I FINALLY DID IT!!! Nurses or nursing students out there???

[kdibattista]

I am now officially a "nursing student". I cannot believe it. I start in January with the Intro course and if everything goes okay I will be able to start my clinicals in Sept!! This is so huge for me!! I am in a rut "what am I doing with my life" "I like my job but can I see myself doing it for the rest of my life". I am soooo lucky - my full time employer is actually letting me go part time - whatever hours I want and I can even work from home. I was previously a Biology major but never finished school so I actually have a lot of the science courses done - except..... Anatomy. I am a little worried because it has been a few years since I have been in school.

Any nurses or nursing students out there that can give me any advice?

Thanks!!

 

[LucyStorm]

Study hard and know your material. When it comes time for clinicals, remember that staying up until 4 am writing care plans when you have to be at clinical at 6:45 is not doing you or your patient any good. My rule was always if I don't have it written by midnight, it isn't important, and I will be a safer nurse if I am a well rested nurse.

Best of luck! Nursing is a profession that offers great diversity and reward. Welcome!

 

[JulesMom]

Congrats and best of luck!

 

[pajamommy]

Congrats!! I'm not a nurse, or nursing student, but someday I might be!! Your story is like mine, I really want to do something different when I do go back to work (I'm a SAHM now, but I have 2 teaching degrees and was a teacher before the little ones.) I'm going to wait until my kids are a little older, they are almost 6 and 4 now, but I've looked into it already. Good for you for actually following through with your dream, and good luck, I'm sure you'll do great!!

 

[rbuzzotta]

Congratulations. I went to nursing school as a second career and had 2 daughters while a student. Study hard and keep up with your rest.

Seek out every possible situation during your clinical rotations. I was nervous doing my Critical Care rotation at a very busy Boston hospital but it was so rewarding!!! I saw and did things I never thought imaginable!!! Don't be afraid or intimidated into asking questions (at times I was!!!).

Best of luck!

 

[mhopset]

My DW is a nursing student now. She is already an LPN, but was offered a scholarship from her employer to go back for her RN. She is doing FANTASTIC!!!!! She will be done in June 2003. Seth and I are going to throw her one heck of a party. We are bot so proud of her.

No matter how hard it gets stick with it! Make sure you study, study, study that Patho-Phys class is a killer! If you ever need any help just pm me I am sure Becky will be glad to help.

Have you decided where you want to work (eg. Labor & Delivery, ER, Surgery, ICU, CCU) My wife is in Labor & Delivery she loves it.

Congrats and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Best wishes to you, kdibattista. Hope all goes well and you get your profession of choice. That's great!!!!

 

[ead79]

Good luck! I really admire nurses (I just could never make it as a nurse though--I'm too squeamish and germ phobic, LOL!). Enjoy your new career!

 

[newmousecateer]

Best of luck to you!

 

[nativetxn]

That is so great! Congratulations My niece just passed her Texas State Boards a couple of months ago.

 

[kdibattista]

Thank you all for the advice and nice thoughts!!

 

[Disney Doll]

I've been a nurse for 19 years, all of them on a medical floor in a fairly large urban hospital. Veered off into the insurance industry for a few years, but still worked shifts at the hosopital even while doing that.

The rewards of nursing are many, and sometimes hard to find. Remember a couple of very important things. Your patients will have no to advocate for them but you. Most doctors treat to avoid malpractice, most large medical institutions are interested in the bottom line. Do not ever forget that the people you are caring for are someone's mother, father, sister, brother, grandmother, grandfather, child...whatever. Treat them as you would want your family members to be treated. You will see people at their worst...don't take what they say to you personally...it's not directed at you personally, you just happen to be the poor slob standing there. Nursing is one of the few professions where you are given the privelege to see life, death, and everything in between. Don't be afraid to get personally involved with your patients...you'll care for them better if you care ABOUT them. In all things be kind. It's not an easy job, it's usually a relatively thankless job, but if you want rewards, there are many.

Good luck. The world needs good, compassionate, caring nurses.

 

[JC2]

Hi kdibattista!
Congratulations on starting nursing school! I am a student in nursing school (RN) and I will graduate in May 2003. It has been a journey - and one I am glad I chose to take and endure!

Please feel free to PM me with any questions or tips or whatever. I will do my best to be helpful.

One thing I will say has helped me a lot in nursing school is to stay away from the "noise". There are always upperclassmen who are eager to tell you how hard class "X" was or how unfair teacher "X" is. Don't listen. Your nerves will be tied in a double not by the time you get there if you let the "noise" distract you. Just believe the best in advance.

Also, nursing school is very demanding of your time. Decide in advance that you will set aside "x" amount of time for yourself everyday (even if it is just 20 minutes), and a certain amount of time for your family as well. Allow your home to see a dirty dish every now and then and don't sweep the floor every single day. Be good to yourself and literally take one day at a time.

I'm here if you want to talk. I hope the best for you!

 

[Krisu]

Make sure you get good shoes Good Luck!