maliat

i agree with everyone. It's all about the inserts. Find some shoes with removable insoles. And then buy some insoles. A good running shoe store should be able to help you. I had to try on a couple of different insoles to find one that fits my feet. Malia

Just finished my 2nd year, going into my 3rd year of nursing school. Still get nervous all the time, but at least I've learned how to sleep the night before clinicals. All I can say is try to project some confidence, especially for your patients. If you don't know, don't be afraid to ask. It's always the silliest thing you need to ask, like where is the juice and can my patient have some. And always help each other. Not only your classmates, but the nurses and nurse aides on your floor. Malia

I'm graduating in a year, but was recently talking to a new grad. She basically said, if you get an offer, accept it. Don't wait for something that you have your heart set on. You can either transfer within and get the job you want once you have experience. The problem I hear is that though there are "potential" positions, managers can't hire that many new grads because of budgeting problems. Malia

One thing my ob teacher taught me is that it will wink when you wipe firmly with the betadine swab. I can't think of putting a foley in now without seeing her wink. Malia

I've used my book in nursing school. First used it when I was learning assessment. But it was really helpful for pathophysiology. You really have to know what's normal first, and I would review that book first. I was all for selling my books back, but I thought about it and have generally held on to them. In my program, they keep on referring to earlier texts from other classes. For instance, I used my fundamentals textbook this past semester for both peds and maternal health papers. Malia

Car Wash. We didn't make the most money from that, but It was very decent for 4 hours work. My advice is not to do presale tickets unless you know you'll have a lot of sales. Just spend some time on signs. And don't set a price. Just ask for donations. Most people gave more than I expected. Though we all had a moment of concern when this huge Hummer pulled up. Luckily he just wanted his wheels washed. Malia

I live in Hawaii. I'm thinking of moving to California after I graduate. The one thing about Hawaii is that everything is so expensive. Not just housing, but also how much stuff like food costs. I admit that though I have lived in Vermont & Seattle, and would like to move to California, I do think if I found a job that I liked where I made enough money to buy a house, I would stay. Malia

I had not thought that I can say I graduate next year. But I do go around saying I'm halfway through. I just finished semester 3 of a 6 semester BSN program. I graduate May 2009. Malia

Hello- I'm still recovering from last semester. It was not too hard, but very busy. And next semester I'll have maternal health, pediatrics and a nursing elective. Classes don't start for a week, but I already have reading and other assignments. In fact I go to my first childbirth ed class this Sunday. But I keep on telling myself I'm halfway through - only 3 more semesters to go. Malia

30. I'm older than some of my clinical instructors. But I know I would have hated nursing school in my early twenties. Malia

I only just finished my 3rd semester of nursing school, but I already annoy my dad. I'm always giving him diet advice that he doesn't take. And whenever he coughs I want to know if it's his ace inhibitor or is he getting a cold. Malia

I now have my own gross story, the first week back to clinicals. I dc'd a foley and the urine was so gross my instructor had me go to the dirty utility room to empty it. I thought it was just really concentrated and dark. However once I started emptying it, oh gross. It was really thick and mucous-like. Even my instructor said it was the grossest thing she'd ever seen. I was squeezing the bag to get it out. Every time I think of it I cringe in disgust and the smell comes back to me. Malia

I'm taking Adult Health I and Psych-Mental Health Nursing. Now that I've had 2 meetings for Psych nursing I'm not as nervous about this class as I thought I would be. We're only following one patient, so it's not like we're doing care plans on a weekly basis. I'm still nervous but also excited about Adult Health I. I'm nervous because they expect us to be able to take care of 2 patients cold (no pre-care) by the end of the semester. However, I'm excited that I get to finally observe for a day in the OR. I've even had surgery at that hospital about 6 years ago on my wrist. Something to look forward to in November. Malia

This semester I have a mental health clinical from 3-9:30 at night. And then I'm back in class the next morning at 8:30 am. Not looking forward to this. Malia

I'm starting my 2nd year tomorrow. I feel like I've already almost started because I helped with the new student orientation this past week. My brain is not ready for studying yet. Malia