jwillhite

So I received my stethoscope from stethoscopes.com!! I actually didn't get the Cardiology III because the color (plum) that I chose was on back order and it wasn't in a shipment that they thought it was going to be in. So instead they offered to give me an upgraded stethoscope for free! They actually told me that the new MagnaFortis was even better than the Cardiology III. So I now have the 2009 Metacardia, you can read about it here: Magna Fortis 2009 Metacardia Stethoscope I also got it engraved for an extra $17.00. They engrave your name on both the bell and the metal tubing near the ear pieces. I love it!! You can also choose from a lot of different graphics that they have to engrave on the bell. I was going to attach some pictures of my stethoscope you can see exactly how they do it, but I guess I can't thru allnurses.com. You can email me if you would like me to email them to you.

I just purchased my Littman Cardiology III from stethoscopes.com They will also laser engrave your Littman on the metal tubing near the ear pieces. I like this better than steeles.com because you can choose the font you want on it, of which they have thousands to choose from and you can also choose the size of the font. They also offer a bunch of different pictures/symbols if you would like those also or instead. I have not yet received it to say if it turned out the way I expected since I just ordered it two days ago. But when I get it I will do another posting.

Giving birth to two ... I love the epidural!! With the first I knew it was good, but I didn't know how good until I had my 2nd. I think I have a pretty high pain threshold. With my first when I got to a 4 they asked if I wanted the epidural and I told them that I could wait longer. They told me it is better to start it BEFORE the pain REALLY kicks in, because then it takes longer to come down from it. So I agreed to it and I told my husband that I could do this a ton more times if birthing was that easy! Then when I had my 2nd everything went a lot faster. By the time I got into the hospital I was at a 5 and it was making me really uncomfortable. Before getting the epidural I had to get a whole bag of saline into me. By that time I was a 6 and screaming off the bed with my 2 1/2 year old in the room. It seemed like it was another hour before the anesthesiologist got there. Once I had it I was in heaven!! When I left the hospital the next day I got a horrible migraine. Right away I knew what it was, because my sister had the same thing happen to her 4 months before at her hospital 2 hours away from me. I cannot remember what it is called, but when your epidural space doesn't close up you have fluid leaking through the hole and causes a bad migraine every time you sit/stand up, and you have to lay flat on your back. They say it can eventually close up on its own, but it is a difficult thing to have happen with a newborn and toddler. So if you can't wait then you have to go into the hospital to have another (low dose) epidural to help close the space up. Even after all that I would still get another epidural! This is no advice for you at all, it is just my experience. And as a nurse you should not be trying to sway your patients either way. You just explain to them the pros and cons of both and let them make the choice and support them on whatever they choose. Because when you have a mother in labor you should not be trying to get them to do what you believe in. Trust me, the mother will not be too happy with that and they should not have to banter back and forth with someone at that time what they want. It should be an enjoyable time for them with a new little one on the way. Hope this helps!

Hi Cutiepie612, For the AP and Micro classes did you take those online? If so, do they have labs with them? And how are the tests/exams given for the online courses? Do you have to have them proctored or do you just take them online at home? Thanks!

Are the tests/exams through Lorain proctored? How long are the courses? Thanks for the info!

Hi janmeli23, That would be great if you could let me know how you like them. Do you know if the A&P course has a lab with it? I noticed that the Chem courses have a seperate lab class, but did not see a seperate one for A&P and Microbiology. Thanks, Jen

Thanks for the info. Have you taken any of these courses through them before? If so, are they very good? Do the tests need to be proctored? Thanks!

Hi Everyone, I wanted to give a plug to San Joaquin Valley College Online at http://www.sjvconline.edu Their courses are 5 weeks long and some are more intense than others depending on the teacher. They are quite pricey!! But for the short amount of time you can complete one class in and the convenience, it may seem worth it to some. Their courses are very well organized and the teachers usually respond fairly quickly to you. Let me know if you have any questions about the school. I have nothing to say but good things about it, except for the price!! If you enroll in one of their certificate/degree programs on line you can get financial aid and grants to help with the price. Good luck, Jen

You may want to take a look into San Joaquin Valley College Online at http://www.sjvconline.com I have been taking my prerequisites with them for dental hygiene since Feb 2005 and love their courses and the teachers! I am finishing up my A&P course next week. Each course is 5 weeks long. Some of the courses are more intense than others, depending on the teacher that is teaching. Right now this school is only offering the first part of A&P. I am trying to get them to start the second one next year, but if they don't I will have to take it somewhere else. I do have to say they are quite pricey, but for the convenience and short amount of time to finish one course it is great!! Let me know if you have any other questions about this school! I only have great things to say about it!!

Hello, I am trying to find an accelerated intro to microbiology course with a lab to attend in a classroom setting...NOT online. If the course is not too long I would be willing to travel to a different state across the country. But on the west coast would be the most ideal seeing as how I am in the Bay Area of California and have two small children. Thanks!