Things to get out of the way NOW if you are starting in the Spring

[AtomicWoman]

I originally was thinking about ABSN programs, but I realized that this applies to anyone who is starting a program in the spring.

1. Get your BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR certification out of the way. You don't want to be running around trying to find a class right before you start school! The certifications are good for 2 years, so just make sure you'll be covered for your entire school career; it just makes things easier down the road to not have to re-up while you're still in school.

2. Start your vaccinations and titers. The Hep B vaccination, for example, requires 3 doses, and the last dose has to be 6 months after the first. A lot of schools will let you start clinicals with just the first two, but they are going to want to see evidence that you've had the third not long after that. So if you get that done now, it's one less thing to think about.

3. Start researching what student loans are available, what's out there, etc. This industry is in flux right now, but if you get a spreadsheet going now, you can just update it as you get closer to starting school.

4. Research the best places to buy a stethoscope, PDA, and any other equipment your school requires.

5. Figure out what kinds of shoes you'll be able to wear and watch for sales on them. I really like Easy Spirit shoes, so I subscribe to their email updates and they tell me when they are having a sale.

6. Get a Saunders NCLEX book and start looking it over -- no pressure! Just get used to the format of the questions. I wouldn't buy textbooks right now, though, because schools tend to change book requirements. But get your booklist as soon as you can and start looking for cheaper copies. :)

7. See if you can shadow a nurse. That will relieve a little bit of the uncertainty about the hospital environment before you start school. Or volunteer at your local hospital a few hours a week between now and when school starts.

I'd love to hear what others have done to start preparing! That Spring start will come so fast!

[Lajimolala, BSN, RN, NP]

Thank you so much~!!! I will get started soon, as I start the Fall after that. May I ask what other vaccinations are requred besides the Hep B??

[Cilantrophobe]

Good advice. I think I will take care of the BLS and vaccinations soon. I had already thought about all of this but I know there are some who might not. I don't know anything about Hep B, I just know while I was in the military they gave us a ton of vaccinations so I need to find out how long they are good for cause I might already be current.

[DrinksRN]

Thank you so much~!!! I will get started soon, as I start the Fall after that. May I ask what other vaccinations are requred besides the Hep B??

It could depend on the school, but our school required:

1. Hep B

2. Varicella

3. Rubella

[Ocelot]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've been trying to decide on shoes thanks for an option to check out!

Our school requires a TB test as well, I've started my vaccinations. You are exactly right, it is so good to get as many things done early as possible. The program at my school requires most things to be completed by Dec 1 for the Spring 09 students.

[notthereyet0]

Our school program required double TB tests, one week apart. They didn't do titers for it though. If you want to volunteer in a hospital, they will probably require the same thing.

[AtomicWoman]

My school requires titers on:

Varicella

Measles

Mumps

Rubella

They require 2 Hep B before you start, and then a third dose of Hep B 6 months after the 1st one. I could waive meningitis vaccination because I wouldn't be living in a dorm.

I had to have 2 TB/Mantoux tests at least 1 week apart.

I also had to have a general physical from a doctor or an NP, but make sure you check with your school to see what time frame is acceptable. Within the last year may be OK at some schools; others may want you to have a physical within the last 6 months.

Also, I had to have an eye exam, including a color blindness test.

Again, as always, check with your school.

[Ocelot]

As far as shoes what do you know about Nike Shox?

[Sunset87, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN, CNM]

I've heard good things about Nike Shox and I see a lot of people wearing them. I wanted to get some for clinicals, but my school doesn't allow fabric sneakers.

[Ocelot]

Can you get them in non-fabric upper too? I hope so because if I decide to go with those I'll never keep fabric clean! My other problem is I wear a size US 6 women's and that is a hard size to find.

[AtomicWoman]

Remember that many places do not permit you to wear Crocs, no matter how bright white they are! :)

[smellyacres, BSN, RN]

Usually only the crocs with holes in the top are not allowed. If you can find some that are completely covered on top I think their fine.