nurturingkneads

FYI also - Goodwin is off probation because their pass rate is in the 90's!

I agree with what everyone else has said. I am in my 3rd semester out of 5 and each semester gets more difficult. The one thing I would like to add is be sure to always have a GOOD ATTITUDE. You might be having the worst day of your life but when you show up to clinical, you need to have not a care in the world except what is sitting right in front of you, your patient. (and your CI). Attitude really is everything at being successful in nursing school. Everyone around you appreciates it and feeds off of it as well. Good luck.

The clinical worksheets is what we call them. They take a lot of time and are frustrating in the beginning but you will get used to them and they will get you thinking like a nurse. Give it time. You will get there.

DLC - I am sorry to hear you are having a negative experience at Goodwin. I am in my 3rd semester there. I took a few pre reqs at Goodwin but not all of them. People that have been at Goodwin since they started school treat people from other schools the way you are describing. They are just envious that you did not have to fork out all the money they did to get their pre reqs done. They are also jealous of anyone who gets in that did not do all or most of their reqs at Goodwin. It's crap but that's a lot of their attitude there. The school had to amp up their NCLEX scores by allowing the best and the brightest in. That's why you are there. Don't listen to those people. You will do fine. Nursing school is very challenging, anywhere you go. I'm not going to say that Goodwin is not challenging because it is. It's challenging anywhere. Feel free to email me privately if you have any other questions - good luck - you can do it.

Is this your first semester? It's difficult to adjust to taking exams in nursing school. It is unlike anything you have ever experienced on an exam. Personally, I have done well in my first two semesters but a lot of my friends are saying the same thing that you are. They are upset about getting a C but be glad you are passing. Don't give up on your dream yet. Hang in there - you will get used to it.

I'm a nursing student working as an NA at St. Fran - The program you are talking about is thru Sacred Heart University. I don't know much beyond that but I will check it out for you when I go to work today and post another reply.

I'm trying to get a job in a hospital as well as a CNA, PCA, Tech - different hospitals call them different things. The hospital where I have clinical has PCA's. They do vital signs, get patients up and around and to the bathroom, get patients things that they need, water, etc... They also help patients on and off bedpans if continent. CNA's also provide am and pm care. Get them up in the am and get them ready for bed. They also help them when it is time to eat. They do the blood glucose tests. Sometimes, CNA's have to sit with patients. If a patient is having Resp distress, you might have to sit there and count respirations. These are just a few of the things the CNA's do. Good luck. Med Surg should be fun because you will see all kinds of disease states and post ops there.

Chaotic dreams - thanks for all of your help! I only have one more question. Since you work per diem, do you get hours every week? I might go per diem I am just afraid I will go for weeks without any work. I plan on asking aobut this in the interviews. Thanks again - you have been a big help. Maybe we can grab a bite when you start your job at St. Francis.

Chaotic dreams - Thanks for replying to my post. I have two interviews set up next week. One at Hartford Hospital and one at St. Francis. I have a few questions for you. I think you told me you work as an aide or Tech. Is your hospital flexible? Do the schedules change from week to week? How is the pay? I ended up having to choose a SAturday clinical next semester and I'm afraid that is going to mess up my chances? Any more advice? Thanks

I'm a first semester nursing student. I've been working as a MA in a doctor's office for a year and a half but am trying to get a job at a local hospital as a PCA. I have two interviews scheduled next week. I have a few questions. Is hospital scheduling different each week? Or do you get the same schedule week after week? Per Diem means working whenever they ask you to, right? So that basically means I might work one day a month or none at all? Also, I had to select a Saturday as my clinical for next semester since my name was the last one called and that was all that was left. I won't be able to work Saturdays from May thru August, do you think that will hurt me? Thanks for answering. Sorry to sound so dumb but I've never worked in a hospital and don't know anyone who does.

Thanks for the comments. I am afraid I might have messed up my chances since I got my clinical schedule for next semester and I have clinical on Saturday. I have no idea if Saturdays are required but it makes me worried they won't hire me because of it.

Hi - I am trained as PCA, been working as a medical assistant in a doctors office for over a year now, and am in my first semester ADN-Rn program. Decided I wanted to work in a hospital environment and finally got a call from the hospital where I do clinical rounds for a PCA job. I am nervous about this interview next week. I am most apprehensive about the kinds of questions I should be asking. Any helpful hints? Anything would be appreciated. I am trying to get more hospital experience and cut my commute time to my current job - Thanks so much - Gina

Wow and I didn't even get a chance to say how friendly the folks are here :)

Wow way to generalize the entire state by 3 cities out of many. We have a few towns ranked in the top 100 towns to live in in the country. Many towns have very low crime and a nice New England feel. And it is close to the best city in the world, new york city! As I said, I don't mean to offend. Unfortunately, this is my perspective and I am entitled to it. These are the largest cities in the state and I'm sorry if you are unaware of the crime rate. I live in Hartford and it is a sad, sad place. Please fill me in on the towns that are in the top 100, I am dying to know. Also, I don't share your sentiment for NYC being the best city in the world. I kind of favor San Francisco, now that is a CITY. Peace

First semester nursing student here. Have been working as a medical assistant for over a year in a doc office. I am certified as a PCA. I really want to get a job in a hospital in Hartford as a PCA, Tech. I have applied to St. Francis (where I have clinical) and Hartford Hospital. I am mostly tired of the 25 minute commute each way and just would like more hospital experience. But, no one ever calls back. Ugh, why is it so hard? Do you have to know somebody? I have alot of work experience and life experience, I am no spring chicken. All of these jobs require online aps and I always submit a cover letter. Just cannot understand how to get an interview. Advice or help please?