LiatrisAspera

Thanks all. I somehow didn't even think of it as something as a big no no to post this question, but it makes complete sense to me now that it is a request for medical advice, which cannot be done. This closes this discussion thread. Thanks.

Everything. It seems that we need to know a little or a lot about almost everything. The previous comments, however, note some of the big ones. My advice before starting the nursing classes: master your patho, solidify your anat/phys. Also get in the habit of practicing stress-management techniques and maintaining your personal health, because you will be pushing yourself through a tough couple of years.

I strongly prefer to write notes by hand, but my hand now gets tired and cramps up. So I'm starting to take my notes out of the classroom by typing them directly as questions on Qulizlet so I can create study questions at the same time. I class, though, I still write them out as best as I can. Our classes no longer allow us to record lectures, which is a bummer since I usually can't write fast enough to keep up.

My instructor didn't care for a concept map I turned in, so I'm trying to spend more time on it just for my own education. I'm unsure of the interventions for the priority problem of a pt with a trach who has a nasty case of rhonchi, which seems present in bottom to top of both R & L lungs. The top 3 interventions I am coming up with are: 1) Do trach suction 3x5-15 sec, Q4H or PRN. If order not standing, consult with Respiratory Therapist, they would need to obtain order if they agree it is appropriate intervention; 2) Raise pt to 30 degree incline. This will require education, encouragement and support because the patient does not want to move and is uncooperative; 3) Have patient lean forward and cough 3x, Q4H. I am unsure of this interventions because of the trach. Your input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for your feedback, KatieMI. I have always felt like I cannot appropriately assess myself; leaving my other patella out of place for 6 months before seeking care is a perfect example. I think I will make an appointment tomorrow and cancel it Monday if it gets better over the weekend. I appreciate your advice.

Good point, enuf_already. I think I will be going in, but I'm always wanting to avoid my dr if/when possible. I think that's a sign of needing a new dr. haha. I appreciate your input.

If you hear a loud "pop" in your knee when trying to stand up from sitting on ground, how many days of pain and inflammation would you endure before going to your PCP? Any certain things you would try (other than RICE) before making an appointment?

I am currently a student there. I find it a very challenging program, but think the instructors are very good. I have not ever regretting choosing it. Of course it is not perfect, but no other school is, either.

Congratulations! It is nice to hear there are not always a lot of SATA, since it seems those would be the trickiest.

Congrats, Amber301! I hope you love it!

AZBlueBell...I double checked this with the Dean of Nursing and Admissions office, and they both said the credits will transfer. I'm just going to go ahead and get it at Brookline, though, because I truly value what I get for the money. To think I can go from having no health care background to having a Master's in nursing within 2 1/2 years - that impresses me. ...and that's just my two cents :)

Actually, Brookline college IS nationally accredited. Students who want to attend graduate programs after graduation, as I do, find little difficulty getting in when they graduate from nationally accredited schools, especially those with programmatic accreditation (ACEN and/or CCNE), which Brookline has. Also, Brookline has masters programs that are as short as a year and I plan to go straight on for my graduate degree. I am currently a nursing student there and would definitely recommend the program to anyone who is interested in a career in nursing and wants to attend a high-quality program. I am in my 3rd semester of the accelerated BSN program and have been able to learn the material necessary to become a safe, competent registered nurse and apply critical thinking and utilize evidence based practices. The instructors are skilled, knowledgeable, and always take the time to work with students one-on-one, helping us to pass exams, but also ensuring we truly understand the material and become better able to apply it in order to effectively prioritize health issues, prioritize tasks, and solve patient care problems. When I had problems with passing one of my courses, I was referred to the PASS program (Promoting Achievement and Student Success) and the coordinator helped me overcome my test anxiety, time management issues, and study skills. I was able to pass the course! The program is quite challenging and pushes me to assess and analyze the big picture of a patient's overall health status, not simply the issue or symptom that seems most obvious. With one semester remaining, I am confident that by the time I get my BSN degree, I will be prepared to pass NCLEX and join the work force as a great entry-level RN!

Regarding Brookline College, they told me the average student takes five or six semesters to graduate and pays around $50,000 in tuition, based on transfer credit. Students who want to attend graduate programs after graduation, as I do, find little difficulty getting in when they graduate from nationally accredited schools, especially those with programmatic accreditation (ACEN and/or CCNE). Also, Brookline has masters programs that are as short as a year and I plan to go straight on for my graduate degree. At my age, I don't have any time to waste! I also checked with campus and they confirmed that there is not a waiting list. All students who meet the admission criteria will be accepted into the nursing program at Brookline.

I was reading though some of the posts and saw there were questions about Brookline College. Since I am a student there, I'll attempt answer them. Brookline is nationally accredited. Regarding expense, it depends on how you look at it. The program is accelerated and there are three semesters a year; this means you finish the program relatively fast (about 2 1/2 years if you do not already have a bachelor's degree and 1 1/3 year if you do have one). So even though the tuition may initially seem higher than other programs, you will finish earlier and have a Bachelor's degree in nursing (rather than an Associate's). That means you will be having those nice paychecks coming in while other people are still in school. Also, the tuition includes books/e-books & lab supplies.

Oh, I see. Thanks, Amber307.

What is the Fast Track you've been speaking of? Is it simply a more intense program for students that have a bachelor's in a different field, which allows them to bypass general courses while carrying a higher credit load? Just curious.

I read about your situation this afternoon on another allnurses.com blog and am truly sorry to hear about the setback many of you are talking about. Fortunately, though, there are other options for us nurses. I am currently a nursing student at Brookline College and would definitely recommend the program to anyone who is interested in a career in nursing and wants to attend a high-quality program. The program is academically challenging and pushes me to assess and analyze the big picture of a patient's overall health status, not simply the issue or symptom that seems most obvious. With one semester remaining, I am confident that by the time I get my BSN degree, I will be prepared to pass NCLEX and join the work force as a great entry-level RN! I wish you luck on everything!

You may wish to check out Brookline College. It's in Phoenix and has a BSN program that you can start whether you already have a Bachelors or not. I don't think they have a waiting list; at least they haven't in the past. The school also seems to have good report with the hospitals in Phoenix, where we do our clinicals, which really helps when looking for work after passing the NCLEX.

Sorry to hear about the setback many of you are talking about. There are other options for us nurses. I am currently a nursing student at Brookline College and would definitely recommend the program to anyone who is interested in a career in nursing and wants to attend a high-quality program. The program is academically challenging and pushes me to assess and analyze the big picture of a patient's overall health status, not simply the issue or symptom that seems most obvious. With one semester remaining, I am confident that by the time I get my BSN degree, I will be prepared to pass NCLEX and join the work force as a great entry-level RN!

Thank you for your response, TheCommuter. Yes, I did have these conditions prior to enrolling in the program, but with not experience in the health field, I relied on a friend's word that there would be many chances to sit in order to do charting. I now, however, realize that it is rather rare to get these "breaks". I'll look into the private duty, as I am currently unfamiliar with it. Thank you for your input.

I will complete my nursing program in 5 months and am becoming increasingly concerned about my ability to meet the physical requirements of the job. Due to bilateral neuropathy and arthritis of the feet, ankles, knees and back, I begin feeling debilitating pain after 4 hours on my feet. After working a 7-hour clinical day (at a hospital through school), I have a difficult time walking the next day. I understand that working on med-surg or tele units would be great ways to solidify my foundational nursing skills, but I don't know if it will be possible for me to work an 8-hour shift, let alone the standard 12-hour shift. Does anyone have ideas of other departments that may be possible for a new grad with these physical restrictions? Thanks.