HESI deja vu

So I went to submit my application and tackled both the HESI-PN and the HESI A2 today. I am here to report an increase in BOTH scores!! Yeah me.

I was very surprised at how well I did. On the HESI-PN I increased my score from a 1037 to a 1057. All I needed for application was 850. But higher scores get placed first! On the HESI-A2 I went from a cumulative score of 89% to 92%!

Let's just say that the atmosphere this time was a whole other world compared to this experience. When I looked at the sign in sheet you can see what everyone had come for and there were quite a few for the HESI-PN.

Now it's a waiting game and who knows what'll happen next.

Webcam class

I just found out that when I take my midterm and final for my Patho class that I have to use a webcam while I am taking it so I can be monitored, or I can take it in person at the learning center.

Wow... I think that is weird. But way to use technology I guess!

Oh yeah and this class already sucks! LMAO

Much ado about Monday

Tomorrow is the big day. Lots to do. Then it's all about the waiting game. I intend to send off an email to all of the nursing directors tomorrow as well, putting my name in the line-up for any available sport. I am hoping for a summer accelerated spot. It would put graduation in Aug instead of starting in Aug. Well as long as for some unforeseen reason I don't blow these exams that is. I have been doing NCLEX-RN questions and still scoring very high, I also reviewed my old HESI tests and went over the content that I missed on them.

Then I am making a bunch of doctor's appointments to get all my blood work done for my antibody titers. You know, all of that medical crap that you have to get done. I need all of my ducks in a row because this is going to be a last minute placement either way.

I also need to get a grip on this anxiety thing I have going.

Today we wanted to try a new grocery store, but when I went inside, it was claustrophobic feeling. I am not claustrophobic, I can have a closed MRI without issues, but when it comes to stores I like wide isles, bright lights and high ceilings. I also like some type of order. This store was chaos! So while hubby was returning RedBox, I turned right around and walked right out of the store. I just started to get this panicky fuzzy feeling. So it was back to our usual store. I knew it was weird but I just did not like that feeling of inner chaos that the vibe of this place gave me. Normal or an indication for Prozac?

LPN to RN bound... 1 step closer!

Ok people my card came in the mail today!! Woot Woot! So application day is MONDAY!!


I Need to spend this weekend getting a little studying done because I have to take the HESI-PN before I can apply. So its going to be an NCLEX review weekend I suppose. But I haven't actually stopped doing questions this whole time, so that is a good thing.

So here's hoping to get into a program come this FALL!!

All You Need to Know About Nursing Education

Unlike in the earlier years when nursing was viewed as apprenticeship that was commonly undertaken by the religious lot and the convents, lately it has become one of the most admired career paths, due to the several benefits attached to the career. For anyone looking for an exciting and rewarding career, you agree with me that nursing is with no doubt one of them. However, one has to go through some intensive training for them to be qualified and certified. Considering the wide range of institutions claiming to offer the best nursing education today, you need to be very careful in choosing the best institution. First, you need to ensure that the online education offered is not mediocre. The only way you can do this is by taking time to find out if the institution you pick on is reputable, not to mention that it should be certified and licensed by the relevant bodies in your area of residence.

You can also get the best schools by seeking recommendations from people who have gone through this career path before. A good institution will make sure that the students are well versed in the medical fields both practically and theoretically. The course takes four years to complete and can be specialized into quite a good number of areas. This includes the nursing specializations in pediatric, mental health and postoperative nursing among many others. The entry levels are quite numerous. One can choose to go for the diploma, undergraduate or the masters program depending on their qualifications, at the time they make the application. Whichever program that you are interested in, you can be sure to reap some good benefits in the long-run. The better news is the fact that, one can take the nursing online education. You can hence let go the worries of a busy schedule that will never let you take the course in peace. From the comfort of your home, you can take the online classes when you are most flexible and become a certified nurse just as long as you meet all the requirements.

To find the best most affordable institutions to take the courses from, one needs to take time to compare the rates of several institutions. This way, they have a chance to settle on the lowest prices school. One also needs to ensure that if they pick on an online school, it is recognized and the online courses are recognized in their area of residence. One cannot afford to have online nursing education in a place where people have no idea that it even exists in the first place. This would be a waste of both time and money.

5 weeks and counting

where the hell is my card?

A Fellow Nurse in Peril

As a fellow AZ nurse it really astounds me the total lack of professional respect that we as nurse's receive from any entity that dares to call themselves a Nursing Association. It is appalling that in this era nurses still have zero support from anyone in their own profession. It seems the public gets protection from us but who gives us protection from them?

What other public service profession receives such little support for its members?

Ms. Trujillo really deserves some support with her case.

Gadgets

I have added a gadget for nclex daily question as well as up to date CDC information and a link to WebMD top stories. Feedback would be appreciated, thanks 

Text to Speech Software

Is pretty fun to play around with. I think having your computer tell off your husband is kinda funny!

In other news, it was actually helpful to convert my online lecture to a text to speech recognition software program. I could read it, hear it, and apply it this way.

Sometimes lectures just need to be heard to click. Of course I really think I am not going to like this ethics class very much. Too many discussion board projects.

welcome

Hey there everyone hope this works out. Thanks !!! and let me know if you need help navigating !!

Some Bullet Points

School- Tomorrow starts Clinical Healthcare Ethics and Human Pathophysiology starts next Monday. I am still enrolled in the Interpreting Arrhythmia course but there are only six people in the class so I have a feeling that it will be cancelled for lack of enrollment. I emailed the professor about it, of course I do not want to pay for the class, and buy the book, which mind you costs more than the class does, if the class is just going to get cancelled.


WLS- I have 1 more scheduled appointment to make 6. I could be having surgery either in March or in June. June if insurance requires me to continue with the visits, because I missed November, March- if the letter I write to them is sufficient. Somehow I really think it'll be June.

RN- still waiting on word from fingerprint card to submit my application.

Work- SNAFU with my paycheck vs vacation time, so I am working on getting that fixed. I should have been getting higher pay in lieu of benefit, thus no vacation time or tuition reimbursement, except I haven't. So either they have to pay me the past years worth of wages at the higher rate, or give me the vacation and sick hours to use, and I can submit reimbursement for my classes to them. So we shall see how that all turns out.

Tabs

So my blog is starting to have a few added features. I have added tabs to the top. They are currently under construction. But as the big changes in my life take place, these tabs will be where to find a topic specific post.

How to Get the Best Nursing Program

Nursing is one of the most popular careers. This is because many people view it as a secure profession. Today, there are many institutions offering training in this field. However, not all of them are offering the best quality of education you may want for your loved one.

As such, you need to be cautious when choosing the institution where to study for your nursing programs. This is very important because nursing programs offered by an institution will determine the kind of education you or your loved one get. To ensure that you get the best, you need to consider the following:

• Specialties: You need to consider the specialty you want to choose. Find out if this specialty is available in the institution, you enroll in for your studies. This field of professionalism is more than just a profession. It requires people with passion for helping and caring for the sick. As such, you need to get a specialty that you are comfortable with. A field that you will not have any problem helping the sick.

• You also need to ensure that the institution you enroll in for your studies is accredited. This is very important since no institution can be accredited if it is offering poor quality education. As such, you need to do some research on the institution before enrolling for your studies.

• You also need to find out about the fee. Studying for this profession may be expensive for some people. As such, you need to ensure that you will afford the fee. If you cannot, find out if the institution has any means of helping needy students.

• Make sure that you also meet the required conditions for admission. Some institutions will have pre-admission exams or tests. This is very important as it will help you know if you qualify for the nursing programs that you or your loved one want to pursue.

• It is also important that you find out about clinical rotation. These are very important when completing your coursework. A school that provide enough time for clinical rotation is the best to enroll for your studies. Placement for these clinicals should also be varied properly and offer quality hands-on experience. Getting such information before enrolling for your studies is very important.

• Knowing the pass rate of exams offered by an institution is also very important. This will enable you find out what to expect when you enroll for the nursing programs offered by an institution.

Finding out about courses offered by an institution and the overall students performance is very important. This is because it lets you find out if you or your loved one will get the education needed from the institution.

A sense of comfort

I have no idea why but I feel a sense of comfort over being able to pay out of pocket for classes and books.

When I started this process, way back in the day, it feels like it has been forever some days, but anyway, I would never have been able to afford to even think about it.

Of course I still have student loans looming over my head, but eventually I have a plan to get those knocked out.

I will fund my future education ambitions with the fruits of my labors thus far!

Why do you want to be a nurse...now?

This is not an essay question, only a thought I have from time to time given the job outlook for new grad nurses currently.

Me, well getting my RN means a lifelong goal achieved. I already have a job waiting for me as an RN, not my dream job, which is why my, in a hurry attitude, has waned of late. It's been replaced with an, I'll get there when I get there attitude instead. My hope is that the market will have improved by the time I get the Registered Nurse title. Plus I want to spend the least amount out of pocket to get there.


How about you? Are you still on a waiting list? Have you just started? Are you about to finish? What are your opinions about the job outlook? Do you think it won't effect you? Do you have a job lined up? Do you have connections? What are your plans?

Downton Abbey

My new favorite show!

Never ever let someone else rent space inside your head!

Great quote from someone named sharpeimom on allnurses.com

What a great concept. This conversation was in regard to a doctor yelling at a PCT. But that gets me thinking, because we all have been there, with fellow nurses, parents, bosses, patients, staff members. EVERYONE and ANYONE in our lives has been there when something someone has said it just hits something personal.

So great advice, Never ever let someone else rent space inside you head!

Admissions people are dumb

I know I said it and I will stand by it!

First, my tuition payment for my Ethics class suddenly, and I do mean suddenly appeared on my current due status. I checked on the 9th, nothing, I checked on the 10th it was there, Ok so I will pay it on the 13th when I get paid. No big deal? Well GONE on the 11th and dropped from class. WOW that was fast! So I figure I will just add it back on the 13th. Nope can't do that online because the class is closed/filled.

Me: Can you put me back into the class I was just dropped from so I can pay the tuition?

Admission: No class is full.

Me: Yes I am aware, one of those spots is mine. Is there a way to get put back in?

Admissions: Yes you can go to the class the first day and have the Prof sign a waiver.

Me: It's an online course. Is there another way to get into the class?

Admissions: You can go to the class the first day and the Prof can sign a waiver.

Me: It's an online course thus no classroom!

Admissions: You can contact the instructor by email then.

Me: The class states that there is only STAFF listed as the instructor for that class. Do you have a name so I can contact them?

Admissions: There is not an instructor assigned to that class yet.

Me (Banging Head on Keyboard): Ok let me get back to you. (hang up)

So I went online and searched the classes for that course. My HCR240 instructor is the alternate teacher, so I emailed her and requested to be put in her class for HCR210. Once she said it was OK, I sent that email over to the admissions office. Clearly stated in the first line and the subject line of the email is the section and class code that I am looking to enroll in.

Admissions response: Our records show that you are already enrolled in HCR240!

Almost Friday

That means that my kids are coming home soon! They have been gone since the 26th of December and apparently it has had its ups and downs, both are very excited to get back to their own rooms. Sans crying babies, and people who hell more than we do? LOL is that possible?

Anyway, so much seems to have changed since they were gone.

So I am trying to plan a vacation for my birthday. Generally we go someplace or do something nice around my birthday, remember this trip?

Last year was Sami's graduation and the year before that was a poor year related to school. But when we first moved here, the first two years we went to this place.

So the options are, cruise with just hubby and I, or Harry Potter land with just me and the kids!

I think cost will be the winner... so stay tuned for the results.

Staffing Changes Poll

Please take a minute to answer the poll question posted on the site. Between this site and another, I want to poll at least 100 nurses about staffing changes in the LTC/SNF area.

The last time staffing ratios were adjusted was in 1987! So much has changed in the last 25 years, the acuity of the clients in the LTC/SNF alone has increased the amount of skilled nursing care some of these people need. I think the measly "hours for nursing" requirements are outdated and need to be adjusted to reflex the actuality of floor nursing in an LTC/SNF.


PS... This is not homework or anything, I am actually thinking of getting some activism going on this.

Poll of the Day

I frequent allnurses.com I am a frequent commenter on the boards. I have insight I think about certain things and I like to share. So if someone asked if they should choose NICU their current job or interview for a Public Health job, just to be close to a boyfriend, what would you say?

I say they are freakin' crazy and as a new grad should just wait a year and a half and become an experienced nurse in a specialty that actually lets them take that RN experience and move whereever they want with confidence in the future.

Let me see NICU or pregnancy tests to teens on the road to a lifetime of welfare?

Um.. no brainer right?

Disclaimer: (Yes, yes I know Public Health is more than pregnancy tests in reality... but not by much)

3am.. & this is why I should sleep on my nights off.

I feel like I am at work right now, because I am doing exactly what I would be doing if I were there, except I would be getting paid good money to be there. ( Sitting on the couch messing around on the computer.) Hehe


What I found was this:

I just read an article about this guy that was killed by deer. At first I thought it said, " Man killed by 3 deer, police trying to identify them." That is funny!

What it said was, " Man killed by 3 deer, police trying to identify him." Not as funny right?

But can you imagine:

Officer to Witness: " Are the deer you saw run down Mr. Jones in this picture?"

Are you new?

If you are a new follower, if you just found me and have a blog I haven't visited yet, please be sure to comment and I would love to check out your Blogs and add them to my blog roll!

Questions For Yourself When Choosing a Nursing Program

Nursing is one of the most demanding careers across the globe. It is for this reason that students, who wish to pursue a nursing career, should get the best Nursing Programs. While schools that offer the programs come in handy, students must make wise and informed decisions before settling for a specific school or program. Additionally, it is imperative for a student to evaluate nursing Programs and settle for a program that suits his or her interests best. Note that when choosing a program in nursing, it is essential to use an individualized approach so as to enroll on a program that works best for you.

Therefore, when choosing nursing Programs, it is important to ask yourself the following questions:

Is the program accredited?
There are many institutions that offer the programs online and offline. However, not all institutions are accredited. Carry out an extensive research online and visit nursing accreditation body to learn of programs that are accredited.

How long is the period of study?
The programs can take a short or a long period. Depending on your personal needs and requirements, it is important to choose a study period that suits your needs best. Most importantly, your study period should allow you to study comfortably in order to be a competent nurse in the future.

What is the pass rate?
Different institutions set different pass rates for their exams. It is important to be aware of a pass mark on a program that you are interested in. This will help you to study comfortably for exams and for your future career.

What are the costs of the program?
Nursing Programs can be costly. The good thing is that there many institutions in the market today. Therefore, you can always get a school with affordable rates. For this reason, consider tuition fees, lab fees, admission fee and other associated costs. This will help you to choose a program that you can comfortably afford to pay for.

Student support systems
As mentioned earlier, nursing is a demanding career. You must get quality theoretical and practical training in order to deliver the best results. For this reason, shop around for an institution that offers the best student support systems for quality training. Additionally, the institution itself should have an ideal learning environment for smooth training. Most importantly, choose a program that suits your needs best and a program that will enable you to get a good job upon completion of your training.

Much ado about nothing

Trying to decide if I want to take the 4 week Interpreting Arrhythmias course this semester or not. It's great as a resume booster to go with my ACLS, PALS, NRP certifications and would be a big help with cardiac when I get to my critical care block.

Buts its a 10am class. Is it worth the lost sleep over?

Of course it's not like I actually want to work in an ICU when I get my RN, but those skills are great for the OR and PACU, which are two places I really am interested in.

Of course what are the odds of getting that?

Nursing Education was/is only as good as the student's dedication to learning!

Advise I gave on a website regarding someone blaming their school because their own "skills suck!"

I think because I can come up with this crap from the top of my head, that Nursing Education is exactly the path I want my career to take ultimately.

Restless School Syndrome

I am always so restless when it comes to school and the direction that I want to go. What is killing me now is that I am at the mercy of someone else to do their job, so that I can move forward with my plan.

As that drags on I have a tendency to research things too much and find way to many alternate plans.

Urgh! I hate this feeling. I need classes to just hurry up and start and then I will be too busy again to think about it.

Let the games begin

Spring semester about to start first up is Clinical Healthcare Ethics. the textbook arrived today.


I have still yet to buy the book pack for Human Pathophysisology, its like $148 for the dang thing, but I have time as that class doesn't start until the 30th.

Dream Interrupted...

So I had this dream and it kinda bothers me. I mean it could be taken so many ways, as dreams often are. So I figured I'd get your opinions on it.

I was at my Mom's house and in walks our dog Murphy, who just died. He was obviously hurt as he was still limping and you could still see blood on him but,he didn't seem too bothered by it. I was shocked, in my dream I said, " Murphy what are you doing here?" I was fully aware that he should not be here. He just came over to me and licked me and I bent to pet him and kissed his nose like I always did. Then he just turned around climbed the stairs and stood up on his back legs and turned on the light switch.I yelled for my hubby, " Do you see this!" He said "Yes" acknowledging that he was seeing this "ghost" too. He disappeared and then I woke up.So whatcha think?

As you may or not know, due to his injuries, his length of recovery time if any, and the extent of his lung collapse, we actually had to make the decision to euthanize him while he was under anesthesia. He already had a lame back leg and an issue with vomiting and losing weight periodically. I just feel so guilty for having to have made the decision that way.

Blogs You Read

Ok so I have some free time to kill and need blog's to read. Free time you ask? Well at work I have this new laptop to use, classes do not start and I have ALOT of free time overnight! So, anyone have any ideas that are not already on my blogroll? The problem with Blogger is that there does not seem to be a way to search related nursing blogs. Or is there?

Choosing the Right School for Your Nursing Education

The medical field has become very demanding these days especially due to increase in the number of new and more serious illnesses that are popping up everyday. These diseases require advanced methods of treatment and more qualified medical professionals who understand how to use the latest treatment technologies. Nursing is one of the areas in medicine that demand a lot of professionalism. This field serves a critical purpose in the delivery of quality healthcare services all over the world. So if you are planning to become a professional nurse, you have to undergo enough training by professionals. That is why it is of much importance for you to choose the right school for your nursing education. Here are some of the factors that you must put into consideration whenever you are looking for such facilities.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Nursing Education Center

• Program: The most important question that you should always ask yourself whenever you are looking for the right nursing school is: What programs does it offer? Remember, nursing is quite demanding and if you do not get enough training, you will have a hard time delivering services to patients. Therefore, before you join any institution, ensure that you understand the various programs that it offers. You should also choose a program that will give you enough skills so that you can become an all rounded caregiver.

• Credibility: The credibility of the training center that you choose is also paramount. Lately, there have emerged a number of low class training centers that offer low quality training in medical assistance. The problem with centers is that they are run by people who are only interested in making a buck. This also means that the tutors in these centers are not well equipped in terms of knowledge and equipments. Thus, you can only expect a mediocre kind of training from such centers. It is therefore important to do a little research on the reputation of the institution that you intend to join before you make any final decision. It is also good to check the accreditation of the institution.

• Online programs: With the invention of the internet, life has become simple and interesting. It is now possible for students to complete their studies online without having to experience the inconveniences that come with the routine of attending classes daily. This has indeed helped students who are already working to continue with their studies without interrupting their tight schedules. You should therefore check whether the training center that you want to join for your nursing education has online programs.

Happy New Year

My year may have sucked going out, it may not have been like I planned. But overall I think it was a productive year.

*Samantha graduated High School and also started college!
*I passed Micro & Chemistry!
Family came to visit!
*I found an awesome job!
*We moved out of Maricopa!

Unfortunately we said goodbye to two special family members this year! I love you Aunt Cathy and Murphy! You are missed!

I hope 2012 is a great year for you all!

Looking forward to some special events this year...12-12-12 My baby boy turns 18! This should be his lucky year!I hope to start the RN program. More family visits coming! Maybe huge weight loss? Who knows what else the year will bring... but here's hoping to a happy healthy one!