NOLANURSERN

As a graduate of this past semester- May, I must add my 2 cents as well. I don't know where this information has been obtained from, but it is certainly not my experience, nor the experience off my co-students and friends. First, don't listen to the negative comments, because there will always been someone trying to "bring you down". You will hear this negativity from many people. I always asked myself, What is the motives behind this person actions? You will find that they are the ones that are doing poorly on tests and skills. As the previous poster indicated, you can find all the info you need at the LSB of nursing website. And Charity did have one of the highest pass rates in the nation prior to Katrina. As a matter of fact, Charity school of nursing was ranked 8th in the NATION. Having gone thru Katrina, and being in nursing school at the same time, I clearly understand why the % dropped from above 90% to 85%. People were trying to rebuild their lives, trying to finish school, and living in a trailer with your entire family...... and working at the same time......Many had to relocate or drop- Charity just had the largest graduating class in it's history this past semester. Parking. I never had a problem- and what is this about football games? Your not at school when they have football games? There are 2 very large lots one block away with parking 4, and 5 dollars respectively. You can also park in St Joes 2 lots for 3 dollars. You can also put you name in the parking space lottery at the beginning of the school year in hope to gain a spot in the building or at LSU parking lot. When clinical starts, your not at school that much anyway. Books- I never bought my books until I spoke with a student in the next level and got some feedback about what they really used. What was nice to have vs need to have. If a book was not used but once or twice, I saved my money and checked it out of the library and photo copied the few pages that were needed. And I agree, I kept all of my books as well. Can't tell you how many times I found myself going back to a past book to refresh my memory on something. AS far as lectures and looking info up- the only time I had to write a ONE page sheet was in labor and delivery- and everyone had to do that. They give you a topic like uterine involution or jaundice. They do this because the time is so short in that semester. And doing it, really does help you with test questions. It not graded per say, but you have to know the info anyway right? IN your 4th semester, you (with the other people in you clinical) have to put a very short outline together on a topic and present it to the rest of your class- my individual part was only 4-5 lines and took me less than 3 minutes. No sweat. Lectures are always coordinated with the objectives. If you could answer those objectives in the front of each lecture- you were set for the test. We never had 9 people teaching the same topic- however there is crossover of material. In regards to test questions and learning info with lab values and needing to know that one teacher might say that potassium is 3.5-5 and another states its 3.2-5 , you need not to split hairs. When you are given a lab value question, if the lab value is out of wack, you should pick it up because the value is so far out of whack @ Jane Doe come to the ER and has a glucose of 80 and a potassium of 7.2, which would you give immediate attention? Everyone seems to make a big deal of this...but look at the big picture. Test questions -you are able to dispute- within reason. And I believe for the most part they were always fair wit throwing them out when need be. If something was said in lecture and it was stressed-and you did not attend lecture-you could not expect them to throw it out. Otherwise, I believe you get out of it what you put into it. You are going to be dealing with peoples lives. I also felt a responsibility to remember this. That there would be no short cuts. When you get out of school- you are the nurse- you are empowered, and its a little scary- you are responsible. I have been working in orientation since I have been out of school. I am thankful that I have not had any patients die but I have seen my coworkers (and some of them fairly new nurses In regards to being male. I am a female. I had many friends that were male. I am not aware of any horror stories. I would just say, don't believe eveything you hear. Nursing school is hard work. The people before you made it and so can you. Don't fill your time with worrying about all that. Stay focused, and do what you need to do. Sometimes its a little overwhelming-and you have to take it day by day. Someone once said, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. You will soon realize that the time goes by so quickly. Good luck to all of you.

What happened was that the majority of graduates (may) secured their jobs/positions at least a month ago- or earlier. Many of us teched at the location where we wanted to work- thereby securing our spots... I don't understand how a city that is experiencing a nursing shortage has no day shifts left--- I just don't understand....last I heard: EJ had day shifts open in ortho, and oschner had day open in oncology and med surg.... everything else has been filled. good luck

I think that it is a combo of having to do clinicals, much more paperwork and caremaps. The big part for me was the A&P. By the end of the course you realize that you have gone through all of the body systems. NAC 2 builds on this- and you go further into detail. Nac 1 is all about the ASSESSMENT of the ADULT client. So focus on that. Retain what you learn because you will be building on it later. Another issue is that is is somewhat difficult to learn all of this- and then to go into peds (ASSESSMENT of the CHILD-BABY CLIENT- yes your learning everything all over again for he child-baby in 1/2 of the time)/mental and not utlize much of what you just learned- it's like being out for 6 months. There has been talk of them changing this to nac 1 - nac 2 back to back- but that remains to be seen. Everyone I know seems to share the same feelings. The Saunders NCLEX book helps greatly. Read every single night- if just for an hour. Read something.-anything -to keep up with the pace. Repeat reading will help you retain the material. To get ahead during the summer- find someone who has the lectures on their ipod and ask them if they would download them to your ipod - listen to them over and over. If you cant get them- go the computer guy on the 3rd floor and ask him to down load them to a CD for you- or bring your ipod so he can down load them. But you must do it before the end of school-before they erase the lectures. I always printed out my material ahead of time- but I also took the risk that I would have to re-print it later becasue of updates. But thats just me- I like to be a few steps ahead. Another suggestion would be to get a Fluid and Electrolytes Made Incredibly Easy book and start reading that. There is no getting around this topic - and its a great book. In addition, the other MAde incredibly easy books are great too- especially maternal and peds, as well as critical care nursing for nac 2. I alwasy ordered these books off Ebay during the end of the semester and got them really cheap- like 3- 5 dollars each. Everyone is always buying before the semester and rarely at the end. Anyhow... hope some ot this helps you... good luck... get some rest...because your in for the long haul now..... lol -...

Hi, My suggestion would be to come down for a small amount of time (if possible) and make make pre- arrangements to piggyback/shadow in the department of what ever hospitals that you are interested in. Almost all of them would allow this. You must contact human resources first of course, I have done this at a few places. East Jefferson Hospital is good about shadowing to see if you might be interested. Meet some people and and get some real answers to your questions from the people on the front line so to say.. good luck..

F.Y.I. Most schools have gone to a higher standard on math/pharm skills. Charity has a math test for each level and you must make a 90 on all of them. A little scary at first... but it sets a higher standard and forces everyone to study harder.

Hello, Looking for help... I'm swamped and tired....and pleading for help... On top of care maps and tests, I have yet another assignment with a short due-by date. It's on the scope and standard of nursing practice. Under this theme, I have been assigned the history of the Assoc Degree of Nursing....(ADN history vs BSN history) and make a presentation. I have scanned some of the boards here and have found the topic...but not in the context that I am looking for.... Can anyone offer direction or articles or websites that would be helpful? I need to have 5 references. I thank you in advance for any help/direction you can lead me to...

I thnk that if you just call them back and explain your situation and your time frame they will understand and help you. This is something that you don't need to see the doc for. The nurse can do it- but remember that you have to return within 24 hrs for them to "read" your arm for a reaction. good luck

I have a palm smartphone. There are alot of students who have them-teachers as well. I have had it for a year and have not purchased any materials (nursing software) to put on the phone. When you are being questioned about a patient, you are expected to know the patho, drugs, etc... on the spot-they don't let us look it up. I guess this is why I never put the software on the phone yet. Its cool that I can go on the internet thru my phone. I can look up anything I need- all at my fingertips. While you are doing clinicals, you are not allowed to pull out your phone-even if it is turned off. There may also be a privacy policy at the location that you are at (some places don't allow you to have a phone that has a camera on it). Phones are a huge no no on the telemetry floors too. Most of us keep our phones in our pockets and use them while on break- or sneak to use them in the bathroom.(ha..ha...) I love my phone. Good luck!

FYI, Its crunch time at Charity- finals week. You may not get a response until things calm down.

Childrens hospital has CP classes all of the time- call the regular phone and ask to be transfered to the educational dept. Even though you don't work there, they will make an exception. It's not very expensive.

Well, You may want to consider to get your Assoc.'s from Charity. Then get a year or such under your belt working somewhere- let them pick up the tab on your further education. I understand that LSU's RN to MSN program is great. If you fill out the form on their website, they will mail you a packet with info. I know a lot of people who have done this. I would otherwise suggest that you consider which school that you want to attend and get the correct info from a counselor on what courses are transferable and what remaining courses you would need to take. Not all schools are the same (which is frustrating) as ex. if you transfer from Charity to LSU, you would need a microbiology lab class. -whereas to get into Charity as a pre-req you do not need that micro lab class..... So I think the more thought that goes into your decision making will benefit you in the long run... Also, don't forget that in order to be considered at Charity- that you must have everything completed @ the Teas test, application is..etc... If you call Charity, they will mail you a small packet in the mail with all of the info in detail (more than what is on the website) Hope this helps somewhat... good luck

Most schools in this area often do require you to complete pre-reqs before nursing courses- or acceptance to program (Charity). Some, you must already have a BSN to get in. Some you need to interview for. The waiting list for Charity is 1 year fronm the time that you turn in your application. LSU- you must apply in advance as well. Pre-reqs are the mandatory basic classes such as English 101, 102, and arts elective, humanities elective, 2 upper level math classes, biology and lab, anatomy 1 and 2 and both labs, microbiology....etc.... You would need tot check with the school that you have interest in to get clarification of their program. Not all schools do things the same way- and not all require the same courses...You will find that there are waiting lists to get into these programs -so you need to start now, and find out what you need for entrance.. I have always found them to be very helpful. You can go on the schools website and or call them and request a packet...

A lot of people that I know go out of state. The pay and benefits are not very competitive in La (when you compare them to other states/areas/and cost of living)- top pay here for a new nurse is 23/hr at Children's vs someplace like Texas where start pay is 36/hr. Also ,many find that they can advance further/faster out of state @ for ex. there were tons of nurse pract. that could not get a job here prior to Katrina... now you can...... timing is another issue, some people can't wait around for things to happen- they have to make things happen for themselves. (look at what it costs to insure your home and your car here..there are many still trying to repair their homes.the crime rate???..to each their own, I believe that all of us here have felt the blow by Katrina in one way or the other... I am sure that a lot of nurses may also have been married to people who had to be transfered after the hurricanne in order to maintain their employment (this happened to a lot of oil/gas companies that were relocated to Texas) and I guess that it is easier for a nurse to transfer to another hospital as opposed to their significant other losing their income contribution. I am sure that the reasons are numerous....and for various reasons... take care..

Wow that is something... doesn't sound like there is much you can do until people get so frustrated that they go to the dean with a bunch of the students and request some suggestions on what to do. Charity was always known for their high success rate.. having only 20 people possibly pass is not a good thing... yeah, they got their money from the students already... but as a student in a lower level, I am not aspiring or looking forward to Nac 2..after hearing about all of this.. Where and or /what does the dean/provost have to say about this? What do they intend to do.. Let everyone fail and then give a final exam that is easy.... where is the middle ground here?... If the majority of the class is failing, they need to look at the tests, or the instructors- there is more than a common theme going on here.. What is even more disappointing is hearing it from all of the other non NAc 2 teachers..... that speaks volumes... and when I went in one day to see the retention lady- she assumed that I was a Nac 2 student- she said hello, and how bad did you bomb the test?- that was all telling as well...... I know that students don't want to cause an uproar- they just want things to be fair- but it is clear that this is a time bomb that is about to go off- if these issues are not addressed by someone-things are gonna get way out of hand- and they sound as though they already have... I wish you luck.... just keep hanging in there.......

There were 6-7 SAC members who bombed (I think it was test 2- the one on vents)- with scores into the 50's... You know that something is not right when the honor society members- and some people who were straight A's (there were 1-2 of them-I dont know how they do it?) start bombing (not failing- but bombing) tests like that...-What have been the test averages for the class? Rumor has it that it stems from a fiasco last semester for NAC 2. I don't know if this is true or what? But it's sad that others have got to suffer from someone else's deed.... One of my friends tells me that the class average is a 76 (now this was 2 weeks ago). I have not spoken to him since... Rumor also was being passed that the NAC 2 students were going to hold some sort of protest... I don't know if it happened or if it is still something that is being considered- like I said, I just heard the rumor. I have never heard of the NAC 2 students having this much trouble during my time at Charity........if the other level teachers are discussing it (and I even heard them discuss it) -then you know its a problem...Has someone gone to the dean? It sounds like you have done what you needed to do by taking the HURST...and since you never had any problems before... It sounds like the entire class is on the verge of failing...and maybe those tests need to be re-looked at by the staff....I have never heard of tutors for NAC2- I would go see the lady in charge of SAC- (she is very , very nice) located on the 3rd floor- )- she will tell who if she knows about any tutors... Also across from the library (when you are facing the desk to check out-) look to your left, there is an office there(right outside the library doors) - this lady can help you as well... I forgot her name, but she too is very nice, I believe that she is a retention educator (?)- she has been helping the NAC 2 students... I hope this helps...

Re you a charity student?

Yes you are right JEmommy- we are in the same boat-And just by the fact that you posted your post at 3:30 AM tells me that you've been up all night like me-studying.....I listened to the last 2 lectures in the wee hours of the morning like you.... Now I'm getting ready to read over all my material and put my memory recall to the test on Monday... No rest after the test- I still have to do the immune stuff/and the CDC module thats due.-as well as listen to the 8 hrs of lecture that we missed Monday from the rain storm-and look up 18 meds for clinical.... I was aware of the schedule for those who have your clinical...sorry.... I'm on that count down as well- it can't come fast enough..... You said it right ... this is RIDICULOUS:uhoh3:

Overwhelming- you haven't seen anything yet- And I'm sorry to say that I am not blowing it out of proportion- I'm not trying to be negative...I am being honest and realistic.....and thanks for the opportunity to vent at the same time.. Yes, they take roll. And NAC 1 is a cake walk compared to this. Mental Health is a 5 day school week (and yes, I'm counting every day that I am required to physically be present- didn't know that from the get go.... everyone was exhausted.. We had only one Friday off during the entire course. Fridays are test days.. So you can figure on having a test nearly every week except for 2...(don't forget you have to take the NLN test (and this really doesn't count), and a pharmacology test too..the final and 3 other exams.-6 tests in 8 weeks... Yes both courses take roll numerous times a day- and yes, there are suprise quizzes too....And lectures are not posted on tegrity in a timely fashion- The last 10 or so lectures were posted the night before the final exam..... They felt as though people were not attending class so those who did were "rewarded" by the lectures not being posted... I went to class..and I don't understand their "let's screw em all" mentality....its quite frustrationing for those who utilize it as a reinforcement and not a crutch.. NOTHING will prepare you for the amount of homework (journals, patho's, clinical paperwork, independent studies, community service days/(recaps of what you did)......and the amount of material thrown at you in this course... I am now into my second week... I just finished all of the extra paperwork.. and now...I have 2.5 days to study for this test on Monday....The first week of this course was mandatory 8-4ish the entire week......(I am glad that you don't have to go 5 days in this course- but because of a shortage of a teacher- those going to Touro have to go 4-5 days?) The teachers are nice...so far so good... I will reserve judgement until after the first test.... (by the way, the material has so many numbers, ages, values- it will make your head spin..) We don't know how to study for the test.. they say- study everything... The average from the last class on all tests are low 80's including the final.... I don't think that anyone failed the course last go around --so thats a positve) Personally, I don't like being stretched to the limits- especially for such a long time... and its not just me... its everyone... you can tell whoever is in this course- we are all stressed, tense, and uptight...... no down time what so ever...it certainly bringing us all together- we all pull for one another... Lets not forget about the mandatory math test that you must pass with 90% to continue to clinical that we had to take on day 3. Both mental and peds are each 16 weeks worth of material crammed into 8 weeks time... The equivalant of taking them during the summer... So there is you answer...it may not be what you wanted to hear- but thanks for leting me get it off my chest.... good luck......

There is really no way around it. These tests are in every college. The key is to buy a studt book like the National League of Nursing, or soemthing called the TEAS. They are available at Barns & Noblw and Borders. You may also find them at the Delgado Book store. There are "like" questions in these book. You do the practice questions and you practice.... You get this book in advance and you break it down into chunks and you practice, practice, practice... Regardless of where she applies, she always needs to verify and follow up that people have her paperwork- Delgado is good for losing paperwork- never turn in originals (unless you have too) and always keep copies... There is also another book called the Fundementals of Nursing ...its really helpful as well. I was an A student with my pre-reqs. I also have worked full time thru out my entire time at Charity... I no longer make A's.. and very few people do.. Nursing school is very hard work and requires a commitment... You sacriice your time by studying all the time... Some say, "the C is the new A at Charity" I'm not trying to scare you, but once you are there, you realize that you can know material back and forth and until the cows come home...but it all about how you did on "the test". My point is: that a test grade is not a reflection on how well someone knows material, or how well they can execute skills... Everyone has off days, and everyone has brilliant moments when it comes to testing... I believe that Delgado requires the Teas test now... and most all other schools require one test or another.... You must complete this test prior to consideration..and also know that you generally put your application in 1 whole year in advance at the school because there is such demand to get in. If you are missing any one of the 4-5 requirements needed-(even if you have your application in) they will NOT consider your application. For the most part, I believe that what you have described your friend "going thru"- could be any other nursing student at Charity now... It has happened to all of us. And there is hope... as one of my instructors recently said, "The best way to eat an elephant is to take small bites." Delgado being a 2 year school is great... you can get the Associates and become an RN - get a job and let your new employer pay to further your education. You can always do the RN to BSN or the RN to MSN at LSU... you need to find out all of the available options that you may have and then make a decision that is good for you. talk to others, use this board, go to the career fairs (Delgado/Charity-just had one this past Friday with all of the reps from area hospitals). Ask questions...and take things one step at a time.... Good luck

Yes, it is still an honor to be a Charity grad. And just because the hospital is no longer up and running- (most workers that are still living in the area are now working at the other area hospitals that are operating) The geography might be different- but the application is the same. When I started the semester that Katrina hit, our school was ranked 8th in the Nation. Because there were so many students that were displaced immediately afterwards-I am sure that this skewed the passing rate stats for the school for 2005. I do not know where the school ranks as of today, But I assure you that the quality of learning, teachers, and clinical experience is very high. As a student, its rough sometimes being held to such a high standard- but let me tell you, according to all of the recruiters that I have met with, they all have told me that they prefer a "Charity Grad" because they know if you made it out of Charity, you can make it anywhere... .... Ex. My first day of clinical, in my first semester, we were taking care of oncology patients from day 1 - right into the fire as they say..... you are well prepared. (and nervous at the same time)..... One day while on the floor, an LSU student (and I love LSU) told me that her instructor told her that all they were prepared to do was change bedding,- I was taken aback.... Now I don't know if that is the norm or not...or maybe an isolated incident. My experience is just that I have been exposed to alot. The more that you are exposed to the more comfortable you become, and your confidence increases. I just feel like I have had to date, a positive, rewarding, well rounded experience..... I can't speak for others. On a seperate note, you can't beat the quality of this education for the price. It is very cost effective for me (being a non-traditional student) Holly Cross is very expensive.... And if I choose, I can always go on to LSU's RN to BSN program or RN to MSN program... so there are a lot of options available. This is what a bunch of students are going to do.. Hope this info helps;)

Hello everyone. Yes, I too agree with suezee106 and jemommy... nac 1 is much harder... I guess we are all in the same level......halfway done:lol2: I am happy to share my notes with others just PM me...I don't check my emails everyday... but will eventually get a response back.... And on the flip side, I would be happy to accept any notes that others may be willing to share. Hope that everyone has a great break......

You don't need to re-apply. You are placed in the order of priority. The application process takes 1 year from the time that you apply. In order to be considered you must have your Pax scores on file at Charity. It is not good enough to take the test by a certain date- what matters is that your test scores are in your file when they go to committee to make the decisions. If your file is missing any applicant info- it is automatically pushed to the bottom of the stack and will not be considered. So always double check that they have your stuff ( and they are known for misplacing paperwork) The Charity bulletin that you get in the mail. (see web site) indicates the process of selection.... it goes by grades, the amount of d's and f's that you have/had, also what amount of pre-reqs that you have completed, pax score, etc...... don't forget about students that dropped from basics already- or those that failed- they have priority over you... I believe that in my basics class that there was a max total of 250 students. Then those students that are selected still have to pass a background check, get/have medical insurance- and nursing medical insurance.... Not everyone can met these requirements for whatever reason... Everyone is always nervous about getting in- but I'm sure that you will do just fine. Did they really raise the pax to 150? I have not heard anything about this at Charity. Quite frankly, I don't even think that I know of anyone that has eveer made over 150- alothough I guess that there are a few out there-- but if this were the case, I would think that it would be a really absurb low number that did.. good luck... and do't forget that you can always call administration and get clear answers to any of your questions instead of wondering and stressing...

I don't know what the pax pre req is now- but I do know that there is now an overwhelming amount of students applying.... and only so many spots available...In addition, there is a teacher shortage since the hurricane. They have had ads in the paper every week. They appear to have enough teachers for basics- but there is a serious shortage for 3rd level. And if those 2nd year students can't be taken care of- that then pushes everyone else behind... And yes, they already had that conversation with everyone this semester. Also know, that they do expect (and as history repeats itself) a great deal of failures in each level. So as a newbie.... or just anyone moving to the next level... you really don't know how many spots are available until the after the final.... (and registration has already taken place 2 weeks ago). Also know that there is priority to registration.....I'm not sure of the exact order but something like: good standing students, people in goodstanding that did not get a spot on the first try at registration, then I think repeats, drops, and then newbies. I remember that if you do not show up for any day of the orientation week (and they do check you in) they will drop you so fast....and give your spot to the "next in line" so it would not be unusual to get a call from them in the same week that school starts- not frequent- but it does happen. This is why it is so important to make sure you have your "ducks in a row" and be prepared @ shots, paperwork, etc... Anyhow, good luck to all of you

Do you have ADD? If so, you can get your Dr. to confirm to Charity. Charity/Delgado states that you have to inform them of your "learning need" (I don't know how they phrase it). Anyhow, if you do, you will be granted an extra hour to complete each of your tests. You can always call and inquire- they are really good with answering questions. On another note, as long as you have a Rx for anything you are good- but remember that you are being drug tested at the start of the semester. You can be drug tested randomly (if need be) at any time- I don't know anyone who has- but they reserve the right. So if you drug test and this comes up- all they will do is confirm that you did indeed have a Rx in your name for said medication- and I believe (although I am not sure) that it is valid for a year from the script.. Again, you can confirm this via telephone- or you can always send an email. Anyhow, I would refer to your Dr as to continue or discontinue the med... on a side note, I don't know anyone who is not sleep deprived that is attending Charity- know that you will be overwhelmed from the get go... You have all this energy when you start every semester... and then you get so drained from (living-eating- breathing) studying....that is all that you do.....I'm not trying to be negative.... but if you intend to pass- that's your life...studying and care maps..... Anyhow... best of luck to you

About the same... 2 clinicals and 2 school days. Tests are on Monday afternoons. So it is the same time as pharm and basics put together-a total of 9 hrs