What to expect on my 1st day!?

CrunchyMama, ASN, RN · Jul 15, 2010

My 1st class was sooooo boring! The prof. seriously took the whole class time trying to figure out mynursinglab.com and showing us how to use it, lol. We didn't dive into anything until the following week. Have fun!

Courtcatt · Jul 15, 2010

haha well thats a bummer.So the first week was kind of slow?

CrunchyMama, ASN, RN · Jul 15, 2010

For ME, yeah. But I know of some students that had a busy week, everyones story is different. I should mention though that we did have our first test a couple weeks into the semester that covered 15 chapters, so we definitely had reading to do....not to mention pharm class. :)

BellsRNBSN · Jul 15, 2010

Thank you for starting this thread, Courtcatt! :up:

I think everyone's first days will vary A LOT, not just due to having different teachers at different schools in different states, but also because of all the different programs. I hope someone who graduated from or is attending an accelerated BSN program can share what their first day was like???

The program I will be attending is only 12 months so I know we're going to have a TON of material thrown at us on the first day. I mean, heck, we'll be starting skills labs and clinical only 3 weeks in!

I can't wait to read all the responses!

Courtcatt · Jul 15, 2010

wow only a 12 month program? Thats so quick! Best of luck to you. Thanks everyone for the responses! Keep em' coming!

choc0late · Jul 16, 2010

My first day was aweome! I was so inspired by my instructors attitude and by everything to be learned. I just love nursing school. I would suggest forming up some study groups to make new friends. But pick wisely, stick to the crowd with simliar grade aspirations as yourself. Some people give their all, some don't. It's pretty easy to figure out who is who, so keep that in mind. But for me the buddies I have in school have helped pull me through my darkest hours as it can get rough, and they know what your going through. It's like a little family of battlers, lol.

choc0late · Jul 16, 2010

Oh I'm in the 2 year BSN program, 4 years total, but 2 devoted to nursing courses. Entering my senior year this fall! 302 days until I graduate :yeah:

izzycatswimRN · Jul 16, 2010

I'm in a 15 month long BSN accelerated program. Our first day....well it was rather crazy. I had I think 3..maybe 4..of my nursing classes in one day. We spent maybe 30 minutes going over the syllabus/expectations/course schedule and then proceeded to dive right on in with the material. I was very stressed to say the least...and rather overwhelmed.

DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2010

We spent far too much time going over syllabi and other stuff people could read at home. But that was just my experience.

Teebee5 · Jul 16, 2010

My first day last fall was so nerve racking. There were 60 of us and the first day was a short over view and lectures to meet the admin staff, policy and procedures, CRNBC registration, lab rules, orientation, book store... etc.

I found that the first week, there was a lot of reading especially from the Fundamentals Text book. I remember my first lab class and our instructor teaching us the very basics "aspesis" handwashing... we spent the entire first semster on assessment. Basic assessment... and I remember on my first day thinking when am I going to give needles and use this 120$ stethoscope and whats the deal with meds... I got to do the stethoscope and BP by the end of first term... the rest by the end of 2nd...

On your first day, don't be shy, say hi to people. Sit with people and just share in the experience. This is their first day too! They're probably just as nervous and excited as you are. And since nursing is a "sisterhood" be friendly, outgoing and remember they are taking the same ride.

Also, don't forget a notepad, pens, lunch (or lunch $$), locate the following in your school too!

*Library, photocopier

*computer, b/w printer and colour in case there is one

*a good place for coffee

*student union if one is around

*get a locker! Those books are heavy and aren't gonna move themselves

*parking pass ( its cheaper in the long run!)

*counsellors office, for the midsemster stress of a failed paper and final that is weeks away! Trust me...

*the gym. Most schools have free or cheap fees for using the gym learn to read while running... its helps with stress!

*Get a USB stick from the bookstore and attach it to a string necklace!

Most importantly, wear comfy shoes and dress nice, since you never know, they might take a day one picture... My Nursing Praxis class did, they even made us make and wear paper nursing hats.

Have fun and enjoy the journey!

Courtcatt · Jul 17, 2010

Thank you SO much! I appreciate all the responses. Teebee- thanks for the extra info. Good idea on all of them :) orientation is in 2 weeks.. It's 8-5, kinda long. Don't know what to expect but I'll post when it comes!