FanRN

Thank you Flames! I don't know what seems more painful, looking for a mentor and the process that goes along with that or the capstone itself.

Thank you for taking the time to answer, 4mranch! This is the first time I hear a clear explanation of the immersion hours. I suspected it would be like something you described, but heard everything from "it will be like a clinical" to "you'll have to spend all of the required hours with your mentor" which was a questionable requirement considering other commitments outside of the BSN program and the mentor's availability. Don't think my future mentor would appreciate me hanging around with them for a hundred hours either. I imagine the counselors don't always have a clear picture of the capstone and that's where the Field Experience Advisor comes in, but I like to have a good idea of what's coming as early on as possible, so I can prepare myself. Thank you!

4mranch, congratulations on reaching the capstone course, hope it goes fast and smooth for you. Could you talk a little about the mentor and the immersion hours tracking? I have seven courses before that begins for me but was wondering how that works in the new capstone course.

This worked for me. I covered the answers with my hand or scratch paper if allowed and only looked at them after I read the question and had an idea of the possible answers in my head. And like others suggested, don't erase or overthink, even when you feel a strong urge. Your brain pulled the initial response from the "database" it retained earlier in the lecture or sometime during reading, trust it! As you progress through the courses, you will get better at answering those type of questions. I also recommend UWorld; it has excellent rationales (especially the ones that explain why you got it wrong). UWorld questions are the reason I got through the NCLEX with zero anxiety and in record time. Good luck!

This!! Maybe talk to her and tell her you'd like to try to organize your day on your own to test some of your independent skills but seek input to not come off as someone that is hastily confident. Some hospitals have 6 months orientations or longer, especially on highly specialized units. I think it's a blessing. You never know what else you might learn, not only clinically but little organizational tips and tricks that come with being a seasoned nurse. Look at it as free education, not as someone breathing down your neck. Good luck:up:

I second what everyone else said, stay positive and keep doing what you are doing. Don't let it change who you are. Could be also that they are "initiating" you and will come around in time. That happens everywhere, not just in healthcare setting. On the side note, can I come work with you? I love working with happy people

Thank you for addressing this. I'm still in nursing school but every semester we have these self-centered, self-sacrificial, "look-at-me" shirts promoted to raise funds for the pinning. Each semester puts out a few variations so every six months we have plenty to pick from. I haven't purchased a single one because every one of them has the same message - "I'm better than you, I'm sacrificing everything for you" and truthfully it's revolting. The key to doing selfless acts is being humble, when you start throwing those "selfless acts" into people's faces you simply become an attention seeker and there is nothing honorable or selfless about that (now, it's ok to talk about nursing school or work experiences but this takes to a whole new level). I always felt a bit judgmental (and a bit guilty for not not siding with the majority) when I refused to buy a shirt and yet hundreds of people are voting for those designs and buying two or three of those shirts at a time. Now I see I'm not totally crazy.

Congratulations Lexis! I'm not in a project arriba, but I know quite a few that are. Do you have a specific question or just want to know the general info? I can try to put you in touch with someone from my class, but I'll have to ask for their permission first. As far as scheduling goes, you will not know if you are morning or afternoon until they assign you to your classes, you don't get to pick. Having said that, even if you do get one or another, it means absolutely nothing, be prepared to be in school all day long. Some days you will leave early, some days might be off, but majority will contain both lecture and lab with long breaks in between. Drug and dosage class is the only one where you spend the shortest amount of time in class, few hours I'd say, and some days you are off. But I suggest to use that time and get cracking on your foundations book. Clinical vary slightly but most start around 6-6:30 am till somewhere around 3:30 pm. Sometimes there is one weekend and nights group, but you are not guaranteed to get it. They do allow sometimes to switch clinical groups on the first day when you receive your clinical assignments but you have to find a student to switch with and have a good reason to do so. All in all, students find ways to work the schedule out. Where do you live? I can only suggest providers on the West side.

You are welcome. I believe it has to do with everyone officially accepting the seats and the school has to cross check everything several times. Calling Mrs Cena for clarification is the best bet. If she doesn't know, no one else really does :) Good luck to you too! It's a great program!

And yes, background check is online, only fingerprinting is in person.

We couldn't get fingerprints until after the orientation. All the forms and directions were given to us on that day last summer and that orientation date varies every year (sometime in July). That date should be on the acceptance letter you receive in the mail. As long as your other stuff is in order you shouldn't have to do anything between now and July. Best bet is to call Veronica Cena and confirm with her before you book your trip. They are constantly changing how clearance is done. She would be the best person to answer any questions. She's typically very busy during ranking but if you leave her a message she will always answer! Good luck!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/343919709097123/ here it is, let me know if you are having any problems finding it.

Oh great, when I was researching the kits I came across that company but wasn't sure that's the right one. Good to know, thanks!! Let me switch to a computer and I'll send you a link to the group.

The orientation packet says that the supply kits information will be provided on the first day of class. Seems like they are revising almost everything this month, including the nursing packets that we have to purchase in the addition to the books. But most of the stuff should be available for purchase in about a week or so. By the way, we have a FB group for our class now "EPCC RN C/O May 2016", we'll be posting a lot of updates on there as they become available, and it will also serve us as a communication tool throughout the next 2 years. Feel free to join it. It's been vetted by EPCC nursing faculty member, so it will be our official page for our class.

majicmaid, congratulations! Looks like I will see you this Saturday at the orientation! And thank you for starting this thread, it answers some of the questions I had as well. Mayenne1979, thank you for sharing this information, it's nice to hear from someone who is a step ahead and has some insight on the first semester. I have another quick question if you don't mind. I compiled a list of books required for the first semester according to EPCC book store online for RNSG 1208 and 1413. I already have my Drug guide and Taber's, but there are 7 more books and access codes that are on the list for those classes. Did the school end up telling you that you need all of them or were some of them optional? I'm ready to place an order on Amazon, just want to make sure I'm not buying something I won't use. Actually I'll list them here, if you can chime in, I'd greatly appreciate it (and I'm sure few others will as well) RNSG 1208: 1. Real EHRPREP w/Cerner access code 2. Dimentional Analysis for Meds with CD RNSG 1413 1. Kozier Fundamentals of Nursing 2. Lab & Diagnostics Test w/ Nursing Implications 3. Handbook of Nursing Diagnosis with access code 4. Test Success:Test Taking Techniques for Beginning Nursing Students w/CD 5. Kozier Fundamentals of Nursing workbook (i believe this one was listed as recommended but not required) I realize that different instructors might have different requirements, I'm just curious, did you end up buying and using every single one of them? And you were so right on the price difference. I never really buy my books from school directly, but I didn't realize that the savings are so huge. I tallied up the price of the books from EPCC and Amazon, and you were correct almost to the penny, I end up saving $393 buying from Amazon. Same books from EPCC are a few $$ short of a $1000. Crazy! Thanks for what you've shared with everyone so far and good luck in the second semester!