charleyq

That would be my guess. At my school, it's my understanding that we only wear scrubs to clinicals and labs. I also was wondering about getting somewhat "undressed" for practice assessments. The PTA program at my school does ask that you wear shorts and a tank top to some classes. The nursing program does not do that, unless they decide to change it this semester.

I took my TEAS this past February and I'm very glad I was finishing my last semester of prerequisites when I took it. My bio A/P classes helped me a lot in the science portion. I did buy the TEAS book (and two online practice tests from ATI), which were very helpful in preparing me for he TEAS.

I have stick-straight, baby fine hair, so short hair on me is a lot of work in my case (unless I get a buzz cut, which isn't happening lol). Looks like I will be using lots of hairspray!! I have one tattoo in honor of my dad, and am getting another one in honor of my mom. Neither will be visible in scrubs. One is on my rib, and the other will be on shoulder blade, although it is a rather large piece. I have no lower back tattoos.

I have a chin length bob that can't easily be pulled up without lots of hairspray. Ugh!! Also, does your instructor allow nail polish on non-clinical days, or is it a no-no at all times?

Also, my mom has lung cancer. She is not terminal, but I am her only child and the only person she can call on. Would it be unreasonable for me to ask to carry my cell phone so that my mother can contact me in case of an emergency situation? She has a scan on 7/7 to see if the chemo is working. This is her first recurrence since her initial diagnosis. Her last treatment is scheduled for 7/11, which is when we get the scan results. If the chemo has worked (she has three very small spots), she will be kept on Alimta for maintenance. Side effects for Alimta only should be minimal compared to what she went thru on carboplatin and taxol the first time around. But still, I would like to be reachable in case something were to happen.

Thank you!! Our school does require us to be certified CNA1 before we can even apply to the nursing program, but I'm assuming those types of duties will comprise much of our clinicals this fall. Some of the people in my class got jobs as CNAs, but I didn't, which means I will definitely need a refresher on that. (Took it last July/August). Our orientation is 3 hours long, so I imagine there will be a lot of information. I have so many questions!! I hope my instructors will allow me to record lectures. I have my uniforms, stethoscope,etc., but we also get a medical bag, and I have no idea what comes in that. We pick it up at the school, but not for several more weeks. We've not really been given much information at all. I've gotten all my vaccinations (aside from my last Hep A/B shot), but haven't had my background check, drug test, etc. I imagine all that will need to be done quickly since school starts in mid-August. I have no visible tattoos, but I was thinking of getting a daith piercing in my ear. Because it's a fairly long healing process, I'm thinking I may have to wait until I graduate in 2018. I'm also concerned about my stethoscope irritating it. Im not looking forward to the care plans!! I've yet to hear a nurse or student have anything great to say about those. Even so, I'm excited and ready to get started!!!

What are some of the general rules you have during school and clinicals? For example, were you allowed to wear nail polish? Did you have a no-jewelry at all rule? I guess I'm just asking for your experiences regarding the do's and dont's that nursing students typically get for nursing school (lab and lecture days) and on clinical days. I'm still a month away from orientation and would like some ideas on what to expect. Thanks in advance!!

Just an update. I actually spoke with the DON at my school and asked her if this would be a problem. I didn't want to wait almost two months (when medical forms have to be turned in) to find out whether or not this med could be a problem. She said it is fine and that as long as I have a valid Rx, it's all good. Feeling much better now! I'm not a fan of "what if's".

I have decided to be honest about it. I'm not big on lying, and I'm fairly certain that with my luck, it would bite me in the butt if I did lie. Plus, it's a low dosage med. It's not like I'm a closeted heroin addict. I have nothing to hide. If, for some reason, the school has an issue with it, I will just discontinue the med. I just feel more comfortable being honest. I've worked my butt off in school, and I'm not going to mess that up by lying about something that shouldn't (hopefully) be an issue.

I am just afraid that if I voluntarily disclose that I take Xanax, they will automatically boot me out. I do need this drug sometimes with all that I have going on. What I want is to just be upfront and honest. I don't like lying or hiding things because I believe it always bites you in the butt in the end. But at the same time, I have worked my butt off for this, and don't want it snatched away just because I'm on a low dose of Xanax for some current life stressors that induce anxiety. Ugh.

What does NPA stand for? And does he state set a policy for this, or can schools set their own policy? I'm tempted to just properly dispose of my prescription and not take it at all. If I'm not taking it, there's not an issue. I am located in NC if that makes any difference.

Thank you. Based on the responses, I've decided not to include it on the form. My prescription is current (just filled it last week). I thought some of the questions on the form were rather invasive. (I do realize and appreciate that the school wants to make sure their students are mentally and physically stable.). The doc filling out the form knows about my stress and anxiety, as well as the Xanax, obviously, so I hope he doesn't disclose any of that.

Interesting. On the portion the doctor is to fill out, it asks if the student is under treatment for any medical or emotional condition, and if the answer is yes, to "explain". Isn't asking them to "explain" a violation of HIPAA? Would that not be asking the doctor to disclose a "medical condition" (such as stress or anxiety, in this case)? LOL, I stressed about getting into the program, now I'm stressing even more about all this mess!

Thanks so much for the quick replies! I have to say, when I read the medical forms, and saw the part where it says "please list" any medications (OTC and Rx) that you take, and how often you take them, I freaked out just a bit. Are you saying that I can leave this blank because HIPAA protects me in this area? My first thought was that if I didn't list the Xanax, and they found out, it would be grounds for dismissal because it would be seen as dishonest. I've browsed a few threads here and have seen that it's not terribly uncommon for nursing students to take Xanax. Is usage of a drug like this (as prescribed, not ABUSED) frowned upon in schools? I apologize in advance if my questions seem repetitive. I'm sure you all know how badly you wanted to be a nurse, and I certainly feel the same way. I just don't want to jeopardize it.

Hi all! I'm new here (first post). I was accepted into the ADN program at my school. I'm very excited, but am a little worried because I have an Rx for Xanax. I don't know my school's policy on this. The Rx is for 0.5 up to twice daily. When I do take any, I break the pill in half (0.5 at once would knock me out). I'm a 4.0 student, which has in and of itself been stressful. My mother is single (and I'm an only child) and she has been battling cancer. I'm also married and have a family, so my stress levels can get pretty high at times. Had it not been for the Xanax, I don't know if I could've pulled off my 4.0 GPA, not with everything that has gone on in my life lately. I could write a book on just the last year. I have never taken Xanax for an extended amount of time. It has only been during extremely stressful times. The longest I've ever taken it is 4 months last year, and I've taken it over the last month this year. I do not want to lie on the medical forms that my school has requested I fill out. I do have a prescription, but if I have to just stop taking the drug, even though I don't take it regularly, I will. Even if stop, should I let the school know I have a Rx for it? I will be drug screened at some point prior to the fall semester. If, God forbid, I were to take one, and didn't list it on the initial medical form, it would not be good. I know you can't answer anything about my particular school, but has anyone else found themselves in this situation? I would hate to know that I've worked my butt off to complete all my prereqs with As, only to find out that .25mg of Xanax now and then would be enough to crush my dreams. Just for the record, I don't drink, I don't do any drugs except for the occasional Goody Powder, and I'm not trying to pass a drug test. I'm just nervous about this situation because I don't know how schools typically view situations like this. Thanks in advance! Charley