2 year wait comes to a close, this alternate just called for Jan 2010!!!

[livinglighthouse, ADN, RN]

So, now I have so much to do in only 2 short months. I would love to hear some suggestions on specifics of what to buy beforehand. What resources were most helpful to you?

Backpacks to books, organizers, calendars, stethoscope..........anything you can give to help this 39yo mom of 3 teenagers to help her not go crazy would be most appreciated!

Rachel

[rjsalimi]

Rachel,

Congrats and get ready for the ride of your life. I'm just finishing the second semester of an ADN program. The biggest and most important thing you can do NOW is start to get your home life organized. Do a major house cleaning and get rid of the clutter. Plan meals ahead and let the family know how important this is to you. ORGANIZE,ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jennifer7010]

Congrats on getting in! As far as supplies goes, it kind of varies. I don't want to tell you any specific book because you will be buying a ton of them and if your college requires a PDA like mine, you will probably have to download programs too. So you pretty much have all your learing resourses on you. If anything, I would make sure you get a good pair of shoes for clinical. You are on your feet constantly so it pays to pay a little more. Plus I bought the stalkings (can't remember what they are called but you will see them in uniform stores) to help with circulation since I am on my feet all day. They seem to help, but get pretty hot in the summer time. Good luck!

[LynM75]

Congatulations!

A stethescope is a neccesity. Any stethoscope will do, but the higher the price, generally the better the acoustics. Make sure you get a nametag on it, or even better, they can be engraved, for a price. ( they walk away alot in a hospital setting) You will need a large calendar in your house to put clinical dates, study groups, classes, lectures etc, so your kids know what's up, as well as you. You will also always need another calendar on your person at all times. Before you purchase shoes, be sure they are appropriate for the school's clinical dress code. I personally wear sneaker every day, and I have no problem being on my feet for endless hours a day.

[livinglighthouse, ADN, RN]

thank you, all very helpful information.

[Lifedream]

Be prepared to give it all you have!! When students say there is no other life... it is the truth! I am taking my final exam this week for my first semester. I absolutely love nursing school but I do miss my life as I knew it before. I remind myself it is temporary. Make a point to learn because you want to know so you can be a good nurse, not so much just to make a good grade. Do not get involved in any of the drama in the class because there really is no time to waste on that stuff. Check into a 'smartpen'. I read that somewhere on Allnurses and I got one. It isn't cheap but it is the best investment I have ever made!!! It records the lectures, it can be a calculator, you download all of your notes to your computer or you can just listen to the lectures while you are driving with the earbuds. Study groups... haven't found one yet that was better than time in the books. Just hold on tight and enjoy the ride :)

[KookingEggs]

yay!!! gratz!!!

first of all, BOOKS. when i started, i bought every single textbook required, when really, we didn't even touch some them. i suggest you speak with a previous nursing student from your school regarding the book issue. because they're expensive, and you would not want to buy it if you didn't have to. also, some of the books required i found at the school library haha. so you may want to check there before purchasing.

as for the stethoscope, at my school, if there were more than 15 students making an order, we got discounted. so i suggest you consult with your nursing peers if they're making an order before buying.

OH and make lots of friends =) they help ease the experience, especially during rough semesters