I'm starting my first semester (fundamentals and etc. only) September 2nd. In January, I'll start clinicals. I know the things that we've been told we need re: uniforms/shoes and things like stethoscope, bandage scissors and various accoutrement, but I have a couple questions.
First question is on scrubs: How many scrub tops? I've worked in the medical field for awhile and know that splatters of all natures are likely. We're given 2 sets of scrubs by the school with option to buy extra. I already have scrub bottoms in our color, but was thinking of buying 1-2 extra tops. How many would be good once I'm in clinicals? I was thinking 3 to rotate throughout the week with one extra set in my car at clinical sites just in case.
What I also really want to know from all of you in the thick of it is: what do I need that no one really talks about? I'm the kind of person that likes to be prepared for everything and would really love to know what has been helpful to you, not only in fundamentals, but also in clinicals. I'm already hyperorganized and I know that while being in nursing school, it will come into good use. I know that part of going through school is learning what works for you, but I was just curious to any little tricks someone might be willing to share.
You aren't going to have a chance to connect with your patients every day. If you are going into nursing (as I did) with the idea that you will have time each clinical day to have that session of therapeutic communication, you might be disappointed. You can try (and you always should) but don't become discouraged if you aren't able to. Some patients do not want to talk. That is their right. But a lot of the time there simply is not an opportunity to sit down and address a deep concern because you have meds to give, charting to do, your instructor wants you to help a classmate with a task, you're running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Just because this happens, never give up trying. This is a vital part of nursing. But don't be discouraged when it doesn't happen with the regularity that you expected or wanted.
Another thing I wish I realized early on because it would have saved me some internal frustration is that you will see nursing practiced differently that how it is taught in the classroom. Don't let this alarm you. Remember that the goal of nursing school is to pass the NCLEX, you will get the basics in school but the true learning will come on the job.
If you find that there is "drama" in your class, stay out of it. You are not there to be popular or make lifelong friends (that's an added bonus if it should happen). Speak ill of no one. Remember, those who gossip to you will gossip about you. Nursing school is stressful enough without getting involved in the petty crap that sometimes goes along with it.
As a previous poster mentioned, if you find yourself standing around in clinical, ask classmates if they need help. Ask your instructor if there's anything you can do. Ask the RN's if they need help, Ask the CNA's and LPN's if they need help. Nursing is a team sport, practice being a team player.
Schedule your time wisely. TRY to turn in paperwork early. If that isn't possible, and you find that you have a care plan to do at the same time you need to be studying for a test, spend more time on the one worth the most amount of points. You wouldn't believe how many times I've heard classmates angst about working on a huge care that was worth 20% of their grade the same weekend that they should have been studying for a test that was worth 40% of their grade. Be methodical. PRIORITIZE...sound familiar? LOL.
If you make a mistake, admit it. If others make a mistake, forgive easily.
Your instructors will make mistakes. That does not mean they are incompetent. It means they are human. Just like everybody else. :wink2:
This place is awesome; I learn something every single time . . .
I have a question about part-time versus full-time ADN. I have the option to go 3 days a week continuous for 2 years or full-time at 4 semesters with breaks between, still 2 years. I have an 8-year-old and a 7-month-old (but 8 months out from ADN), have daycare during the week. Separated while pregnant with second child, and no dependable babysitter except the daycare, so doing all my prereq's during the day during the week.
And everybody's different, my situation may change, but trying to find out what might be best for me. School comes pretty easy to me, been doing medical transcription forever, have had A&P, some pharm, ethics, et cetera already but too long ago and will be taking it all again, but I loved it and don't care. But will everything stay "fresher" in my mind if I do the 3 days a week continuous, or do you feel like you get more if you do 4 separate semesters cause you get so much at once then get a break . . . if anybody has done/tried either/both I would love some insight into either as far as time for children, studying, and working (I'll be doing something 7 days a week for like the next 7 years). If I do the 3 days a week, are clinicals ever during the week instead of weekend? That was my concern with school all week, then clinical on weekend, when will I see my kids?? will be working/studying at night . . . and I've worked at home since before my first child, so all of this is a change to me anyway, I just don't know if full-time is do-able but is my first choice and the campus is closer to home . . . any input would be greatly appreciated from full-timers and part-timers.
Too tired to proof, been doing it all day, hope I don't have too many typos.
While you have the time before school starts, go on vacation! Half way through the semester you will definitely be wishing you had gone on one (believe me, I know first hand).
Do prioritize your time and don't get behind on readings, assignments, etc. But also schedule time with your friends, loved ones, etc. Each night I stop studying at a certain time and just spend time with my hubby. I also stay away from the studies on Sundays so to stay sane. Although during the week it seems that sometimes I'll never be able to get everything done before Sunday, it usually works out well and my hubby is very happy that Sundays are "his days".
Nursing school will consume your life and as long as you are aware of that and mentally prepare for that, you will be fine. I warned everyone I knew before I started that I may not be able to be spontaneous and do non-nursing stuff sometimes. I think overall people responded nicely because I let them know ahead of time.
I agree with other posters that some nurses won't be happy that you will be with them, but some will. I think the best advice regarding that would be to let your nurse know right away what you can and cannot do (or things you can't do without your instructor), that way if you neglect to do something they will do it and not get mad if you don't do it. This goes for CNAs too. Nothing is worse than having a CNA mad at you for not doing something that you had no clue you were supposed to do!
Best of luck to you! Sit down, buckle in and hold on because this will be one of the most challenging things you have ever done but it will also be the most rewarding thing in the end. :redbeathe
It took me awhile to devise this system and i certainly wish i was doing it from the very start....
The first step to being a successful nursing student is to go out and buy a digital recorder to tape the classes. Get one that will record at least 24 hours so you dont have to constantly battle with space issues. Digital recorders have a USB port that transfers the data to your computer in the form of waves or MP3's, that can then be burned to CD and listened to on your commute.
The next step is to know how to record. In your classroom, teachers may speak through microphones. If they do, then make sure you sit directly under a speaker (you will see them in the ceiling), because if you dont get a good recording, then there is no point in taping it in the first place. Aim the microphone of your device right at the speaker in the ceiling. Dont just sit it there in front of you. We want to get the best recording possible. If you cannot sit under a speaker, then make sure your recording device does (you dont have to sit near your recorder). If there is no mic system, then ask your instructor to allow you to place your device on their podium, or as close as possible. Getting a good recording is vital to it's usefulness later. In the case that your recorder is not near you, you will need a stop-watch or some kind of timer.
Now onto note-taking. If you have your recording device in front of you, then it will display the elapsed time of the lecture. If your device is elsewhere, synch your stop-watch with the recorder when you begin the recording. Now, as you take notes, every 5-10 minutes, mark the time elapsed at that point in your notes. The reason for this is that you will not be able to listen to your recordings from beginning to end each day, as they could be 5 hour days or even longer.
Instead, now when you study, you will have the classroom lecture as a back up. When your notes get confusing, you can go straight to the recording within 5-10 minutes of where the lecture was at that time, and quickly find the clarification that you need. Good luck!
Even though it sounds completely anti-social, do your own thing. Even if others are standing in a bunch, or joining in on gossip, etc., and you feel compelled to be part of the "group", don't do it.
My first semester clinical group was very emotional, gossipy, and often as a group appeared "chatty". At first, I wanted to maintain the friendships I was forming, but I didn't feel comfortable with how unprofessional I sometimes ended up appearing. Very quickly, I got wise, thank goodness. I now do what I know is right with my own time at clinical, and oddly enough, I feel I am now respected and "liked" a lot more by classmates even though I don't feel the need to "follow the crowd". I go after experiences, and don't wait to be told something is going on. Also, I make a point of letting the staff know who I am, and that I'd be glad to help with ANYTHING-early in the shift.
This may seem like a very "kindergarten-like" concept, but it's one to get.
Not sure if you have kids or other family living with you, but my advice would be to study at the library before or after class versus studying at home. It is so easy to get distracted with things at home that need your attention and before you know it you've spent hours tending to everyone else's needs and there's no time left to study. Scheduling regular study time away from home is a must!
DaFreak71
601 Posts
Here are a few things I wish I had known...
You aren't going to have a chance to connect with your patients every day. If you are going into nursing (as I did) with the idea that you will have time each clinical day to have that session of therapeutic communication, you might be disappointed. You can try (and you always should) but don't become discouraged if you aren't able to. Some patients do not want to talk. That is their right. But a lot of the time there simply is not an opportunity to sit down and address a deep concern because you have meds to give, charting to do, your instructor wants you to help a classmate with a task, you're running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Just because this happens, never give up trying. This is a vital part of nursing. But don't be discouraged when it doesn't happen with the regularity that you expected or wanted.
Another thing I wish I realized early on because it would have saved me some internal frustration is that you will see nursing practiced differently that how it is taught in the classroom. Don't let this alarm you. Remember that the goal of nursing school is to pass the NCLEX, you will get the basics in school but the true learning will come on the job.
If you find that there is "drama" in your class, stay out of it. You are not there to be popular or make lifelong friends (that's an added bonus if it should happen). Speak ill of no one. Remember, those who gossip to you will gossip about you. Nursing school is stressful enough without getting involved in the petty crap that sometimes goes along with it.
As a previous poster mentioned, if you find yourself standing around in clinical, ask classmates if they need help. Ask your instructor if there's anything you can do. Ask the RN's if they need help, Ask the CNA's and LPN's if they need help. Nursing is a team sport, practice being a team player.
Schedule your time wisely. TRY to turn in paperwork early. If that isn't possible, and you find that you have a care plan to do at the same time you need to be studying for a test, spend more time on the one worth the most amount of points. You wouldn't believe how many times I've heard classmates angst about working on a huge care that was worth 20% of their grade the same weekend that they should have been studying for a test that was worth 40% of their grade. Be methodical. PRIORITIZE...sound familiar? LOL.
If you make a mistake, admit it. If others make a mistake, forgive easily.
Your instructors will make mistakes. That does not mean they are incompetent. It means they are human. Just like everybody else. :wink2:
Good luck!