how to explain difficult concepts into a fun, memorable ways. Good luck to you, Ellen

The waxy type of ear plug seems to work better. I’ve been working nights for about 18 years. I have worked during nights, then go to school in the morning. It was never easy, but we all have to do to achieve our goals. Here are some of my suggestions, and it still hold true today: Make sure the bedroom is dark and avoid sunlight, trust me, sunlight will naturally awaken you. No coffee at least 4 hours before planning to go to bed. So, if you get off shift at 0730, your last cup of coffee/Monster/Red Bull should be at 3am. If you get off shift, and you are not tired. Go exercise! I find lifting 15 minutes of intense weights, or intense running follow by a long hot shower or bath REALLY knocks me out for a good 6 hrs. Avoid distraction, and gadgets. Guard your sleep. Unless there is an emergency, world can spear you for 6-8 hrs. Plan ahead if you need to take care of business so your sleep will not be interrupted. And of course, make sure you eat. I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but hey, we are working shifts that is against our normalcy. And if after 15 min of no sleep, I would take ½ a Benadryl. I find that a full 25mg leaves me too lethargic when I wake up. So, working nights is hard. But it is possible. It would take some planning. And remember, nurses are patient’s advocate, and you must advocate for yourself first. Good luck to you, Ellen

Hi littlesnackcakes, I think you should focus your effort in "knowledge" versus "clinical" refresher. NCLEX is mostly a knowledge based examination, not a clinical examination. As a previous LVN who went through a RN program, I felt some of my "working" knowledge actually hurt me. The board is very black and white, while in real life, we thinks in shades of grays; and everything, and anything is possible. For example, if a question that asks you which one of the following is the BEST/1st thing to do/priority.... and often, at least 2 of the answers are correct. Then, it is up to you to figure whicn of the answer is MORE correct. Just my opinion. Good luck to you, Ellen

I would also suggests to look into a BSN program instead of an ADN if you have a choice. Good luck to you, Ellen

Hi, littlesnackcakes I am in California, and I don’t think there is a time restriction as long as you meet the criteria. However, I won’t wait too long post graduation due to “leaking knowledge”. In addition, health science is changing all the time, the longer you wait, could hurt you in the future. Good luck, Ellen

Hello, In my humble opinion, there are a lot of good NCLEX books, but none are great, I really encourage you to have at least 2. I use Sander’s comprehensive review in my NCLEX class after spending hours of compare and contract. I believe it is what suits graduate nurses the best, and it is one of the better one on the market. However, having said that, I believe, you need to go seek out which textbook that is BEST for your learning. Again, I think it would be wise to pick out 2 NCLEX books to supplement each other. Don't have a library of NCLEX books when in reality you're probably won't go through them. Try to understand your weakness; is it knowledge concept, or test taking issue. Then find the textbook that will strengthen your needs. Good luck, Ellen

Hello, There are actually no short cuts when it comes to mastering pharmacology. On NCLEX, generic drug name will be there, sometimes, if the question is nice, they may have both the generic + brand. ie. acetaminophen/Tylenol ©. I agree with other responders, it is a good idea to learn the category and try to learn the clue that a category of drug may give you. ie. -olol (Beta blockers, anti-HTN, common side effect = bradycardia) -pril (ACE-inhibitor, anti-HTN, common side effect = coughs, constipation) -statin (cholesterol lowering drugs, most common side effects are myalgia, rhabdomyolysis, and labs to watch for are liver function tests). Good luck to you, Ellen

Wow, Your story made me sad, and I feel I have to make a response. I am in SF Bay Area in California. The job market here is horrific for new grad nursing students, even experiences nurses are having a hard time to get a job. 6 months ago, I've heard that one of the new grad training program that offered 15 spots received over 1000 applications. Many of my previous nursing students (as far as 3 years out) are still waiting for their 1st nursing job. The down size here in Bay Area is scary, but I do want to encourage you to keep on trying. A few of my former students had some success going out of states, exactly where, I'm not sure, but I do remember that Huston Tx, had many job and training opportunities. Also, some of my students (RN, MSN, BSN, ADN, LVN) have challenged the CNA certification (Certified Nurse Assistant), and worked like "Jackie Robinson" and made such an impression to nuse managers that they HAVE to hire them on as staff nurse. I was told that they've showed up early, took on assignments that other CNA's argues about, leaves late, and DON'T gossip. And when they get called into the nurse manager's office with a job offer, many of them cried out of joy. The job market is tight, but it is not possible. Continue to study, and take CE classes. ie ECG, ACLS, refresher courses, etc. So, when you go for an interview, you can show the mangers that you have kept up with training, and is up-to-date. Good luck, Ellen

Hey you guys if you have a Twitter account, you should add @AplusNCLEX, it provides 5 free daily Tweets and I think some webinar NCLEX is coming soon.

Hi 92mxmom, thank you for the detailed experience at USA. I am a California licensed FNP and now looking to obtain my DNP after 5 years in practice. So, searching through the USA website, it appears for someone in my situation, it would require a 36-unit option to obtain my DNP without specialty than what I have now. So, if I read it correctly, it appears that just the "DNP" portion would not require any more clinicals? Or does it just encompass capstone project? I like USA's online format, and sounds like you had a good experience at USA. Thanks in advance.

Hi CrazyDNP, just wondering how your experience at USA has been? I am thinking about applying for fall'2011 and taking an on-line program makes me a little nervous. I guess besides study, I just want to know how supportive are the faculty at USA are. Thank you.

Also, since I am a licensed FNP, how long would it take to complete the DNP program at USA, and does the school give advance credit? I searched in the USA FAQ and it does not address this question...and have yet to respond an reply e-mail from the school.

I too am interested in USA's DNP program. I am a licensed FNP in California, but felt pressured to have the "DNP" for my teaching job. USA seems to be the most affordable and since it is mostly on-line it suits best for my current lifestyle. Searching through the treads, there are students that absolute recommends USA, and those who does not. Without going into specifics, could someone just post some experience since I can't PM anyone yet. Thank you.