nurs2014

Thanks for the advice, I will definitely apply some of the tips for coping with my emotions, thanks again!

I didn't intend to insinuate that I am actually suffering with PTSD resulting from my experience, only that I feel traumatized by the event. I will definitely choose my wording more carefully in future posts, thanks for your advice.

Hello Nurses, I'm a new nurse with less than a year's experience and just lost my first patient. I work in a skilled nursing facility and have the opportunity to bond with my patients since they are long-term residents. This week one of those patients suddenly went unresponsive and required ACLS, I applied all of my knowledge and fought my best, but resuscitation was unsuccessful and the resident died. Since then I have been dreaming about the event every night, fearing I missed something, or didn't do enough. Is this normal? I tried talking to my supervisor about this and she brushed me off and told me was "too thin-skinned" and would "get over it" I realize patients die on a daily basis, but this was huge event for me, this wasn't old lady so-and-so passed away peacefully in her sleep. Any advice for a dealing with a traumatic loss? Thanks for any advice and letting me vent!

The lab/clinical rotation is two days a week, it may be Tue/Wed or Wed/Fri it varies, and they are for 6 hour sessions (7-1 or 1-7) that is why the schedule shows seven days a week. The 1200 for books is the majority of the books for the entire program. I only needed 1 additional book in the second semester, which isn't too bad. The book expense can be less if you search for books online, just make certain they have any codes for web pages, or interactive things. I can't say whether or not you should keep your job, only you can determine that.

Clinical locations vary, but plan on being in a nursing home, or rehab location. I should probably add to my list of things to expect... The school (BCC) has gone "green," meaning they do not print handouts, handbook, or various other printed information. This translates to the students spending a substantial amount of money on paper, printers, and ink! I am on my 3rd printer after 1 year! Unfortunately I thought I woulds be doing myself a favor buying an expensive printer for the workload, WRONG... I killed 2 printer heads before I finally bought a cheap $60.00 printer that is doing a great job! The program is affordable, however, plan on spending approximately $1200.00 out of pocket for books (bring someone to help you carry them home), uniforms (you'll want at least 2), nursing shoes, stethoscope, watch (with secondhand), BP cuff, and gait belt. They will give you a list of things you'll need. Research the books, Amazon, Ebay, etc are good resources (the school bookstore is expensive). Lastly, I would suggests you plan on a large gas budget, between lecture, lab, and clinical (which may require a little travel time) you will be driving a lot. I still believe it is all worth the dream! I just wish someone had given me a little information, so I could have been better prepared. I hope this helps, don't panic or freak-out, the worst is over (waiting for that damn letter)! Welcome to the world of student nursing!

Congratulations future nurses! I am finishing up my first year in the nursing program, and can offer you a few tips. 1) there is a math competency test day one of the semester, you must pass with an 85 or better. The program offers a refresher course (5 days) over the summer, it's free, I suggest you attend. The amount of reading is insane, I have yet to complete an assigned weeks worth of reading in the allotted week, do your best, but don't fall behind. Lectures are held on Mondays 8-12 (traditional), with 2 lab days per week for 5 weeks, then 1 lab and 1 clinical day for a few weeks, and finally 2 clinical days in the end. You must expect to eat, sleep, and breathe nursing school... it's meant to be survived, not enjoyed (lol). You will make huge sacrifices, but they are for your future, try to remember that. You will meet your new best friends; even the most supportive family and friends cannot understand what you're going through like another nursing student. The faculty are all awesome, do not listen to the rumor mill, your professors want you to succeed! I hope this helps a bit, good luck, see you in September!

So sorry the letters haven't even gone out yet! I received my letter in early March last year! I'm in the class of 2014... In reading all your posts, I am reminded of the anxiety that builds waiting for that damn letter to arrive! Good luck to all of you!

I received my acceptance letter, which is really good news for someone on the "wait list" because I was also accepted into BCC's nursing program, which is where I'll be going next fall! Congratulations to all those who got into the program, and good luck to the ones on the wait list!

Congratulations! Enjoy the great feeling! I know how hard I worked to get into my ASN program, so go celebrate! :cheers: cheers!

I'm In southeast Massachusetts, going to Bristol CC!:w00t:

Congratulations! I love seeing so many posts about acceptance letters! I got mine and my feet haven't touched the floor since! Enjoy the ride

Congratulations! My school requires us to pass a math compentency test for nursing within the first month of classes. I'm using "Davis's Basic Math Review for Nurses" ISBN-13: 978-0803620568 It's very easy to follow. :yeah:But if you're not REQUIRED to do anything over the summer, just enjoy the weather and your accomplishment (getting in)!! :w00t:

Congratulations! I was accepted into my program as well (only ASN), what an awesome feeling to make the class! :cheers: Good luck in your program.

BCC is Bristol Community College (Fall River) I live between Brockton & Fall River so the commute is the same for me in either direction. I received my letter on 3/10. BCC had the same Feb 1 deadline, that's why I think May is too long to find out.

Mid-May?! That's CRAZY! I was accepted at BCC and was forced to put a $200 non-refundable deposit down for my seat, there is a mandatory orientation May 3rd where they want $40 uniform deposit, $50 drug test fee... at this rate I guess I'll be staying at BCC, I'm investing too much money to not go! It doesn't seem right MCC is taking so long to put the initial class together. I guess it will create openings for others on the wait-list if some first choice students accept seats at other schools. Good luck to those still waiting, I guess my fate is sealed at BCC.