Nursing school is ruining my vacation!

[slhb]

Hi, Southwest offers great one way prices from Columbus. We just flew out last week for $69. I know you mentioned you don't want to fly but it is only 2hrs from Columbus to Orlando. They also fly out of Pit depending on where you are located in Ohio.

 

[MelissathePooh]

We left town the day after I graduated for a Disney trip - I understand your situation!!!

Congrats - first of all! Nursing school is tough, but a very worthwhile career choice. I was wondering how you're school can make something mandatory AFTER graduation? We had a practice NCLEX right before that kind of predicted passing rates, but our review was also after graduation and it was done by someone not affiliated with the school. I didn't get much out of it and left after lunch time.


If you've already graduated what would they do? I can't remember what all was involved in arranging my NCLEX test, but I had to do it on my own - my school didn't arrange it.

My husband teaches at our local university and there are a lot of things that schools say is mandatory, but they can't force students to attend or comply -they just know that if they didn't say mandatory students wouldn't show up.

At any rate - I'd talk to your program director. If you've graduated you should be able to do what you want. There are tons of review programs if you feel like you need one.

Good luck!

 

[ToddyLu]

Congrats on your degree. Believe it or not Disney will be even more important after you get your first job and license. At 42 and 17 years after passing my boards--Disney gets me through most days. I am a Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continenence Nurse (yeah I know, pee, pus and poop)....Disney is played on my Iphone most days when I am charting at my desk, then the DIS is always there to get me through a 5 minute break while waiting on a patient to come in. I know you will work all this out and with a 3.8 GPA, you will do great on NCLEX.

I was sitting in our cafeteria just last week, looking at a group of students sitting across from us. I turned to my co-worker and said, " Lord I am so glad that isn't me". It has been a wonderful career though and I praise you wanting to work with babies and children...not my cup of tea. Although I am getting better and handling peds when they come in with burns and abscesses. We used to never see Peds in this field...times change.

Best of luck to you going forward !!

 

[NatsFan15]

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to the many people that have posted in support of the OP. It's especially encouraging to read the many words of encouragement from the various nursing professionals on the board even though they aren't directed at me.

OP -- do what's right for you. If you're interested, hit me up on a friend request -- I'd love to follow your progress as we both move forward into the healthcare arena.

 

[MelissathePooh]

One of the problems with written word is that tone of voice is totally lost. Some people are just to literal to pick up on sarcasm - which is pretty obvious in the title (for most people).

To the teacher who believes that all calendars are put out 3 years in advance, yes many institutions do that, but not all. Particularly in the case of nursing school where outside sources are utilized for reviews or clinicals. It was my understanding from the original post that this class wasn't annouced until after the trip was scheduled. Heck our school district is toying with the idea of canceling fall break (that has been set and released for 2 months) to start school later in August instead. Will suck for people who already booked fall break vacations. Or extending the school year for snow days - we're already booked for the end of May.

I seriously can't imagine how they can require something post graduation. I'm sure they are concerned about passing rates, but if you've graduated you have met all of your obligations to that school - they can't require anything from you. Your program director is there to help you - he/she works FOR you, the student. Find out what they are willing to do before you dig your heels in to getting upset. Mind you I'm older now, and despise being told what to do - so I many be a bit more willing to endure a respectful confrontation, but you're the one paying tuition. You're the one who has met all requirements of graduating...

Congrats again - Welcome to the hardest, smelliest, exhausting and infuriating job you'll ever love!

 

[vital]

Just think of it this way.....Next time you schedule a WDW trip you can check the Swan/Dolphin for the NURSE rate!!! I got a rate of $159/night the 3rd week of May. I'm a Certified Emergency Nurse and look forward to my vacations every year. As I always say, "I work to travel".
Good luck in your review class and passing the NCLEX. You deserve a vacation after nursing school and a Grey Goose Slushie as well

 

[larryz]

Qiut whining, toots, and get your priorities straight, Sheesh.

OP -- Any chance you'd pass the licensing exam without the review?

 

[kadesha]

I am a teacher also and I understand not wanting to attend graduation but you have to, I get it -same here.

But what I am confused about it why would you plan a vacation on a day that is clearly a schedued work day that you can not miss. A school calendar is always set in the fall (at the latest) if not months / years earlier. I can tell you our start and end date for the next 3 years (and we are working without a contract - the calendar get set no matter what). I can also tell you our graduation date for the same length of time (always the first Sunday in June).

Sorry but a teachers schedule is one of the most predictable careers a person can be in. Days on and off are scheduled very far in advance and they do not change.

If you planned your vacation on graduation - it sounds like poor planning on your part.

Not snarky just honest.

Our schedule was changed due to missing too many days because of the big snowstorm in the south. We're not used to having to miss over a week's worth of snow days....therefore some were tacked on at the end of the year completely changing the graduation date.

Our yearly average snowfall amount is something like 0.3 inches and we got 7 inches during the snowstorm. It was crippling for us!

 

[A_Princess'_Daddy]

Sorry you had to take my title so seriously, it is just a saying the PP is correct, I am basically asking for advice on how they think I might be able to switch things around. I am not asking my school to change things"just for me" I am looking for other options, and FYI this isn't a free class it may be mandatory but it's not free. I am an ADULT who works to pay my own tuition, my own bills, because my mother is a single parent and my father has passed away. I am a grown adult who loves nursing and disney and my school's late notice has thrown a wrench into my plans, thats all.

OP, congrats on achieving a huge milestone in your life. You should be very proud, and Lord knows the world needs more great nurses! It sounds like you have your priorities straight, and while you're disappointed (reasonably and understandably), you're also committed to your career, and that's wonderful to hear.

As far as why you can't fly or won't fly down to Orlando, if it's because of fear of the unknown, I encourage you to take this chance to face your fear and fly down after your class is finished. Flying, while new and intimidating if you haven't done it before, is really not bad and will open up such great travel opportunities to you. Don't let fear get in the way of the rest of your life!

Good luck, enjoy your trip, and have a fantastic career!

 

[tskover57]

Congrats on your degree. Believe it or not Disney will be even more important after you get your first job and license. At 42 and 17 years after passing my boards--Disney gets me through most days. I am a Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continenence Nurse (yeah I know, pee, pus and poop)....Disney is played on my Iphone most days when I am charting at my desk, then the DIS is always there to get me through a 5 minute break while waiting on a patient to come in. I know you will work all this out and with a 3.8 GPA, you will do great on NCLEX.

I was sitting in our cafeteria just last week, looking at a group of students sitting across from us. I turned to my co-worker and said, " Lord I am so glad that isn't me". It has been a wonderful career though and I praise you wanting to work with babies and children...not my cup of tea. Although I am getting better and handling peds when they come in with burns and abscesses. We used to never see Peds in this field...times change.

Best of luck to you going forward !!

Thanks so much! and I think all nursing is about pee and poop, one thing they don't tell you in orientation of the nursing program!! haha

We left town the day after I graduated for a Disney trip - I understand your situation!!!

Congrats - first of all! Nursing school is tough, but a very worthwhile career choice. I was wondering how you're school can make something mandatory AFTER graduation? We had a practice NCLEX right before that kind of predicted passing rates, but our review was also after graduation and it was done by someone not affiliated with the school. I didn't get much out of it and left after lunch time.


If you've already graduated what would they do? I can't remember what all was involved in arranging my NCLEX test, but I had to do it on my own - my school didn't arrange it.

My husband teaches at our local university and there are a lot of things that schools say is mandatory, but they can't force students to attend or comply -they just know that if they didn't say mandatory students wouldn't show up.

At any rate - I'd talk to your program director. If you've graduated you should be able to do what you want. There are tons of review programs if you feel like you need one.

Good luck!

Thanks, I'm looking into my options, but ya it seems weird to me!

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to the many people that have posted in support of the OP. It's especially encouraging to read the many words of encouragement from the various nursing professionals on the board even though they aren't directed at me.

OP -- do what's right for you. If you're interested, hit me up on a friend request -- I'd love to follow your progress as we both move forward into the healthcare arena.

I appreciate your support and everyone else as well! and Congrats to your graduation!

One of the problems with written word is that tone of voice is totally lost. Some people are just to literal to pick up on sarcasm - which is pretty obvious in the title (for most people).

To the teacher who believes that all calendars are put out 3 years in advance, yes many institutions do that, but not all. Particularly in the case of nursing school where outside sources are utilized for reviews or clinicals. It was my understanding from the original post that this class wasn't annouced until after the trip was scheduled. Heck our school district is toying with the idea of canceling fall break (that has been set and released for 2 months) to start school later in August instead. Will suck for people who already booked fall break vacations. Or extending the school year for snow days - we're already booked for the end of May.

I seriously can't imagine how they can require something post graduation. I'm sure they are concerned about passing rates, but if you've graduated you have met all of your obligations to that school - they can't require anything from you. Your program director is there to help you - he/she works FOR you, the student. Find out what they are willing to do before you dig your heels in to getting upset. Mind you I'm older now, and despise being told what to do - so I many be a bit more willing to endure a respectful confrontation, but you're the one paying tuition. You're the one who has met all requirements of graduating...

Congrats again - Welcome to the hardest, smelliest, exhausting and infuriating job you'll ever love!

I agree with you 100% I was not being completely serious! But I guess one would have to personally know me to understand this! and I enjoyed your last comment, so true nursing is hard, smelling, exhausting, and infuriating but i love just about every moment!

Just think of it this way.....Next time you schedule a WDW trip you can check the Swan/Dolphin for the NURSE rate!!! I got a rate of $159/night the 3rd week of May. I'm a Certified Emergency Nurse and look forward to my vacations every year. As I always say, "I work to travel".
Good luck in your review class and passing the NCLEX. You deserve a vacation after nursing school and a Grey Goose Slushie as well

Oh really? Aweomse!and Thanks for the luck! I sure could go for a grey goose slushie!

OP -- Any chance you'd pass the licensing exam without the review?

well one only knows, but if you've read some other nurses that have posted some schools don't offer any type of review, I suppose I should consider myself lucky in that respect.

OP, congrats on achieving a huge milestone in your life. You should be very proud, and Lord knows the world needs more great nurses! It sounds like you have your priorities straight, and while you're disappointed (reasonably and understandably), you're also committed to your career, and that's wonderful to hear.

As far as why you can't fly or won't fly down to Orlando, if it's because of fear of the unknown, I encourage you to take this chance to face your fear and fly down after your class is finished. Flying, while new and intimidating if you haven't done it before, is really not bad and will open up such great travel opportunities to you. Don't let fear get in the way of the rest of your life!

Good luck, enjoy your trip, and have a fantastic career!

Thank you very much! my fear of flying is from my mom, she had a HORRIBLE flying experience and so we've driven everywhere. One day I will have to overcome my fear and intense anxiety because I love to travel! But flying this trip, although it would keep my schedule the same, I can't let me mom take the 17 hour drive by herself that would be terrible of me!!!



Just wanted to give an overall THANKS for everyone who has responded I appreciate all of the support!

 

[ChisJo]

GOOD LUCK!!!! I currently work on a tele floor as a nurse tech, but my heart is really in peds. I did my precepting in a special care nursery and my dream would be to work in our children's NICU or the subintensive NICU, but gotta pass this NCLEX first haha!

I work peds...I LOVE IT! Kids have such strength that I don't think I would even have! I've worked PICU/NICU, and now I float to Peds med/surg, Cardiology, oncology, and day clinics.

Since I work in the float pool, I don't have all that much trouble getting time off, but let me tell you, I feel so bad for people at times getting denied vacation. We've had people get denied their weddings! Or, people will request 3 weeks off to go on a lengthy vacation, and will get it all approved except for one day in the middle...seriously?

 

[ChisJo]

Just think of it this way.....Next time you schedule a WDW trip you can check the Swan/Dolphin for the NURSE rate!!! I got a rate of $159/night the 3rd week of May. I'm a Certified Emergency Nurse and look forward to my vacations every year. As I always say, "I work to travel".
Good luck in your review class and passing the NCLEX. You deserve a vacation after nursing school and a Grey Goose Slushie as well

Ditto on the working to travel!

To the OP: Good luck on your NCLEX...In Canada, its called the CARNE, but I remember being the most stressed that I have ever been in my life when studying for that exam. And then it came and went. In the US, you get your pass results immediately....we have to wait 6 weeks in Canada for the results to arrive in the mail! It is AWFUL! You don't if you passed/failed and every day you dreaded what came in the mail. I used to pray that it was a thick envelope...that meant to me that I got at least the essential paperwork to complete my registration with my local RN registry.

 

[Karpkg]

I would still see about negotiating with the school into taking a different NCLEX review class. It shouldn't be mandatory to take that particular class at that particular time. The NCLEX is usually scheduled quite a few ways beyond nursing school and with many schools graduating at that time there's an NCLEX review course being held somewhere before the actual test. Suitable assurances that you'll take an NCLEX review course, your high GPA and work experience in the hospital should convince them that you'd do fine for the school.

I'm surprised it's now considered mandatory(at least for your school). I took the test without a review course several months after everyone else did and passed just fine. If the test is similar to what it was years ago it's more about nursing judgment. Your hospital experience will give you a leg up in that.

And disregard negative comments. I took your post to be just stress and venting. Just like patients, what you hear(or in this case what is read) should never be taken at face value. Tone of voice, body language, background... all tell a bigger story.

However you solve your dilemma, the fact that you're graduating is awesome, and my gut feeling is in the end you'll be a Registered Nurse.

 

[ftomasze]

I need to vent and get some advice!
Here's the background: I graduate nursing school on May 7th!!!! Well my mom and I love Disney and what better way to celebrate my major accomplishment but with a trip to disney, as well as celebrating my birthday! Well when we decided this was what we wanted to do we booked a trip from May12th-20th. We are renting points from a friend with a split stay at AKV and BLT from the 13-20 and the 12th is regular reservation night at AKV. Well here's whats going on, I just got an e-mail from the college administration about the NCLEX review class (the state board test to become an RN) and it's a mandatory review class scheduled THE WEEK AFTER GRADUATION!!!! May10th-12th and we are planning on leaving the 11th and driving from Ohio. We have the backstage magic tour booked for Friday the 13th and ADRs booked from 180 days out! I am so frustrated and hope I can figure this out!

I just graduated last may! Congrats on becoming an RN as it is a MAJOR accomplishment! Dont sweat the NCLEX, took it and walked out in 40 min with 75 questions! Pretty basic stuff. Anyways, why is this review course mandatory? I would protest this because it SHOULD NOT count towards your grade!

 

[ftomasze]

The title of your thread says it all: "Nursing School is ruining my vacation!"

Obviously a WDW vacation is much more important to you than a nursing degree, so just chuck the state mandated exam and go enjoy Disney. Maybe when you come back you can enroll in bartending or truck driving school.

Qiut whining, toots, and get your priorities straight, Sheesh.

Jim

Not too sure what your problem is or what your trying to prove by this? I been thru what the OP has been thru, and unless you've been thru nursing school, mind your own business.

 

[ftomasze]

Good luck in your new career, I'm an RN too, trying to talk myself into going back for CRNA.

UGH! Im in RN to BSN now...would LOVE to go back for CRNA, but I dont know if I want to give up two more years of my life!

 

[ChisJo]

UGH! Im in RN to BSN now...would LOVE to go back for CRNA, but I dont know if I want to give up two more years of my life!

Wish we had CRNA in Canada....a guy from my graduating class went to ??North Carolina??? to do it and apparently got a sweet job after he was done.

 

[RMulieri]

I have been an RN for 13yrs now,worked all different types of nursing and currently am a chemotherapy/oncology/hematology RN, and can tell you that though you are stressed,upset and frustrated,( I know I have been there) the review course really DOES HELP.Just stay focused a little while longer.Disney will always be there, and you can enjoy it more when you finish completely.I completely understand your frustration, our NCLEX review was also MANDATORY,not sure what to do to try and opt out, I honestly wanted to go to the class becasue I needed all the review and practice i could get .The school does this because they want the maximum pass rate for the NCLEX.

 

[princesspeach]

I just graduated last may! Congrats on becoming an RN as it is a MAJOR accomplishment! Dont sweat the NCLEX, took it and walked out in 40 min with 75 questions! Pretty basic stuff. Anyways, why is this review course mandatory? I would protest this because it SHOULD NOT count towards your grade!

I agree Honestly I don't think you need the review class. There are plenty of books out there. The test is not that hard very basic. It took me 30 minutes max and I had bad morning sickness. If you passed nursing school you are prepared for the test. Don't sweat it.