Resanite

I'm in my first semester of nursing at CCCC. So any advice on school, future employment, or ways to keep my sanity from fellow cape coders is much appreciated!

I started with the intrinsic conduction system of the heart and explained how electrical impulses are conducted from the SA node to the purjunkie fibers. I then described the irregularities and how AFib characterized by a total chaos of atrial electrical activity due to ectopic foci resulting in loss of effective atrial contraction. I also talked about how it occurs with other underlying diseases such as CAD, HF, HTN and how it develops acutely with alcoholism, caffeine use, sleep apnea, etc. I then explained decreased CO and thrombi formation. For management I listed drug therapies and cardioversion options. Because I have to make a nursing diagnosis before I even see the patient I did- Decreased Cardiac Output r/t altered rhythm a.m.b. Atrial fibrillation. Thanks for the advice- I am glad I included the norm.

Good luck! I'm doing it in 2 weeks (1st. Semester) I'm nervous too. Let me know how you do!

Love the apps available through iPod/iPad, also have recorder to record lectures. Non-techy things I've had to buy are blood pressure cuff (which I wish I knew before since there are packages with stethoscope and cuff for less money), pen light, scissors, and a clipboard. I also am obsessed with post its, pens, highlighters, notebooks, and flashcards. I'm only in my first semester so I am sure there is lots more! Good Luck!

Thank You all for the advice...going to dive into it now!

Each week I have to do a patho form with pathophysiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, management, and nursing diagnosis. This week my assignment is on A Fib. I am having a bit of ta hard time with it perhaps because I a still trying to grasp the whole concept of the heart itself still. My textbook does not have a big section on A Fib, but I have also found some info online. My question is in order to explain the pathophysiology of A Fib should I explain the normal heart rhythms and then the abnormal, or assume the normal is known and focus solely on A Fib?

I cried reading this! I am a mom too, though my daughter just turned 12. I had her the year after I graduated HS, leaving me with no choice of college and a life od meaningless jobs ahead. In 2009 I decided to go back to school. I started with 1 class (I didn't think I could do it) When I realized I could I started full time. With school, work, and being a mom I worked my butt off to maintain a 3.85 gpa! I heard so many stories of rejection that I was sure I wouldn't get in the first time I applied. Last night - 3 months and 29 days after handing in my application I got my acceptance letter. I cried! I experienced so many emotions, I was in shock! I felt an incredible sense of pride, my hard work paid off. Although I feel a great sense of accomplishment I know this is the mere beginning of a long road ahead.I just can't wait to travel it! September 2012 CCCC

I just got my acceptance letter to Cape Cod Community College!!! I am so excited! Anyone else planning on going there?

I'm new to this site! I applied for the nursing program at CCCC for the fall 2012 semester. I heard there's over 300 applicants for 60 slots. Waiting patiently for my acceptance/rejection letter since January! This wait is killing me!