Sac state (CSUS) nursing spring 2013

crebs · Nov 17, 2012

Crebs- is there any way to study for it? Or do they eventually send us material to study before the actual exam? I have yet to do the modules, but I'll make sure to get to it soon!

google dosagehelp. Can't post the link here but it's quite obvious.

Also, do you still have to take pharmacology? I want to take a wintersession course but I haven't found one. Any ideas for that?

crebs · Nov 17, 2012

Crebs- is there any way to study for it? Or do they eventually send us material to study before the actual exam? I have yet to do the modules, but I'll make sure to get to it soon!

Don't forget that the HIPAA one is due by next Monday!

hbadhesha · Nov 17, 2012

Crebs- Thanks! Ill make sure to look into that. I'm going to work on the modules tomorrow :) Also, I took pharmacology last semester, so I'm done with that requirement. I'm not sure where you could find the course during a winter session either; sorry /:

kaiamc · Nov 17, 2012

I believe it's something they have you do in one big exam at csus. Some schools have you take a calculation exam every semester, some the first semester. From what I see it appears to be conversions from micrograms to grams, stuff like that. Just knowing your basic math skills.

Yes this is pretty accurate, we took a long test and a few quizzes but I have heard other higher semesters dosage calcs get more detailed and complicated. Your mentor will likely be able to help you with study tips though. You'll meet them at orientation.

crebs · Nov 17, 2012

OK Kaiamc, I have a ton of questions about dress code/equipment I'd love if you could answer them all but don't feel obligated. :)

1) I found a list online of items to purchase for CSUS from a past semester, but it doesn't mention a blood pressure cuff, watch, specifics on shoes and dress code, etc. Would be able to give a brief overview of the equipment that we'll end up needing to buy so that I can start my bargain shopping and dress code info.

2) Any recommendations for things they don't tell you before you start that would be good to know?

3) What's in those goodie bags they give you at orientation?

4) Any preference for either of the stethoscopes they give you the choice of?

5) Will we be able to purchase an extra name badge to be prepared in case we forget one at home.

6) What's with the schedule overlapping and having so many sections for 80 students? Several of the listed lab times conflict with the times for the courses that are supposed to be for all students. Is the published schedule just there for time blocking and they'll set us up later?

7) Are they going to schedule ALL of our classes, or do we have to choose sections for some of the core courses?

I know, lots of questions that will be answered at some point soon anyway, but I'm so anxious and excited and want to be prepared as early as possible.

crebs · Nov 18, 2012

Crebs- Thanks! Ill make sure to look into that. I'm going to work on the modules tomorrow :) Also, I took pharmacology last semester, so I'm done with that requirement. I'm not sure where you could find the course during a winter session either; sorry /:

Medical Dosage Calculations

kaiamc · Nov 18, 2012

1) I found a list online of items to purchase for CSUS from a past semester, but it doesn't mention a blood pressure cuff, watch, specifics on shoes and dress code, etc. Would be able to give a brief overview of the equipment that we'll end up needing to buy so that I can start my bargain shopping and dress code info.

You can borrow/ check out a blood pressure cuff at the SON anytime but might prefer to own your own, I bought mine 2nd hand because the SON ran out of lenders during check off week. For clinical shoes lots of people like their Danskos, I own Keens, and I have also seen lots of random sneakers Nikes, New Balance, ect. You just dont want anything porous that can absorb body fluids and you will want something comfortable for your feet that is of decent quality. You might like a water resistant watch, it will get wet at least occasionally, Make sure it has the second hand.

2) Any recommendations for things they don't tell you before you start that would be good to know?

During front loading,(first two to three weeks) you will be at school 5 days a week basically from sun-up until sun-down and you will be shoving lots and lots of information into your brain so if you struggle with large chunks of information and tend to get overwhelmed start working as soon as you get your book bundle on both online skills classes so that its easier to digest.

3) What's in those goodie bags they give you at orientation?

Only the CNSA stuff that you buy from the purchase list. Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing free.

4) Any preference for either of the stethoscopes they give you the choice of?

I bought the more expensive one. I think its the master classic two with only a diaphragm side, the single side works for both the diaphragm and bell functions. I got mine on ebay for $70 gently used with new earbuds. CSUS also students get a 20% discount at one of the nearby nursing stores. I dont remember which one but ask around at the SON they will know.Most students have Littman and it doesn’t seem to matter which version, you have your heart and lung sounds that sound much the same on both versions. You can buy and use ANY stethoscope with both a bell and a diaphragm function not just the Littman(the MC 2 has a bell function built into the diaphragm , you just press harder instead of ) so you can shop around a little until you find one you like. I have found that the cheap ones will meet your needs if you are really crunched for cash as I bought some spare, inexpensive, used (sanitized)stethoscopes that ended up working very well against Littman once price was considered. They did not have a bell though, so if you go cheap make sure the stethoscope has a diaphragm AND a bell.

5) Will we be able to purchase an extra name badge to be prepared in case we forget one at home.

I cant answer that I only bought one set but I don’t see why you couldn’t have two unless they don’t want you to have two SON ID cards moving about at the same time for security purposes. You definitely wont get a second hospital ID badge for places like the VA, or any clinical locations so just don’t lose it if you can avoid it. The name badge comes with four plastic card holders, one for each semester and each a different color. They are pretty easy to lose if you don’t have strict organizational skills.

6) What's with the schedule overlapping and having so many sections for 80 students? Several of the listed lab times conflict with the times for the courses that are supposed to be for all students. Is the published schedule just there for time blocking and they'll set us up later?

Yes, the schedule listed on My Sac State is not useful at all, it is a space holder. Do not try to schedule around it. Once you receive your clinical section number assignment you will have a better idea of how the schedule might be once clinical starts. However know that the first two weeks, are nothing like the listed schedule and that there will be plenty of days where you had no idea you were supposed to be somewhere officially. Keep VERY organized and combine all the class schedules onto one planner so you know whats going on each day for the whole semester and know that the schedules are subject to change and sometimes do change at the last minute.

7) Are they going to schedule ALL of our classes, or do we have to choose sections for some of the core courses?

They schedule everything that is listed as a nursing course as well as pharmacology. Anything else you can schedule yourself.

crebs · Nov 18, 2012

Thanks so much for answering all my questions! I'm super excited. I am excited to start but I have to remember to enjoy this break I have before the madness begins!

foolie · Nov 21, 2012

Hi you guys! I haven't posted hear in a while, and I just got my admissions acceptance so I came to check up on the forum again! I was wondering if any of you guys were moving into Sacramento and if you guys had looked around for apartments that would be suitable to live in. I'm so excited to start, but then again just as, if not more nervous. Let me know if any of you guys have any helpful information! Hope to hear from you guys soon :)

I got accepted as well! I am also looking for an apartment/house so if interested we can meet and shop around. I'm eyeing anywhere within a 5 mile radius of the campus.

crebs · Nov 21, 2012

I got accepted as well! I am also looking for an apartment/house so if interested we can meet and shop around. I'm eyeing anywhere within a 5 mile radius of the campus.

Congrats! If you guys are planning to buy a good pair of nursing shoes and other supplies (we'll get a list of items in a bit from nursing school and I believe it will include stethescope, pen lights, scissors, bp cuff etc) I'd like to do a bulk order from a good place where we can possibly get a discount or save on shipping costs. If anybody's interested LMK! Also, did anybody get a confirmation of receipt of their intent to enroll?

NicolR · Nov 21, 2012

I just logged on here (a little late) and updated myself on this board. CONGRATS everyone who got in! I got in as well, and while we're in the program pulling our hair out and crying, we can never forget the way we felt after receiving that acceptance letter!

Although you guys are freaking me out a little about this dosage calculation stuff!

Can't wait to meet all of you Jan 23 at our orientation!

hbadhesha · Nov 21, 2012

Hey foolie! I was looking into apartments around the Arden area because I heard apartments close to the university had a lot of crime. I believe it's still about 7-10 miles away from campus. Ill be coming to sac about mid December; so if you'd like we could look into places then!