NCLEX Rules - Please Follow Them!

I took the NCLEX-RN on June 10, 2013 and passed. Before I ever sat at the computer I was handed a sheet of rules to read thoroughly and it was expected that I would follow them. I have to say though, sitting in to that room was not the first time I saw the rules. They aren't a secret and they shouldn't be a surprise. They are available on the NCSBN website for everyone to see. Apparently there are some that aren't told this because results are still being put on hold due to issues during testing.

There have been other articles on allnurses.com but they are older and have been pushed down into the forums so I thought a new list might help. These are rules that apply to the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN. Read More...

Medical terminology vs Pharmacology

Are medical terms almost the same as pharmacology terms? To clarify, if I learn medical prefixes, suffixes, and root words, will that give me a better understanding on breaking down medications and their meanings? Read More...

School books/supplies are too expensive!

School is around the corner. Have you purchased your school supplies? Laptop, smartphone, books, etc ... it all adds up. How much was your total? Read More...

How much poop/puke/cleaning of bodily fluids is there in nursing school?

Hey all. I'm starting in September and just want to know what I should be preparing myself mentally for. How much poop/puke/pee etc is involved? Is it a daily basis thing or just once in a while? I'm not totally averse to it, just want to start getting prepared. Read More...

Communication Advice for Nursing Students

Avoid communication mishaps (and maybe even catastrophes) by avoiding common errors in communication. Use of loaded terms, ways of talking about brain death, and the hazards of not explaining what you are doing are discussed. I've seen new and experienced health care providers make these mistakes. Add your own in the comments!

1. Avoid loaded language.

Terms like "brain damage" and "life support" are riddled with emotion and unfavorable connotations for the lay person. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, there are times when "medicalspeak" is more effective for communication. It reframes concepts, sidestepping the emotion associated with certain terms in the vernacular. Think about what "life support" really means to us: vasopressors to maintain BP? A ventilator? Cardiopulmonary bypass or ECMO? Then consider what it means to a layperson: impending death? Permanent dependence on a machine? A vegetative state? Hopelessness? Using medical terms for interventions is clearer and promotes understanding rather than distress. Read More...

Lab coats

Are you required to buy a lab coat for your program? I'm really just curious because it never crossed my mind that I would need one, and I've never seen a nurse wearing one. Do you wear it for clinicals? I'm just a little confused... Read More...

How much are you paying...

How much are you paying for nursing school (this semester)? I just looked at my future dues for this coming Autumn Semester and have about $7,000 dollars (not including books) to pay for. No scholarship money, and what it worse is that I am only taking thirteen credit hours. I was wondering, how much are you going to have to pay for? How much do you average? And how many credit hours are you taking? Read More...

Characteristic of a Emergency Department Nurse (My drive/endeavor seeking)

What is your field of choice? And why do you find it unique?

Been a medic for a short period of time, 6 years to be exact. I consider my self to be seasoned since I've been exposed to critical care and 911 field work. I've always had a interest to expand my knowledge and I feel the ER is where I want to be. I feel being a ER nurse will be rewarding because you get a taste of everything. A few unique characteristics that intrigue me to choosing this path once I reach my endeavor.

Proficiency - you become proficient in task. You must be prepared to be independent. This is right up my alley!

Patience and Awareness - you have to act quickly, calmly and efficiently without much info to go on.

Emotions - it's a human instinct to get attached, but you cannot get emotionally involved.

A few characteristic I noticed some nursing mentors of mine carry that or similarities to what you will need to practice Emergency Medicine. I love it!!!!!! Read More...

Career Change

I have wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. I've posted time and time again on allnurses how this is it, I'm finally going to make it happen, yet always change my mind at the last moment. I chicken out. So, here I am again, lamenting over not having pursued this and considering it once more. Now - here's the tricky part. I have a job that I love currently. I finally was given a managerial position that I had been wanting for a long time. However, nursing is my dream and probably the only thing I would give up my current job to do. So, how do I go about this? Read More...

If you could "do over" one thing about nursing school, what would it be?

I'm a 33 y/o male who is starting RN school in August '13. I tried to get into nursing school 13 years ago and my life took a different path when I was not accepted. I've wanted to do this for a long time and now I finally have my chance. I know its going to be a little different doing it at 33 instead of 20. I really don't no what to expect so I'm a little nervous. So, if you could change one thing about your time in nursing school, what would it be? Hopefully I can learn from some of you who have already been there. Read More...

Beginning nursing school in the fall...scared!

I will be starting nursing school next month and I am extremely excited but incredibly scared! I know it will consume my life and I am ready to work hard but I am afraid I am not smart enough. My boyfriend tells me I made it in so I can do it, but it was my third attempt at applying before I made it. I also have zero medical experience compared to other students who have at least their CNA. Another one of my worries is that I'll hate it. I've been hearing a lot of horror stories of nurses who hate their job. I always felt like I have a passion for nursing but im afraid it won't be what I expect. I guess I'll never know until I try though, right? Just looking for some encouragement. Read More...

So...what is nursing school EXACTLY like?

Obviously it is challenging, but for me and all my life I would just study + memorize and practice problems from textbook. I never have hands-on experience (except labs) or clinical, so I'm wondering what nursing school is like? If I do end up going to nursing school, I would have no idea how I would do.

What is the curriculum usually like? Schedule? And what are clinicals like? What would be an average day of nursing school and how/what do you study? Is it different? How did you change your study habits? Read More