simply_commenting

Class of 2014 Mid Semester updated: So, already it is mid-semester and I have two tests (3 including the math) behind me and 3 tests in front. Here is what I have learned: 1) Get a senior buddy! i cannot stress this enough. At least for the first test or so until you figure things out - they come in huge. 2) The book most used this semester by FAR is Kozier "fundamentals". Carpenito is second. Pharmacology Third. This is a month and 1/2 in. Also, the library has ALL the books. henke is always taken out before math exam. Oh, get whatever Drug Guide you like. 3) Tape the lectures. I had a 3.9gpa going in, i do not have that now. seniors have said it makes a difference. listen to seniors 4) there is way too much reading. however, you must learn the "right" way to read. and also the "right" way to study. This is my method to keep track of what i've done. I made a spreadsheet and as best as i can represent it. Lec: 1 --Skim Reading--Listen Lecture--Q's Book--Q's Wrkbook--ATI Q's--Tables Chap--NCLEX--Qs Online--Read Kozier Ch 8: X X Kozier Ch 10: X X X Lec 2: --Skim Reading--Listen Lecture--Q's Book--Q's Wrkbook--ATI Q's--Tables Chap--NCLEX--Qs Online--Read Kozier Ch 5: X Carpenito: Wheelchair 5) tests are really "think like a nurse" or "think about what is important to read". 6) NCLEX questions. i haven't really done it enough, but i'm starting to. 7) Clinicals are a lesson in "holy crap there's too much to learn" Cleaning up someone, am I being clean? what are ADLs? Many times they just throw you in and make you figure it out. Patients are nice usually and understand. You say, "I'm a student and need to ask you questions". Positive attitude and paying attention to patient seems to be the best way to go. 8) Preparing for clinicals takes much time. You look up drugs and write them down. You go to your hospital on your time and write down diagnoses and try to understand what put your patient in there in the first place, and what you can do to improve their health. 9) Clinicals do NOT start right away, the 1st 3 weeks or so are labs preparing you for clinicals (they dont throw you in there too badly) 10) Try to pick group "2" of clinicals. Whether it is A2, B2, C2, whatever. MCC is doing alternating weeks this year (and probably next due to the success) which means group one has the first week, group two goes the following week, then group one goes, then group two goes..etc. 11) What I know I feel is NOTHING. At other times I'm surprised at how much I've picked up but I still feel I'm sooo overwhelmed. However, they are good about only overwhelming you to a certain point - no one expects you to be super nurse the first few times. So far I focused on some serious basics: how to make a bed, how to properly clean a patient, where stuff is, what to focus on. 12) You learn fast what's important: patient care, know what drugs they take and have an idea of what they do, this in turn helps you in understanding common diagnoses, etc. 13) Don't go crazy printing things out, you only have 300 copies in library to print - BE SURE WHAT YOU PRINT! Of course you can buy more, but it adds up quick. Print up toolbook they provide, syllabus if you feel like it (it's a syllabus....do u REALLY need it?), print up powerpoints for lectures with 3 slides per page. 14) Make friends - don't be an a$$. I find helping others is far better than being protective of what you think is "an edge up" This is one choice that has turned out to be an amazing cooperative experience ALREADY. Makes me proud of my career decision already and I'm still so new. I am surrounded by like-minded people: smart enough, modest enough, constant worriers, extremely thoughtful (most at least), 15) Be organized on how you will study and how your week will go. I use my spreadsheet above as one example but I constantly have to say "ok, this is what i want to do and this is how much time i will spend" and actually do it. 16) it's so much easier late at night to post on allnurses than do studying. ...brain is on empty.

@mo91291, When applying to another adn program, people there said 95% percentile or above was typically the range. But having a&p I & II and micro will add more points (i did not have micro at the time). you score should be ok - besides, you are only allowed to take the TEAS once every 6 months. I believe I scored a 96% which makes you a nerd in comparison to me.

I was not able to attend - I feel I missed out on a great book buying opportunity and to mingle with past grads. So in some sense I probably have less questions since oftentimes I'll ask a question and then find I have 10 new ones to ask. I'm a real pain in the butt.

Quite well, need my 2 months before school starts to try and prepare mentally.

Medic2RN: yes, less personal info the better. side note, i'm a medic to rn too! (in theory at this point) Dark Helmet: So, Lone Star, now you see that evil will always triumph because good is dumb.

Autymn: Thank you! I am excited, but ultimately elated - my life was in a weird limbo waiting to see if I would get into a program. To draw an analogy here, it's like hearing the gun go off for the race: i have hurdles to come but at least the race has finally started and I can see the finish line. Above post edit: Samantha corrected me on this one, I am quoting her (thanks Samantha!) "First semester, you have class twice a week, clinical twice a week for 6 weeks, and lab once a week. Lab eventually goes away in 2nd semester, but then you have clinical twice a week for the whole semester from there on out."

samantha: thank you for the quick and thoughtful replies. and future questions.

kimball: thanks! and grats to you. for me, the biggest issue was getting into a program. now that i'm in, as much as there are plenty of hurdles the biggest is behind me (in my mind at least). Oh, and you may want to see this: Lawrence Memorial Hospital/Regis College Nurse Program Named NLN Center of Excellence In Nursing Education

Glass-Half-Full: Would be happy to recall what I can, they provide many handouts. (it also helps me get clarity). Yes, I have been accepted for starting this Fall, 2012. - books: $375. However, that may change because I haven’t gone through the paperwork to see if I’m missing something. This is for two years which seems awfully low. Don’t quote me on this. -scrubs: you go to a specific dealer because they have the MCC logo on them. they suggest getting 2 pairs at least. tops: $19-24, bottoms: $16-21. lab coats: $24-27 (only one needed). Price dependent on size. -stethoscope: expect to purchase a mid-level pair for $30-50. (they suggest littmann) -medical liability: $20 bucks one time payment I think. Summary: there are many little costs here and there, but they add up. Other Notes: - Health/physical: you need it. Also, Tb shots, MMR, tuberculin, Hep B, varicella or proof of it. - CPR card (they do offer a class for nurses through MCC) - Proof of medical insurance - Learn algebra. Yup, we will be tested on algebra I. (in September) Ratios, proportions: think…what would a nurse have to do? - watch: get a waterproof one. I'm thinking walmart, $6 -shoes: all leather, white, tied. Sketchers were one brand. They give suggestions. No clogs. - jewelry: not much, no necklaces. Time Commitment: Required by all: Mondays: 8:30-11:30 lecture, 12:00-1:30 pre-lab Thursdays: 8:00-10:30 lecture, Variable: Lab/Clinical: you have to do one lab and one clinical – to be picked at a later date. Clinicals are every other week and change each semester. Labs I think are every week (not sure). There are multiple times for both lab and clinical and limited spaces. They said it would make more sense once we pick them. Example: Clinical: 7-2:30pm, Nashua Tuesday/Wednesday Lab: 12-3:00pm, Friday. My Notes: make friends with 2nd year students. New notes: be gentlemanly and make friends with opposite gender My situation: I had a BA and actually completed A&P (I & II) – working on microbiology as we speak. MCC accepted everything from my BA which only left Nursing I, II, III and IV (when I transfer micro). So 4 classes in 2 years. The intensity was much greater than expected since they tell you working more than 24 hours is detrimental. Hence, looking into a job where I can study is paramount. I was also told through the grapevine at another CC I applied to (and was accepted in) that the minimum is 94 or 95% on the entry exam - the demand for 2 year programs is higher than BA programs, surprisingly. Note you can only take the exam once every 6 months. So if you can get it done EARLY you can decide if you need to take it again. Thoughts: - about 20 some odd froshmores came into the orientation. Which, to me, says volumes about how they feel about the program. They were extremely helpful and I thought it a good gesture on MCC to do this. I wish I wasn’t so overloaded with information, but I will be calling one of the guys to ask more.

I went to the orientation for MCC this Friday and left completely and utterly overwhelmed. Here's my quick notes on it: - I was surprised at how much I have to do before then - I am surprised at how much time is involved - I am still surprised at how much time is involved (and I'm only taking one class - Nursing I and Nursing II) - I am only one of seven guys. - I picked 68th on the "clinical and lab rotation" draft. I told them to put me down for 89th. Pretty sure I'm dead last. If only I had picked one number higher. This better mean I'm getting a high draft pick next semester. - The professors look competent and caring - The students really put emphasis on how stressful it is. I am basically planning my work schedule around "easy" and "able to study while working". - Look forward to scrubs (dark green pants, white top. classy) -I don't look forward to all the hidden costs. 125 for a lab kit, 75 for background check, [insert cost] for [insert item]. - I have alot to do before september. - Most other students seem open and friendly although I hardly interacted. They grouped the guys together. - Enjoyed the "froshmores" show around. I have alot of questions but brain farted my way to smiling and nodding. anyone else in the class with me?

However, this silly system requires I have 15 posts. apparently i have not met quota. if you can PM me, please do so, I think if i provide my email address they may boot me from this website. fyi. the book costs seem very small (maybe they don't include nclex books), but it appears to be around $450. far, far less than i expected and then again, I could very well have been overwhelmed. ahh, nursing.

Dragonfly: Given your experience, I am soooooo relieved to have gotten into a program. I mean, I was relieved before, but that is some great input for post-RN masters. I had no idea volunteer hours came into play - I suspect I need to start planning for masters while I am in my Associates - since it may take a few years of work to attain the standards of the master's programs. Also, I love to plan ahead so great insight there - and congrats on acceptance in GBCC. Some of my friends are happy, but sad that I will be going to Manchester rather than GBCC.

morgan: (congrats!) i feel that both provide great experience and either one would be a good choice. here is a run-down, from my angle, as to why i chose mcc. pros to mcc 1) less classes to take [color=#808080](mcc accepted more transfer credits) mean less money to spend. 2) shorter range of clinical commute.[color=#d3d3d3]: [color=#808080]mcc=manchester to nashua versus gbcc=portsmouth to lawrence, ma 3) less commute to class (my situation)[color=#808080] mcc=i could bike to class! gbcc=20 min drive at minimum. 4) slightly higher pass rate at mcc. [color=#808080]wasn't a big deal, both are quite high. 5) job opportunities for me: [color=#808080]mcc=anything on i-93 and gbcc=seacoast. 6) long term:[color=#808080] looking to buy house in manchester area, family is much closer. 7) living costs: less for mcc, [color=#808080]gbcc many surrounding areas tend to be more expensive. pros for gbcc: 1) living on the coast. (beautiful!) 2) slightly better reputation - although that is subjective and depends on who you talk to. 3) only program on coast and therefore slight edge to other programs in other parts of state-i could be grossly wrong about this. what i do not know: 1) % ratio of grads that get jobs 2) long term ability to enter a master's program (mcc already sent a bsn option to rivier, but i'm hoping to skip that step). i would write down pro's and cons. worst case, you accept both and lose $100 bucks but gain valuable time to consider both.

Michelle, I hope more do post - we can't be the only ones this excited. The more I hear the more I like.

Danielle: thank you! I would like to say congrats to you on your upcoming gradation and nursing degree - all while being a mother of two! One: I am going to choose MCC and your post just cements the fact I am making the right decision. Two: The clinicals are so close! If Derry/Nashua is as far as a I go, that's nothing. Three: how was your, or even most of the classes', experience as a whole with nursing staff at most hospitals? i'm not asking you to single out any hospital, but were most nurses helpful? The horror story I have is one friend of mine in a boston nursing school says it is a dog-eat-dog world. Me? I prefer to be eternally optimistic about people. However, it doesn't hurt to have a heads up. Four: The excitement still hasn't hit me. I checked my mail everyday for over a month (no joke) and when I got it - it was a sense of relief. thanks! joe