Pre-Nursing Worries - Anyone Else Experiencing This?

I am on my last semester of pre-reqs and am also in the process of filling out apps to FL schools (BSN programs) for fall 2013. I initially got into nursing because I thought I wanted to be involved in medicine, but was not interested in being a doctor. I am an extremely nurturing person and enjoy taking care of others. I liked the idea that nursing felt more tangible to me - fewer prerequisites than MD, and only 2 years of school after pre-reqs. Also, I really felt that nursing would be more suited to my personal goals in life that are non-career related (like having a family, etc.). So here is my problem: Half of the time, I am so into being a nurse. The other half, I am desperately looking for another major. Read More...

Clinical Nursing Student Needs Advice 5 patients

I am finishing up my ADN with 9 weeks to go. I'm in my mid fifties. In my current rotation we care for as many as 5 patients on a cardiac tele unit. I am overwhelmed to say the least. I have to make it through 5 more of these shifts and should be home free as my last rotation will be less intense. We are expected to do two assessments per patient, IV assessments every two hours,start IVs, all skills, and pass all meds. The med orders change frequently on this unit and there are many unstable patients with codes etc.

I don't mind working very, very hard and forgoing a break but as a student this is a bit much. If we make a mistake depending on the severity we are out of the program . My first concern is for my patients I'm just not sure I can do this and am looking for any advice that anyone would kindly share. Read More

Starting a study group...

Here on allnurses we've heard of many study groups started and crashing soon after. What's the best way to start a study group? What can be done to keep it healthy? Read More...

What are your views on being in a relationship while in nursing school?

Reason I ask is - I find it very difficult managing school and a boyfriend (*noted of 2 years) while in school. Having attention deficit doesn't help either. Open to all & any comments!

Also - being that I have ADD (as silly as this sounds..) I decided I'm going to keep my cell off all day & turn it on at the end of the day; so I do not have the instant need to reply to my boyfriend who texts me - is this fair of me to do? I get extremely stressed during the semester & when i'm stressed I throw out my ability to recognize little distractions here & there, whether it be texting or not, and it hinders my studying. Btw - Sorry if this question sounds quite high school. Read More...

How long did you wait???

How long after graduating did you take the nlcex? Is 6 months after graduating too long?? Please give me some hope!

I graduated from my LPN program in November and recently received my ATT. I have to admit I've slacked off on my studies and just been working my butt off to catch up on my loans/ bills. I've now started a routine to do 100 questions a day and noticed I've already forgot a lot of the material and worried I've waited to long to study. I've decided to take the Nclex within the next 2 months but worried that's too long from now. Read More...

Department Wars

I cannot believe how much animosity and bickering happens on our day shift, and I'm not even talking about among the aides! It seems we have at least seven people who are constantly looking for ways to get the aides working the floor, and sometimes the two of us who are in showers, in trouble. The worst are the housekeepers. Read More...

I took NCLEX this morning. Here is my experience.

I arrived at the testing location about 655am this morning, so I decided to wait by the door, because they will only allow you to come in at 730. I went through the registration process and then was seated to take my exam. At this point, my heart was racing as I did not know what to expect.  I quickly completed the introductory sections, since it's basically the same info on the NCSBN website.  Next, I completed a section that pretty much are questions related to demonstration of various NCLEX alternative questions types. Read More...

I don't know what I am doing wrong - not doing so well on tests.

I am a first-semester nursing student in an accelerated nursing program (15 months). I am currently taking Med Surg I, Pharmacology, Health Assessment, and a transitions course. I have my previous bachelor's degree in psychology and have experience working as a case manager for adults with disabilities. I am incredibly excited and passionate about becoming a nurse and am doing everything that I feel I can do to do well in my classes. However, I am finding it hard to do well on tests... Read More...

What do you use for note-taking? (technology-wise)

I plan on getting either an iPad Mini or a new Samsung Note 8.0 (coming out soon.) I am not the fastest typist, so I like being able to just scribble my notes in my own handwriting. so I guess my questions are:

• Do you or classmates use a tablet for note taking?
• Are the bulk of your lectures taught with PPs?
• Are there any apps or tablets that you might recommend?
• What do you take notes with while at clinical?

Read More...

Do you know what I miss?

I miss all the threads of pre-nursing students waiting to hear if they've been accepted into their nursing program of choice. I miss the play-by-play accounts of folks that have nail-biting anxiousness, the stalking of the letter carriers and or the multiple email checks throughout the day. Where are the posts about upcoming interviews and the wait-listed angst. Where are they?

Where are the posts you know the one that I'm talking about, the mother-load of all posts...the post that declares that they've made it! We readers get to experience with the applicant the joy of opening that letter that begins with, Congratulations you have been accepted... Read More...

Advice from current students or RN school grads

Help me get a jump start in school! How to get ahead in nursing school? Hi there, I have finally finished all my prerequisites and have been accepted into the nursing program! I have about a 2 month break from school until and want to know if there is any part of nursing school that would be good to get a jump on before it all starts. Is there an area you wish someone would have said "hey might want to start getting familiar with this, it'll take a lot of stress away during school"? Thanks in advance! Read More...

Any good books to read before starting A&P this fall?

I was hoping I could get some advice on some good books that I could read on A&P or anything rhar would give me aheads up since I really want to get great grades and have two young kids at home that are counting on me. Read More...