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:)!
Lisa, another thing that is helpful to organization. I have found that the better organized I am - the better things go. I would be willing to meet you and show you how I do it. Just let me know.
Yes, I agree with Diedra wholeheartedly! You will need to stay organized and on top of things in order to get through it. Do you plan on working while going to school? Do you have kids? It all has to be worked around, but it CAN work! Some of us have little kids... some older kids... some work full time... some work part time... some don't work... some take other classes... some only do nursing classes. It really depends. But the point is, no matter what your situation, I betcha one of us has "been there, done that"! I second Diedra's statement - I'd be happy to meet up with you to chat further also, or we can continue to use this forum. Whatever works best for you!
I was wondering if anyone of the upper classmen can tell me what to expect during the first semester clinicals? Is it physically demanding, what sort of duties do you perform as a first year nursing student? The centers I will be assigned (if I get one of the evening sections) are Midwestern Regional Medical center and Whitehall North. Anyone else do clinicals here? what was your experience?
I didn't do my clinicals at your locations, but I can answer your other questions. No, the work is not very physically demanding. Any time anything really physical needs to be done (i.e. transferring a heavy patient) you'd get more people to help you or use mechanical lifts.
You start out in first semester learning basic techniques such as making a hospital bed (both occupied and unoccupied). You learn things like how to help to perform hygiene needs (bed bath, shower, perineal (bottom) care, etc.), how to change a dressing, how to help a patient to get up out of bed and onto toilet or into chair. Your clinical skills during the first semester are very similar to those you would have to do if you were a CNA.
I hope this helps some. Please feel free to ask more questions.
I didn't do my clinicals at your locations, but I can answer your other questions. No, the work is not very physically demanding. Any time anything really physical needs to be done (i.e. transferring a heavy patient) you'd get more people to help you or use mechanical lifts.
You start out in first semester learning basic techniques such as making a hospital bed (both occupied and unoccupied). You learn things like how to help to perform hygiene needs (bed bath, shower, perineal (bottom) care, etc.), how to change a dressing, how to help a patient to get up out of bed and onto toilet or into chair. Your clinical skills during the first semester are very similar to those you would have to do if you were a CNA.
I hope this helps some. Please feel free to ask more questions.
Hey Diedra and Colleen!
Thanks for answering. I don't know who the people on this board are, but you all sound so awesome!:) Are most of the duties do-able for an 8 month pregnant woman? Because that is what I'll be when the semster finishes in May '09. I'm really really really excited to start nursing school and don't want to delay it for even one semester. I was just curious if this is something I can handle physically.
LOL - I figured that's why you were asking. We had a gal in our class last semester who's due date was two days after finals! As she kept getting bigger and bigger we kept wondering how in the world she'd make it through. She was a trooper though. During our final, we all kept watching her because she was fidgeting around a lot in her chair and rubbing her belly. We all were talking about it wondering if she was in labor. Turns out she was! She delivered that afternoon!!!
So it CAN be done. I'm thinking that's information you will need to disclose to the faculty though. Also, keep in mind that as the semester draws to a close there is the stress of the PE (performance evaluation) exam. Again, I've seen it done, so it isn't impossible - but just a warning of the stress there.
Scrubmouse - we had another lady pregnant last semester. She was actually in labor during our final exam. You should be just fine. Don't be afraid to ask for help from the other students. I never had anyone who wasn't willing to help. They may need you someday.
Hello ladies. I'm so glad I found this. I am starting CLC's nursing program this January. I feel lost about what I should be doing now?
I actually am due for an annual physical soon, so I can get that done at my doctor's office after the holidays...what else? CPR cert? Where? Immunizations? I took A&P this past summer, so I feel somewhat confident in knowing my A&P. From reading your old posts it seems many people were studying ahead of time!!! OMG, should I be doing this!???:uhoh21:
I have a 4 week old baby, so things are a bit chaotic here, more so with the 22 month old, lol, but I'd like to get as prepared as possible and I don't know where to start!!!
Dawn...were you in line to register yesterday? Did you ask another student about 1st semester teachers? If so, I think my daughter was telling me about you...
You'll want to contact the Health Center at CLC and they can let you know what immunizations you need. Most likely they'll take a blood sample and run some titre tests to be sure you have immunity to some of the diseases you were no doubt immunized for as a child. For example, mine came back that I didn't have immunity to Rubella, so I had to get an MMR booster shot.
Check through CLC to see if they have any openings for CPR class - I took mine last January right at CLC.
Get your module packets as soon as they are available. You'll find TONS of reading to do prior to starting. LOTS of fun is in store for you! We're here to help however we can!
When can I start picking up things I need? What are those items? 
HospiceRN88
144 Posts
Lisa, another thing that is helpful to organization.
I have found that the better organized I am - the better things go. I would be willing to meet you and show you how I do it. Just let me know.