The Wicked Politics of Clinical Practicum in Nursing School

Nursing school is not always fair. And, in my honest opinion, the most unfair aspect of the nursing school experience is the clinical practicum portion, also known as 'clinical rotations.' Here is why.

The grades that students earn in the classroom-based theoretical nursing courses are, in most cases, usually objective. Even though the professor who teaches the advanced medical/surgical nursing course might hold personal grudges against a couple of students, the multiple choice exams and quizzes help to even the playing field by giving all pupils a fair chance to demonstrate their knowledge base. Read More...

Why did you choose your nursing school?

I know that it's a good idea to look into NCLEX pass rates to see how well a nursing program prepares their students, but what other factors influenced you in choosing the school that you decided to attend and in choosing which schools to apply to? Read More

The guy wasn't the hugging type...

How excited do you get when you pass clinicals or NCLEX? Have you ever hugged a stranger out of excitement? Share your stories... Read More...

My NCLEX Experience today!

My exam was today at 12:45 and I went to my testing center in NY 2 hours early just incase of any delays. Once I arrived the representative said that I can either take my exam or wait for my time. I decided to take the exam. Without getting to specific with the test, I got a few med question, tons of SATA question, 2 drag and drop and 2 med calculations. At question 70 I was asked if I wanted a break at that point I was thinking to myself No, I will wait until 75 then break. Once I finished Question 75 the screen went BLUE... Read More...

Whiners in the classroom?!?!?!

I'm in a 2 year adn program, and I can't believe on top of all the work I have to listen to fellow students spend valuable lecture time complaining to the professor about.... Read More...

"Throwing Out" questions on a test

I was surprised to see how many questions are "thrown out" on our nursing and pharm tests. If the class doesn't do well, the teacher looks at which questions were missed by the most students and will add that many points to everyone's score. I can understand if a question is poorly worded or was not covered in the materials, but excluding it because a large percentage of the students missed it? Read More...

Legal Food For Thought During the First Year of Nursing (and Beyond)

The first year of nursing is, in countless cases, also one of the most challenging years of a nurse's career because many different events are taking place.

First of all, a significant number of newer nurses are acquiring the procedural skills that they did not fully cover in their nursing school clinical rotations, especially if one is immediately transitioning into a highly specialized area as a first healthcare job. Secondly, aspects of the 'real world' of nursing may clash with the idealized 'textbook version' of nursing. Third, it simply takes time for a newer nurse with less than one year of experience to find one's groove in the workplace and develop a comfort zone. Read More...

New Nursing Student: Should I spoil myself with an electronic BP cuff?

I was accepted to a nursing program that begins this summer. Should I purchase an electronic BP cuff that measures pulse, as well? These are a bit costly, but sometimes when I listen through a stethoscope while counting, I miscount or become distracted. Will I be tested on how to use a manual BP cuff? Also, would you recommend this stethoscope? Read More...

Best Stethoscope?

New nursing student here and I'm wondering what everyone recommends as far as a stethoscope. I'm looking to make a one time good investment so price isn't really too much of a concern. Read More...

Problems a CNA May Face

Though I may not consider myself as highly experienced certified nursing assistant, but my three-years of working have taught me a lot about the other side of this occupation. In this short span of career, I have faced many problems. Maybe, there are some more to come for me to handle it. For now, just out of the sense of camaraderie, I though about sharing my experiences on problems I faced initially, and how I got over it.

Any new job be it first or the last is always exciting, and it comes with a lot of skepticism. You are excited and raring to go as well as nervous thinking how the new staff would treat you, or whether you would beable to cope with the work environment or not. And when the job is ofan entry-level like the nursing aide, lots of emotions creep into the mind. Read More...

Got rejected from several nursing programs. What are your coping mechanisms?

Has anyone gotten rejected from a nursing program? What did you tell yourself in order to stay motivated?

I've already gotten two rejection letters. At first, I took it in stride. But sometimes I find myself questioning if this is worth it. I left behind a promising career as a journalist in order to pursue a path that is more meaningful. I returned to community college sitting next to a bunch of fresh high-school graduates, just so I could fulfill my pre-reqs. I went from making a decent salary to a $9/hour job as a nurse's aide just so I could get some healthcare experience. And now these rejection letters feel like I got stood up on a date after I got all dolled up! Read More...

Can I have a job during the nursing program?

I applied for Macomb Community Colleges nursing program this winter and am still waiting for a response. I have a 3.9 GPA and a 92 on the HESI, so I have high hopes that i got in! I am looking to buy a house and was wondering if i would be able to handle a job during the nursing program. Is anyone in this program that can help me out? Read More...