bopeep82

I applied for a couple of fellowship programs, but haven't heard back yet. On the application page I haven't been closed out, so maybe there's still hope. I graduate in May. Who knows. :/

If I were the one reading these essays, I would be taken back by a writing that bared the soul. Think of the term "wear your life on your sleeve." Think about something that most others would shy away from writing. When you ask people about "life changing moments", things that are often written about is marriage, birth of a child, graduation of bootcamp, etc. In nursing, it's all about people wanting to care for others...blah, blah. You know what people don't write about? That time they had a mental breakdown and how they pulled through and turned things around. You know, something like that. Ask yourself, "What is something these people haven't read before" or "what would stand out"? Good luck. Stand out.

I want to clarify that regardless if you get an ADN or BSN, both programs require 2 years worth of prereq classes and then 2 years of nursing school. The exceptions typically being that the BSN may require an extra chemistry and statistics.

It's not actual nursing school that is hard. It's the testing that is hard. I personally feel that I've spent more time learning how to test correctly, rather than learning the knowledge.

A prescription for Ativan. I'm kidding, sort of. I found being organized (which is something you can't buy, but must apply) is imperative. A good pair of shoes. Plantar fasciitis is horrible. It's better to prevent then to treat. A good stethoscope and scissors. My friends teased me for my sheers, but ya know what...those things will last me and can cut through bone, I'm sure of it. A small notebook to keep notes to yourself like "look up later", vital signs (b/c you will forget in the beginning), small tidbits that you learn from other nurses or the instructors, etc. Hemostats. I put two different types of tape on my hemostats and then clip them to the "V" on the right side of the bottom of my scrub top. Check with hospital policy first, but I always grab a handful of alcohol swabs and keep them in my pocket. You never know when you'll need them. DO NOT loan your pen, stethoscope (eww), scissors, etc out for any reason. You won't get them back. Purchase a clip board that opens so you can carry your clinical paperwork and whatever else with you. (I print off commonly used policy and procedures AND protocols for that floor.) This way when I have a skill I'd like to do, BAM! I have the P&P there and don't have to run around trying to find a computer to print. Either make yourself a cheat sheet or acquire one of the facility's critical values for BP, labs, etc. Don't interrupt a nurse when she's dealing with meds. They say not to be apologetic, but I am. People like that when you're a student. Don't be a bumbling fool, but get on their good side. I'm known to bring in donuts for the floor nurses. People love food, especially carbs. I was taught the 6 P's of life: Prior Planning Prevents P!ss Poor Performance

Volunteering is always good. I recently started volunteering with the Girl Scouts as a Brownie leader. I've racked up over 80 hrs in two months. Volunteering is no joke. Talk about BUSY!

Be forgiving of yourself. My friend is a bio major and her GPA dropped significantly with finishing that major. She's one of the smartest people I know. Dumb people do not major in biology! Now, with that being said, you made it through one of the toughest degree programs already. You know that you need to study and you have an understanding of cells, chemistry, and you're basically a mathematician. You will do great. Nursing takes smarts. There's no doubt about that. The most challenging thing about nursing are the questions. You take learning one step further with application. If you work in particular areas you will see the same things the majority of the time. Meds are difficult. I emphasize the wrong syllable or add an extra. I agree with being organized. Have a calendar on your phone and a paper one. Know your instructor contact information. Know your program's handbook/syllabus inside and out. Not knowing or "forgetting" won't cut it.

If you really want something, then you will keep trying. I am competitive with myself and I didn't focus in a Intro to Psych and Stats. Ya know what? I just retook the classes! Sure, I had to pay for the classes out of pocket, but it's whatever. Money can be replenished. I am getting my ADN. We were told the program isn't accredited. We were told it was because not all of the staff held Master degrees. I don't know what all this means, but there are high NCLEX pass rates, people don't have an issue finding jobs, and some go on to 4 year schools for their BSN. Now, I don't know how this accreditation issue compares to a for profit school. Aside from the accreditation issue, I've heard nightmares about for profit schools, such as the cost, finding your own clinical sites, and actually getting the degree once you are done. If your future in nursing is this important to you, then I would suggest sticking with traditional schools. You'll be thankful you did. Any nursing school, whether it's ADN or BSN is difficult to get into. Don't give up!

I don't think you are in the minority on failing a test. I failed my first test and ended up passing Fundamentals with a B. It IS possible to come back. Just learn from your mistakes and try to improve. My biggest issue is that my grades do not represent the effort I put in.

I bought Danskos. I'm a Dansko snob, so it's all I will wear in terms of nursing. :) They are expensive, but real leather, which mean they adapt to your foot shape. They also last forever.

If you follow protocol, you won't get sick. You are dealing with level 1 and 2 microbes. Micro is fun and the lab is actually pretty clean, because you will take the extra time to clean your area when you first come in and before you leave. Millions have done it before you and millions will do it after you.

You can try AMU. American Military University. I'm not sure if you have to be a veteran, but classes are 6 weeks long and accredited.

I too can be introverted at work and extroverted around a more comfortable situation. I believe that people often confuse shyness with weakness and mildness. That's not necessarily true. I was in the Marines for several years and I always get, "Oh, but you're so nice." Yeah, not all of us are loud mouth jerks. You can stand up for yourself and be professional with still being true to you. Tact is the best tool a person with any type of personality can have. I feel that sometimes the loud-mouths lack tact and also lack sympathy to see how they come off to others. To me, those are horrible traits. Stay true to yourself, because you never want to be something you are not. If you are great at your job and the meekness doesn't come off as snootiness then I believe you'll do fine.

I believe it would be important to dress a little better for the nursing classes. Afterall, these will be the people giving you letters of recommendation for your first job! I think it would give you an edge to always look professional and follow the standards of the dress code any time you are in the facility. I'm a former Marine, so I believe in always presenting yourself appropriately for the situation.

I'm not a nurse yet (starting in the fall), but I am a wildlife rehabilitator. As far as I understand Triage, it's treating those who have the highest survival rate over those that do not. Triage is defined as "sorting according to quality". The issue comes into play when humans apply their emotions to the clear cut answer. Stick with the definitions, right?! lol

I'm a southern girl and a smile and asking them how they are doing or feeling can go a long way in any situation. Don't be afraid to touch the patient. Hold their hand (if it's possible).

Gosh, that's crazy. I am not one for refusing responsibility, but how can the OP be held accountable for questions we could all assume was just study material? It's not that she knew these questions were going to be on the test. Everyone knows that nursing students are about as crazy as a broody chicken when it comes to academics, so I'm sure many google tips on how to do better or study help. This seems like an honest case of ignorance. I think she would be given a warning and from here on out, schools should be specific if they want their students on this site. Say, "Since you are now aware, from here on out, there will be no use of said website." It's almost like she's being punished for doing well. /smh

I've heard numerous times, "If you are in nursing for the money, then you are in it for the wrong reasons." You sound like a smart person based on your first degree. I hope it's the right choice for you as well. We get in to something for one reason and stay for another. Training is always different from the real thing. Just take it slow and take everything for what it is and nothing more. :)

I was told by this monster in my A&P class that I shouldn't apply to nursing school "Because you already have a job". Basically, she thought I was taking a spot away from someone that needed a job. Sorry that I didn't want to live on a phlebotomist wage for the rest of my life. I was just competition for her. I got in, she didn't. Nastiness really doesn't pay off.

I'm lucky and I got into the program with a very close friend. We are like two peas in a pod, but very friendly. I'm pretty good at sniffing out those bad type personalities and will avoid them at all cost. Nastiness will get you nowhere with me. :)

1. ADN 2. 31 3. 4.0

My husband is active duty and we have three kids. I originally started school in 2005. I just now got accepted into nursing school. I was never discouraged. I'm also 31. I realized early that I couldn't have it all at the same time. I had my family first, then went to school. Now, I'm entering nursing school and all my children are school aged. It hasn't been easy and I've been disgruntled a lot, but looking back I wouldn't really want it another way.

I imagine I could pay the amoubt back if it didn't work out. I'm in NC, but plan on doing rn to bsn option at University of MD and settle in the Baltimore area. I have to do adn right now bcmI'm not geographically in a position to attend a 4 year school.

I received a scholarship application today that would pay 100% of my tuition as long as I gave 2 years back to the local hospital. This is great, however, my husband is active duty in the military. I'm staying back to go to nursing school (the next 2 years). If I went ahead with this opportunity then I may be risking being geographically separated for 4 years, worst case scenario. The pros are that I will get a promised job immediately upon graduation and passing the NCLEX. I keep reading and hearing how hard some are having finding a job out of nursing school. I believe I'm going to apply for the scholarship, as worst case will be that I just pay my tuition back. Is it really that difficult to find a job afterwards? I'm going for my ADN. My husband are working on 12 years of marriage and have 3 kids. For all the deployments we've been through, I believe we will survive this. I'm just a little fearful. What would you do?

I just received a scholarship offer for this very thing. I'm torn because my husband is in the military and I'm already having to stay behind to finish my schooling. This would possibly keep us geographically separated even longer. I believe the pros in my scenario are that I will have no debt and will have 2 years experience to gain directly out of nursing school. I keep hearing it's hard to get a job with no experience, but I'm not sure how true this is. Gah--the decisions!