Life, Death, and the Nurse In Between

I don't mean to make light of the subject matter when I say I'm a rookie when it comes to death. But I come from a small family, and one that's stayed pretty healthy for the first 28 years of my life. I've kept this fact nervously in the back of my mind, knowing that I would likely encounter end of life circumstances in the nursing field. I was told you'd never forget the first patient that slipped away from this life, and after my experience yesterday, I would have to say I'd agree. Read More...

Does Nursing School=No Life Literally?

I'm hopefully starting my Lpn on January and then bridge right into Rn program. Is it true that once you are in the program is impossible to have a life? that you're life will take a 180 degree change? that studying at least 3-4 hours a day, aside from school/clinicals is the minimum? What was your experience? Read More...

QUIET! I'm preparing for a test...

How focused are you on day of testing? I'm talking about any test - not just the NCLEX. Are you the type that parties all night and gets an ok grade or are you the "QUIET! I'm preparing for a test..." type person? Regardless of type, what do you do to focus? Share your tips below... Read More...

When do you usually finish your tests?

When you take a test, are you one of the first people to finish and leave the room, or are you one of the ones who uses the entire testing time to make sure that you've done it right? And how is it working for you?

I know for me, I like to use the entire testing time to check (and then recheck) my answers. I'm always afraid that I'll fill in the wrong circle on the Scantron and miss that question! I'm usually one of the last people to leave the room after a test, but so far it seems to be working for me. I know that if I rush I'll mess up or make a simple mistake. My first A&P 1 test is Tuesday, and I'm sure that I'll be one of the last ones to leave after the test. But that's just me, how about you? Read More...

The first year: So much learned, so much to learn

Today marks one year since I started my first real nursing job in the PACU. I mentioned this to my preceptor the other day, and she said she thought the year had flown by. I do, too, but it has been an ascending flight in many ways, and I wonder when I will hit my cruising altitude. While this is on my mind, I thought I’d jot down some things I’ve learned, and what I haven’t learned yet but need to... Read More...

I failed my Blood pressure assessment.

I can always hear diastolic but I can never systolic. The sound is never clear to me. I have a Littman classic 2 stethoscope so I don't know if that is the issue. Everybody else in my class has the same stethoscope except for some reason I can't hear it. I failed my assessment for BP as I knew I would. I keep practicing but I cant seem to get it. Any tips or suggestions. Anyone else out there who took them a while to get bp. What did you do? Read More...

How is everyone doing in class?

It's been a few weeks since the semester started and I'm just wondering how everyone is doing in their studies! Feel free to share your tests, classes, or whatever! Read More...

Priority nursing diagnosis for anemia in labor/birth

I'm working on a care plan right now, and for my L&D patient, her priority issue per my instructor needs to be her anemia. I've been leaning more toward her risk for hemorrhage because she had several factors contributing to her potential hemorrhage, but the "risk for" needs to be ranked lower than her actual. My gut is still feeling like the risk for hemorrhage needs to be first. But since my instructor is the one grading this, I need to go with her gut feeling. So, out of the official nanda nursing diagnoses that are related to anemia, I really can't decide... Read More

Nursing and then medical school?

I read online that if I went to school and got a bachelors in Nursing that I can apply for Med school and go on my way to becoming a anesthesiologist? Is this true? I want to be an anesthetist or an anesthesiologist. But, I don't know which one yet. Any suggestions? Either way it'll be eight years before I work with anesthesia. Read More...

Looking for a RN-BSN online program

I am looking for a RN-BSN online program. Currently I am not working in the healthcare field as I just got my license and am trying to land that new grad position. I have few questions.

1) Does anyone suggest a good online program? I was looking into UTA (University of Texas at Arlington) and Grand Canyon University. UTA is cheaper so I was leading into that. I was wondering how the classes are set up, how many assignments per class, etc.

2) I am not a fan of writing and I understand that I will do a lot of papers. How much though? Will I have to write papers every week?

3) Has anyone gone through a RN-BSN program while in a new grad program? I am worry that once I get the job I will be overwhelmed with the new grad orientation plus school work. Any advice? Read More...

Frustrations of an older student

I was a first time college student 30 years ago when I was 18. I was immature and irresponsible and did poorly in school for three semesters which obviously and deservedly lowered my GPA. In 1992, I went back and over the years took a class here and there as I could between children and jobs. I earned A's in every one with the goal being to earn my nursing degree when my children were grown. This past year when my youngest turned 16 I decided it was time for me to finish up and apply to the program... Read More...

Can I still become a nurse with a disease?

I am a student with hopes of becoming a nurse. I recently found out that I have Celiac Disease which is a immune deficiency. I can not eat wheats nor gluten foods. I am perfectly healthy other than this. Would they deny my application to nursing school because of this? Read More...