amanda081106

I think it depends on several different factors, the facility and the clinical instructor being the biggest two. Last semester we didn't do any of the actual charting. The facility I was at had specific notebooks for students, and we simply wrote in the time that we completed the task, such as ADLs, I&O, etc. This semester I am at a different facility with a different instructor and I have gotten to chart. I don't have a username/password yet, so I had to chart under the instructor's name, but she is working on getting that. However, I don't really feel that charting is something I need to do right now to feel good about my experiences. It's like my clinical instructor told us, "Don't get caught up in trying to learn the computer system and the 'correct' way to chart. There is no absolute correct way, and these computer systems change frequently." She also went on to tell us to focus on the patient and our learning experiences outside charting.

I definitely do worry more than the average person. It's not so much that class (Fundamentals) that I'm worried about. It's my Health Assessment class, which is the exam I have Tuesday. That particular exam is only going to have 35 questions, which comes from 13 chapters. I don't have the greatest teacher either which isn't helping matters any. I really appreciate your help and I'll definitely try some of the things you have suggested.

I just finished my third week of nursing school. Our first exam was on Monday and I was feeling pretty good about it. Two days ago, we got our results and I was terrified to look at my score - and for good reason, seeing as how I only made a 69. I cried like a baby for the rest of the day and now I have this feeling of hopelessness weighing down on me. Our next exam is Tuesday and it doesn't seem to matter how hard I try or how much I read, I can't get the material down. I can't seem to focus, my brain seems to be on a completely different planet at some points.

I'm glad to hear your interested. I've only just been accepted into the program, so I don't know much about it yet, and I know nothing about the delayed program. However, I have been attending CACC for about two years now, taking the classes I needed while awaiting acceptance. I don't know if you've gotten a reply from CACC yet, but they rarely call people back. Sometimes you just have to keep calling until someone answers. If you're still interested and within driving distance of the school, I would suggest making a visit and talking to someone in person. The ladies in the nursing building can be very helpful when you can get in touch with them. Good luck! It's competitive and takes a lot of hard work, but will definitely be worth it in the long-run.

Thank you all for the advice. It is much appreciated!

I was just reading through the paper-work I received alongside my acceptance letter into the ADN program. It states, "Health insurance is required. If you do not have health insurance coverage, you need to apply as soon as possible, because there is usually a waiting period before coverage becomes effective. Nursing students may be eligible for coverage through NSNA. See nsna.org for more info." Yesterday I was thrilled to have gotten this letter, but today not so much. The more I read, the more fees I find, and now I am required to have health insurance? I can't afford insurance. Already, I have no clue where I am going to come up with the money for the background check, physical examination, drug tests, etc. Does anyone have experience with NSNA? I went to the website and all I could find was a membership fee of $35.00 for one year, and $70.00 for two years. I saw nothing about health insurance costs. Any information you can give me will be helpful. The more, the better.

Thank you all so much for the encouragement! I am enrolled in the ADN program. I'm a little nervous, but mostly just really excited.

I just got my acceptance letter into the ADN program at my school and am curious as to what all I will need? I know the school does the whole nursing packet that you buy at the beginning of the semester, but what else would you suggest? Things like backpacks, notebooks, etc. What helped you the most?

I came home tonight to find a letter laying on my bed, from my school. I was hesitant to open it. I just didn't believe I had done well enough in my classes or on the TEAS, and I cringed at the thought of yet another rejection letter. I eventually talked myself into opening it and to my surprise, I got accepted! I screamed, cried, laughed. It made me so unbelievably happy. To everyone out there who feels like you'll never make it. I felt the same way. I've been depressed all summer long, telling myself that I didn't do well enough and that I'll never get in. I was ready to give up and was seriously thinking about doing it. Then I got this letter and the feeling it gives you is just amazing. I feel accomplished. I guess what I'm trying to say, is don't give up. Never give up. It may take you a while, this is my third year trying, but you'll make it.

I've put a lot of thought into the CNA program, mostly just to work until and if I ever get accepted into nursing school. I suppose, it could act as a backup plan as well; which is how I'm feeling at this point. Anyway, I live in Alabama and from what I've been told, the pay here ranges anywhere from $7-$10 per hour. The cost of living isn't significantly high, so I could probably manage. It just seems like a lot of work for so little pay... my fiance's sister-in-law calls herself "a professional a** wiper." She doesn't seem to hate her job though. The classes are a must, since no one seems to want to hire you unless you are certified. The cost is $700 with no financial assistance. I guess that's one thing I'm concerned about, given the fact that I don't have that much money lying around. I have been rejected three times and need a steady job. I don't think I even care how little I make at this point. My fiancé will graduate this time next year, and I pray he can find a job bringing home a decent amount of money. In the mean time, I will keep applying to nursing school and possibly be pinching every penny working as a CNA. Can anyone who works as a CNA in Alabama give me an idea of what you make? Does anyone know how difficult getting a job as a CNA is right now? Really, any advice or information you can give is much appreciated. By the way, I apologize ahead of time any misspellings, errors, etc. It's 3 AM and I haven't had much sleep.

I know this was posted a few months ago, but did you have trouble accessing the practice assessment after you purchased it? I am being told I need an ID number. Then again, maybe I simply don't know what I'm doing. How did you access it?

I figured it out. The answers were right in front of me, I just wasn't seeing them. Thank you.

I have three questions of which I am not completely sure about the answer. Our book or notes, if you can even call it that, are made by the teacher with fill-in-the-blanks that we fill in as she lectures. I have found it hard to use and cannot for the life of me find the answers to these three questions. I have a general idea, just not completely sure and really just want to be sure of my answers. So any help? 1. How can emphysema lead to acid-base imbalance? 2. Decide whether the following conditions would cause urine to become more acidic or more basic. Place acidic or basic in the blank. A. Vegetarian Diet - B. Protein-Rich Diet - C. Starvation - 3. Circle the term that does not belong in the following groupings: 1. A.) Hypothalamus B.) ADH C.) Aldosterone D.) Osmoreceptors 2. A.) ADH B.) Decreased Blood Pressure C.) Increased Blood Volume D.) Increased Water Re-absorption 3. A.) Decreased Urine pH B.) Increased H+ in urine C.) Increased HCO3- D.) Increased ketones

It's all pretty confusing. The different types of schools and whether they credits will transfer. I don't exactly love the school I'm at, but it's only 20 minutes from my house, so it's my first choice for Nursing. They aren't helpful and usually can't give you any information about anything. Which they should be able to do, since that is their job. I hope you have a great experience with nursing school and I'm sure you will do great. I'm feeling much more hopeful, myself. Now, I'm off to another long day of school, but the good thing is, only three days left and I am officially done with my pre-req's! Then to take the TEAS V, that I am not looking forward to, but I can do it. My uncle once quoted to me, "This too shall pass," in an email. When I'm feeling down, I try to remember that nothing I'm feeling will be permanent. There are going to be hard times, but they will pass, and I think that's what keeps us going.

I'm trying at community colleges. I have my eye on two, both within driving distance. The one I have the best chances at, is an hour away, but I can manage that. If all else fails, I'll try a trade school. I'm just afraid of going that route and not being able to use my credits to further my education later on, if I go back for RN.