Well, I'm still in the program. Woo Hoo! I did much better on this final exam than I did on the process 1 exam. Many people did not.
My car pool buddy failed, and decided that nursing is not for her. I feel bad for her because she put in alot of time with the pre-requisites. Some classmates dropped the class before the final exam because the grades were too close to call. (If we fail 2x, we have to go to LPN school before we can come back to RN school. I believe you can drop the classes as many times as you need. It is just a waste of time and money.)
At least 10 classmates had to drop in the 2nd week because they failed the math test twice. We have a math exam at the beginning of every new class. If we fail, we have to drop the class. This is good because we really want to be nurses that give the right amount of medications to our patients. It is bad for students who have test anxiety, but they need to get it together.
There was a rumor going around that there were only 50 spots for the GIGU class so the professors were making the exams harder. Our professor advised us that this is not true, but several people chose to believe it anyway. It doesn't really matter.....study, study, study, and then study things they don't tell you to study. That is the only way to pass these exams. I thought the final exam was very fair. It was tough, but fair.
We have 10 days off, but one of those days we need to go to the lab and return demo/practice our skills for GIGU. So therefore, I still have some studying to do. I have started the reading list for the next class. This textbook seems to be written on a higher level, so it should be interesting.
I did not request more hours for work because I believe that I need some down time with the kiddos. Take it when you can get it right? I hope to post more about the actual classes now that we only have one to focus on at a time. I'll keep you updated! Blessing to all!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Backpack woes...
I like to be prepared. I also like to read during breaks or whenever I get the chance. This calls for a lot of books. A lot of books call for bookbags. I also need to tote whatever I may need from my normal purse. And lunch. I like to eat, and I like to do it every couple of hours if I can't eat continuously. During 12 hour days this calls for a larger lunch bag than the one I purchased. Clinical supplies also need to be brought to class. Not to mention office supplies, notebooks, tape recorder, phone, headphones, and on and on and on......
Anyway, most days I bring 2 rolling cases, a lunch bag, purse, and tote. I leave one case in the trunk to switch out during lunch, but carry my lunch because it will boil in the trunk and as I said......I like to eat continuously. This is seriously too much to carry. I added my bandage bag for clinical and now it is just a disorganized mess. This started my search for the perfect rolling bag solution.
One of my classmates uses a rolling "milk crate" (for lack of a better term). It folds flat, and holds a ton of stuff (lunch cooler on top). Unfortunately he already broke it. So that was not going to be an option for me. I started searching for tackle boxes, tool boxes, coolers, anything with compartments that will also hold food. I told everyone that when I designed the perfect bag I would make a billion dollars selling it to students and then would probably quit nursing school to run the business. No need to be so hasty because I think I found the perfect bag.
It is from zuca.com. It is pretty much a rolling softsided locker. You can sit on the top because it has a super cool metal seat that will hold 300 lbs. "Ah ha," I thought, "I can put a pretty big lunch cooler on that baby!" As I was searching through the accessories I found that zuca already made a lunch bag that will attach to the handles, or will fit inside. YES!!!! But wait, there's more....
There is a backpack/organizer thing that will attach to the handles also. So I can fit supplies in there and because it attaches I still don't have to carry anything. There is a ton of pockets so I can throw my phone and wallet inside. But wait, there's more...
There are 2 rows of wheels so you can pull this baby upstairs instead of taking the elevator. There are all kinds of neat colors and combinations, I love it. My only problem is that I would like the pro version because of the packing inserts. (I can organize my clinical supplies inside.) But the pro version does not come with the same wheels and little pockets like the sport version. I emailed the company to see if I could order the inserts separately, and am eagerly awaiting their reply. The next down fall is the price. It is super pricey, especially if I order the cooler, backpack, and inserts.
Thinking ahead I can always use a zuca for travelling, presentations, sporting events, beach trips, visiting nursing supplies and a whole bunch of other stuff. When I do well on this exam I may just treat myself!
Anyway, most days I bring 2 rolling cases, a lunch bag, purse, and tote. I leave one case in the trunk to switch out during lunch, but carry my lunch because it will boil in the trunk and as I said......I like to eat continuously. This is seriously too much to carry. I added my bandage bag for clinical and now it is just a disorganized mess. This started my search for the perfect rolling bag solution.
One of my classmates uses a rolling "milk crate" (for lack of a better term). It folds flat, and holds a ton of stuff (lunch cooler on top). Unfortunately he already broke it. So that was not going to be an option for me. I started searching for tackle boxes, tool boxes, coolers, anything with compartments that will also hold food. I told everyone that when I designed the perfect bag I would make a billion dollars selling it to students and then would probably quit nursing school to run the business. No need to be so hasty because I think I found the perfect bag.
It is from zuca.com. It is pretty much a rolling softsided locker. You can sit on the top because it has a super cool metal seat that will hold 300 lbs. "Ah ha," I thought, "I can put a pretty big lunch cooler on that baby!" As I was searching through the accessories I found that zuca already made a lunch bag that will attach to the handles, or will fit inside. YES!!!! But wait, there's more....
There is a backpack/organizer thing that will attach to the handles also. So I can fit supplies in there and because it attaches I still don't have to carry anything. There is a ton of pockets so I can throw my phone and wallet inside. But wait, there's more...
There are 2 rows of wheels so you can pull this baby upstairs instead of taking the elevator. There are all kinds of neat colors and combinations, I love it. My only problem is that I would like the pro version because of the packing inserts. (I can organize my clinical supplies inside.) But the pro version does not come with the same wheels and little pockets like the sport version. I emailed the company to see if I could order the inserts separately, and am eagerly awaiting their reply. The next down fall is the price. It is super pricey, especially if I order the cooler, backpack, and inserts.
Thinking ahead I can always use a zuca for travelling, presentations, sporting events, beach trips, visiting nursing supplies and a whole bunch of other stuff. When I do well on this exam I may just treat myself!
***Update to this post...the inserts are not sold separately, but they may make some for the sport case in the future. I passed process 2, but I still have not bought the bag yet. It seems to be an awful lot of money and I am just a poor student, lol. It is something to think about; conveniece vs price.***
Return Demo Days
I wonder if the instructors go out to Quarterdeck after return demo's and laugh at all of us while they have a few cold ones! I would if I were them.
I will say that I was slightly nervous, but no more than regular stage fright. I knew my stuff ( or thought I did). When it came time to draw up meds from a vial my hands were shaking so bad I am surprised that everything didn't fly off the table. Where did that come from? I just laughed it off and said, "I hope I don't do this in front of a patient!" Luckily the professor said we will be doing this in the med room. Whew! lol.
One of my questions had to do with getting mcg's to mL. Ok, I thought I missed something. I could not find that conversion factor anywhere. So when I got home I looked it up on our conversion sheet....it wasn't there. I don't know if it was mentioned in class and I missed it, or if I missed it in my reading or what. One more thing to pack into my overstuffed brain. What else am I missing?
I will say that I was slightly nervous, but no more than regular stage fright. I knew my stuff ( or thought I did). When it came time to draw up meds from a vial my hands were shaking so bad I am surprised that everything didn't fly off the table. Where did that come from? I just laughed it off and said, "I hope I don't do this in front of a patient!" Luckily the professor said we will be doing this in the med room. Whew! lol.
One of my questions had to do with getting mcg's to mL. Ok, I thought I missed something. I could not find that conversion factor anywhere. So when I got home I looked it up on our conversion sheet....it wasn't there. I don't know if it was mentioned in class and I missed it, or if I missed it in my reading or what. One more thing to pack into my overstuffed brain. What else am I missing?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Update....1 month later
I can't believe it has been an entire month since I have posted. Process 1 is over, and it was an adventure. I did not do as well on the exams as I had hoped, but I am still in the program....alot of people didn't make it. Process 2 started this week and I already feel behind because there is just a ton of reading. Some LPN's have joined us, and some students that are off track. The class is full again with about 85 people.
My advice is to read and study. Apparently the cd's that come with the books are a big help, but I wasn't using them. I was only using the reading and my notes. Taping the lectures help for review also. I did take the tutorial that is offered in the lab on nursing critical thinking. What can I say? These exams are different than any others I have ever had. I feel that I need to get better organized again to add the study guide and cd's to my study schedule.
I am still working, but leave early whenever I can. I am not getting paid enough for my time, but am not ready to go completely without a paycheck. I am considering getting a patient tech job on the weekends/overnight. More money for the same amount of hours. I just feel overwhelmed most of the time because Thursday is my only day off. This should let up next semester when we no longer have pharmacology. I miss the kids, they miss me, but this is a necessary thing that I hope will also let up next semester. I can study with them in the room which is a good thing because they just want to be next to me.
This week we started learning about wounds and bandages...pretty cooool!
Here is an interesting change in my personality...a girlfriend asked me to help her do something the other day and I said NO. That is a big deal for me. I didn't even hesitate. Honestly, when do I have the time?
Have a great day everyone!
My advice is to read and study. Apparently the cd's that come with the books are a big help, but I wasn't using them. I was only using the reading and my notes. Taping the lectures help for review also. I did take the tutorial that is offered in the lab on nursing critical thinking. What can I say? These exams are different than any others I have ever had. I feel that I need to get better organized again to add the study guide and cd's to my study schedule.
I am still working, but leave early whenever I can. I am not getting paid enough for my time, but am not ready to go completely without a paycheck. I am considering getting a patient tech job on the weekends/overnight. More money for the same amount of hours. I just feel overwhelmed most of the time because Thursday is my only day off. This should let up next semester when we no longer have pharmacology. I miss the kids, they miss me, but this is a necessary thing that I hope will also let up next semester. I can study with them in the room which is a good thing because they just want to be next to me.
This week we started learning about wounds and bandages...pretty cooool!
Here is an interesting change in my personality...a girlfriend asked me to help her do something the other day and I said NO. That is a big deal for me. I didn't even hesitate. Honestly, when do I have the time?
Have a great day everyone!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Rumors
There are a ton of rumors floating around. Here are a few:
1. Rampant cheating for the final exam last semester. (And the cheaters are all failing in class this semester)
2. GIGU (2nd semester) is down to 11 students from 130.
3. Out of every class only 10 people graduate.
We really need a rumor control hotline. Maybe the staff wants us all on edge and encourages these rumors. Who knows? (Lets not start another one here.) It depends on who you are whether or not you believe these things. Lets keep our heads people, we have enough other topics with which to fill our brains. Have a great week everyone!
1. Rampant cheating for the final exam last semester. (And the cheaters are all failing in class this semester)
2. GIGU (2nd semester) is down to 11 students from 130.
3. Out of every class only 10 people graduate.
We really need a rumor control hotline. Maybe the staff wants us all on edge and encourages these rumors. Who knows? (Lets not start another one here.) It depends on who you are whether or not you believe these things. Lets keep our heads people, we have enough other topics with which to fill our brains. Have a great week everyone!
First Exams
Apparently I do not have to quit my job yet. The exams went good, and I feel better about my organization and schedule.
MATH
The math exam is 10 questions. Passing is getting 9 out of 10 or better. Anything less is failing. I took my time and did all of the questions. Then I had enough time to go back and to them all again. I did take almost the entire hour to finish, but I did not want to have to come back on week 4. I could use that time to study something else. Woo Hoo, I scored 10/10!
I plan on practicing some problems every few days because we will be using these conversion factors for the rest of our lives.
LECTURE
There are 50 questions on the exam. If you score below a 37 you are "encouraged" to go to the lab and take the tutorial on test taking for nurses. I was going to go anyway, but just literally ran out of time. Math on Thursdays cut into my lab time, but now I plan to go this week. I did buy and read much of Test Success for Nursing Process which is recommended reading. It helped immensely.
I scored in the 40's and am quite interested in seeing where I went wrong with my thinking. I don't believe my errors were in knowledge, but in the process of answering these critical thinking questions. My next exam should be better.
Pretty much on top of studying, we need to study how to study. A few students have already talked about dropping the summer courses and picking them up again in the fall. I see their point. We have 4 weeks less to do the same amount of work, and our clinical days are both 2 hours longer than a normal semester's hours. It really cuts into the study time.
MATH
The math exam is 10 questions. Passing is getting 9 out of 10 or better. Anything less is failing. I took my time and did all of the questions. Then I had enough time to go back and to them all again. I did take almost the entire hour to finish, but I did not want to have to come back on week 4. I could use that time to study something else. Woo Hoo, I scored 10/10!
I plan on practicing some problems every few days because we will be using these conversion factors for the rest of our lives.
LECTURE
There are 50 questions on the exam. If you score below a 37 you are "encouraged" to go to the lab and take the tutorial on test taking for nurses. I was going to go anyway, but just literally ran out of time. Math on Thursdays cut into my lab time, but now I plan to go this week. I did buy and read much of Test Success for Nursing Process which is recommended reading. It helped immensely.
I scored in the 40's and am quite interested in seeing where I went wrong with my thinking. I don't believe my errors were in knowledge, but in the process of answering these critical thinking questions. My next exam should be better.
Pretty much on top of studying, we need to study how to study. A few students have already talked about dropping the summer courses and picking them up again in the fall. I see their point. We have 4 weeks less to do the same amount of work, and our clinical days are both 2 hours longer than a normal semester's hours. It really cuts into the study time.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Week One
May 16, 2008
Week One
The summer schedule is more intense than a regular semester. We have 12 weeks to learn what the other classes learn in 16 weeks. Let’s just say, it was an intense week.
There are a handful of people in our class that have not passed the January semester and are now doing it over. These are smart women, but they just didn’t get enough points. There are rumors of cheating in the last semester and because the professors found out about it, they have consequently made the exams harder. Rumor or not? I don’t know.
Every class ahead of us that we have tried to quiz has told us that the class they are currently in is the hardest. That tells us that the courses do not get easier as we go along.
The stressful parts of the week:
1. I went in the bathroom at 7:30 am Monday and it was dirty. Overflowing trashcans, limited tp, and towels, body fluids everywhere. It was never cleaned the entire day. Our class of 112 destroyed that bathroom and probably the one on the floor below. Keep in mind that there are also other classes using these bathrooms. If you take away paper goods from women they will straddle seats so they don’t have to touch anything. It was gross and disgusting. Some of us were using the toilet seat covers to wipe with. On Tuesday the bathroom was clean and we had paper towels but no tp. Friday was the same as Monday. I believe that for the amount of money most of us are paying, we should have clean, well stocked bathrooms.
2. Monday was 12 hours long for me. We had morning lecture, lunch, an afternoon seminar on studying, and evening Pharmacology. For 2/3 of the day we were told what to do if we fail. It was mostly bad news, very little positive speeches. We were told how we will not have time for anything else. Adding to that was the heat. It is super hot here and the a/c at the school is shut off on the weekend. It takes all day for the a/c to regulate and we have over 100 classmates. Several of us were getting very discouraged. A quick pep-talk from my friend about how it was their way of trying to weed us out snapped me out of it. Whew, I’ve worked so hard for this, I don’t want to be discouraged already. (To recap Monday was: heat, pee, and mental torture for 12 hours.)
3. Tuesday was clinical orientation. It was another long day of being told what to do when we fail the class. Sigh....
4. I believe that until they know us, everyone (professors and upperclassmen both) look at us as if we won’t be here for long. My vibes are usually correct. I guess statistically that is true, but it is personally insulting to me. I truly like a lot of my classmates and hope they stay on track with me.
5. I could not get my act together until Wednesday.
The good points of the week:
1. The professors seem to genuinely care about each other. My observation is that they do not only respect each other as nurses and teachers, but that they also like each other personally.
2. Wednesday we actually got to wear our uniforms and do something. There were a lot of movies being watched, but for about 2 hours we were able to practice vital signs on each other. It was the first time I felt truly awake.
3. I finally got organized. Thursday math class and Friday lecture were great. I felt prepared and less stressed.
4. My kids did not fall apart because I was gone. Did I mention they homeschool and that now they will be home on self study? Karate camp starts in 2 weeks for the summer so that is where they will be, how I will get them there and home is another story.
My advice this week is to get organized. I thought I was organized. I really wasn’t. On orientation day I showed up without a pen and had to borrow one. What is wrong with me? I am usually the person handing out pencils, scantrons, cookies, and tissues. On Wednesday I forgot to bring the lab sheets I had printed out. Geez..... Anyway, that night I went home and got it together. I have each class labeled in their own binders with dividers. There are several papers that need to be printed from the professor’s web site so I printed them and put them in the binder. I cleared my workspace. I will be de-cluttering my closet/laundry room so I only focus on nursing and not the million other things that are waiting for me.
We are advised to study 5 hours per day. I think 3 of those are for lecture, and the other 2 are for math and pharm. Let’s just say I am behind on my reading, but will be catching up this weekend. It is a lot of work! I will decide this weekend if I will be quitting my job or not. The downer is that I just became eligible for health insurance. It’s always something. I have gone from 5 days a week, to only weekends. They have switched my schedule to opening instead of closing so I am on the same schedule as school. I know there are strong single mothers out there who have worked while going to nursing school. Send us some encouragement!!!
Week One
The summer schedule is more intense than a regular semester. We have 12 weeks to learn what the other classes learn in 16 weeks. Let’s just say, it was an intense week.
There are a handful of people in our class that have not passed the January semester and are now doing it over. These are smart women, but they just didn’t get enough points. There are rumors of cheating in the last semester and because the professors found out about it, they have consequently made the exams harder. Rumor or not? I don’t know.
Every class ahead of us that we have tried to quiz has told us that the class they are currently in is the hardest. That tells us that the courses do not get easier as we go along.
The stressful parts of the week:
1. I went in the bathroom at 7:30 am Monday and it was dirty. Overflowing trashcans, limited tp, and towels, body fluids everywhere. It was never cleaned the entire day. Our class of 112 destroyed that bathroom and probably the one on the floor below. Keep in mind that there are also other classes using these bathrooms. If you take away paper goods from women they will straddle seats so they don’t have to touch anything. It was gross and disgusting. Some of us were using the toilet seat covers to wipe with. On Tuesday the bathroom was clean and we had paper towels but no tp. Friday was the same as Monday. I believe that for the amount of money most of us are paying, we should have clean, well stocked bathrooms.
2. Monday was 12 hours long for me. We had morning lecture, lunch, an afternoon seminar on studying, and evening Pharmacology. For 2/3 of the day we were told what to do if we fail. It was mostly bad news, very little positive speeches. We were told how we will not have time for anything else. Adding to that was the heat. It is super hot here and the a/c at the school is shut off on the weekend. It takes all day for the a/c to regulate and we have over 100 classmates. Several of us were getting very discouraged. A quick pep-talk from my friend about how it was their way of trying to weed us out snapped me out of it. Whew, I’ve worked so hard for this, I don’t want to be discouraged already. (To recap Monday was: heat, pee, and mental torture for 12 hours.)
3. Tuesday was clinical orientation. It was another long day of being told what to do when we fail the class. Sigh....
4. I believe that until they know us, everyone (professors and upperclassmen both) look at us as if we won’t be here for long. My vibes are usually correct. I guess statistically that is true, but it is personally insulting to me. I truly like a lot of my classmates and hope they stay on track with me.
5. I could not get my act together until Wednesday.
The good points of the week:
1. The professors seem to genuinely care about each other. My observation is that they do not only respect each other as nurses and teachers, but that they also like each other personally.
2. Wednesday we actually got to wear our uniforms and do something. There were a lot of movies being watched, but for about 2 hours we were able to practice vital signs on each other. It was the first time I felt truly awake.
3. I finally got organized. Thursday math class and Friday lecture were great. I felt prepared and less stressed.
4. My kids did not fall apart because I was gone. Did I mention they homeschool and that now they will be home on self study? Karate camp starts in 2 weeks for the summer so that is where they will be, how I will get them there and home is another story.
My advice this week is to get organized. I thought I was organized. I really wasn’t. On orientation day I showed up without a pen and had to borrow one. What is wrong with me? I am usually the person handing out pencils, scantrons, cookies, and tissues. On Wednesday I forgot to bring the lab sheets I had printed out. Geez..... Anyway, that night I went home and got it together. I have each class labeled in their own binders with dividers. There are several papers that need to be printed from the professor’s web site so I printed them and put them in the binder. I cleared my workspace. I will be de-cluttering my closet/laundry room so I only focus on nursing and not the million other things that are waiting for me.
We are advised to study 5 hours per day. I think 3 of those are for lecture, and the other 2 are for math and pharm. Let’s just say I am behind on my reading, but will be catching up this weekend. It is a lot of work! I will decide this weekend if I will be quitting my job or not. The downer is that I just became eligible for health insurance. It’s always something. I have gone from 5 days a week, to only weekends. They have switched my schedule to opening instead of closing so I am on the same schedule as school. I know there are strong single mothers out there who have worked while going to nursing school. Send us some encouragement!!!
Friday, May 9, 2008
First Day of Nursing 1020 Lecture
May 9, 2008 (North Campus)
I believe there are 120 students in class. There is at least one girl that I know is pretty smart, but is repeating the lecture part of the class. (She was originally in the January 08 class....now the May 08) That made a few of us pretty nervous. There seems to be a few people repeating math also.
It was mostly orientation today. I bought too many books. I would suggest only buying the bundle and the math book for the first week. During orientation you will be instructed on what else needs to be purchased. You do not actually need the Palm Pilot, purchase only if you would actually use it. I did buy it and some PDA version of books and I am quite pleased. I plan on adding some fiction when I think I have time to read. Maybe in 2 years.
We were advised on dress code. No shirts that show underneath our uniforms. No smelly beauty products. No leg showing between socks and pants when we sit. Post earrings. No acrylics, short nails. Hair up off of collar, not just a ponytail. No visible body piercings other than the 2 in the ear. All basic stuff.
The study plan is: Read the assignment before the lecture
Take notes
Rewrite your reading notes and the class notes together
Study, study, study!
We will have a special 2 hours session on Monday with a person who will give us good study tactics. Normally we have off between morning lecture and evening Pharmacology. Those of us that have to run kids around are scrambling to make last minute plans for them. Hopefully we will all be able to get our schedules together soon.
As the day wore on we got a little more nervous. There is a ton of reading to be done before next class, and I suppose it will always be that way. We ended by watching a cool video on some nursing history. It was very interesting. We can tape record this class, but don’t plan on other professors letting you do this. Also, here is a tip for your personal comfort: go to the bathroom before class. During break there will be 119 students in front of you that also have to go. Plan ahead! Go light on the liquids during class.
*A note on etiquette: Come back on time from break. Do not make a mess in the bathroom because they will know it is our class. If coming in late in the morning, sit on the side to the left of class (facing the board) and be quiet.
I believe there are 120 students in class. There is at least one girl that I know is pretty smart, but is repeating the lecture part of the class. (She was originally in the January 08 class....now the May 08) That made a few of us pretty nervous. There seems to be a few people repeating math also.
It was mostly orientation today. I bought too many books. I would suggest only buying the bundle and the math book for the first week. During orientation you will be instructed on what else needs to be purchased. You do not actually need the Palm Pilot, purchase only if you would actually use it. I did buy it and some PDA version of books and I am quite pleased. I plan on adding some fiction when I think I have time to read. Maybe in 2 years.
We were advised on dress code. No shirts that show underneath our uniforms. No smelly beauty products. No leg showing between socks and pants when we sit. Post earrings. No acrylics, short nails. Hair up off of collar, not just a ponytail. No visible body piercings other than the 2 in the ear. All basic stuff.
The study plan is: Read the assignment before the lecture
Take notes
Rewrite your reading notes and the class notes together
Study, study, study!
We will have a special 2 hours session on Monday with a person who will give us good study tactics. Normally we have off between morning lecture and evening Pharmacology. Those of us that have to run kids around are scrambling to make last minute plans for them. Hopefully we will all be able to get our schedules together soon.
As the day wore on we got a little more nervous. There is a ton of reading to be done before next class, and I suppose it will always be that way. We ended by watching a cool video on some nursing history. It was very interesting. We can tape record this class, but don’t plan on other professors letting you do this. Also, here is a tip for your personal comfort: go to the bathroom before class. During break there will be 119 students in front of you that also have to go. Plan ahead! Go light on the liquids during class.
*A note on etiquette: Come back on time from break. Do not make a mess in the bathroom because they will know it is our class. If coming in late in the morning, sit on the side to the left of class (facing the board) and be quiet.
Math for Nursing MTB 1370
May 9, 2008
Yesterday I had my first math class. It should be 4 weeks long at 4 hours per week (one day per week). Apparently it is actually 2 classes. On week three we take the exam. There are ten questions and to pass we must get a 90 or 100. Anything less and you kill (potentially) too many patients. I guess it is ok to kill ten percent, but not any more (just kidding God). What if you kill 100 out of 1000 patients (10%), is that too many?
If you pass the exam on week 3, there is no need to come back for week 4. If math is not your strong suit there is a lab, and practice worksheets. They really want you to succeed. There is a packet of 60 questions you must complete at home and turn in. All the work on every question must be shown on the packet and on the exams.
The only problem I can foresee is that the process for working the problems is different from the way I (and several other students) was taught in CHM 1032. I think we need to get past that block because it was a strange process in CHM, and we are now being taught the algebraic way. If I learn anything I think could help, I will post it here.
There are several topics covered so if you need a math review it is included in your math book. From what I see on the syllabus we have to cover 7 chapters this week, and 4 chapters next week. I will be reviewing most of these chapters because I am a glutton for punishment. I did just complete College Algebra so hopefully I’m covered with the basics.
We will be having dosage calculations on EVERY EXAM. Yes, EVERY EXAM for the rest of our lives. When we are hired on at a hospital we will have to take a dosage exam. Get cozy with that math book. There is practice sheets for each different course we are taking.
*A note on etiquette: Do not come late. Do not talk in class. Return from breaks on time. Do not take the staples out of the packet of papers given to you (don't ask, lol). Bring a black pen to sign everything.
Yesterday I had my first math class. It should be 4 weeks long at 4 hours per week (one day per week). Apparently it is actually 2 classes. On week three we take the exam. There are ten questions and to pass we must get a 90 or 100. Anything less and you kill (potentially) too many patients. I guess it is ok to kill ten percent, but not any more (just kidding God). What if you kill 100 out of 1000 patients (10%), is that too many?
If you pass the exam on week 3, there is no need to come back for week 4. If math is not your strong suit there is a lab, and practice worksheets. They really want you to succeed. There is a packet of 60 questions you must complete at home and turn in. All the work on every question must be shown on the packet and on the exams.
The only problem I can foresee is that the process for working the problems is different from the way I (and several other students) was taught in CHM 1032. I think we need to get past that block because it was a strange process in CHM, and we are now being taught the algebraic way. If I learn anything I think could help, I will post it here.
There are several topics covered so if you need a math review it is included in your math book. From what I see on the syllabus we have to cover 7 chapters this week, and 4 chapters next week. I will be reviewing most of these chapters because I am a glutton for punishment. I did just complete College Algebra so hopefully I’m covered with the basics.
We will be having dosage calculations on EVERY EXAM. Yes, EVERY EXAM for the rest of our lives. When we are hired on at a hospital we will have to take a dosage exam. Get cozy with that math book. There is practice sheets for each different course we are taking.
*A note on etiquette: Do not come late. Do not talk in class. Return from breaks on time. Do not take the staples out of the packet of papers given to you (don't ask, lol). Bring a black pen to sign everything.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Blog topics
I was planning to blog about everything on my mind in this blog. I have since changed my mind. I am having a mild "stalker" problem and don't think I need to add fuel to the fire by blogging my personal life on a site that can be traced so easily back to me.
I will continue to blog about my student experiences here. My goal is to let others get a glimpse of how I will balance work, class, and family. I hope the posts will make your day a little brighter and maybe help other students out in their quest for education. That being said...
Final exams are this week. I am super busy studying. This is also my last week before actual nursing classes begin for the summer. My last week to work, my last week to spend time with the kids, my last week of anything for the next 18 months. At least that is what they tell me. Hopefully I will be able to continue somewhat of a life because I need to keep working. My new schedule will be:
Monday: classes am and pm
Tuesday and Wednesday: clinical all day (12 hours)
Thursday: Math class for the first 4 weeks, and then off. I plan on spending "quality time" with the kids on this day. They have already been advised not to make plans.
Friday: Class in the am. The kids have karate on Friday afternoons, so I will be there.
Saturday and Sunday: The continuation of my current retail career.
I was mostly a stay home mom for the past 15 years. Even to the point of homeschooling the kids. I just started working for the holiday season and they asked me to stay on. I love my job, and I love the people. I am so grateful and thankful for employment. There were a few weeks where I wasn't getting alot of hours. I am now working about 33 hours a week, but I don't believe I can keep that up. At least not during the first semester. I was told that the first semester is super tough because the instructors are weeding out all of the students that aren't really committed. I heard there is psychological torture involved. Hmmm, can it be worse than living with a house full of teenage boys?
Anyway, I told my supervisor I would work 12 hours a day on the weekends if he would like. Then I would let him know about any additional days after I get adjusted to the new schedule. I will keep you posted on how I handle that.
I am excited to start classes. I have all of my books, and just got my scrubs. Woo Hoo! For those of you who haven't bought scrubs yet be advised that they run very large. I would normally grab for a large shirt at Old Navy, or Target but I am in a small size for the scrubs. I am now deluding myself that I can eat all the brownies I want because I'm "small".
Have a blessed day!
I will continue to blog about my student experiences here. My goal is to let others get a glimpse of how I will balance work, class, and family. I hope the posts will make your day a little brighter and maybe help other students out in their quest for education. That being said...
Final exams are this week. I am super busy studying. This is also my last week before actual nursing classes begin for the summer. My last week to work, my last week to spend time with the kids, my last week of anything for the next 18 months. At least that is what they tell me. Hopefully I will be able to continue somewhat of a life because I need to keep working. My new schedule will be:
Monday: classes am and pm
Tuesday and Wednesday: clinical all day (12 hours)
Thursday: Math class for the first 4 weeks, and then off. I plan on spending "quality time" with the kids on this day. They have already been advised not to make plans.
Friday: Class in the am. The kids have karate on Friday afternoons, so I will be there.
Saturday and Sunday: The continuation of my current retail career.
I was mostly a stay home mom for the past 15 years. Even to the point of homeschooling the kids. I just started working for the holiday season and they asked me to stay on. I love my job, and I love the people. I am so grateful and thankful for employment. There were a few weeks where I wasn't getting alot of hours. I am now working about 33 hours a week, but I don't believe I can keep that up. At least not during the first semester. I was told that the first semester is super tough because the instructors are weeding out all of the students that aren't really committed. I heard there is psychological torture involved. Hmmm, can it be worse than living with a house full of teenage boys?
Anyway, I told my supervisor I would work 12 hours a day on the weekends if he would like. Then I would let him know about any additional days after I get adjusted to the new schedule. I will keep you posted on how I handle that.
I am excited to start classes. I have all of my books, and just got my scrubs. Woo Hoo! For those of you who haven't bought scrubs yet be advised that they run very large. I would normally grab for a large shirt at Old Navy, or Target but I am in a small size for the scrubs. I am now deluding myself that I can eat all the brownies I want because I'm "small".
Have a blessed day!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
How to Print My Outlines
How to Print Outlines
Sometimes when I copy and paste the outlines into the blog, the tabbing does not transfer. My suggestion to you is to copy the blog into Microsoft Word and then add the tabs yourself. Hopefully I can figure out how to overcome this glitch...but I don't have the time right now with exams coming up.
Tab 1x before every capital letter. Tab 2x before every numeral. Tab 3x before every lower case letter. Tab 4x before every lower case Roman numeral.
Sometimes when I copy and paste the outlines into the blog, the tabbing does not transfer. My suggestion to you is to copy the blog into Microsoft Word and then add the tabs yourself. Hopefully I can figure out how to overcome this glitch...but I don't have the time right now with exams coming up.
Tab 1x before every capital letter. Tab 2x before every numeral. Tab 3x before every lower case letter. Tab 4x before every lower case Roman numeral.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Sorry Everyone...
Sorry guys...my Microbiology blog has been blocked for awhile. Why? It was flagged for spamming. I apparently repeated "nonsense" words too often and that triggered the security system.
I had to request a review, so I'm sure it will be back up soon. "Nonsensical text", lol. That is why Micro is such a pain!
I had to request a review, so I'm sure it will be back up soon. "Nonsensical text", lol. That is why Micro is such a pain!
Friday, April 11, 2008
My classes...
Here is a list of classes that I will not be blogging about, and an explanation of why. If you have any questions on any of these classes, feel free to ask. I’ll try to answer whatever I can.
ENC 1101, ENC 2210: You know why I will not be posting my notes for these classes! All of you really need to write your own papers! Not only that, but professors are a pretty savvy bunch. They all know how to Google a paper if they think that it is plagiarized. I may post some of my more interesting papers at a later date.
LIT 2020: I loved this class! If you ever have the chance to take this with Professor Christine Kling you will have a good time. I will be posting my final paper from this class.
MAT 0024, MAT 1033, MAC 1105: What can I say? There is really no way I can help anyone with any kind of algebra. It is only by the grace of God that I get A’s in these classes. I promptly forget everything I learned as soon as the final exam is over, and then have to review before the next course. Go to the math lab if you need help, or there is a guy at the Sawgrass Starbucks who is a math major and tutors...Starbucks and tutoring, what more can you ask for? I am currently taking College Algebra online. What was I thinking?
CGS 1100: This was a computer class that my advisor told me I should take because it is required for an associate’s degree. Well, guess what? As soon as I signed up for it, the course was already obsolete. It was for Office 2003. I could not sell the book back AND it does not count towards a degree. It was a waste of money and time. Please, consult more than one advisor if you have to. I am finding that some advisors have no idea what they are doing. Oh, and if you are in need of a manual for Microsoft Office 2003, let me know.
BSC 1085, BSC 1085L, BSC 1086, BSC 1086L: I did take notes for these classes, but I did not feel the need to retype them. Why?, because Dr. Leo Stouder is one of the best instructors in the world. He has a website with all of his power points posted. Print them out, and bring them to class. Take notes as you go along. I promise you, if you do this and then study what he tells you to study; you will learn all you need to know. Dr. Stouder is so organized he does not need any help from my outlines.
SYG 2000: This was a class with George Vernon. He gives worksheets directly from the book as homework. He then uses those exact questions on the test. No tricks, the EXACT questions. This class is a writing credit with current events so you are on your own with that.
ENC 1101, ENC 2210: You know why I will not be posting my notes for these classes! All of you really need to write your own papers! Not only that, but professors are a pretty savvy bunch. They all know how to Google a paper if they think that it is plagiarized. I may post some of my more interesting papers at a later date.
LIT 2020: I loved this class! If you ever have the chance to take this with Professor Christine Kling you will have a good time. I will be posting my final paper from this class.
MAT 0024, MAT 1033, MAC 1105: What can I say? There is really no way I can help anyone with any kind of algebra. It is only by the grace of God that I get A’s in these classes. I promptly forget everything I learned as soon as the final exam is over, and then have to review before the next course. Go to the math lab if you need help, or there is a guy at the Sawgrass Starbucks who is a math major and tutors...Starbucks and tutoring, what more can you ask for? I am currently taking College Algebra online. What was I thinking?
CGS 1100: This was a computer class that my advisor told me I should take because it is required for an associate’s degree. Well, guess what? As soon as I signed up for it, the course was already obsolete. It was for Office 2003. I could not sell the book back AND it does not count towards a degree. It was a waste of money and time. Please, consult more than one advisor if you have to. I am finding that some advisors have no idea what they are doing. Oh, and if you are in need of a manual for Microsoft Office 2003, let me know.
BSC 1085, BSC 1085L, BSC 1086, BSC 1086L: I did take notes for these classes, but I did not feel the need to retype them. Why?, because Dr. Leo Stouder is one of the best instructors in the world. He has a website with all of his power points posted. Print them out, and bring them to class. Take notes as you go along. I promise you, if you do this and then study what he tells you to study; you will learn all you need to know. Dr. Stouder is so organized he does not need any help from my outlines.
SYG 2000: This was a class with George Vernon. He gives worksheets directly from the book as homework. He then uses those exact questions on the test. No tricks, the EXACT questions. This class is a writing credit with current events so you are on your own with that.
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