RedneckGrl

Hey everyone. This week is a very crucial one for me and I'm scared to death. Have final Med-Surg Theory test this week and I HAVE to get a 93% or higher on it to pass and continue on in nursing school or I'm out. This last test is over bowel/GI, abuse/neglect/etc & coping/stress. I've been trying to take every type of test on the internet to help me prepare but with so much riding on this test I'm afraid that I will make stupid mistakes. I AM NOT a good test taker. I can talk to my friends and family about the information I'm learning and such but when it comes to sitting down to take a test then I struggle. Most of the questions are in a scenario type way instead of definition/term type way and it seems like I overanalyze the question and totally get frazzled and frustrated. I can study the terms and material in the book but until I have that testing scenario questioning quiz to take and practice then I don't know how I will do. I want this so much and want to succeed because I've been doing everything I can to keep it together. Anybody have any suggestions or test taking strategies that have helped you in regards to taking tests and such? I think the parts that get me are when you are given an example like "the patient presents with this, this and this, what medication would factor into why he is at the hospital" Guess I should just memorize every type of drug and what drugs can effect what system. I think just a way a test question is worded can be tricky with the "select all that apply" and "Most" "least likely" etc. HELP!!

Ok, I just have a quick question for all you PCT's out there. I work on the surgical floor in a fairly big hospital and due to budget and everything they changed the staffing grid and now we are only "allowed" like 1 PCT per like 15-16 patients with one PCT having like 9 patients. Well today I had 9 patients from 7a-11a then brought in another one but in those 4 hours I ran my behind off answer call light after call light and actually have 4 patients lined up on a internal wait list because the nurses needed assistance because pretty much all nine of my patient's needed assistance with toileting and turning every 2 hours and so on, not to mention meals and baths which didn't get too far on those. Is this normal for other facilities out there? We used to be able to have at least 2 PCT's on the floor to help with the load but they changed the way they do staffing and have cut back. I just don't see this as safe for the patient's for one but also not being able to take care of patient's needs or answer call lights promptly like we should. Any thoughts??

Good Luck with nursing school. I, too, don't think I have any choice but to work during nursing school, which starts this following Monday the 20th. In the beginning my classes will be 8a-3pm and with clinicals 6a-3pm. Currently I work full-time as a CNA/PCT on surgical floor on day shift, 7a-3pm but that will change when school starts. I'm lucky that the hospital works around schedules and is supportive of staff going back to school in the healthcare field and help out as much as they can. I am a single mom of a 15 yr old son and so I HAVE to work. My problem was I couldn't go to part-time because I would pay more out of my paycheck for insurance and I run the risk of being put on call often (part-time & PRN staff is first to be put on call before full timers). I worked out the following schedule, Sat & Sun 7a-7p, Mon 3p-11p, Wed & Fri 3-7pm. I realize this will be tough but I also realize it won't be forever. I believe working at the hospital will benefit me some because I will be able to observe the practices that I will be learning in class. Also when we do clinicals a majority will be done at the same hospital I work so a few of us in my nursing school class will be a step up in some ways cause we will be familiar with the computer/charting system. Believe me, I'm nervous and a bit scared but very excited and I will do all I can to make it through to the end.

cnagrl87, I, too, am a single mom and I have a 15 yr old teenager and just found out I got accepted into the LPN program after being on the alternate list for like months!! YAY!! I'm so excited but like you nervous and scared. I currently work full-time day shift at the hospital and plan on working while going to school. The hospital is great about working around schedules and because I don't want to take the chance of a cut in paycheck I'm going to attempt to keep full-time hours by working 12 hr shifts every weekend and 3 shifts during the week. I understand how tough this will be but I feel I have no choice. If I went to part-time I would run the risk of being put on-call alot cause part-timers are one of the firsts to be put on-call when our census is down and we are overstaffed. I figure I can sacrifice my weekends for 10 months and just focus on the end result, an LPN degree. You can do anything you put your mind to but like others have mentioned it will take some determination and organization. I don't start school and my new schedule until August 20th so right now I'm planning, with my son, how we are going to handle things. I figure if I prepare meals on my days off that I can freeze then all I would have to do, or my son would have to do, is pull it out of the freezer and reheat, this will save alot I think. Get a planner, this will help as well. Good luck and let us know your plans. Like to hear how everyone is doing!!