bradley8

I love when people think the NOC shift staff have the "easy" life...LOL. I've worked night shifts for the past 5 years - and, first things first - its a day to day battle to figure out WHEN to eat or sleep, WHAT to eat when you finally do eat, and HOW LONG to sleep when you finally do! During consistent work days, I come home, say hello to the family, and then go to sleep for about 4-5 hrs. There's too much to do during normal office hours and too much that I feel I'm missing out on if I sleep through day time hours. I will usually take a nap 1-2 hours before going into work that night. On my first night off, I usually will sleep for 3-4 hrs when I initially come home, then wake up - still groggy, mind you - but, able to function. I will then sleep "regular" hours that night so that my brain gives me the melatonin I've so badly missed out on all week! On the day I need to return to work, I will wake up super early, and then take a nap during the day, or sleep 3-4 hours before going into work to feel rested! NOC shift staff get compensated because we are asleep when the rest of the world is awake and vice-versa. It's not for everyone, and unfortunately, it takes longer than a few months for your body to adjust to the schedule. It can take years, honestly. Just be sure that your support system, i.e. family members, significant other, etc., advocate for your sleep and make it a priority and understand your needs - this makes the process so much easier - GOOD LUCK! ...OH! One other thing - try and stay away from any type of natural supplement, or medication that assists with sleep - it's not worth it, especially if you're looking at staying in the job for the long run. Be an active part in figuring out the process of what works for your body and what doesn't. P.S. this processs takes a lot of time, so be patient and willing to try new patterns!!...

Yeah, at the Maricopa community colleges, you take a HESI test at the end of the semester. It's not counted against you, but it is graded. It's supposed to give you and your professors an idea of how you will do on the NCLEX. Bonus is that you get points for it towards your final grade for the semester regardless of how you do. It is not your final for the class. The final IS counted towards your grade. LOL, the things they do to you in nursing school...

Got my letter today! Surprise surprise, I wasn't expecting my letter until Fall 2015, or Spring 2016. But, I got my 3rd choice, MCC hybrid late start! My time date stamp was 8/2013 8:01:01 or something like that!!! Holy cow, I can't believe this really is happening!!

Okay... one more time, ... how exactly did her nursing notes end up in the shredder?

I currently work in Psych - not as a nurse, but maybe soon...! Anyways, I can't tell you how many new nurses come to psych for one year, and leave, seriously when they make their year. Basically, they get the one year of experience, and their opportunities explode. Its an amazing process to watch: new nurses train, run things even with all their inexperience, and leave just as they are getting comfortable because a job in the field they want opens up. It complicates things in the work setting, but it is what it is. Suck it up for a year, and I'm pretty sure your options will increase times ten. I've seen it so many times...Out with the old, and here comes the new batch.

I have changed my preferences at least twice; basing it all off of my personal circumstances at the time. Everything changes from year to year, so just stay flexible...lol. At least, that is what I am telling myself. I thought I was going to do a traditional program, and have juggled each school schedule out in my mind so many times, I can't even count. Just looking for the best case scenario, you know?

...And, as part of our company upgrading, this is a sample of what your new work uniform will look like...pretty nifty scrubs if you ask me...

Ha! I have been taking pre-reqs since before I had my first child - I have three now - and that was 2008. I have been on a nursing school program waitlist for 1 year so far, and probably will be waiting at least 2-3 more semesters to get the notice to start. I believe in what the others are saying of - if this is your dream, go and get it. Don't worry about how long it's taking. Work hard and you won't notice the time! Good luck in your journey...

Choosing Gateway Eve, Mesa Traditional, Mesa late start, Gateway Traditional, and finally Scottsdale as a last ditch effort, ha! What about you?

Just found this forum and I think it's great that you all have come together to deal with the stress of anticipating this wait! My Timestamp is 8/9/13 8:00:09. Now, I know that I have a LONG ways to wait, but considering that there was an earlier post about them placing someone with August 2012 timestamp just recently is encouraging. I am seeing so much info about when people are being placed and the wait being up to possible 5 semesters...whoo! Anyone else in for the long haul?? We should become forum buddies.