Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Posted by AngelaA at 9:55 AM 3 comments
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Sign of the times
I decided to pop in and see whassup on the ol' class blog. Nothing new since August 17. Over a month!! Well, I suppose that means we've mostly moved on, which is a good thing, yah?
For those who do still drop by, for nostalgia or curiosity, please continue to share information on what you're hearing on the "grapevine" about job opportunities, career fairs, etc.
Some of us are still not working, while some of us have secured a job of sorts, but are still open to finding something better than what we've lined up so far.
And drop a line, sometime: susielynn@gmail.com
Missing the ol' gang, and hoping you're all thriving in your new careers!!
Posted by Mother Forker at 4:49 PM 3 comments
Monday, August 17, 2009
Jobs
I'm sure many of you have already heard about the Wellness Nurse jobs out there. Here are a few links.
Posted by Trina Eagal at 9:21 PM 0 comments
Monday, August 10, 2009
When: Thursday August 13th 2009
Time: Beginning at 10am and lasting all day
Where: California Pizza Kitchen in Stockton (located across the street from the college)
*Please bring the attached flyer and present it to your server when ordering and the NSNA will receive 20% of your bill!
California Pizza Kitchen has graciously opened their restaurant to us 1 hour before they open to the public. This will give us time to order our food, catch up with each other/get to know new students, exchange books, buy uniform patches or learn some important information from more seasoned students. The SNA would love for all of Delta's past graduates to join us! We would also love any information & encouragement that you could lend.
Thank you!
Angela Aistrup - Vice-President (Fall 2009)
Posted by AngelaA at 7:26 PM 1 comments
Monday, July 20, 2009
Talk about insanity!
I studied my little butt off..question after question after question. And actually, I learned A LOT. I went to sleep the night before feeling like, "I got this." Before I left the house, my dad gave me one of those "parent" pep talks. You know..the one where they say something about how they're confident in you and you can do it and you put in your time and I have faith in you. All I could say was, "I'm confident."
It was the longest drive of my life up there. To speed things up a bit..I sat down and started. Question #1..I was like OMG I don't know..after that it was kind of a blur. My mind started going blank. I'm like great, I failed. I kept wondering will it cut off at 75? How many questions will I have to complete? 75 came and I got another question. I was like oh, ok, I know this. I was very confident in the answer. I clicked it and the screen went blank. Suddenly, my stomach turned and everything became blurry. The answer that I was so confident in now started to seem wrong. OMG, what did I just do? Did I blow it? Then, they want you to fill out this stupid survey afterward. Walking out was a blur. I was trying to hold it together. I didn't want to start crying in the building. Searching for reassurance, I quickly walked to my car to call someone super smart and ask her what she thought the answer was to my last question. She's not sure. OMG. This is the worst feeling I ever felt in my life. I sat in my car for about an hour, searching for a "correct answer". To my dismay, there wasn't anything on the topic in the Kaplan book and nothing great in my PDA. I came home (finally) and searched the internet. I just don't know. And then I thought well at least I am so tired, I will sleep good tonight. Yea right! I woke up just about every hour. Talk about torture. I've never failed anything important in my life and just knowing this could be the first time, when it's probably THE most important thing, is driving me insane. I wish everyone good luck. Study hard and don't restrict yourself to topics designated "highly testable" because my test didn't have many of those. And make sure you have someone to call afterward because you're going to need it. I had NO idea I would feel like this!
Posted by acarnahan at 11:52 AM 5 comments
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Two Whole Months?!
I can't believe it has been 2 months since we graduated. So, what is everyone up to....I'm sure many of us are enjoying our lives free of school (and work!).
Posted by Trina Eagal at 3:04 PM 6 comments
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Today makes 2 weeks of waiting
I am stressing out here. I took the NCLEX on 6/23 and I haven't heard anything from them. I called them last Tues and they told me that my check bounced (embarassing, I know). So I drove up to Sac and paid that day. They said within 5 days I should hear something. So today I called them and now they are saying my transcripts are suspended!? I asked what that meant and the lady transfered me to my "evaluator". Of course this guy hasn's called me back. I don't feel like I failed. I know you usually get your notice of failure in the mail within a week or so. Delta's eval said they sent my transcripts in....so I am CONFUSED!!
Sorry about the rant, I was just wondering if any of you have heard of anything like this. Like what is "suspended transcripts"?
If I didn't pass...fine, just tell me!! I've already been through the stages of grief, several times now. Each phone call to the BRN gives me hope, they tell me "Oh, you should soon", soon has come and gone too many times.
Again, sorry for the rant!
I hope you're enjoying your summer.
Maureen
Posted by Maureen D. at 6:19 AM 2 comments
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Tons of interview questions
This was posted on allnurses.com
2. What is your greatest strength?
3. What can you offer us that no one else can?
4. What are your three most important career accomplishments?
5. How would you describe yourself?
6. Why should I hire you?
7. Describe the biggest crisis in your life (career).
8. What is unique about you?
9. How would your supervisor describe you?
10. Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10.
11. Tell me a story.
12. How have you benefited from disappointment?
13. What is your greatest weakness?
14. Have you ever been fired or asked to resign?
15. Why have you changed jobs so frequently?
16. Why have you been out of work so long? What have you been doing?
17. What is the biggest mistake you ever made?
18. What are your career goals?
19. What do you want to do in life?
20. How long have you been out of work?
21. What personal, non-job related gals have you set for yourself?
22. Are you willing to relocate?
23. Are you willing to travel overnight?
24. How do you feel about overtime?
25. What have you learned from your past mistakes? What are some of them?
26. What do you think determines a person’s progress with a goof company?
27. Who has exercised the greatest influence on you? How?
28. What public figure do you admire most and why?
29. What are your primary activities outside of work?
30. Would you have any concern if we did a full background check on you? What would we find?
31. What qualities do you most admire in people?
32. What have you done to increase your personal development?
33. What type of books and magazines do you read?
34. What was the last book you read (movie you saw) and how did it affect you?
35. How do you feel about your career progress?
36. Can you work well under stress?
37. Do you prefer to work as an individually or as a part of a team?
38. Are you a team player?
39. Tell me about the last incident that made you angry. How did you handle it?
40. What are the things that motivate you?
41. How do you handle people that you really don’t get along with?
42. What have you done that shows initiative?
43. What personal qualities are important for success in this field?
44. Sell me this pen.
45. Are you willing to take calculated risks?
46. Describe your perfect job?
47. What is most important to you in a job?
48. Why do you want to change careers?
49. Why do you want to get into this field?
50. Why did you leave your last job?
51. How long will it take before you make a positive contribution to our organization?
52. What do you like least about this position? Most?
53. Tell me about your duties at your present job?
54. What is the most important aspect of your job?
55. Describe a time when you were criticized for your job.
56. What is the most difficult situation you have ever faced?
57. What frustrates you about your job?
58. What jobs have you enjoyed most? Least? Why?
59. What duties have you enjoyed most? Least? Why?
60. What is the worst thing your have ever heard about this organization?
61. What position do you expect to hold in five years? (similar to, Where do you expect to be in 5 years?)
62. Why would you like to work for us?
63. What is opinion of your present (or past) employer?
64. How long would you stay if we offered you this position?
65. What do you know about our company?
66. Why do you want to leave your present employer?
67. Starting with your first job out of college, tell me why you left each organization.
68. What kinds of recommendations will you get from previous employers?
69. Describe your relationship with your last three supervisors.
70. What are your supervisor’s strengths and weaknesses?
71. What kind of supervisors do you like most? Least? Why?
72. How has your supervisor helped you grow?
73. What did your supervisor rate you highest on during your last review? Lowest?
74. What kind of supervisor gets the best results out of you?
75. What is your boss like?
76. What actions would you take if you came on board?
77. Can you supervise people?
78. Describe your management philosophy and management style.
79. How many people have you hired? How do you go about it? How successful have the people been?
80. How many people have you fired?
81. How would your subordinates describe you as a supervisor?
82. Some managers watch their employees closely while others use a loose rein. How do you manage?
83. How have you improved as a supervisor over the years?
84. Why did you pick your major?
85. What kind of grades did you have?
86. What course did you like the most? Least? Why?
87. How has your schooling prepared you for this job?
88. Do you feel you did the best work at school that you were capable of doing?
89. How did your summer jobs benefit you?
SOME BEHAVIOR BASED QUESTIONS
Tell me about a time when you:
1. Achieved a great deal in a short amount of time.
2. Were disappointed in your performance.
3. Made a major sacrifice to achieve a work goal.
4. Were unwilling or unable to make the necessary sacrifice to achieve a goal.
5. Worked effectively under a great deal of pressure.
6. Didn’t handle a stressful situation very well.
7. Really got angry over a situation at work.
8. Felt under a great deal of pressure from an internal or external customer.
9. Were really bothered by the actions of a coworker.
10. Were especially creative in solving a problem.
11. Were not as creative as usual.
12. Organized and planned an event that was successful.
13. Planned and coordinated a project that was very successful.
14. Were unable to complete a project on schedule despite your best efforts.
15. Really had to remain flexible.
16. Had to deal with a personality conflict with a boss or coworker.
17. Were unable to sell your idea to a key person.
18. Felt really good about a decision you made and the process you went through.
19. Were very effective in your problem-solving ability.
20. Used facts and reason to persuade someone to accept your recommendation.
21. Utilized your leadership ability to gain support for what initially had been strong opposition.
22. Were able to build team spirit during a time of low morale.
23. Were able to gain commitment from others to really work as a team.
24. Used your political savvy to push through a program you believed in.
25. Were particularly perceptive regarding a person’s or group’s feelings and needs.
26. Were able to predict someone’s behavior or response based on your assessment of him or her.
27. Were particularly supportive and reassuring to a person who needed a friend.
28. Built rapport quickly with someone under difficult conditions.
29. Wrote a report which was well received by others.
30. Were particularly effective at prioritizing tasks and completing a project on schedule.
31. Identified potential problems and resolved the situation before the problems became serious.
32. Were highly motivated and your example inspired others.
33. Found it necessary to tactfully but forcefully say things others did not want to hear.
34. Were particularly effective in a talk you gave or a seminar you taught.
35. Had to make an important decision quickly even though you did not have all the information you wanted.
36. Had to make a decision you knew would be unpopular.
37. Were in a situation when events and circumstances changed rapidly.
Posted by Trina Eagal at 3:41 PM 1 comments
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Interviewees
For those of you who have already interviewed for positions, what questions were you asked? Were there any questions that you felt were particularly difficult to answer? What do you feel would've prepared you better for the interview?
Posted by Trina Eagal at 3:33 PM 4 comments
Labels: interviews
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Confessions of a 30-something RN grad
So, I am in the seat, feeling comfortable, calm (even though I have went through enough security to enter Fort Knox). I read through the instructions as to not miss anything. “You have 6 hours….” Sounds good, all is well…..
First question, okay, 50/50…..A or C….. hmmm…A…. “next”…..2nd question…..what? What are they asking? These are all right, and there are no indicators in the question showing priority. Can I ask them “is this patient stable?” “how old are they?” “should I assume they are anxious?”….Can I phone a friend?
Okay, quit assuming, take the question at face value……uh……well, if I were getting this done, this is what I would want to know…….B……..
Right about question 8 I hear the girl next to me groan. Then about 10 questions later she does a big sigh, then a few later she says, “Oh God.” Seriously? Shut-up…..I am freaking out, too. The least you can do is give me some silence, right? Maybe I should’ve said yes to those earplugs.
Where’s the delegation? Where is the alternate question with apical pulse location? Where are the labs? Where is the question on crutches?
Why do I get the feeling they are asking me about the same thing over and over? Maybe they are thinking (I have now humanized the NCLEX monster as “they”) if I give her the question 5 or 6 more times, maybe she’ll get it right…..then…….
Black screen…..wait! They are thinking….we gave her every shot possible, but she blew it. 75 questions, and I knew the answer to a whopping…..TWO (with certainty).
I do the outgoing survey, looking for the question that says, do you think these questions blow? “Strongly agree”
I again get fingerprinted (I am thinking, if you think I actually paid this pathetic looking, short-haired blonde girl in sweatpants to take the test for me, then she did a piss poor job…..I want my money back). I courteously smile and get my stuff. Then I realize, it’s time to hit the potty. My stomach is gurgling, and I can actually see my heartbeat in my abdomen. It is pounding. I get into my car, deciding who won’t think I am crazy if I call in this state of mind. Okay, my hubby, of course, he always makes me feel better. “Oh, that stinks.” Is his response to my description. “When can you take it again?” I’m thinking “I DON’T KNOW, I DIDN’T PLAN ON FAILING!” You’re not helping, click……then, my mom. Mom’s always make you feel better, right? “Oh sweetie, it’s not the end of the world, you can just take it over.” Again, not what I wanted to hear.
At this point I am hoping that Ashton pops out from behind the car next to me with his trendy hair and crooked smile and says, “You’ve been Punk’d!” so that I can slap him in the face or kick him in the balls or something equally degrading.
Where are all of my girlfriends who are RNs? Voicemail, Voicemail, Voicemail.
I am sitting in a random parking lot in Roseville thinking, “Maybe I’ll just tell everyone that I had to reschedule, then take the exam again before anybody finds out that I’ve failed.” How vain is that?!
Ugh!!! My stomach is hurting again. I get a few calls/texts and I can’t bear to tell the whole ugly story again.
I get home (I can’t even remember driving really….it feels like I got home in 5 minutes). I sit on my couch for about 45 minutes…..no TV, no kids, no talking, maybe even no blinking. I didn’t take the NCLEX serious enough. I should’ve done a different review. I should’ve done more questions. I should’ve taken it later or maybe earlier or maybe I should’ve just NOT studied.
Of course, nothing on BRN the next day, the day after that, I wake up at 0500 and check…nope…I am even looking on allnurses.com to see what the odds are of failing at 75 questions. Meanwhile, I am talking to people now. I am trying to convince myself that I am okay with whatever happens (of course, I am MORE okay with passing!). I contemplate setting my alarm for 0200 Saturday morning (I’ve heard the BRN updates their website at 0200 for the previous day). I decide that if it isn’t there, it will ruin the rest of my night’s sleep, so I pass on the alarm idea.
Saturday morning, I get up at 0300 bc Mason is crying. I pick him up and carry him to my computer…….I click on my bookmark (yes, I have bookmarked it)…..type “eagal”…….can you believe it? There is another Trina Eagal in San Joaquin county….well, that is annoying, even SHE passed the NCLEX….wait….oh, okay, I think I can actually hear the word relief as I exhale. Now, I can drop the weight on my chest and the pit from my stomach. Phew.
Moral of the story, sometimes the signs and symptoms (diarrhea, abdominal pain, bounding pulse, anxiety, feelings of impending doom) don’t match the diagnosis (Effective testing output r/t using my noggin aeb name showing up on BRN site)
What’s next?
You mean, now I have to find a job? My stomach hurts again.
Posted by Trina Eagal at 7:50 AM 4 comments
Labels: NCLEX
Thursday, June 11, 2009
nclex people
those of you that have taken the test, talk to us....please!!! i take it on the 23rd and i will be posting my thoughts on this beast that is consuming my life right now.
Posted by Maureen D. at 6:10 AM 4 comments
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Okay... and so?
Trina, Sarilda, and whoever else just took it... how did it feel?? This NCLEX thing?
Posted by Mother Forker at 7:17 PM 4 comments
Monday, June 1, 2009
more random stuff
i keep seeing these topics come up on practice q's
lithium toxicity
radium implants
psych meds
cane walking (lame!!!)
hip surgery...post-op positioning
memorize lab values (per kaplan instructor)
Posted by Maureen D. at 9:05 AM 9 comments
Thursday, May 28, 2009
I keep seeing these!
I have found that I keep seeing some information over and over again. Here are some of them....
Posted by Trina Eagal at 10:58 AM 5 comments
Labels: nclex facts
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
ATT
Hey everyone, I was just wondering if you guys have received your authorization to test (ATT). I just received mine. I had mailed my application in the beginning of March so if you mailed yours around the same time hopefully you will be getting yours soon. I am very nervous about taking the NCLEX. I am taking the Kaplan review and have also received the study materials in the mail. So hopefully it will help. Have a good summer and let us know when you pass the NCLEX.
Posted by marian at 11:42 AM 8 comments
Monday, May 25, 2009
NCLEX prep
For those who are starting to think about NCLEX prep, check out:
NCLEX 3500 (Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins)
Study tips for NCLEX Exam
Exam information
NCSBN info (including test plans, statistics, psychometrics)
Also:
NCLEX 4000 is available in the computer lab
Trina found a podcast called "F.A. Davis NCLEX-RN audio prep: Test-taking tips and tactics to help you pass." It's free on iTunes and you can subscribe to it.
Other links:
Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
California Nursing Practice Act
California Nurses Association (CNA)
Posted by Mother Forker at 6:08 PM 0 comments
Labels: NCLEX
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Graduation
Congratulations to you all, well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Bonnie Boss at 9:54 PM 2 comments
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
I just want to take this opportunity to thank Trina Eagal and Sue Barnes for keeping everybody informed via blog or e-mail. I really appreciate what you've done. You both are awesome!!!!!!!!
*malou*
Posted by almadrigo at 8:16 PM 3 comments
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Blog withdrawals :O
We are so, so close to the end of school, but beginning of our nursing career.
Posted by Trina Eagal at 4:45 PM 0 comments
Sunday, May 10, 2009
New grad programs
Posted by Trina Eagal at 10:36 AM 1 comments
Monday, May 4, 2009
Hurst Review
The Class of Fall 2009 picked July 9th-12th (thurs-sun) for the Hurst Review. The cost is $350. You will need to go to the Hurst Review website, Sign up for the review for Delta College July 9-12. The sign up cost is $50.00, and when you report to the review on July 9th, you can pay the balance. Or you can pay $100.00 and post date a check for August 9th for the balance. There needs to be 20 students for the Hurst Review to come out and present. I know our class just had the deadline to sign up as May 4th, so if this is something you want to do, please contact Kim Thompson ASAP. If you have any questions call Debbie at 482-2707.
Posted by Trina Eagal at 7:14 PM 0 comments
NCLEX....."bring it on!"
Today's question concerns Labor and Delivery.
The question/task is below:
Briefly discuss Cesarean deliveries.
Scroll down for the answer:
Answer:
Cesarean deliveries are termed C-sections on a routine bases by health care providers. A cesarean section involves an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus for purposes of extracting a fetus. Cesarean births are performed related to any condition that compromises the well being of the fetus or mother. Cesarean births are also performed in events of unsafe conditions within the birthing canal. Unsafe conditions include breech presentation, transverse presentation, hemorrhage of either the mother or fetus, herpetic lesions of the genital area, fetal distress or compromise, diminished cardiac status of the mother, cephalopelvic disproportion (fetal head to large to allow passage thru the birth canal), placenta previa, and abruptio placenta.
Check it out!
BTW....16 days until the pinning!!
Posted by Trina Eagal at 4:05 PM 0 comments
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Who wants a pin?
Posted by Trina Eagal at 1:24 PM 6 comments
Labels: pin
Monday, April 27, 2009
Want to contribute??
Hi all,
i am trying to make the reflection speech encompass the more memorable experiences we have had at delta.
if you could all try to think of meaningful, funny, embarrassing, scary times that you have had at delta or in the hospitals, please email them to me. don't worry i won't use any specifics about the person. so even it the story is about someone else, send it, bc nobody in the audience will know who they are (and i wont reveal who sent it to me either). Email me at trinaeagal@comcast.net
Posted by Trina Eagal at 10:02 PM 1 comments
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Pictures
Hello Everyone
Sorry it has been so long in getting back to you about the pictures.
Here's the deal. I will get the arch myself. My friend Dale takes
professional pictures and he is willing to take pictures of our graduation and an
individual of each one of us under the arch after we receive our pinn.
His sitting fee is $300.00 and he will make a individual CD for each one for
$15.00.
There are 75 students so 300 divided by 75 is $4 + $15 is a grand total of
$19.00. I will pay for postage for it to be sent to you. I need a yes from everyone before
I tell him yes.
This is a very important day and I think that it would be awesome for
everyone to have a professional picture made. I will need you to reply to
this email by Friday May 1st with your address to send the CD to. I will
collect the $19.00 on the 19th at the ATI test.
Thanks to everyone and hold on we are almost there.
Jennifer Stevens
PS. Any questions please feel free to call me 209-712-2010
Posted by Trina Eagal at 10:54 PM 1 comments
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
job-hunting info
Your future beckons...
The interview:
- Interview to knock their socks off
- Interview questions (from allnurses forum)
- Interviewing tips for recent grads
- Interview tips: How can I get my career off to the right start?
- Top 10 interview mistakes
- Job interview tips
- How to impress nursing recruiters (pdf)
- The successful interview (pdf)
The resume:
Miscellaneous:
- 100 best blogs for nursing students
- Advancing my career - NurseZone
- Ultimate online job-hunting toolbox
- America's best hospitals - U.S. News
- "Real world" nursing: is it normal to be nervous?
- Career planning: how will setting goals make my career soar?
Posted by Mother Forker at 10:22 AM 0 comments
Labels: interviews, job-hunting, resumes
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Next SNA Meeting - Getting Ready for the NCLEX
A Representative from the Hurst Review, an NCLEX prep course, will be at the next SNA Meeting to provide information on the Hurst Review. Lunch will be provided to those who attend the next SNA meeting.
Note regarding the one-time $100 subsidy: For any NCLEX prep course, Kim Thompson of NSSP wants to remind 4th semester students: "DO NOT ENROLL OR REGISTER FOR ANYTHING UNTIL YOU TALK TO ME - I HAVE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH MOST OF THESE COMPANIES! I must make payment directly to a vendor on your behalf."
If you're graduating this May, you should have received an email from Kim with the required application form attached. Print off the form, fill it out, and get it back to her no later than Monday, May 4, 2009. Her office is located in Locke 308.
Posted by Trina Eagal at 9:31 PM 0 comments
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Healthy Air Walk
Posted by Mother Forker at 10:37 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Grad Video Songs
Posted by Trina Eagal at 6:38 PM 0 comments
Pinning Photography
Jennifer Stevens knows a gentleman who can do the photography at our pinning ceremony. If you are interested, or if you have questions, please email Jennifer at jstevens@telnetcom.us.
Posted by Trina Eagal at 6:15 PM 0 comments
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Speakers
Posted by Trina Eagal at 8:43 PM 1 comments
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Hi all,
I talked to a friend of mine who passed the NCLEX and she gave me some sound advice that I'd like to share. She said get back to basics!!! Think basic nursing care. She prepared by reading Davis NCLEX review, that's it! Her test shut off at 75. Her advice was to read our very first ATI book from N1&2...Keep it simple....Hmmmm, where have we heard that? She said there was a question about some disease she had never heard of and she followed basic nursing care to answer!!!! She is now working at St. Joe's 2E, so there is hope for us in finding jobs!!
-Maureen
Posted by Maureen D. at 11:34 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Maternal-newborn nursing skills videos
Posted by Mother Forker at 9:52 PM 1 comments
Labels: leopold, maternal assessment, Nursing 8
Monday, March 9, 2009
Almost there!
Here's a summary of the e-mail that was sent.
Posted by Trina Eagal at 1:41 PM 10 comments
Labels: graduation
Thursday, March 5, 2009
SNA Fundraiser with California Pizza Kitchen
Angela Aistrup
aaistrup@sbcglobal.net
SNA - secretary Spring 2009
Posted by AngelaA at 8:07 PM 0 comments