Quendi

Good to know! I'll definitely have to commit to that then. Thanks!

Thank you so much! I'm definitely going to look into these. My interview was pushed back due to the holiday week (I forget that most people aren't required to work holidays).

Thanks so much for the input! I had no idea courses like that existed. Do you have (or know anyone that has had) any experience with these courses? Looks like there are several programs offered but I always appreciate referrals from people with firsthand experience.

Hey guys! Man, the last time I posted on this website was before nursing school. What a journey! I am looking for some insight from anyone with experience in the clinical research field. A bit of background, before becoming a nurse I achieved a Master's in Neuroscience and doctoral candidacy in Cell & Molecular Biology. My research background is entirely laboratory based, although my PhD work was collaborative with a pediatric hospital on the same site as our research facility (we studied neural tube defects). I am familiar with following protocols, dealing with IRB proposals and approvals, and I am published. I have been a nurse for three years now, the first half spent in the ER, and the last year and a half spent working in the PICU. Here's my issue. I LOVE research, and our pediatric hospital was recently approved as a COG research site. This means we are now opening a Clinical Research Associate position to manage patient's that will be enrolled in these clinical trials. When our director mentioned the opening I let her know of my interest in the position. She recommended that I apply, but mentioned that they were really looking for someone with clinical research experience. The posting stated 2 years of experience required, with clinical research certifications preferred. I have an interview next week, which I know is entirely due to my director's kindness and willingness to give me a chance to at least state my case. Aside from my background in laboratory research, I have quite a bit of experience teaching as well (high school classes, tutoring, and undergraduate courses), which I understand can be a large part of the job. I am certain that both of these factors help my chances, as well as the fact that I have an established relationship with both the pediatrics and PICU units that I would be working directly with. In addition, I know the pediatric heme/onc physician who will be acting as the PI on site, so I think this may help as well. Basically, I would love some insight or tips on what may help me put my best self forward during this interview. How can I show my director that I would be a great fit for this position, even without my direct clinical research experience? Is what I mentioned sufficient? I am so excited about this opportunity that I don't want to drop the ball.

Hey! I don't mind answering some questions. :) I know very few people who were accepted had any sort of prior clinical experience. They don't really require it, and you never really have the opportunity to talk about it, so you should be just fine. As for GPA and TEAS, I can't really tell you how they make their final selections given the number of qualified applicants. All you can do is worry about your scores, and do the best you possibly can. Best of luck!

The community polos have not arrived yet, and I assume the same goes for the ID tag. We will likely receive more information about it next week. :)

Just wanted to pop in and answer this for you. I am currently entering the 2014 ABSN program at FAU. 2015 will be the first time they will be doing a Spring semester start to the program. It seems they are performing a pretty big overhaul with the format of both the traditional and accelerated programs. Best of luck!

Lol. No problem. I had to figure this all out myself, and really could have used some of this information when I was applying. :) Best of luck!

I used the ATI study manual and online practice tests only. I got a 96% adjusted score (99th percentile). I started studying three weeks in advance (I dedicated about 1-2 hours of study most days of the week), and felt amply prepared by test day. I found the study manual reflected the exam, with the actual exam being slightly easier than the online practice exams. The science in the study manual, however, does not include all of the information you are expected to know. Extra information from science prereqs (especially A&P) will be present on the exam. I took both A&P courses right before taking the TEAS, which I found helped.

Well, the labs are the only thing that vary, so those are the only times you are waiting on. I would call, since most people I have talked to have theirs, or had holds that may have held up their registration.

Everyone I've talked to has their schedules. You have to check MyFAU under Self Service > Registration. As for the books, the ATI books are completely separate than the textbooks for our classes. The ATI books are used to prepare for the NCLEX, while our textbooks are used for each class. Two completely different sets. Check the syllabi for the books you will need.

From what I've seen, hospitals are really trending towards hiring BSNs. With such a competitive job market, you really want to give yourself the best chance possible. The number of BSNs entering the nursing job market increases by leaps and bounds each year. I'd say go straight for the BSN. Save yourself the time and money.

I will have the rented ones until August 1st. I figure I can always rent again, or purchase if I decide the text is something I will use in the future. I did purchase some, however, that I am positive I will reference once I begin my career (ANA ones on ethics and policy, as well as Pathophysiology).

Hey Daniela. Did you see my post on the Facebook group? I used Chegg.com. They were cheaper than amazon and bookbyte. :) The only one they don't have in stock is the Florence Nightingale book, which I purchased through amazon instead.

Is anyone having trouble opening the syllabus for NUR 3115? edit: I had to download it and open it to be able to see it. I'll leave this info here in case anyone else runs into this issue (I believe it was related to the file size).

Thanks Megs! :) FYI, the group on Blackboard is up!

I'm always glad to help! It's not a problem at all. I am not registered as of yet, but I am glad to hear things are underway. As as for the student oath and affirmation form, I never received a reply from Colleen. Has anyone else heard if this is required upon entering the program? Or annually beginning next year (this seems more likely)?

Thanks Megs! :)

Nope! I keep checking myfau in hopes that it will magically appear. They said two weeks, which would be this Friday. If nothing has changed by then, might have to get in contact with someone. I really want to be able to start looking over material ahead of time, so I'm hoping the blackboard group goes up soon!

Hey Daniela! I'm not registered either. I noticed yesterday that my status was finally changed to nursing, so I assume maybe by the end of the week we will be registered for classes. As as far as the TB test, I think you can do the chest X-ray in lieu of the skin/blood test. Although that might be just as expensive (if not more so). I believe those are your only two options.

Nope. The annual student health form includes the TB skin test (as the link on certified profile shows). I don't think they would require a physical exam for nursing school. Their main concern is that we are immunized, and can't spread diseases to or between our patients. :)

I just sent an email to Colleen about this. I will let you know what she says. All the due dates are out of whack it seems, but I'm assuming that one is annual beginning next year.

I sent a request. :)

Not a problem. I took A&P I and II with the labs last summer. I will say, if you are taking them over the full summer (at FAU they were offered back to back, 6 weeks each), you should be fine. If you are taking them separately over two different 6 week terms, you should be fine as well, but it will be a lot of work (tests every week, basically). If they are during the same 6 weeks? I would seriously reconsider, especially with work and a family. I talked to some people who were taking both during the first six weeks. They were not only overwhelmed, but their grades suffered for it.

Vic - I would love for someone to start a Facebook group! As for lab coats/scrubs, I noticed my shipping confirmation only lists the scrubs, no lab coat. I guess that means they will ship separately.