FutureMSN

There are pros and cons to both. So always be open. This doesn't have to be an either/or way of life. I've never used a study group before, but my first semester of nursing school I joined one because people told me I NEEDED one. I found pros & cons. Pros: someone else will have info that you didn't pick up on in class and vice Versa. Sometimes a study group can help keep you on track. Everyone has a moment that puts them on the shoulder (home life, a poor exam grade, trouble getting a skill or subject etc). Your group will share how they did well on an exam that you didn't (such as how to understand the questions). A study group can help you better your interpersonal skills with professors or fill in those gaps if you have questions but your professor has zero interpersonal skills. Someone always has info on your next semester courses because their friends/sibling is one cohort ahead. Groups can have good referrals on school tutors or non-school academic aides that you haven't tried before or weren't exposed to. These are your professional peers, look at it as networking if you're not fond of them personally. Someone will having hiring info for you that isn't advertised on the company website. These are all pros. Some cons: it only takes one unfocused student to derail the path of the group with their study. Suzy always has relationship issues and always wants to talk about it, yep she's a con. There's the student who never studies and only leans on the group knowledge. This person can only help you review what you think you know, they'll never help you catch a mistake. Plus you can't go over what you're struggling with. There's the student who only shares info with SOME people in the group. That's a problem. The student who thinks everyone needs to focus on helping THEM pass. The student who doesn't want anyone to get together if they can't make it. Group members can have a personal fall out and cause a strain for the rest of the group. Groups can get together too often and end up studying too long so now the members have become co-dependent for times sake before the next exam. Cons baby. What I've learned is that it's good to take what I call a hybrid approach. My goal for the upcoming semester is to Study 60% solo; 20% with an expert in the subject matter (tutor; professor; an RN WHO is good at teaching; online group resources) and the final 20% is to use a study group simply for a quick review prior to an exam and social network with AFTER the exam.

I know the feeling. I'm PCT/nurse student. I've noticed that certain units I love because the RNs work as a team with the PCTs. I dislike the units where they do not. It makes for a longer, harder shift for everyone and it's a shame. I also work a non-healthcare job that I love. I need the variety. Both jobs are as needed so I choose the days that I work. This is helpful with studying and paying for my cost of living. Some tips to consider: sign up early and only sign up for the units that you like. Try different shifts in the units that you don't like. You may find that another shift works better as a team. Work less hours if you can. If you can't, find another job (healthcare or not) that you do like and supplement the hours that you need to still work. Last, find out which days allow you to rest and get homework done. Don't work those days. I'm switching things around for this spring semester myself. You want to to eventually become a psych NP possibly. Remember that your grades will qualify you in an NP so remember to adjust everything around studying for your classes. I have to remind myself of this because I pay for my own living and classes and it's not easy studying if I'm not sure I'll have money to pay a utility bill that month. Best wishes.

I'm thinking it could've been your attitude at the interview. You probably came off as entitled and you may not align with the values of Dream Hospital. The good thing is, there are other jobs out there.

Nurses tell each other to not negotiate and then wonder why they're paid so low smh. OP, you're only wanting $1.50 more. Ask for it. The worst they can say is no. But at $18.50/hr, I'd move to a state that pays $10 more on average to start. Higher cost of living, true, but just plan to keep your expenses down. It can be done. Wages tend to only increase around 5% from what your last wage was, when you're moving around. This is how people get stuck in certain financial tracks. If you're not set on living where you are, then go where they pay more. You can get a roommate if you want which will help you save. You can also come home later if you change your mind.

Very good for you. I know a nurse whose boyfriend broke up with her while she was in nursing school and conveniently came back on the scene once she graduated and proposed. Could be coincidence; could be well thought out timing. Sharks are out here. He'll be back around near graduation time and once he sees you but something nice once you're working in the field. People like that keep tabs on you. Best you can do is get some good friends. There's no reason you shouldn't have any. Work on your self esteem just as much as your studies. Love yourself properly and you'll refuse anyone else who can't do the same.

Thanks so much for the update and congrats!

How is your experience so far at Duke?

I know a number of RNs who shop constantly and buy luxury cars etc. Then when they became NPs they traveled several times per quarter. Nurses buy luxury items all the time. Some have families and some don't. When I graduate, my focus is paying off my student loans as much as I can in that 6 mo grace period window. I'm sure I would splurge if I didn't see myself immediately returning back to school. So I have to save for that and pay off credit card debt that I've gotten into because I can barely work while in school ugh.

Congrats to you! Id like to know what advice/steps you took to put yourself in position to become a new grad nice RN please. I'm a first semester RN student and just started my first CNA job in registry where my hospital recommends nurse students to be. I will float med/surg, tele, 1 on 1 psych, possibly ICU. Thanks for any and all guidance and best best wishes to you!

My future first nurse job will be in the age of social media. People do it all the time. I don't share any specifics about work or school. I don't let anyone from the web have an opportunity to mess up my money or an academic goal I'm seeking. I tell my friends and family my good news in person or over the phone. While you can use privacy settings, it doesn't save you from screenshots being shared. At the end of the day it's your choice. My school's dept head told us she always gets a complaint from a nurse student's bff/friend who is also a nurse student getting them in trouble for something they posted online. And by trouble she meant kicked out of the program. Just know that anything you've previously posted and post after you give all your employer info post now can be seen as "RN at So n So Hospital updated her status: fml" for example. Share wisely.

Thank you! I was not notified of my ranking score (like 1st or 2nd...) but you can count your scores from your pre-req grades on your own. A is 3 pts, B is 2 pts, and C is 1 pt for your pre-req sciences. I got As and one C for all of my pre-reqs. I can't remember now if pts are given for all pre-reqs or just sciences but an advisor will clarify or you may be able to view it online but those were my grades/pts going into the program which is what I think you are asking. There are also points for certifications/licensure like emt, cna, Lpn etc. Highest points are for Lpn I believe. I am cna and I think that was 5 pts. Hope this helps and good luck!

From what I've seen, female nurses can automatically assume that male nurses are gay. This is unprofessional and inappropriate for them to do. I've met male healthcare workers who have been concerned of the female nurses thinking that way about them because they see the women gossiping about the new male [insert healthcare position]. However, once they find out that the man is not gay, and they will find out whether he is or not, he will then notice them making advances towards him constantly. At least that's what a lot of male nurses have told me. You're good as long as you are confident in yourself. Women will like you for that alone. We need more male nurses in the field. Good luck!

I say it all depends on how much of a life you want during these years, if you want to bring in an income during these years, and what you're okay with if you don't make that final goal-which is doable. I went through the same thoughts. I was PharmD v CRNA but Im older than you and I would need to start my family prior to my final goal if I want to have a family. I also didn't want to go a decade with no income because of my program. I like how nursing allows you time to attend school (ADN) then live/work while attending a shorter program (RN to BSN) and then going forward but being able to adjust my goals from there. I can still shoot for CRNA at that time or land at travel nursing which is also an interest of mine. That's why I chose CRNA route. I need breaks and money lol. Best of luck to you!

This past Saturday, I just received my acceptance letter into the RN program at Moraine Valley CC. I'm so excited. I screamed and cried lol. Studying for TEAS, taking pre-reqs, and deciding on schools to apply to (and which pre-reqa they needed) drove me crazy. Anyway, congrats to all 2016 Illinois future nurses. MVCC cohorts, I'll see you in May! Everyone else, I'll see you on the floor in Spring 2018:) Where are YOU attending in the fall?

I started my prereqs this past spring. I'm 34 and will be 35 next month. I'm on the fence as to finishing my prereqs this fall or spread it out for next spring. Everyone in my courses who have A/Bs in the classes including me have went from full time employment to part time. Some wives have taken time off from work. Point it, with the competitive entrance to nursing school today (as far as traditional community colleges and universities, you have to decide if you really want it. If so, then it needs to be a priority. No reason to start and nit give it 100% it will not pay off for entry into this program.