OK, we got in, but now what? I am a detail orientated person and I want info! When can I start picking up things I need? What are those items?
I have really lost it! I went from thinking about getting in to wondering what to do/what to read/what to buy before class starts.
And how big of a backpack do we REALLY need?
Anybody out there from CLC have any advice? Help me before my family moves out of the house permanently (wait...maybe that would be a good thing:devil:)!
Hey, all I was at the Health center yesterday also, around 9:30. I also went and got the modules. So, is there another packet I should have got? I asked for the nursing handbook and they gave me the big packet of modules. From what I have read there is something else I need?? I went and got my top yesterday also. Ugh, but not so bad. I was imagining worse, for some reason I thought they were long sleeves.
I am all for meeting up after the 7th...
I like the ideas of keeping all of the A modules together separated by dividers, I thing that is how we are tested on them, in clusters, so they would all be together along with any notes or handouts.
I wish I was in the nesting phase, I think I am just worn out and don't really want to do anything. I haven't read a book, that I actually want to read, or watched a movie, and I feel if I don't relax now, I am out of luck next semester. My three kids also keep me moving....How am I going to get through this...it will be interesting.
I spoke with a couple of people last semester that were in the lab. They had their modules in a large binder. I believe they said that you really don't have to refer back to the other modules once your done with them-so alot of people just carry whatever they need at the time. They had the entire section I think (like Module A,A1,A2,etc.)with dividers in between.
Vicki
I used a "Trapper Keeper" style binder for class/lab. I bought a Five Star XPANZ Zipper Binder, and after a solid year of almost daily use, it's still in great shape. Some of my classmates initially poked fun of me because of it, but by the end of the semester, they all had the same kind of binder. I liked this system because 1) it zipped up and I lost none of the loose papers that I seemed to constantly accumulate, 2) I had easy access to pens, pencils, highlighters, etc., right in the binder and didn't have to go digging though my backpack in class and 3) my binder had an expanding file section which was great for organizing extra paper for notes, forms needed for lab assessment, etc, 4) it had a separate zippered compartment where I could safely store my stethoscope, pda, drug book, or whatever. I always had what I needed on hand.
For clinicals, most of us used clipboards. Our entire section eventually converted to the same kind - a top-hinged, plastic Walmart clipboard that allows you to store papers/pens inside.
A very large binder to store all your modules is ideal. A 4 inch binder worked well for me during 171, but my 172 binder is busting at the seams. You don't need to bring all of your modules to class with you. I bought plastic dividers, labeled each module, and transfered modules back and forth between my "large binder" and "class binder." I also stored my care plans, assignments and study guides for each corresponding module in this binder.
In my class binder, I kept:
- Any modules that were currently in use for the cluster (a cluster is simply the group of modules that you are studying and will be tested on throughout the semester)
- The class calendar and contact list for instructors and students
- My CPA appraisal sheets (the lab assistant uses these to record your progress on skills)
- Extra looseleaf paper for notes.
- The PE examination booklet. You don't need this, but it's really helpful to use while practicing in the lab. This booklet tells you *exactly* what you'll be tested on during the PE, and which skills are critical (i.e. failure points).
- Pens, pencils, highlighters, post-it flags, and my zip drive.
Yes, I know, I am an office supplies geek, but staying organized is half the battle with this program!
Speaking of the zip drive-are there many papers/power points that we have to do 1st semester?
Will I be able to survive if I don't get a PDA? I hear alot of people talking about them. I'm so behind the times as far as all this electronic stuff goes, I prefer the books even though it means I have to drag them around everywhere.
Yep, the band is plastic. My daughter (19) took a look at it and said "You're not going to wear that except work and school, right?" with a look on her face that clearly said "Mom, you are such a dork!"
Color coding doesn't sound like a bad idea for the modules!
I am actually getting ready to head out to CLC to the health center (again) to get my TB checked and get the second one. Then I am going to come back, clean up the house a little since my daughter is at daycare for the day and then I have my physical at 2:00. Why am I nervous that I'm not going to "pass" the physical??
I think Thursday is the day I will be going to get my scrub top and my modules...Ahhhhh...wonderful payday!
As far as the 7th, it depends on what time and where...I have to get my daughter from daycare by about 5:30 (usually when I pick her up). Just keep me posted on the details!
Speaking of the zip drive-are there many papers/power points that we have to do 1st semester?
Will I be able to survive if I don't get a PDA? I hear alot of people talking about them. I'm so behind the times as far as all this electronic stuff goes, I prefer the books even though it means I have to drag them around everywhere.
Vicki
You'll survive just fine without a PDA. The majority of students in my 171 and 172 classes did not have them. I do use my PDA for school, mostly at clinicals to reference drug info and medical terms, but it's several years old and I didn't go out and buy it specifically for nursing school. I rarely use it during class.
You'll have a presentation to prepare during the semester, but Powerpoint is optional. You'll also have weekly assignments (care plans, med sheets, pathophysiology summaries), but none of my instructors have required that they be typed. I found it easier to type some of the items simply because my writing is neither small nor neat. If you don't know it already, there is a computer lab in D Wing that is designated for nursing students only. There are plenty of computer stations and a printer at your disposal, so you could even get through the course without a computer at home.
The gadgets are very nice to have, but they aren't necessary.
Diedra-Yes, I think it was about that time. I know there were a few people in there as I was leaving. Were you one of them? It is so strange to talk to you all, here, but have no idea what anyone looks like. I cannot wait to meet all of you.
I was reading through the student handbook and stuff..... I am more confused that ever. Hopefully, the orientation will clarify things for me.
Heather - That was me and my daughter! That's too funny! I agree, we know a lot about each other, yet we know so little. The funny (or sad) thing is - I'm not sure I'd recognize you if I passed you again.
thanks didera!!! i know-i'm just trying to get through xmas.
did anyone read the handbook?? did you see the listing of books? i cannot pull up the book list for class anymore, and just wanted to know if these are the same books listed on line....i thought i would start looking on amazon for the ones that look like they are required for 171.
also, do we get to wear white t-shirts under our gorgeous blue tops? does anyone know...any old timers?
I dont' remember what was on the list for books. I thought I printed it off, but can't find it now.
I browsed through the handbook and started looking through the modules. I'm still not sure how I'm gonna organize it. I might get one of those Five Star Flex Binders. I really don't think I'm a Trapper Keeper kind of person. I'm not big into velcro - goofy, I know.
When can I start picking up things I need? What are those items? 
I liked this system because 1) it zipped up and I lost none of the loose papers that I seemed to constantly accumulate, 2) I had easy access to pens, pencils, highlighters, etc., right in the binder and didn't have to go digging though my backpack in class and 3) my binder had an expanding file section which was great for organizing extra paper for notes, forms needed for lab assessment, etc, 4) it had a separate zippered compartment where I could safely store my stethoscope, pda, drug book, or whatever. I always had what I needed on hand.
Heatherbear
42 Posts
Hey, all I was at the Health center yesterday also, around 9:30. I also went and got the modules. So, is there another packet I should have got? I asked for the nursing handbook and they gave me the big packet of modules. From what I have read there is something else I need?? I went and got my top yesterday also. Ugh, but not so bad. I was imagining worse, for some reason I thought they were long sleeves.
I am all for meeting up after the 7th...
I like the ideas of keeping all of the A modules together separated by dividers, I thing that is how we are tested on them, in clusters, so they would all be together along with any notes or handouts.
I wish I was in the nesting phase, I think I am just worn out and don't really want to do anything. I haven't read a book, that I actually want to read, or watched a movie, and I feel if I don't relax now, I am out of luck next semester. My three kids also keep me moving....How am I going to get through this...it will be interesting.
Heather