What to expect on the first day...

memphispanda, RN · Apr 21, 2003

Are you starting regular college courses or actual nursing classes? What type of program are you going to? I think there would probably be a world of difference between what a university student does on the first day and what a diploma student does on the first day.

Bevi · Apr 21, 2003

Are you starting regular college courses or actual nursing classes?

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Hi Panda, I'm starting nursing classes, i had all my pre-reqs done this past January. I applied to the RN program in feb (adn) and got my acceptance two weeks ago.

I know its probably different in some ways for everyone. I'm nervous and excited and i can't wait, so i guess i'm looking for a little taste in the way of other peoples experiences.....

Bevi

memphispanda, RN · Apr 22, 2003

For us...the first day was registration, paying fees, and then going over the basic rules we have to live by. We spent a lot of time waiting in line and filling out forms. There were another couple of days of things like safety training/testing and self-defense. We had students from one of the upper level classes come talk to us and answer questions. It wasn't a big deal really.

A Kitty RN · Apr 22, 2003

Well, I enjoyed all the entertainment of practicing procedures on dummies (you know how realistic they are- talking, moving just like a person, etc.). haha. You have to admit it is human to be nervous and giddy when first starting out with procedures. The earlier classes help you become comfortable just being at the bedside, interacting with patients. Overall, it was a lot of hard work. But, if nursing is what you really want to do, you will find some of it fun and all of it rewarding. Keep us up to date on how its going. Best of luck!

PennyLane, RN · Apr 22, 2003

Originally posted by A Kitty RN
Well, I enjoyed all the entertainment of practicing procedures on dummies (you know how realistic they are- talking, moving just like a person, etc.). haha. You have to admit it is human to be nervous and giddy when first starting out with procedures. The earlier classes help you become comfortable just being at the bedside, interacting with patients. Overall, it was a lot of hard work. But, if nursing is what you really want to do, you will find some of it fun and all of it rewarding. Keep us up to date on how its going. Best of luck!

Unfortunately at the school I will be attending this fall, we will only work with these dummies for the first semester--no real live people for us newbies! We won't start clinical placements until the second semester.

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · Apr 22, 2003

Hiya Bevi,

I'm a week away from completing my first semester in the ADN program.......so I can truly recall how I felt the first day/week of classes. First.....it felt great being there----knowing that you were selected to be there & getting to meet the people you will be spending a lot of time with & learning to depend on them for encouragement & for when you're feeling not so great---they will lift you back up to where you belong---so I strongly urge making some connections with your classmates.

The first day consisted of our instructor explaining what we'd be doing for the next 4 months. I remember her handing out the calendar & each day there was always something to do...whether it was a skills lab day or an 8 hour lecture day or a test or a paper due.......there was always something major to do. I thought "how cool, saves me from having to do my own calendar!" By the end of class that week, I went home & cried. I asked myself "What did you get yourself into? There is sooooo much to do. How in the world am I going to get it all done as well as take 8 exams plus a cumulative final, pass 6 skill evaluations, pass the math for meds test with a 90 or better & make it through clinicals?" I'm usually an easy-going low stress kind of person, but this got to me. :)

Somehow I made it to class the following Monday & just focused on what needed to be done on a day to day basis. I didn't allow myself to worry about what happens in month 2, 3 or 4.....I had to focus on the first month or rather...one week at a time only. I had my highlighter & would "happily" cross each day off one by one--secretly praying that I cannot wait until the 2nd month is over since all the skill evaluations would be complete.

Now that I have one week left of first semester, I am proud of myself. I made it through with no problem. My lowest test score has been an 85, I passed all of the skills evaluations on my first attempt, got all of the other assignments done on time & clinicals have gone well. My class started out with 30 people....we have 24 left---hopefully they all will pass & move on to second semester. We have all bonded quite well & I'm happy about that. I think it makes a big difference when your classmates are supportive rather than competitive.

My best advice to you is when you are feeling overwhelmed or wondering why you chose nursing to major in.......remember to take a few deep breaths & focus on what needs to be done on a day to day basis. Find people in your class to bond with & most of all.......even on your worst day........be thankful you are there, because there are probably many people who were turned down or made to wait until later to start the nursing program. You're there for a reason.....for an opportunity.....take advantage of it & make it the best that you can. Also, don't fall behind in class! It's a snowball effect, once you fall behind, it will be very difficult to catch up.....so no slacking!!!!! :)

Be sure to let us know how your first day went & keep us updated with how you're doing, ok?

Bevi · Apr 22, 2003

(you know how realistic they are- talking, moving just like a person, etc.). haha

LOL !!!!!!!

Bevi · Apr 22, 2003

Overall, it was a lot of hard work. But, if nursing is what you really want to do, you will find some of it fun and all of it rewarding. Keep us up to date on how its going. Best of luck!

Thank you so much Kitty...

Bevi · Apr 22, 2003

Hiya Bevi,
I'm a week away from completing my first semester in the ADN program.......so I can truly recall how I felt the first day/week of classes. First.....it felt great being there----knowing that you were selected to be there & getting to meet the people you will be spending a lot of time with & learning to depend on them for encouragement & for when you're feeling not so great---they will lift you back up to where you belong---so I strongly urge making some connections with your classmates.
The first day consisted of our instructor explaining what we'd be doing for the next 4 months. I remember her handing out the calendar & each day there was always something to do...whether it was a skills lab day or an 8 hour lecture day or a test or a paper due.......there was always something major to do. I thought "how cool, saves me from having to do my own calendar!" By the end of class that week, I went home & cried. I asked myself "What did you get yourself into? There is sooooo much to do. How in the world am I going to get it all done as well as take 8 exams plus a cumulative final, pass 6 skill evaluations, pass the math for meds test with a 90 or better & make it through clinicals?" I'm usually an easy-going low stress kind of person, but this got to me.
Somehow I made it to class the following Monday & just focused on what needed to be done on a day to day basis. I didn't allow myself to worry about what happens in month 2, 3 or 4.....I had to focus on the first month or rather...one week at a time only. I had my highlighter & would "happily" cross each day off one by one--secretly praying that I cannot wait until the 2nd month is over since all the skill evaluations would be complete.
Now that I have one week left of first semester, I am proud of myself. I made it through with no problem. My lowest test score has been an 85, I passed all of the skills evaluations on my first attempt, got all of the other assignments done on time & clinicals have gone well. My class started out with 30 people....we have 24 left---hopefully they all will pass & move on to second semester. We have all bonded quite well & I'm happy about that. I think it makes a big difference when your classmates are supportive rather than competitive.
My best advice to you is when you are feeling overwhelmed or wondering why you chose nursing to major in.......remember to take a few deep breaths & focus on what needs to be done on a day to day basis. Find people in your class to bond with & most of all.......even on your worst day........be thankful you are there, because there are probably many people who were turned down or made to wait until later to start the nursing program. You're there for a reason.....for an opportunity.....take advantage of it & make it the best that you can. Also, don't fall behind in class! It's a snowball effect, once you fall behind, it will be very difficult to catch up.....so no slacking!!!!!
Be sure to let us know how your first day went & keep us updated with how you're doing, ok?
__________________
Jen

Wow Jen..... that was great....I must say your post really whets my appetite...

Let me congratulate you on your excellent first semester!

I can tell you're an excellent student...if i can do as well as you have, i'll be very happy......

Thank you so , sooo much for making the time and effort to reply and thank you for your words of wisdom... i'll be posting lots during this summer, and when classes start (august) i'll let you know how my first day went....

take care ******

Bevi

Bevi · Apr 22, 2003

For us...the first day was registration, paying fees, and then going over the basic rules we have to live by. We spent a lot of time waiting in line and filling out forms. There were another couple of days of things like safety training/testing and self-defense. We had students from one of the upper level classes come talk to us and answer questions. It wasn't a big deal really.
__________________
Panda
3rd of 5 semesters, Diploma program
Panda, thank you for your reply...wow..... self defense..... i'd never thought of that as part of a adn program! Its cool that they had upperclassmen come and help you with questions, it's kinda like what you've do here for me..... i appreciate it, thank you!

Bevi · Apr 22, 2003

We won't start clinical placements until the second semester

Mel....

I bet that when you DO get to clinicals, you'll be more than ready, and probably feel quite confident!