pookapooka

First, take a deep breath and calm down. Next, break up your studying into more manageable chunks. Don't try to tackle 10 chapters all in one night. You have 3 weeks, so do 1/2 to 1 chapter a day. Do you know what study method works for you? Some people outline their chapters, some make notecards, some use mind maps. The important thing is to find something that works for you and stick with it. Are you involved in a study group? Some people learn well in the group setting, if their group can stay on task. Also, do you have NCLEX questions you can practice with pertaining to the material you are studying? If so, do those. A lot of those. I outline my chapters and take notes on anything "NCLEX-y" as well as anything that was stressed in lecture. Then I study my notes and do tons of NCLEX questions and read ALL the rationales. It's important to figure out what works for you now, because when you get into med-surg, there will be SO much to cover and you'll need to be efficient with study time as well as picking out what's most important from all the materials. Best to work out a system now. Keep your chin up, and breathe. You can do this!

Thanks for the tips! This is the one pulse point that I have had a hard time finding...

I just finished up my fourth week. If you had asked me last week if I was overwhelmed, I would have shouted YES. But, we had a project due literally the same day as our first test. The instructor said that she had specifically done that on purpose, but then was irritated beause we were all stressed out and high strung. Really? I did well on the test, and it gave me the confirmation that my study approach is on the right track (for me). I prepare over the weekend for that weeks lessons by watching the skill videos that came with our book, reading the assigned chapters (well, mostly skimming them) but I carefully read the summary at the end of the chapter and then do the NCLEX style questions at the end. I don't really do flashcards (except for med cards, but those aren't really flashcards), or take notes in class. I print the outline from the instructors' PowerPoints, and then just add examples or notes in the margins. When studying for a test, I do make study guides from the outlines, my notes, and things I keep seeing in the NCLEX questioning, and things that were stressed in class. This has served me well so far. We have done simulations and have been tested on clinical skills, but won't get to do clinical rounds until October. Can't wait!

I don't have a Droid, but I have a iPhone. I downloaded epocrates but soon deleted it.. I like Medscape much better. If Droid offers it, check it out... It's free! I also have a virtual flashcard app (Flashcardlet), a grade tracker, Evernote, and Dropbox. I also find FailApp (from the fail blog) to be s huge source of stress relief when studying for long stretches.

WOW. Maybe at her last job/school/whatever the OP had access to a refrigerator. Maybe she went home for lunch. Maybe lunch was provided. You don't have to be so rude. Maybe she's tired of cup of noodles and wants some variety!! To the OP: have you seen the Packit lunch bags? My hubby and daughter have one for their lunches. The website is http://www.packit.com and they fold up and store in the freezer. In the morning, you take it out and unfold it, and fill it with your lunch. It keeps things very cold. It is basically just a lunch bag with ice packs built into the sides of the bag. It rocks!

I'm wondering this too... Does anyone have any info?

Hmmm... I think you are right to have some reservations about that program, with what Jennifer was telling you. How long have you been on the Maricopa wait list? If you've already been waiting for awhile, then I would just wait a bit longer, get placed, and graduate at about the same time. I think I only waited 3 semesters (18 months-ish) and then I was placed to start the next semester. Maybe work and save up some money... I totally get wanting to get started NOW, but if you have to re-take classes you've already taken because your credits won't transfer to that school, that's kind of a rip-off. I think you were right on the money (so to speak) when you said that you thought it was a way to get more money out of students. Chamberlain is a for-profit school. That's not to say that they don't have a good program (I have no idea, never looked into it), but someone is definitely lining their pockets when you "have" to take THEIR additional classes. Also, they won't even tell you what transfers until you pay them? Yikes, I'd pass.

That's a little irritating. It says about a thousand times that we have to cover the cost of the background check ourselves. I don't want to pay for that. I've worked in law enforcement for the last 6 or so years and had to have a full-on background investigation and polygraph. Prior to that I worked in an occupational health clinic at a nuclear plant (hello, security clearance). So I see this and immediately think: waste of money. I guess I should look at the bright side and be thankful that at least I know there are no mistakes in my background. Although, I was admitted in March for an August 2011 start date, I wonder if this will apply to me? I didn't get an email or written notice... Probably something they were going to spring on us at orientation.

Speaking of coupons, you should definitely clip and use them for health and beauty items (if nothing else). Try doing a google search for a coupon blog in your area (there are TONS of coupon/savings blogs & websites).. Many times they will tell you what is on sale where, and which coupon to use to maximize your savings. Over time, you'll find that you can get things like toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, razors, etc. for very cheap or nearly free with a minimal time investment. It helps us tremendously.

You can go to CollegeBoard and look up potential schools. On the school's profile page, it will list the type of institution it is. If it says "proprietary," then it's a for-profit school. Hope that helps.

I'm going to lurk too! I'm Stefanie, and starting at Estrella Mountain this fall. I've been a police dispatcher/911 operator for the last 6 or so years, and to only have two weeks left on the job is a great feeling! I'm not going to work for the first semester at least (probably the first year), so I can focus on school. Well, and family. I have a hubby and three kids six and under. But I have a super amazing family (hubby, mom, in-laws, etc) that are supportive and totally willing to help out. I'm going to do this! I don't know if nursing will be a first or second career for me.. I'll call it a second, even though I knew I wouldn't want to work for the PD until I retired.. Is 30 too early for a second career? Not sure about that.

Wow, you guys are on it!! I'm not that well-prepared yet. (LAME! I know.) I've set up my study space, and have been stocking up on things like printer paper, ink, notebooks, binders, dividers, page flags, post-its (LOVE post-its!), sharpies, etc. And I know it sounds crazy, but I've been stocking up on food and stuff for my family. The pantry and freezer are full (even made some freezer meals) because I'm expecting to spend a lot of time studying. The big stuff is all yet to come for me. I have financial aid pending, so I have to wait a few more weeks to get my books and lab kit. I only have two weeks left at my job, so when I'm done with it, I'll have some free time to get shoes, uniforms, stethescope, and either a netbook or iPad. In our book kits, we get electronic versions of our books to load onto iThings or computers. I have quite a PTO bank from my job that will pay out in a few weeks, which is good since we don't use credit cards. Something I want sooner rather than later is some kind of backpack or messenger bag. I don't think I'll be toting around enough books to need a rolling one (with the e-textbooks and all), but it still has to hold a substantial amount of stuff. Any suggestions? I love hearing about everyone else's plans.

Ours aren't too bad... They are "caribbean blue," which actually looks like teal. The lab coat is white, and we actually get a choice as to the style of top and bottoms. We can either pick a scrub top or a tunic, and for bottoms we can pick between elastic or drawstring waist, classic, boot-cut, relaxed or flair-leg pants. Or you can wear the unisex scrub pants as well. I'm not sure if all schools do it that way, but I definitely feel lucky that I have a few fit choices for pants. I'm totally going with the most comfortable!

That sounds a little excessive. I had titers done for MMR, Hep B, and Varicella. I was able to find my childhood immunization record, so if my titers are negative, I don't have to have them all again. I did get a Tdap. It had been so long since I'd had a tetorifice booster, and I don't think I ever specifically had a Tdap. It was something else when I was a kid. Also you probably have to have a boosted TB skin test. Basically, you get the injection, then 48-72 hrs you go back to have it read. Then, 1-3 weeks later you go back and get it again, having it read 48-72 hrs after the injection. You might want to call your school for clarification if some of your titers come back negative. You might not have to start everything over if you've been immunized before. Good luck!

Ha! This has to be the best commment I've seen!! Awesome.