shell1983

That sounds like a great idea! We have been working so short, so breaks are impossible (Sadly a common issue that many nursing units face).

oh, my! How am I going to explain this one to management!

I had been thinking about joining an organization to network a little more. Thank you for your help, much appreciated.

That is about average in my area.

I agree with you, this issue needs to go public. The classes alone are pretty stressful, but adding the stress of attempting to find our own preceptor is frustrating. As you said, it takes away time that I can be studying. There needs to be more of an incentive for preceptors to take on students as well.

Have you tried taking a review class? I had attended a one day Kaplan NCLEX review, which I thought was really helpful. They gave tips on how to break a part the questions. The day before the test I really didn't study a lot, just did some questions. The day before the test I went out to dinner, hydrated myself pretty well and went to bed early. The testing center was about 2 hours from my house so I ended up just getting a hotel the night before the test too, just so I would not have the anxiety of the 2 hour drive. I wish you the best!

Congratulations on passing the NCLEX too!

Stethoscope, extra pens ( I keep some in my locker, they always get lost/someone picks it up), hand lotion, OTC meds like Tylenol in locker. We have workstations on wheels in which all of our supplies like flushes, alcohol swabs, IV tubing, caps etc. are kept. I work on a general medicine floor and my preceptor made me a notecard of the pager numbers of the interns and residents which helped a lot.

I thought it was going to be a little different. I was under the impression that the school was really helpful in obtaining preceptors. It sounds like they will be helpful if we do not have success and can document our failed attempts in finding our own. I am hoping so. You are so right, competition is fierce.

I don't think that social media is the appropriate location to express your frustrations/anger about nursing care. It would be beneficial for the nurse to talk with the facility that he or she is upset with. It might be an issue that is easily fixed by just communicating appropriately.

That is a great idea! I will check them out tonight. Thank you.

Thank you!

At our orientation, the reason they gave us is that they do not want us all calling and overwhelming staff. I can see this to a certain point, because we do have a lot of nursing programs in this area. I might try picking up some overtime on other units to further my networking with other nurses. Thank you so much for your ideas!

The program will help us, but they want us to try and get our own first. Thanks for the advice! I will check w/ my primary care provider.

I am starting my primary care section of my FNP program in the fall and I am starting to look for some preceptors willing to work with me. Does anyone have any advice on trying to locate preceptors? The program that I am in currently does not permit us to cold call facilities and offices. The problem is, I work on a teaching unit with all residents, so I really do not know a lot of physicians/nurse practitioners on a personal level to ask. I am in the Pittsburgh PA area. I appreciate any words of wisdom/advice. :) Thanks, Michelle

Male- So, you are a nurse. I got this awful pain in my stomach. It really hurts when I eat. What is wrong with me?! Female- No, just no! Haven't had my coffee yet.

I had started a new job a few months ago, so that I will only be working three 12 hour shifts per week. So I think that will help me with studying and getting in my clinical hours. I think my books that I still have from my prior classes are all outdated by now. My computer is 4GB, so I need to see if that is good enough memory for the program. I wish you the best in your studies! Michelle

I will be starting my FNP program at Carlow at the end of August. Does anyone have any suggestions on supplies/electronics that helped them with studying? Also what is your opinion on flash drives verses cloud for storing documents? (or if there is any updated way of storing information lol :) ). I am looking forward to starting this journey to FNP (have to admit a little nervous though) and would like to be prepared as best as possible. I appreciate your ideas and suggestions. Michelle

Hi, I had started out as an LPN and then continued on for my RN. I had done a full time LPN program in which it was one year. We started out doing one clinical per week at the various hospitals, nursing homes, home health, behavioral health etc. We then progressed to three clinical days per week. The rest of the week was classroom studies. The classroom material covered anatomy and physiology, assessment skills, communication skills, basics of taking vital signs etc. I would meet with a couple other students in my class to study for the larger tests and it was really helpful to me. My instructors also advised us to practice NCLEX questions through the program. This was so whenever we took the NCLEX we would feel more confident with the type of questions. I wish you the best in your studies. Michelle :)

No, You do not have a fever of 102.5! Your temperature is 98.0. Your doctor will be rounding shortly.

1. Be respectful and work with your CNA's/PCT's on your unit- they can either make or break your day. 2. Realize you do not know everything and it is important to ask questions. 3. This took me some time to learn but- take a lunch break every day. 4. Know what resources you have available to you. 5. Always be willing to learn.

OMG I am leaving on time today!!!

...their roommate on the floor.

I am so sorry that you are going through this tough time in your career. I would suggest talking to the hospital EAP. Also what about transferring to another unit in the same hospital? I am hoping things get better for you soon.

Your level of ambition is encouraging to see. What about shadowing in both the NP/CRNA and MD positions? That will give you an opportunity to talk to and ask questions from both perspectives. I wish you the best in whatever direction you decide upon.