hotmessmanda

Hi all. So in May I finished my first year of nursing school. During the first two semesters, I worked as a nurse assistance (nurse tech) on a med-surg floor in a small local hospital. Working part time (two-12hr shifts a week) during school wasn't a cake walk, but the experience with patients and the money made it worthwhile. This summer I decided to pick up a position in the ED, same position (assistant/nurse tech), as well as keep my position on the Med Surg floor. So far I have been working 4-12s: two 7-7 shifts on Med Surg and two 12-12 shifts in the ED. I enjoy the experience I am getting in the ED, but I feel tired all the time which I know is to be expected with my lack of a solid sleep schedule. I know the experience will help, but is this too much? I don't want to burn myself out and then be worse off for it this coming fall semester. Should I drop one of my shifts or should I suck it up and be grateful for all the experience (and OT pay)? Thank for the input.

I used to have braces, so when I started to grind I just pop in my old retainer. It's the only thing that keeps me from ruining my teeth. Good luck!

So it's halfways through the first semester. And despite the long hours in school, reading, studying, working, grinding my teeth, and spending all my earned income on Red Bull, I am surviving. So far everyone has talked about having mini-meltdowns at least once in regards to school. I've wanted to flip tables and throw books, I've cried angry frusteration tears, but no major meltdowns yet. I just feel like my life is a blur, but that should have been expected. But I am still here =) Keep on keeping on fellow students, we can do this, stay strong! Christmas will be here soon....soon.... Ok, enough of that, I'm off to drink a Red Bull and study for tomorrow's Fundamental's exam...

What was the name of the app you used? That sounds like something useful to have =)

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the input! I'll definately look into the Nugent and Vitale book, and the Mosby's as well.

Hi all, I was accepted this summer into an ADN program and we begin classes in a couple of weeks. I've already purchased books and done some minimal research in regards to NCLEX prep (I found a Saunders 4e and was considering purchasing 5e). I've heard different things, but what is the overall opinion as to how soon I should start studying for the NCLEX aside class material? I want to make sure that I am well prepared, but I don't want to over-do it to the point where it becomes detrimental. Also, any suggestions as far as materials used for NCLEX prep? I appreciate all the help I can get, thanks.

Hey all! So my program starts this fall and I'm pricing textbooks. I was wondering, after nursing school, did you continue using your books? Should I pay and "invest" in my books or should I rent them? The first semester's books will be used in the following semesters, but I'm wondering if it's wiser for me to rent them for the 4 semesters and save a few dollars or if I should just bite the bullet and pay? Any thoughts? Thanks =)