Nursing: Art vs Science

I was asked interesting questions, and my answers I thought would make an interesting article. It makes one take pause and look at why we become nurses. Is it the art--which means the physical and compassionate part of nursing, or the science which is the data and evidence based practice part of nursing. Can the 2 intertwine? Are they in direct opposition to each other? What is the definition of nursing as an art and a science? How would you explain them? Give some examples--do you practice artfully, scientifically or a nice blend of both? Which is more important? Is their one more important than the other? Read More...

Importance of good grades!!!

I just want to let everyone know my experience. I recently just finished my EC LPN-RN program. It took me forever, just because of life and laziness. I am proud of my accomplishment but really upset at myself for not taking the studying as seriously as I should have. I earned 3 A's, 10 B's, and 3 C's. At the time I thought, "Cool! I am pleased with my grades." Well, I just received my transcripts and ummmm, my GPA is 2.9!!! NOOOOOOO!!!!! Read More...

How to guarantee study time?

Finals are around the corner, what do you do guarantee study time? Read More...

School appealing loss of NLN accreditation - start over or take a chance?

Student at Tri-C which is appealing its lost NLN accreditation. When we started, we all were told it was fully accredited. Tri-C is saying this is a technical issue that will be resolved and not to worry but little other info is forthcoming.

Halfway through the program, most younger students are jumping ship and starting over. But I'm 51 and can't imagine 3 more years to go through another waiting list and then starting over. It has been my dream to get a degree at my age. No one in my family even graduated high school, and I've struggled all my life after a brutal start. I was finally hopeful that I could make something of myself and accomplish that dream of walking to get a college diploma. To say that I'm devastated is an understatement. Read More...

How do I evaluate a sthethoscope?

I must have a stethoscope by day one of my Nursing 1300 (first) course. I have a short list of must-have equipment. Sthethoscope a vary greatly. My MIL (a retired nurse) recommends "One with double tubes that are then contained in one tube with a single chest piece that picks up high and low sounds based on pressure." She said Litman is good, but then said $300 range.Wow! I intend to keep this for years, but I need a good value for my money. Advice on make/model and when to or not to skimp on price is greatly appreciated. Read More...

Is it presumptuous to have your steth engraved RN when you're a student?

I'm just curious. I'm looking at a Littman Classic II (raspberry tubing/rainbow chest piece) and was thinking I would have it engraved with my name and... Dare I say it? "RN!" Is that presumptuous of me as a new nursing student or is that common practice if you're buying a nicer 'scope out of the starting box? Read More...

Nursing beyond the bedside-for new grads?

I am a new grad currently working in the hospital. But I really, really do not like it. I'll admit I'm not as excited to be a nurse as I'd hoped. I'd really like something non-bedside but it seems those jobs are rare for new nurses. I don't have enough hospital experience yet to move on to something better, but I also do not have the mental and physical stamina to be at the bedside for a year or two. I'm not young, I have a family, I'm a career changer, and I was naive in thinking I could get an 8 hr/day job. I'd really appreciate any advice or recommendations anyone has on finding something outside of the hospital. I'm not opposed to a desk job or something behind the scenes. Maybe it's a fairy tale, but I'm hoping for less stress, less standing, less lifting, more potty breaks, more opportunities to eat like a normal person, less patient contact, etc. I'd love to find my niche, I just don't want to wait 2-3 years. Maybe if I was younger... Read More...

Three months into an accelerated nursing school program...

I'm currently attending a 15-month accelerated program, and I was slightly discouraged at the start. I was averaging high C's in Med Surg and Health Assessment, and had no idea what I was doing wrong. However, in the last month or so, things really started turning around. I can now confidently say that I have at least a B+ in every class (including an A in pharm!). I'm amazed at how fine-tuning one's studying skills and habits can make all the difference. It truly does require a new way of thinking, and as I'm approaching finals (the next two weeks!) I'm realizing that things are making a lot more sense and the concepts are really falling into place. Read More...

Digging Deep

I've graduated a year and a half ago and with four tries, haven't had success in passing the dreaded NCLEX. I've tried everything, from Kaplan (twice), Kaplan tutoring, Kaplan NCLEX-RN book, Hurst, Judy Miller, study buddy, Saunders, The Point, Incredibly Easy-RN book. I've tried all different times of day to study; early morning, late evening. I've tried different places to study; my room, school library, local library, aunts house, Starbucks, Panera. I'M EXHAUSTED!

I've been reading some of your blogs and have heard new study reviews (SIGH) like: Remar, Lacharity, NCSBN. I just don't know how much deeper I can 'dig' into my pockets before paying for more courses and books and on top of that the cost to apply to re-take the exam. And honestly at this point, I don't know how much deeper I can 'dig' within myself to keep going. Read More...

New RN students starting in the Fall- nervous??

I am starting an ASN program in the fall, and I am very excited but also feeling very nervous about what to expect as far as lectures and clinicals. Any new students who feel the same, or any students out there that can give some insight to us newbies? Read More...

Having a nursing student/partner in crime

This may almost sound very naive, but is it better to befriend someone in nursing school & have that person as your "partner in crime" type thing...to study with & practice skills with, etc? The thing I'm worried about is having friends that think they're better than you & try to "out do" you and stuff like that. I don't know anybody entering the program with me, but I feel it'd help me if I built a friendship with one or two people that I can rely on through the program. Read More...

Fastest (<9 mo), multiple start dates, under 10-15K, online RN-BSN?

Just wondering if anyone has up to date info on the fastest (can be finished in 9 months or under), under 10-15k tuition, multiple start dates, online RN-BSN? So far, I have researched only 2 and that's Chamberlain and TexasTech. However, those were from posts years ago. I'm just wondering if anyone is up to date with other RN-BSN's? Read More