The beginning of a nursing student

I always wondered what I wanted to be when I was older, who knew that it would be such a task to figure that out. I feel as though many of you can relate. I wanted to be so many things I just couldn't decide, I felt like my college career is just being wasted, it took me so long to figure it out.

The excitement of picking a career in nursing is a great feeling, when you start your pre reqs you feel so proud after each class completed. The beginning goes smooth and then you hit the biologys, molecular and cell sure we can get through that I mean you have to in order to take A&P right? Easier than it sounds, some of us get through it with ease, others struggle to get that C and even others have to take it again, does that matter? No. Do we give up? No. We keep pushing forward because we want it bad. After passing that cumulative final, which seemed unheard of until biology we take a breath of fresh air and prepare for the next set of sciences. Read More...

Ordering used text books on Amazon?

Has anyone done this instead of purchasing from the school. What was your experience? What would you think of purchasing the edition prior to the current one and saving a significant amount of money? Read More...

Studying long hours - How do you do it?

End of year exams and preparation - how do you do it? Do you have a system that works for you? Please share your tips with the community. Read More...

Volunteering.

How many of you volunteer? Is it required by your school? if not why do you do it? I am considering volunteering at a local hospital once a week. It is not required but I figured it couldn't hurt my application/ future job applications. I have class twice a week this summer (7 credits). plus I work 32 hours a week over nights. I also have two small children, do you think this is too much to take on? Read More...

How I snagged 2 RN jobs one month after licensure. (Tips, tips, and more tips!)

Excuse this post, I know it is going to be long-winded. These tips were collected via numerous email threads between myself and my classmates on how I received 2 job offers, when many of them had applied to the same positions and had been rejected. I thought I would share our experiences in hopes that it might help a fellow new grad. I know this is completely subjective and not every step I took may be plausible for every applicant (because of your personal timeline or otherwise), but maybe this list can spark some innovation in those of you that are at a loss on how to make yourself more marketable. Read More...

How fast to retake NCLEX if you pass? Advice needed!

I know most people are horrified at the thought of it, but I'm thinking about taking NCLEX twice. I have a date for next Tuesday in the state I live in now (NC) but the first job I've landed is in a non-compact state (GA) and the test I'm about to sit for is essentially pointless. I had already paid the fees and all that in my own state before I got hired at this job, or I would have just taken it in GA. I'd assumed getting my licensure by endorsement wouldn't take that long, but I talked to the HR person at the place I was hired a couple of days ago and she said it could take 30-45 days for GA to process the paperwork!!! I am horrified. Read More...

Erickson's stage of development for Altered Mental Status and Mental Retardation

I am required to document an Erikson stage of development on every patient I see during clinical rotations. How would I document a stage of development on a patient with Dementia with altered mental status, and is stupor. And how would I document a stage of development on a Mental Retardation patient? Read More...

Are you a victim?

A professor in my past semester at college left a very powerful idea with me, one that I think can really benefit a lot of people on this board.

I walked into my first day of Anatomy & Physiology this past semester, and I was nervous. I sat in the front of the class and waited for a professor who was deemed one of the toughest at my school, but also one of the most well liked. I didn't know what to expect of him, or the course other than the psyche out I was getting on this board about how hard A&P was. Read More...

Kaplan Scores Vs. Probability of Passing NCLEX

I have been trolling this site since before nursing school and tonight I finally made the leap to open an account. Hooray! I graduated this month and am scheduled to take the NCLEX two weeks from today. Yikes.. I am considering rescheduling because I feel I may not be prepared enough. I have started the Kaplan trainers and have done the Diagnostic and Readiness tests. Read More...

Please help me prioritize my nursing diagnosis

I have a pt that has acute renal failure rt acute blood loss anemia. He has crackles in his lungs and is also on a dysphagia diet as he has a hx of aspiration. I need two nursing diagnosis' prioritized correctly.

I was thinking:

• Risk for ineffective renal perfusion r/t acute blood loss
• Risk for aspiration
• Impaired gas exchange rt fluid build up in lungs

I know aspiration can be a very serious thing but so can the results of ineffective renal perfusion.. What do you think should be the top two priorities? Read More...

Need help with careplan please

I'm currently going to nursing school while having two full time jobs. I only get around 2-3 hours of sleep per night, but if I don't work, not only will i not be able to support myself, I won't be able to pay for nursing school. As you can see, my time is EXTREMELY limited.

Starting this Thursday, I will have 2 days (more like 2 hours in total), to create and complete a careplan. Last careplan I did, with the VERY little amount of time I have, took me close to 3 weeks to to do. This time around, our time offered is only 6 days of which I only have 2 days (2 hours really) for this careplan.

Are there any books, or any applications or any websites that can help me in creating a careplan in 2 hours flat? Read More...

Will being a CNA increase my chance?

Is it necessary to become a CNA before applying for an LPN program? Someone told me I wouldn't get in without being one.. but I already know I wouldn't like being a CNA. I'm more interested in the medical help I could give people rather then the personal hygiene job of a CNA. I want to give IVs, injections, medication, etc. I know helping people shower and whatnot is part of LPN clinicals which I'm OK with, but as a job... I wouldn't enjoy it. Sorry guys, not sure if I'm making any sense! Read More