Ash1121

I challenged the boards too. I also watched YouTube vids. Hand washing is always a tested skill so make sure your waist doesn't touch the counter; you will get dinged for that. Always verbalized that you have closed the curtain to provide privacy and that you've placed the call bell within reach and bed is in lowest position before leaving the room. Good luck!

I had my nursing assistant certification.

Does your school interview as part of the admission process? I know of some schools in my area that are now doing that. I know this is easier said than done, but do not become discouraged...you can do this! Study hard in A&P 2 because out of all your pre reqs, A&P derived material is what you will use most in nursing school.

I was a CNA for 3 years before starting nursing school. I had absolutely no experience like you, but I was certified...however, I challenged the boards. If you youtube "nursing assistant skills," you'll find a lot of videos of CNA students performing tasks that pertain to their scope of practice. That's exactly what I did. I'm sure you'll do fine. Just go into your interview with a positive attitude and a smile. And make it clear to the person interviewing you that you are eager to learn and are a team player; two very important aspects of nursing.

Med surg for sure. A few years on that floor as a new nurse will be very beneficial. Med surg is all about prioritization. From there, you can take the skills and knowledge you've gained to another floor if you chose.

I think the DUI may interfere with your chances of getting hired by certain employers. Example being I have a friend with a DUI on her record who passed her NCLEX 5 months ago. She has had an abundance of interviews but when it comes down to getting hired she thinks her DUI has something to do with her lack of job offers. I definitely think having EMT experience will give you an advantage of getting into the ER. Example being the hospital has an established role in the ED called an "ED tech." This is basically a CNA with paramedic/EMT/fire medic experience. I think they are responsible for more skills than a typical CNA. With a BSN under your belt plus EMT experience I think you'd definitely be an advantage regarding a position as an ER nurse.

Becoming a CNA is your best bet...why can't you become one? If becoming a CNA is out of the question you may be able to score a job on the floor as the secretary who answers call bells and inputs physicians orders. It may not necessarily get you the patient contact/hands on experience you are looking for but it will put you in the hospital setting and you'll be able to establish relationships with nurses, supervisors etc. which may increase your chances of getting hired as an RN post graduation.

I suggest becoming a CNA part time at your local hospital. Being in the hospital setting is very beneficial preceding your nursing degree for many reasons. For one, you're in the hospital setting and are establishing relationships with nurses, supervisors, managers, etc. This may help you get a job on the floor in the future. In addition, it will really give you an idea of what nursing is all about/if its for you, etc. Lastly, it will help you immensely in nursing school. I was a CNA for three years before I began nursing school and I was at such an advantage. Hope this helps, good luck!

Check out power crunch bars... U can buy them at Walmart or any vitamin store. They taste amazing and are only 10g of carbs which is significantly low for a protein/power bar. I eat one every morning and that helps get my day going, once lunch time hits it's more motivating to want to eat a healthy lunch knowing you started your day out healthy. And even if you can't be active at this point in time counting calories will help shed some weight.

Yes it is .... if you are taking a patient's pulse/heart rate on an automated device you may see it represented as "BPM," which stands for beats per minute, or "HR," which means heart rate. Hope this helps! Ashley

Hey Jkadkins! I was in the same boat as you before I started college. I am about to finish my second semester next week. My advice to you is that it is absolutely possible to work and go to school as long as you stay organized and on top of your reading. I'm not sure if you are going to class full-time or will be in a hybrid program, but regardless, organization is the key. Once you become dis-organized you'll feel stressed, rushed and as though you have no time to re-organize. Get a handle on everything when the semester starts (due dates, test dates, auto tutorial days, etc.) and try and plan ahead. Make lunch/dinner ahead of time... things like that will make the semester go much smoother. And don't forget to pre-read before going to class (as much as you can at least). Good luck to you! Ashley