missk88

Hello! So, I need your help! I have my previous degree in psychology and we had to write plenty of papers using peer reviewed articles. Back then, although it wasn't my favorite thing to do, I could usually find articles that I needed with out too much struggle, just as long as I put aside enough time. This is not the case in nursing school. I am having so much difficulty finding the articles I need. I've spent LITERALLY all day yesterday trying to find four articles on the best method of discharge teaching for pediatric parents (ex: using dvd instruction, verbal, written instructions such as pamphlets, classes, etc) and I've only found two good articles. I'm using the CINAHL database. I have tried so many different search terms and I am running out of ideas. If you happen to know of any articles that are based on discharge teaching of pediatric patient's parents, with a focus on the method (ex: using dvd instruction, verbal, written, classes, etc) that are from a nursing journal, and published after 2008, PLEASE let me know. Also, if you know of any FREE databases or suggestions of terms I should search for that would be great too! I am at my wits end! I would normally suck it up and keep searching, but I have other assignments and exams I have to worry about on top of this. Thank you!!!!!!

You CAN pass and you WILL pass if you are proactive! Talk to your professor, see where you need help when it comes to studying. Also, when I was in fundamentals I had a tough time adjusting to the NCLEX style questions on exams. Get a book of practice NCLEX questions and talk to your professor about tips when answering these types of questions. I was in the same boat as you, I legitimately thought I was going to fail but ended up getting an 88. You can do it!!!

Thanks guys!!! I ended up leaving a nice simple thank you card in her mailbox. I'm pretty sure she received it well, a few days she saw me on campus and was really friendly and nice at least! I decided to just give it to her now, because knowing me, by the end of the semester I will be so caught up in studying for finals that I'd probably forget to drop the thank you card off in her mailbox, hehe.

Anyone? Anything? Any little bit helps!!!

So, I've been doing surprisingly well in pharm up until the cardiac exam. For some reason it seems that the info seems to mesh together and I have a hard time differentiating defining factors between the different types of meds, etc. our final exam is cumulative so it is crucial that I get a good grasp on cardiac. I am meeting with my professor, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how they were able to learn and apply the cardiac section of pharmacology? Thank you!!!!

Hey, it's been a while since I've checked this! Thank you all for the advice!!! I ended up having a talk with her, I tried to be assertive and not too rude. She seemed to be getting offended at first and therefore getting defensive and shutting down, but the more I explained and the more examples I gave of her behavior and how it bothered me, it seemed to start to click for her. I'm not going to lie, things are a bit awkward in our apartment, but no more awkward than they were before, it's just a different type of awkward feeling. She has backed off a considerable amount, though, which is great. Overall, I'm really glad I finally talked to her. Thanks again for everyone's advice!!

Meatballgirl, This late in the game, I would not advise you to switch, not over one class. It is a shame that your teacher has failed to teach properly. If she's on the way out and is teaching this way, in my opinion, she should just leave early! It's not fair to you or the other students. I completely understand your frustration, but again, this one class is not worth the pain of switching programs. What I suggest you do is try to teach yourself and get pharmacology study books that have NCLEX style questions. They tend to focus on what is most relevant in nursing and helps you to "think like a nurse" as they say. Also, read your textbook when you get a chance. If you do not like your textbook, I suggest buying Pharmacology for Nursing Care 8th edition by Richard A Lehne. It is the book I am currently using in my pharm class and it is awesome!!! He helps to break things down and explains concepts without being overly wordy and scientific. Also, make flashcards about the important drugs you learn and categorize them by groups (beta blockers, diuretics, SSRI's, etc). Make sure you not only know what these drugs do and what type, but also side effects, drug interactions, and specific patient care and teaching that may go along with them. Good luck in your program, I wish you all the best.

No, not wrong at all! In fact, that was very thoughtful of you. I think you handled the situation well and gave a very appropriate response.

Hello! I know exactly how you feel!! I'm not sure if your school offers it, but I know that the nursing department at my school has nursing program guidance counselors. My academic advisor is also really great to talk to, very understanding, and down to earth, but often times she is very busy and can't really chat for too long. I'd just go to someone involved in the administration of your nursing program and just ask them if there is someone you can talk to about nursing school and concerns about nursing school in general. I'm sure they will point you in the right direction! I get that people that work for the school aren't necessarily nurses or exactly friends, but it will be a good resource until you make friends that are nurses. I didn't make any friends with working nurses until I started my clinical, so don't give up yet! :-)

Hi everybody! I just want your opinion on something. I'm on the east coast and as I'm sure you all know, we were hit by hurricane sandy. I went home to help out my parents during the storm (my dad has some personal problems and he gets really anxious when anything out of the "ordinary" happens.. long story, won't get into it now). I had my exam today and when I checked the commuter rail website it said that it should be running close to schedule. I left well before my exam, but was still late because another tree ended up falling on the tracks! I emailed my teacher asking her if I could take my pharm exam even if I was late. I honestly thought she'd say no, because she's pretty strict, but luckily she actually told me I could!! For some reason she couldn't have me take it later today (I think she was teaching other classes) but she is letting me take it tomorrow. I think it is really kind she is letting me take the exam a day late because she could have very easily said no. I want to write her a thank you card, but I am wondering, is that too much? I do genuinely appreciate her letting me take the exam late. I did thank her in an email but I feel like it deserves a thank you card. I just don't want her to think I'm some obnoxious brown noser. What do you guys think? Thank you card or no thank you card?

Just as others are saying; she is being a jerk. Try not to let her get to you, because if you let her, she will continue to do so. Kill her with kindness and don't let it show that she bothers you. As long as you know the truth that is all that matters. I'm sure other nurses will notice her attitude and will not appreciate it as well. Even though they aren't actively sticking up for you, if they have a clue as to what is going on, they probably realized you were right and she was just being rude. She can only embarrass you if you let her, so don't. Kindly and calmly explain your side of the story and if she still wants to respond with attitude just smile and walk away from it. People like that aren't worth your time.

Amen to that!

It went well, I got an 89!!! I think that's amazing considering how tough I thought it was! I am taking Patho at the same time. It's odd, I didn't think the first patho exam would be too bad but I didn't do as well. I'm staying positive about it though. I used to be a straight A student and would be so upset if I didn't get an A on everything. Nursing school totally changes that!!!! These days, as long as I pass I'm pretty happy, to be honest.

Okay, I just need to get this off my chest so that HOPEFULLY I can sleep tonight before I have to take my first med/surg exam. I mean, lordy lordy. So much information. It makes my brain ache. I've attended class, gone through the slides (did extra research on concepts in slides that they didn't elaborate on as much as they should've) and the assigned reading. It's all too much, everything I read seems like it's important and I have to master. I feel like I'm going mad. Another thing that is really bothering me is that the assigned reading and the powerpoints don't exactly match up. I've had classes before where the reading had a lot more in depth explanation of concepts on the slides.. but there are completely new concepts in the assigned reading and not in the slides, and vice versa. It just makes me feel very lost. Should I focus on these? Are there other things I should be covering that I am not? Do they expect me to memorize all 15 of those tables that were included in the assigned reading? Information overload to the billionth degree. I feel like what I'm studying is starting to get all jumbled in my head because it's too much for my brain to organize. I wish I had one of those "mersurg success!" books. If anyone has a suggestion for a review book it would be much appreciated. Apparently I need all the help I can get. Okay, I do feel a lot better now. Goodnight.

These people that are on their high horses trying to shame you make me LAUGH. If they ever even CRACKED open a history book they'd realize marijuana was made illegal not because it was harmful, but because hemp was putting the big cotton industry out of business and the big wigs in big cotton had clout with the gov't and got the hemp plant banned. There is no scientific evidence behind it, it's all about $$$$. Think about it, cigarettes cause various diseases and health problems as does alcohol. Yet those are legal. Yes, marijuana may alter your mind, but so does alcohol. The alcohol and tobacco industries have better lobbyists and provide the government tax money. Marijuana does not. Open your eyes people!!! I don't even smoke pot for crying out loud, but you should never just blindly accept something. I'm no conspiracy nut, but it doesn't take a half wit to realize our government is corrupt and greedy. With that said. I'm sorry to hear about your ordeal, OP. I hope it all gets ironed out. I feel that if a person isn't coming to work under the influence they shouldn't be punished for it. I'm not a smoker, but I know I'd be pretty upset if I were told I couldn't have my couple glasses of wine on my days off. We work so hard as nurses, we should be able to relax. Also, I want to add that as a nurse you are supposed to keep an open mind so that you can best relate to your patients and make them feel comfortable. Why can't we do this with fellow nurses?

OP, I used to be a straight A student before nursing school, even in my prerequisites for nursing school I got A's. The reason why people tend to go from A's to B's is because the test in nursing school are most likely unlike any test you've taken before. It's a whole new style of learning. You're not only learning new material, but a whole new way of thinking and mindset. To be honest, what is most important is that you learn the material and know how to apply it to your clinical setting. Whether you get an A or B really isn't that important. If you do well at your clinical, get in good with the charge nurses and nurse managers, you know, "networking" as they say, that will land you a job. Trust me, I've been told by many a nurse that the hospital wants a nurse with either experience or one who has a good track record of working well with people at their clinical. I feel like someone could get all A's, but that doesn't mean they're going to be the best nurse. You could definitely get straight A's in nursing school OP, but I recommend focusing on what is most important; your patients and your well being. If after taking care of yourself you only have enough time to study and get a B, that is much more worth it than studying, not taking care of yourself, getting burned out and then not being able to take the best care you could of your patients. Honestly, it's not worth it to break your back to get an A. The nurses I know tell me that hospitals rarely consider GPA. Maybe if you literally almost failed out they would be concerned, but a B or an A is not really going to make any sort of difference. Experienced nurses get the job, after that new nurses with the best recommendations and networking get the job. They want a person who works well with people, not one who only looks good on paper. Ya dig?

OP, definitely invest in a good stethoscope. I highly recommend the Littmann classic I.I. SE. It has the best sound quality. Someone mentioned to make sure your ear buds are facing the correct way, this is VERY important. If they aren't facing the right way you will not be able to hear anything. Besides that, yes, it is most definitely something you need to keep practicing. Also, try to practice on more than one person if you can. I had difficulty with the lung exam at first (I remember bursting into tears in my mom's kitchen when I was practicing and couldn't seem to get it.) but now I find it to be one of the easiest exams to perform. Just keep trying!! I was able to pick up abnormal lung sounds (the pt had crackles) on a patient at clinical! I felt so accomplished; you will someday too. Nursing school seems to be a lot of tears to triumph. Keep your eyes on the prize!

Aw, you poor thing! You just can't catch a break. I guess what's going on at work is the old "people want what they can't have". I never really got that concept, but it seems to be true in certain cases. I guess these women think if they're the one to finally get with you, since the others couldn't, it will prove something. (what, I'm not sure.) I've never really been like that. I'm a very straight forward person. If I like someone, I'll tell them, if they do, great; if they don't, better luck next time, and I move onto the next. What's the point in hanging onto someone who isn't into you? It never makes them like you anymore, if anything it pushes them away. I think you mentioned you don't like to sh*t where you eat when it comes to relationships and work, and I agree with you 1000000%. Anyway, what is going on at your work is technically sexual harassment. As much as you probably don't want to do this, you're probably going to have to put your foot down to send these ladies the message. Just very calmly and matter of fact say "I'm not interested. Please do not flirt/kiss me/whatever thing they do to you, or I will have to report it." Maybe it won't make you the most popular guy, but it'll hopefully get them to leave you alone. If they know you mean business and will report them, if they have any sort of wits about them or value their job they will leave you alone. Don't mention anything such as you are flattered or that you really don't want to report them. Show no kindness, just straight facts. You are there to work with patients and make a living to support your children, not find a mate. I don't think you should have to leave your job, OP. I think if anything those people that harass you should leave. You seem like a really great guy, OP, and to be frank it makes me down right sad that a person like you has to suffer because of the unprofessionalism of others. I wish you the best of luck on your date. I don't think you have anything to worry about. I know I have only read your posts on here, but I can tell you are a genuine, honest person. That is hard to come by these days. Hopefully the lady you go out with will realize that. Just be yourself. Age is only a number, don't let that get to you. Like I said, just be yourself, relax, let the conversation flow, don't be afraid to joke around, definitely don't be so nervous that you end up being uptight. A nice glass of wine tends to get things in the relaxed mood. I think dinner and a nice walk is the perfect idea; it gives you a chance to talk and get to know that person. I never understood movies on the first date because you don't really get a chance to talk! You probably already know this, but keep the conversation positive on the first date. Mostly ask about her and try not to go on too much about yourself. I wish you the best!

That link that was posted is GREAT! It's hard to describe a sound sometimes. Also, I've noticed that when the systolic BP is reached (the first sound), the needle will kind of jump a bit. That's the only tip I really have. Diastolic you just have to listen very closely unfortunately. Blood pressures are tough!!!! Practice makes perfect! I need to remind myself to practice; I'm in a hospital that has machines that do it for you. It's a great skill to master, but unlike riding a bike you have to keep at it.

Yay!!! That is great news! Fundamentals was a tough one!

It doesn't sound like your instructor did much instructing. I really do feel for you. Just make sure you try to keep a clear head, even when things go awry. I think that you ran into trouble when you panicked. Next time just try to stay calm and ask your instructor for help immediately. As far as the instructor saying you should feel bad for making mistakes, I think that is really unfair. You are a student, you are there to learn. You are not a well seasoned nurse. I do not understand how she does not expect you to make a few mistakes. Even nurses with lots of experience make mistakes sometimes, we are only human. Granted you did make an "uh oh" as I like to call them (you've got to keep some sort of humor during all this madness in my opinion. I do it by making corny jokes and calling my mistakes uh oh's, haha), but it was not a life threatening uh oh. You are not a failure, you are far from it. If anything, your instructor failed you, but you didn't fail her. Learn from your mistakes and try again. Please don't give up! p.s. OP, I will pray for you, if you'd like. I've gotten a lot more religious during nursing school. I would highly suggest getting in touch with your spiritual side, whatever side that may be. I don't have one set religion, I'm kind of a drifter, but it gives me strength to feel like I'm connected to something greater than what I can comprehend. In those times when I feel hopeless, it helps to give me hope. I also make a point to pray during good times as well and reflect on my accomplishments. It's very humbling. Just a thought. I hope you find inner peace and the strength to meet all of your goals.

What you feel is completely normal!! Just remember to BREATHE and ask questions! Don't be afraid to ask questions!!!!

I'm honestly just here to rant. I'm living with a girl who is in my program and I'm really starting to regret it. She seemed nice and sweet but about 2 months into living with her, the true colors came out. She will skip class all the time and just listen to my recording. It's frustrating that I'm going to class and she gets to snooze and just listen to it later. I'm tempted to just tell her it's broken. She also asks to do assignments with me all of the time, which I wouldn't mind, but due to my adhd and anxiety, I tend to get stuck on things and it takes longer for me to finish. So she'll be ahead of me and asking me questions about something that I haven't gotten to yet and will get MAD at me for not having an answer. Sometimes if she asks me for an answer to a question and my answer isn't the same as hers she'll try to make me feel like I'm an idiot (even in cases where I KNEW I was right). I just don't get it. If you think you're so right why are you asking me?? It's not just me, other people question her behavior and ask why I am friends with her. I'm honestly not her friend at this point but she keeps following me around. I feel bad that she has no other friends but I can see why at this point. The problem is, is that she's completely oblivious to how she acts. She'll always complain about how she doesn't get why she's single or has no friends. I just want to scream, well, because you're a b*tch!!! If I didn't have to live with her I would've put her in her place long ago. Awkward living situations are awful, I can't afford that.

Ah, the cut-throat environment of nursing school, gotta love it! :sarcasm: I do feel for this girl, I myself used to be a soft spoken insecure little fledgling that let others passively aggressively abuse me. The key words, "used to be". You have to be self aware and learn how to improve parts of your personality and behavior that do not work in your favor. It's part of growing up. Some people figure it out eventually on their own, others have a more difficult time. I'm glad that you're not a jerk like the others, but it's not really up to you to help or change her. You can befriend her if you want and try to help her, but the change has to come from within herself. As far as sticking up for her, you can try it, but I'm sure those manipulative clods will just play the "I don't know what you're talking about" card and try to make you look like the jerk. Honestly, I'd just keep to myself. I've found that is the best thing to do in nursing school. Granted, the people in my program do not seem as vicious, but a lot of them definitely do the whole passive aggressive thing. I don't really trust anyone or tell anyone anything too personal. It's worked out pretty well for me. I'm firm and confident in my speech, and I let others know in a calm way that I'm not one to be messed with or the type to get my jimmies rustled easily, if you will. I don't literally tell them this, of course, it's more so a demeanor, a vibe I give off. It took me a while to figure it out, though. Like I said, at first I was a fledgling, then I got sick of it and started fighting back, but way too strong and came off as mentally unstable, haha. Now others seem to not only like me but also respect me. It didn't happen over night, it took introspection and trial and error. But if I can do it, she can do it. I really hope she does. It's not only useful in nursing school but in life in general. I hope this isn't coming off as cold, but that's just how life is unfortunately. You could try reporting it anonymously, but that is the most I would do. This isn't your battle to fight. If she chooses to leave like someone else said, that's on her. She has to learn to stand her ground. Oh, and as for the whole professor scenario, unfortunately, that's just how some of them are. Again, that's just how life is. A student should never be yelled at for asking a question, in fact the contrary, in my opinion. I feel this is a disservice to the students and their learning experience. It's a damn shame, but honestly there isn't much you can do besides give the professor a really bad evaluation at the end of the term. I remember hearing, "never tell a professor they are wrong." and I have always stuck to that. Maybe the professor feels like the student is doubting the teachers knowledge when they ask a question. Which, I'm sure isn't the case or what they were going for. However, professors like that tend to be over sensitive psychopaths that get offended over nothing. How dare you question my horrible teaching methods! I'm going to use fear mongering as a way to shut everyone up and not have to actually do my job! These people became professors for all the wrong reasons... to go on a power trip every day and make others feel inferior because they probably have some sort of weird insecurity deep down.

I'm sorry your ex acts that way. That's a shame. It sounds like you're probably better off with out her. I'm glad you were raised to be a gentleman. Unfortunately that seems to be lacking in our society today. We need more guys like you! I think you're still single because you seem to have high standards, which you should. A seemingly charming gentleman such are you should never settle. You're waiting for the right girl, I hope you find her! Also, good luck with work!