Peachez1

I graduated with my ADN at 47. I went RIGHT back into school for my BSN the Aug after graduation because I knew what I wanted for my path and I knew that it required a BSN. I did my two years in Med-Surge and am now in NICU contemplating my MSN. I figured I was still in school mode so may as well get it done! My age has neither hindered or helped me. I'm a new grad like any other new grad.

Graduated a year ago - if your willing to relocate there are hospitals that will hire you right into the ICU setting! (Mine does) Don’t settle unless you want to - two years can seem like an eternity if your not enjoying your work!

Hca offers StaRN for new grads (if your interested). BayCare is hard to get into but a decent system to work for. I applied for all the systems you listed and many out of state. I got replies from all of my out of state (and 3 job offers) before any of them even contacted me for first interview (this was even the facility I worked at in Largo!). Ultimately I moved out of state but miss my team back in Largo.

There are so many stories out there regarding COVID-19. My story is a simple one. I am a Med-Surge nurse that was floated up to the COVID-ICU during our peak time. I was there when one of my patients was whisked up from ER to the ICU. This patient was quickly intubated. I saw how the staff calmly explained what was about to happen and tried their very best to ensure that he/she was calm before it happened. It was a beautiful thing that they did for him/her. I was also working in the ICU, two weeks later, when the same patient was extubated in the morning time. Around supper time that day, I asked if he/she wanted to call their family. I was able to reach out and do a family conference call. His/her family member's cried with relief and joy. We all prayed together. We all cried together. The best thing I was able to hear was the patient tell his family members "This thing tried to kick my *** - but you know what? I'm not going to let it. I'm going to keep on fighting and praying and I'm going to win." Later, when I was getting ready to go home the patient thanked me for allowing the time to speak with his/her family. They said it gave them the strength to carry on. For me, it was the least I could do. Warm fuzzies I call them. I take good care of my patients and it warms my heart when I can do that one little thing that means the world to them.

I am a nurse that is new to the city of New Orleans. I arrived in September. It's been an amazing time here thus far. After Mardi Gras, which was absolutely amazing, rolled through I asked one of my native New Orleans patients; "So, now what happens? I mean we had Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then New Years, then Mardi Gras. It's been 5 months of amazing parties and parades... now what happens? What's next?" He smiled at me and said "Now we have Easter!" I looked him confused. "Easter? Is that a thing? I mean I know Easter is a thing but are there parades/parties for Easter too??" He laughed, his eyes lighting up, and said, "Child, you CANNOT go around sinning for that long and NOT have to repent. No, child, now we have Easter. Now we repent!!" We both laughed at that. Now in hindsight..... New Orleans is one of the countries hot spots for COVID-19, maybe we didn't repent enough? ? I wish I could ask him so we could have a good laugh over it again.

Similar question - Does anyone know how to take liquid fabric softener stains out of their scrubs (that they wash after each shift)? Currently my scrubs look like a blue ball point pen exploded on them - but I didn't wash any pens (this time). Suggestions??

I don’t think the experience matters to what shift you are offered. I know at my facility they have a hard time staffing nights. If it’s the same at that one then you may be just fine. Good luck on your nursing journey!

While they do have you sign in with your student number for the workshops and extra learning opportunities - it’s not for any extra credit or anything like that. No points will be given for attending. It does help you study and hopefully get better grades. The sign in helps them determine what workshops are needed and which ones are not. So don’t feel bad if you have other commitments or work or family obligations that get in the way of them. They are there if you want to use them. Get ready guys - its going to be a crazy fun ride.

For first semester - READ what they tell you to read. ALL OF IT. All 19 chapters per test. Don't skip the boxes - some test questions come from those boxes and charts. Get yourself organized. Heck get an planner and keep ontop of things. If you have your schedule now - start putting thing that are coming up in there (in pencil). Get familiar with the nursing modules - they are SUPER helpful in your learning. Learn to LOVE ATI. It will SAVE YOU for your ATI tests, exams and adequately prepare you for NCLEX. Time management is key. Sure they say at orientation kiss your life goodbye for 2 years. That's not entirely true. What you do have to have is amazing time management. Know when to say "you know what you're gonna have a birthday next year too - I have an exam on Monday." Know when to tell your work "Hey, I've got to cut down hours (or quit)." I worked 30/week my first and second semester. I worked 24 the third and forth (sometimes i only worked one shift but the last 2 months I didn't work at all. I can tell you i would have do MUCH Better if i didn't work at all the 4th semester! These courses are not learn it and dump it like anatomy. Heck even anatomy isnt. There was anatomy questions (like "what side is your liver located on") on the first few tests! These course you have to KNOW know because they build on each other and will help you be a great nurse!

Hi gang! Recent grad here. SPC truly does prepare you adequately for the NCLEX. I don't know of a single person in my graduating class that has failed. It's a GREAT school! It's going to be the hardest, most challenging, FUN ride you've been on yet. If you thought Micro was hard and disorganized....wait for it! ? I have some things I'm trying to offload as I'm relocating for my RN job. I have a skills kit ($50 for bag and all contents. Yes it's used but it will work just fine for clinical checkoff. Will need to buy gloves that you can get at walmart or the bookstore) and scrubs (4 sets with undershirts - sz Lg - $200 takes all) and Dansko shoes (worn twice - they kill my feet - $80) all available. I also have many textbooks. If your looking for something specific let me know and I'll see if I have it (book lists change). They are well loved as I studied from all of them. Any questions don't hesitate to reach out! I'm happy to help!

Any recently graduated Level 4 students still out there looking to offer help? (Beautiful pinning by the way!)

Everything "disappears" for a few weeks inbetween semesters while they settle everything in and upload all the necessary documentation. It will "reappear" in a couple of weeks (usually the Friday before) the semester starts again on January 14th

Any 4th level students out there watching?

So far (as I'm only in level 3) I've used most of the books in the package each semester. Level one you'll primarily use the Fundamentals one. Level 2 you'll primarily use the med surge book. But each text is used each semester for portions here and there. For myself, I purchased the books because i wrote and highlighted the heck out of them!

As far as I can remember if you have proof of them that is all that matters. For myself my TDAP came from hospital records as I cut myself a few years prior and they gave me that in the ER. I sent that in and it was accepted. SO.. get your vacc records out. If you have proof of all that is required - awesome! If you don't you have to get titers as the proof that you're actually immune. Congrats on getting in! Best of luck!!