kimber3ks

Hello, I am currently enrolled in the completion prog at OU, getting ready to start my 6th class! I am looking to possibly CLEP out of 2 remaining gen ed classes I need...a Fine Arts and 300-level Composition. Anybody know if the Humanities CLEP would cover the Fine Arts? What about 300 Comp...any ideas besides a traditional 12-week writing class?? Thanks, K

just wanted to confirm,,,the UNC RN-MSN program is completely online, except for the clinical portion once you get to your specific track, correct?

I noticed that as I am looking at the different schools and programs. I am leaning more toward a more "clinical" MSN, like CNS or NP, but definitely want to stay hands-on care as opposed to teaching or mgmt. I thought that since I'm pretty certain I want to go on, tht I might save some time and money by just finding a RN-MSN program. I am looking at UAB and USI, but the thought of requesting transcripts, what they might accept in transfer, etc. is making me put it off! I have to do something, my next class starts in a few weeks at my current RN-BSN program, and really do not want to take classes that I may not have to.....

I am currently in an online RN-BSN program, but looking for one that I can switch to that would lead me in MSN? Any suggestions?? Thought it might be faster to enroll into one of the "streamlined" RN to MSN programs, rather than complete entire BSN, then MSN....

I am looking to switch into UAB's RN Mobility program (RN to MSN) and wondering if anyone can help with a more clearcut idea of tuition? The website lists for undergrad out of state tuition (online) $868 for first hour, then $688 for each additional hour? So, is that a total of $2392 for a 4 credit class?? Just want to make sure I am intrepreting it correctly?

Hey Student_FNP, if you don't mind, I am interested in the school you are attending as well. Can you post or PM me? I tried to PM you, but haven't figured out how yet, lol, lol! Thanks:)

Hi, I just wanted to correct something I think I had posted earlier on this thread. In my research I have found Ohio University, NOT Ohio State University,,,guess that really does make a difference. Anyway, if you are a RN currently working at one of their "partner" hospitals or graduated from one of their "partner" community colleges it looks like you can get your BSN for $5850 ! Even for myself, who does not belong to any of their partnering institutions, of course, living here in New Jersey !....tuition looks to be $155/credit. Maybe all that searching around actually DID help !!!! Kim

Hey Fairiewind, I actually spoke with someone live yesterday, and it's not that my classes are too old, the math I did have does not constitute a "college" level algebra and a few other classes I guess do not correlate to what they want. So, in the end, it looks like I will have to take a few extra classes: the algebra, the oral communication/speech, and then the other requirements that they have: 12 humanities (think I haev), 3 interdisciplinary credits, and 12 social/behavioral sciences. Im not exactly sure what these represent....could you use your Sociolgoy, Psychology and Developmental psych for this? And what about the Humanties? sigh, sigh.....this is what is putting me off as I DO NOT want to take anything extra...I just don't have the time or $$ for that unfortunately I am currently looking into Ohio State and also SUNY RN to BSN and am waiting to hear back on a few of the particulars.

Ive been looking at both U of Wyoming and Fort Hays. The only thing is that U of Wyoming requires a clinical portion during your last course that requires 120 hours of clinical time. That adn working full time, family, etc. has made me look elsewhere. Fort Hays looks good as well, but the draw back there, for me is, will have to take a college algebra as I think the one I have may be tool old, and then it looks like there are a bunch of higher level electives you have to have as well. If Im reading this wrong, please, someone set me straight, as I would love to jump at the Fort Hays program. Right now, Im checking out Western Governor's Univ as they require NO clinical, but the down side, for me again, is the up front tuition for the 6 month 'term' all at once and the fact that I will be trying to cram in as much as I possibly can in THAT 6 months to get my $$$ worth !!!! ....as the saying goes, nothing worth having is easy, lol !

Hello all, I just wanted to confirm something I read on this thread.... regarding Univ of Wyoming's RN to BSN, so they DO NOT have any clinical component? Is that correct? Thanks Kim

Been working out in the real world for the past 4 years and finally realized that BSN is now seeming lke the new trend...a lot of hospitals and even other positions are wanting nurses with BSN. I swore I wasn't going back to school after doing the nursing program with 3 kids, working, .....we all know just HOW tough it really is. The bummer is I feel like I am enjoying where Im at right now and FINALLY feel like I have been able to sit back and sigh....and now this bright idea lands in my lap. Not really, the hospital I work at is implementng a local college offering RN to BSN right on site. Unfortunately, I am pool, and no tuition reimbursement for me whcih leaves me seaching high and low for: completely online program least inexpensive fair transfer of existing credits I have been going through the posts here and doing my own research. SInce I have to pay out of pocket, and really not in a position to get a student loan....I really do need the least painful way here. The couple I've come up with are: Western Gov Univ Univ of OKlahoma Fort Hays State Univ Not looking to start until the fall or may be even January as I still have a lot of leg work to do, plus the talking in my head, lol, lol Anyone who is currently in a RN to BSN program, in these schools or others, if you could be brutally honest with work load, doability with family, working, etc. ....I would really appreciate it. Thanks a bunch :3

If anyone knows of a website to share I would really appreciate it. I looking for stock photos that show the actual packaging for emergency meds like nitro, epi, lido, atropine, dopamine, etc. Thanks, K

I am looking for some of the more common ED meds we would infuse - nitro, heparin, propofol, pressors, etc; typical starting dose, titration, etc. If anyone can quickly point me to a link I would greatly appreciate it.

I am a relatively new nurse, having graduated in 5/07 and going directly to a community hospital ED. Now orienting in a bigger teaching community hospital and had a medication test today that I think I bombed. I humbly consider still learning when it comes to the more acute situations. A question I got wrong was what is the loading dose for TPA in pulmonary embolism? I put 20 mg IV push over 30 seconds, which is wrong. Not sure if I was thinking more stroke protocol. Nevertheless, having a hard time finding a definitive answer. Also, with pt with arrhythmia with V-fib: initial dose of amiodarone should be what? I put 340 mg and got it wrong? For some reason my memory was saying bigger loading dose, then titrate down? to 150? TIA

Hello all, It's been a little while since I've posted. I am what I consider to still be a "new" nurse. I graduated May 2007 and have been working in a local hospital in the ER for a little over a year. I have always wanted to be involved in mother/baby, but wound up in the Ed simply because the manager was more flexible with my schedule. So I've been in the ED, saw and learned a lot, both clinical hands-on skills, how to think fast, how you sometimes need to purposely slow down and see the obvious. It has been a wild ride. I can actually say I finally feel a wee bit comfortable, lol, and of course, I now have a chance to go to peds with the hopes of eventually cross-training on the mother-baby unit. Still not sure if I want to go mom or baby route, but that will come I'm sure. I'm just wondering how in the world I will be able to use my crazy and sometimes chaotic ER skills and experiences on the peds unit. Our peds floor is small, I think 10 beds, as most of the really sick kids are flown out to local children's hospitals. So, I'm worried I won't get to see really good cases, not that I'm chasing, but you know, as for the experience and such. Any tips on how to prepare much appreciated. Thanks

I am in week 2 of my 12-week preceptor orientation to the ED. We had our IV inservice last Wed and then I was scheduled to be out on the floor and of course they threw us right in and had us do sticks. I actually got 2 successfully, albeit one a bit messy (!), on that very same day. Monday I had a rather discouraging IV day only getting 1 out of 3 IVs. The third even an experience RN could not get after 2 attempts, and we just about got labs. I am still very much getting my technique and rhythm down. One time I think I simply did not advance far in enough before trying to push the hub/catheter in, and of course it would not go! I am not a stranger to venipuncture although it HAS been a while. I think trying to coordinate the steps - feeling, cleaning, refeeling, advance, etc, etc. I think I need to remember to stay LOW so as to not go through the vein. Would greatly appreciate any tips. Just that one day has knocked me down, and I'm having trouble getting up ! Getting histories, doing assessment although I still feel fumbly with this. Looking forward to when it feels more natural. Doing meds, IMs, IVP and IVPB. Learned how Decadron IV push should go real slow or will give pt the groin/face burn. Very interesting indeed, but I can see how it is extremely important to have a rather long training/orientation. It can be overwhelming some of the time. Many of the nurses keep telling me that it will come, everyone has days where they are just off, even with 20 yrs experience. I am trying to let that sink in.

Just thought I would give an update on how my first day of orientation/training went. My preceptor, despite the grapevine chatter, was fine. I had no problems with her at all. She has 3+ years experience, and seemed to know her sh-t if you know what I mean. Besides being a little rough around the edges and in the middle of a divorce (she couldn't help talking about it, I guess, and that was OK), we had a good day together. She kept saying how s-l-o-w it was, but that was just dandy with me, lol. I did not need any additional stress of a typical chaotic day in the ER. As for me, I felt like a fish out of water, which I knew I would. Just that "what should I be doing now" feeling or not knowing exactly what the flow is, not knowing IBEX (yet ! ), not knowing where the supplies, NS bags, tubing, etc. On top of that I feel rusty with basic skills, like priming tubing, drawing up drugs, etc. Despite ALL this, I managed to give an IM tetorifice, insert 2 Foley's, one of which was difficult and took me 2 tries, but I was persistent and got it, which was rewarding since the 92-year-old woman had THE most junkiest urine and probably uroseptic on top of the pneumonia she came in with! Also, pulled a few IVs and did a few discharges. Not bad for a first day I guess. Nervous about meds, and I guess peds too. We had a 2-month-old in a very minor MVA, w/no obvious injuries. I got so frazzled in just taking his heart rate that I miscounted and my preceptor had to recheck it. Gosh, the simplest things can blow your confidence in a split second, lol. Overall, I would rate it as a positive experience. Trying to keep my chin up and take one day at a time. I keep telling myself the more things I see, the more things I do, the more I will KNOW what I should be doing and ultimatley will gain confidence. Thanks for the support guys. This truly is a great support system, K

Oh, thanks so much for all the supportive words. Half the battle, I know, is in my mind. I am going to have a 12-week orientation and we start a Critical Care Class on 10/3 that is IN ADDITION, to our floor time with our preceptor. They "want" you on the floor for 3-12 hour days, but with my 'real life', lol, schedule, it is near impossible. They I signed up for 2-12 hours shifts (11 am-11 pm), but during training they want you on day shift for the first half, then to your regular shift for the second half. It is just sooooo overwhelming trying to coordinate where all my family members have to be. I know that the knowing where supplies are, handling of everyday equipment and such will simply be a 'more I do it, the better I get at it' type thing, so I'm trying not to stress about that. I think it is more, will I know what to do when this type of patient comes in, i.e. get V/S, listen to their chest, belly, assess neuro,,,,you know, that stuff that experienced nurses, just DO, without thinking. This, for me as an adult reentering the work place, is difficult. I have know what 'to do' for so many years, that now being thrown into a big question mark, is driving me crazy!! lol, lol I am sure it will all work out. Just hope I stay sane through it though :trout:

I guess I am just needing support. I have my orienation schedule for the next 6 weeks which is going to prove to be quite the juggling act trying to cover having someone at home for the kids, homework help, activities, and regular life !!! I graduated in May so haven't had my hands on anything 'clinical' in several months. I'm just wondering how the heck I'm going to jump back in there, what is my preceptor going to expect me to just pick up and run with, ya know? I know I am going to feel rusty all around, but hope that after a day or two all of the basic skills will flow smoothly again. Just getting cold feet the day before. I am getting my preceptor broken up since there is a lack of them in this ED as well as scheduling issues so I will have a total of 3 depending which shift I work. Of course, I've heard that the woman who I am scheuduled to be with tomorrow is 'terrible', whatever that mean, so of course I am projecting, but I will try my best to be positive! K

To "Sumas" et al.... Thanks so much for the "cheering" me on from the sidelines. It is EXACTLY what I needed right now. I am a lady in waiting right now, lol, awaiting that ever important "official" RN license # !!!! Need this before I can start, ya know Then off to orientation. I will keep you all posted on my progress, frustrations and triumphs. I am so glad to have this site for info as well as camaraderie!!! I think I have learned already that we all need to stick together rather than butt head with each other ! K

I hope this doesn't offend any of the seasoned vets out there, as I hold all the respect in the world for you all, but here I am a new 'adult' RN preparing to start my orientation to the ER. I would love to hear some positive feedback on how and why starting in the ER is a good thing. I am a high energy, task-oriented person by nature. I am hoping that the way I can manage my house, 3 kids, at home business, and every other curve ball that comes my way, I can manage my newfound path in the ER. Ever the realist, and a wee bit of a perfectionist at times, I am fully anticipating a certain level of frustration on my part, with being in the green. I want to see and learn and am praying I get an open and willing preceptor. I would appreciate any tidbits of wisdom to help me through what should prove just a continuation of the past few years! K

Hey GCC07tt: Many congrats to YOU, my friend. "WE" did it !!!! I have to take the time to thank this website actually for the awesome referral of the Prioritzation book. If I wouldn't have gotten that 2 wks before the exam, I am certain I would have been lost. It, in my opinion, is an invaluable resource for NCLEX and those difficult priority questions. Make the investment and take the time to answer the questions...it is soooo worth it. See ya soon GCC07tt K:monkeydance:

Thought I would post some "positive" feedback here. I took the NCLEX Tuesday morning. Yes, it wasn't pretty. I left there feeling it could go either way and I posted here that I was really unsure about whether I passed or not. I passed the time away yesterday, still physically and mentally EXHAUSTED from taking the test, and all the while, HOW will I ever be able to do this again if I don't make it? I found out exactly 48 hours after the test that I "passed." I almost cracked up when I saw the lower case letters that read 'pass'.....with no bells and whistles, simply a HUGE sigh of relief while sitting at my computer, tear streaming down my face that I was finally done. All I can say is that I must have known more than I thought, and the uncertainty that comes with being a new nurse was able to creep in and cause a ton of self-doubt. Priority questions were big. There were meds, but mostly common ones you would know simply from nursing school; only 1 med I had never heard of. I ahd several developmental and psych situations too. Keep plugging away. It really IS true, miracles can come true.... Peace, K

Took the big test this morning. My computer stopped at 75 questions. There was a variety of topics, about 8 select alls, 1 where I had to put a skill in the correct order, a few calculations which I was not ready for (!), meds and more meds most were the commons, only 1 I never heard of, developmental, psych. It really was a mish-mosh of everything. But, the overwhelming % of questions, especially towards the end, were on: who would you see first, what would you clarify, who needed intervention first....and choosing was no easy task. The answer did not jump at you and I feel like ABCs weren't even helpful. Honestly, I can probably say with 100% certainty that I really knew about 10 questions for sure. Right now I feel like either I passed well or failed terribly if I go by the comments on this site when getting the minimum # of questions. So, now the wait until Thursday morning for the results. I hope I passed...I cannot imagine going through this again.... K

Are you referring to the Prioritization/Delegation book that has these type questions by content area? My test is exactly a week from today on 8/7 and I got this book last week after reading posts here that it was helpful. I hope so ! I have studied content area. Am just doing these priority questions this week, reviewing Med/Surg, and medications. I don't know what else to do to be prepared. I can't wait until it is over !