dennis09x

This explanation is exactly what happens in my program, NEPS SDEO, we take the exact same courses, the exact same clinical hours as 4 year program, only difference is that we do it for 5 days a week, 8 hours a day for 2 years with very little break in between semesters (sometimes none at all) with the exception of our last break being just over 1 month and a half off. The difference here is, we don't have the time to procrastinate or sit down, and understand something to the fullest. If we don't get it in time, we don't move on. Simple as that, same as 4 year, just half the time to do so. We all have previous degrees that fulfill the prerequisites. Most of us have had careers and security that we left in order to pursue a nursing career. We know what is needed to be done and we are extremely motivated to succeed and get the hell out of school and back into the workforce. In the case of a few where they have had no work experience and have jumped from a 3yr to this program, they will, IMO, be the ones like you described in the first few posts describing fast track students. But think about this... What were you members like when you were first introduced to "real" nursing. I am sure you were the epitome of what RN education strives to create (haha, i'm sure). We all need proper mentorship to develop into successful nurses, and this culture of pointing out and laughing at the students that "don't get it" isn't going to help the situation anymore. So instead of saying "shes so stupid she cant even hang an IV", and promoting lateral violence. Please get off your chair and help someone who really needs it. Isn't that why we became nurses in the first place? To help?

Like the title says, I am collecting some qualitative information based on new grad experiences during nursing school and in workforce for a bit of my own and academic research. Being a "soon to be" new grad (april '12!) of the NEPS SDEO program in Sask, I am curious to see the frustrations new grads have when transitioning from school to the workforce. if we could organize this loosely around this structure as follows. When graduated and what program: (4 year, post diploma, 2 year fast track, etc..) Way you felt coming into workforce: (unprepared, scared, excited, etc..) Biggest shortcomings when you started working: (unable to manage time, unable to react to emergency situations, inadequate mentorship, etc..) Do you feel that nursing school has prepared you for practice?: What you wish you learned in school: (IV's, shift work, actual patient loads, etc.) What would have been the one thing that would have made the transition from school to "real life" better? : (mentorship program, more simulations, more placements, etc..) Any other statements you would like to make, or would like to vent, it's all good. Thanks in advance everyone, I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart to hear your experiences.

I'm currently in my second last semester of the NEPS SDEO in sask here. It's currently being re worked but i can say that the instructors enjoy our level of intelligence, maturity and drive. so far its been good and bad, which i'm sure the 4 year program is no different. I have a degree in physiology from 09, and i've found that this program has been challenging, time consuming, frsutrating, rewarding, life changing, and provides ample opportunity to undergo self reflection. Do it..the RN schooling opens untold numbers of doors. It also goes by really quick, and smaller class numbers mans tighter knit groups and increased social support...you need each other, and lemme tell you, we are each others best resource. "it won't be easy, but it will be worth it"