lol @ drtom, thanks...I'm looking forward to the hands on experience, but nervous about IV's since we never had the chance to practice on actual people...but I dont think I have to worry about IV's this semester...

In Navy Hospital Corps school, we practiced IV's, NG's, etc on each other.  I got into nursing school and I could not hit the vein on that damn maniken, but I could draw blood from an entire battalion of Marines in one day by myself.  Go figure.

I was in the Navy  too drtom :-), but as an engineman....practice makes perfect...I still have 2 months to brush up on info before school starts...so that should help too.....I will keep the both of you posted throughout the semester

I'm looking forward to the mannequin, because I'm a hard stick.  I always get the person that "has been doing this before I was born" so they know they can get it - even though I tell them I'm a hard stick.....and 5 sticks later they're like "oh you weren't kidding"  ugh yeah.......So it would be nice to practice on my classmates, but I'll run when it comes to my turn

Texas832, I'm laughing but not at you..I can hear you saying that.. It's a good thing to listen to the patient..They pretty much know where their blood is taken from.. LOL Teresa

You really need to talk to your veins and tell them, it will only pich for a second.. Maybe they are just shy..LOL

My brother suffered seriously from H/A;s and severe  HTN.. I'd say for about 6 years he'd end up in the ER with standing orders from his neurologist.. (He carried those orders with him..) That meant  IVP meds..They also said allow his sister to start IV.. Because his B/P was so  high, you actually see his antecubial area vibrate.. If you just didn't start it at a particular angle and then hold the catheter in place with a certain amt. of pressure , it would shoot  accross the room.. So probably about 4-6 x's a month, I would get a strange call from somewhere between St.Petersbug  and Tampa, that I was requested to come and start an IV for my brother... They did themselves try before calling, but they couldn't hang on to it or keep it from blowing...I worked ER at the time, but I only worked at 1 hospital... Even though I'd tell them , that I didn't work at that particular hosp. that he might of been at., they would say please come here and help us out..Sometimes it was 2am, 5am or any time of the day and then  off I went.. Bless my husband , he would bring me all over the place to help my brother..He was also very muscular and had very tough skin... So it was a balancing act...LOL

My Dad now was a pretty large man.. He was 6'2" and wore a size 13 ring on his pinky finger. Although it looked like he had the most beautiful juicy veins, you actually had to hide the needle.. I swear they would colapse even getting close to him.. But as long as he stayed hydrated you could get a large bore into him if needed...

It's kinda funny that we get so out of joint, when the patient says ,you won't be able to etc...Every one has to prove themselves, but actually if we just listen to the patient, it would go a whole lot easier for all.

So thank you for the walk down memory lane... It really was funny at the time.. but you know how weird us ER nurses could be.. (weird sense of humor.)

Just to complete the story , my dad died from an abdominal aoric aneurysm and my brother did from  left ventriclular  collapse and of course he bled out.

I didn't mean for this to be a sad story, just one that we all could learn by... Hugs.Teresa

That's part of the reason Texas 832, that I was laughing...I wasn't always taken in kindly, but I would just go behind the curtain with the doc., and start his IV...Many times  in my scrubs, because I worked in them and sometimes slept in them..

Congratulations! The new chapter in you life is about to begin -how exiciting. I, too, begin my program in Oct.! What a long road it has been for me and I am eager to see Oct here and now! Best of luck to everyone. We all know to study hard and persevere! Hope it all goes well for everyone! Thanks to those who offer good advise and encouraging words it's nice to read!

Renee,

 You are right, Teresa has a lot of experiance to share.  She is a smart cookie.

Congratulations about getting into nursing school. You have a big future in front of you.  Study hard.  Nursing has been progressing faster in the last 30 years than probably the 60 years before that.  

And do not forget to drop by and use Nursing Link.  A lot of nursing knowledge floating around one website.

Tom 

Congrats Renee!!!

Well I've survived the 1st week of school (seems like barely)  Already had  a quiz and 2 writting assignments - and this is just the beginning.  Well others have gone through it and survived, so will I.  I'll keep you all posted!!!!

Theresa I do feel overwhelmed, but I'm sure I'll be better prepared this week!  I will ask if Im able to record the lectures (this would really help) there's just sooo much information

Dear Texas,

Teresa has that right.  Keep your eye on the prize. 

When you are on the floor and taking care of patients, your confidence lifts up and they look to you for your wisdom, that's when you know that it was all worth the effort

Keep up the good work and when you have time, let us know how you are doing.

Tom.

Count down, I'm very excited for you.. Hugs,Teresa

RNintheMaking2014, I am very excited for you..And it will be over before you know it.. Keep your eye on the prize..There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Keep us posted and god bless you in your future endeavors..Hugs,Teresa

BTW, this site can be very helpful to you while you are in school..If you need assistance, I would be happy to help out or find out for you..

I am so happy for everyone and for myself. I too expect to start nursing in August. I didn't think I should since I am a late bloomer in my early 40's but with the economy the way it is in California and as a single mother, i need to do something to ensure my children's well being.

I too have a steep price for my portion of the bill for this, but plan to do a lot of research for scholarships this weekend and hope for the best.

I give hugs and kudos to all and to myself, for taking on this special endeavor!!!!!

Diane

I am also starting nursing school in August. I am so excited and scared at the same time.I also am in my 40's and going back to school at this age is pretty scary all by itself. I have truly enjoyed reading everyones posts and i am so happy i have found this website. It looks like it will be a great place to find all kinds of information.  I was wondering if there are any books that i could read to get prepared or just to let me know what i can expect?  Thanks for any help you can give me.