Upcoming SNA on Dec 6th

Hey everyone. We're down to the final days of the semester. We are also having our last SNA meeting of the semester at 1PM in Locke 313. For this meeting, we have Nancy Ryan from Grand Canyon University. Are you interested in possibly going from RN to BSN while taking classes at home? GCU offers a online baccalaureate nursing program. If taking online classes even peaks your interest at all, then you should attend this meeting. For more information on Grand Canyon University check http://www.gcu.edu/.


Last meeting, we had nominations for officers and each ran unopposed.

Congratulations to the new officers for Spring 2011:

Anna Gonzales: President
Jody Sytten: Vice President
Paula Thomson: Treasurer
Clair Giedt: Secretary
Tanya Daniel: President-Elect


Being the last meeting and it getting close to the holidays, we'll also have a bunch of treats and food for everyone to snack on. Please join us as we try to end 2010 with a bang. It was great working with all of you this year. Thank you and good luck to everyone as you progress in your nursing careers.


-AJ Arriola
SNA President, Fall 2010

Christmas Toy Drive

The SJDC Student Nurses Association’s
Community Health Committee Presents:

Toy and Book Drive
November 29th – December 10th

In Support of: Family Ties

Please bring your new toys and books for infants and children up to the age of 6 years.

Please bring donations to:
The Nursing and Health Sciences Division Office, Locke 203
Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM


If you have any questions please contact
Susan Galyon at sgalyon284@students.deltacollege.edu or
Jody Sytten at jsytten317@students.deltacollege.edu

Family Ties Halloween Event: Oct. 25, 2010

SNA's Community Health Committee held a Halloween event at Family Ties. The moms made Halloween picture frames (they are SO creative!) and enjoyed some candy. Fun hats, treat bags, and tons of candy were given to the children. Everyone had a wonderful time and they were very, very grateful. Here are a couple of pictures from the event, including their lovely creations!

Winter Clothing Collection Success!!

Thank you to everyone who donated to SNA's Winter Clothing Collection! It was a huge success and County Mental Health's Inpatient was very grateful. Give yourselves a pat on the back!

Winter Clothing Collection

The SJDC Student Nurses Association’s
Community Health Committee Presents:

Winter Clothing Collection
September 13 - October 15

In Support of: County Mental Health


Please bring your new or gently used items such as:

Warm jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts for men and women
Adult mittens, gloves, socks
Travel size grooming supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste
Deodorant

Please bring donations to:
The Nursing and Health Sciences Division Office, Locke 203
Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM


If you have any questions please contact
Susan Galyon at sgalyon284@students.deltacollege.edu or
Jody Sytten at jsytten317@students.deltacollege.edu

Free NCLEX App

Kaplan NCLEX-RN® Prep The Apple App Store and Kaplan Publishing free eBooks offer has been extended for one more week. Now through next Monday, September 6, students can find and download a multitude of valuable Kaplan test prep guides, study aids, and related titles, for free on the iBookstore. Remember you must have the iPhone 4, iPad, or the iPod Touch in order to download.

* You have to go into the App Store on your phone and type in "iBooks" it should locate the "iBooks" app which you can then download. Then type NCLEX RN 2010 - 2011 edition books.

Here is your Personal Invitation to the 2010 CNSA Convention

The California Nursing Students' Association Proudly Presents:

The Many Hats of Nursing: A Wonderland of Opportunity

October 15-17, 2010

Ontario Convention Center

Don't be late! Don't be late! This is a very important date...

The 2010 CNSA Convention promises to be a wonderland of adventure, where knowledge, skills and relationships flourish. Our tea party includes nursing icons from across the country. Rebecca Patton, 2006-2010 President of the American Nurses Association, will share her journey through the looking glass of health care reform. Dr. Courtney Lyder, Dean at UCLA School of Nursing, will describe how to have your cake and eat it too, as he helps you shape your nursing career to ensure success. There will also be breakout sessions featuring a wide variety of topics

The 2009-2010 CNSA Board of Directors and Convention Committee invite you to join them in Ontario for this year's CNSA Convention. Don't be mad as a hatter! Plan to attend the 2010 CNSA Convention and learn about the wonderland of opportunities in nursing.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When
Friday, October 15, 2010 8:00 AM -
Sunday, October 17, 2010 1:00 PM

Where
Ontario Convention Center
Ontario, CA

FEE
View Event Fees

View Event Summary

View Event Agenda

RSVP
Sunday, October 10, 2010

Please register at:

http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?i=3c6b5aa9-665d-4a8e-95dd-6e9e2bc5402a

Fraudulent Nursing School Closed

BOARD OF REGISTERED NURSING INVESTIGATION LEADS TO CLOSURE OF PHONY NURSING SCHOOL, $500,000 IN RESTITUTION
Students paid $20,000 for classes that led to worthless degrees


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Russ Heimerich (916) 574-8171SACRAMENTO –An investigation by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) has led to the closure of a phony nursing school in Los Angeles.

RN Learning Center charged students $20,000 for classes that the school said would make them eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination which qualifies individuals to become licensed nurses. However, students’ transcripts were declared fraudulent and they were ineligible to take the exam.

BRN began an investigation in 2007, and the Attorney General’s Office today announced a settlement negotiated on behalf of BRN. The settlement requires the school to close, and its owner, Junelou Chalico Enterina to pay $500,000 in restitution and never open a nursing school again

“This kind of fraud is absolutely unacceptable,” said Department of Consumer Affairs Director Brian Stiger. “Ripping off people who not only want to improve their lives but to help others is singularly distasteful.”

“The Board ordered this school to close three years ago, yet it kept right on operating and deceiving students,” said BRN Acting Executive Officer Louise Bailey. “We are very glad to see that it has finally been made to stop committing fraud against students and has been forced to refund students’ tuition.”

BRN has already taken disciplinary action against Maria Khatib and Lydia Sebastian, who were associated with the school, and has posted a warning to students on its Web site regarding unaccredited schools.

Individuals who were students at RN Learning Center or any school affiliated with it are urged to contact the California Attorney General’s Office at (213) 897-2000.

http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/press_releases/2010/0811_brn.shtml

http://ag.ca.gov/newsalerts/release.php?id=1975

Kaplan is offering a " FREE" ~ Success in Nursing School Seminar. You must register for this free event.

If interested you must register for this free event at the link below. Don't miss out on this really great opportunity.

http://www.kaptest.com/Nursing_Domestic/NCLEX-RN/View-Kaplan-Programs/Comprehensive-Courses/nclex-review-live-online.html

A Nursing School Take Home Message

July 8, 2010 · Category: President's Message

Author: Angela Schwab, SN, BSN, CNSA President 2009-2010, President@cnsa.org

It seems obvious that three years of Nursing School would be an educational experience. As students, we are inundated with information from how to change a bed to saving a life. It has been over a month since I graduated. The majority of that time was spent studying for my NCLEX, taking practice exams and reviewing content. In the process, I realized just how much information is crammed into a nurse’s education. During a recent conversation with a good friend, I was asked “so what is the take away message?” That question got me thinking, aside from all of the textbook and clinical knowledge that I will take with me into my nursing practice, what has nursing school taught me? I was able to narrow it down to the top ten things I learned in nursing school.
10. Complaining about something does not provide a solution. It is easy to get caught up in negative conversations, but in order to make a difference, it is important to evaluate and discuss how things can be done differently to provide better outcomes.

9. We all cry sometimes. Nursing school takes physical, mental and emotional stamina. Sometimes a good cry helps relieve the stress.

8. Laughter really is good medicine. A good cry helps, but laughter makes it better. Sometimes all you can do is a take step back and laugh. Having a sense of humor can make all the difference.

7. Mistakes are always opportunities for learning. As nurses there is little room for mistakes. When they do happen learn from them. Self loathing will not make up for forgetting to have the information an MD asked for. Remembering that they asked for it before will prepare you for the next time.

6. CNAs are phenomenal people. They literally do the dirty work in the hospital, have a heavier patient load, and get paid a lot less; yet they continue to come back for more. Nurses and nursing students should remember to show them appreciation. Our job would be so much harder without them.

5. Every time you walk into a clinical site you are on a potential job interview. When nursing students are at clinical, dress, initiative, and work ethic are noticed by the staff. When students leave, that message gets passed along and will make a difference when it is time to apply for a job.

4. Most people like to share their life experiences they just need someone to listen. It is amazing how much a nursing student can learn about someone by just taking a few minutes to listen.

3. Getting involved in nursing organizations is essential. Nursing makes up the majority of the healthcare workforce, but our voice is not as strong as it could be. Getting involved in nursing organizations is the only way to unify our voice and make it as strong as it should be.

2. Acknowledgement and appreciation are not always given, when it is enjoy it. Nursing school involves a lot of work and dedication. Between exams, papers, care plans and clinical days students are given a great deal of responsibility and little recognition. Take the time to celebrate a good grade, praise from an instructor, preceptor or peer, or a simple thank you from a patient or family member.

1. There is still so much that I have to learn. It is impossible to know everything. Everyday offers learning opportunities. Reference books are on nursing units for a reason.

Nursing school was an amazing journey. It is easier to appreciate all the ways it has enhanced my life now that I am finished and have my RN. Everyone will have a different take away message from their nursing school experience. Thank you for allowing me to share mine with you.

Angela Schwab RN, BSN, CNSA President

Your Image and Landing Your First Job

July 20, 2010 · Category: Message

Author: Kimberly Vaughan, SN, BSN, CNSA Image of Nursing Committee Chair, iondir@cnsa.org

During Joanne Kingsbury’s keynote address at the June 12, 2010 Council of Chapter Representatives Meeting about how to land your first job, many times I caught myself nodding my head in agreement because she talked about numerous topics that correlate to the image of nursing.
Some of the key points of her talk were: your appearance, accomplishments/weaknesses, resume, and the interview. What stood out to me the most was appearance. Appearance is very important when it comes to landing any job, not just a job in the nursing profession.

The way you dress and the way you present yourself helps your interviewers (and hopefully future employers) judge what kind of employee you might be. If you dress appropriately and professionally, then hopefully they will see you that way. If you dress or look sloppy, not put together, or come off as frantic and rushed then they may get the perception that you will reflect the same trend in your work ethics.

First impressions and the handshake are crucial in guiding the rest of the interview. Present yourself, greet your interviewers and anyone else in the room and give them a firm, confident handshake while looking them in the eye. This initial presentation sets the baseline of the interview. When walking into an interview, always make sure you are holding your resume in your left hand so your right hand is free. Also, do not bring in coffee, food, or chew gum! These may seem like common sense, but Kingsbury says that interviewers see it all the time.

In these harsh economic times everyone keeps hearing how difficult it is to get a job as a nurse, let alone as a new graduate from a nursing program searching for your first job. While it may be true that the job market is tight out there, there are always things that you can do on your part to present yourself as the competent, and well-educated students and future nurses that you are. Remember to assess the image you are portraying to your future employers before you go into an interview. Make sure it is a positive image of not only you, but of the nursing profession as a whole. Good luck searching for that first job! You will do great!

Kimberly Vaughan
Ad-Hoc Image of Nursing Committee Chair

Dancing in the Rain

July 8, 2010 · Category: Editorial

Author: Anna Viet, SN, BSN, CNSA Communications Director, 2009-2010, conventiondirector@cnsa.org

When looking for inspiration one tends to come across cliché quotes such as “As long as you learn from your mistakes”, “Whatever doesn’t kill you will make you stronger”, and “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. We all know that nursing school is one of the toughest things that some of us had to endure or are still undergoing. Nursing is such a unique profession and opportunity that a variety of people take on. Each nursing student must not only carry the weight of the wealth of knowledge that we are expected to absorb, but in addition, some juggle having a family to provide for, ending and beginning new relationships, or struggle simply from the “growing pains” of finding oneself and maturing.

Anyone that has graduated from nursing school will give a nursing student the same assurance that everything will be okay and that “we will get through it” just has they have. Knowing this piece of wisdom however does not always make taking a final any easier. Instead of constantly anticipating our graduation, maybe it would be more productive to stop for a moment to enjoy what we are going through.

Enjoy the exams because they allow you to bond and foster friendships through study groups. Enjoy the clinical rotations and preceptorships because one day we may have students eager to learn from us. Enjoy the long hours because you have made a difference in someone’s life. Enjoy nursing school and summers off, because when we graduate, most of us will be spending the majority of the rest of our lives in a hospital. Everything happens for a reason we just have to embrace it and take each challenge, each hardship, and each bump in the road one day at a time. I leave you all with one final quote that really stood out to me: “Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass… it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” –anonymous

Dameron Hospital is offering another EKG Class on Aug 9 & 10th if you missed the last one. The cost is $40, plus you will get a certificate. You can register in the Education Office (which is across the street from Dameron hospital). It is a great class to refresh your knowledge or learn for the very 1st time.

New iphone ATI NCLEX App

Check out the new RN NCLEX iphone or ipod touch app. It's only $19.99. Love ♥ the new app!! Now you can study just about anywhere without carrying your books.
http://www.atitesting.com/Solutions/PostGraduation/RNNCLEXPrepiPhoneApp.aspx

Hurst Review Session

Hurst review is now taking reservations for a review session at Delta. You can register at http://www.hurstreview.com/. The review session will be from June 14, 2010 thru June 17, 2010. Hope to see you all there!

Critical Care Week at SJGH

This event is open to the general public and we encourage all nursing student to come out and check it out. Below please find the schedule of events.

Here is the agenda for Critical Care Week. The ICU is located on the 2nd floor at San Joaquin General Hospital.

Monday, May 24 0600-1000 Breakfast hosted by the NOC shift
Room 2162

1000-1100 "Bugs and Drugs" Derek Lee PharmD.
Room 2162

Tuesday, May 25 1400-1500 "Reading X-rays" T. Singh M.D.
ICU conference room

1500-1700 Ice Cream Social hosted by DAY shift
Room TBA

Wednesday, May 26 1000-1100 "Know your Stroke Scale" Marta Bognat RN
Room 2162

1100-1400 Meet and Greet your Critical Care Team
ICU tours

Thursday, May 27 1000-1100 "Basic Ventilator Modes"Orlando Aspurias CRT
Room 2162

Friday, May 28 1000-1100 " Topic TBA" Barbara Stokes RN
Room 2162

1330 Raffle Drawing in the ICU

1400-1500 "Why we use the drips we do"Teresa Baker RN

ATI Fees

Effective Fall 2010, all nursing students will be responsible for paying their ATI fees each semester enrolled in the ADN program.

Julie Lang will be sending you details on how much you will need to pay and the deadline for payment.


Kim Thompson, MS
Nursing Student Success Program Coordinator
San Joaquin Delta College
209.954.5425, Locke 308

2010 CNSA Annual Convention

2010 CNSA Annual Convention

October 15 - 17

Marriott Hotel and Conference Center
2000 East Convention Center Way
Ontario, Ca 91764Phone: 909.937.3000
Fax: 909.937.3080
http://www.cnsa.org/events/cnsa-convention/

COCR SUMMER 2010

http://www.cnsa.org/

ALL prenursing, nursing students, and faculty advisors are invited to our annual summer Council of Chapter Representative Meeting for a day long networking, breakout sessions, speakers, and chapter reporting.

COCR SUMMER 2010

Day: June 12, 2010
Time: 0800-1430 hrs
Venue: Seton Medical Center
1900 Sullivan Ave, Daly City, 94015

Cost: Free

What’s in for my chapter/me? Chapter reporting, Networking, Breakout sessions, Motivational Speakers, , Fundraising ideas.
Breakfast and Lunch will be served

For more information contact: Yovannah Chavez – Co-Chair North @ cocrnorth@cnsa.org

May 17th Meeting Minutes Posted

May 17th Student Nurses Association Meeting Minutes up on the SNA blog website http://sjdcsna.blogspot.com. Please check them out.

Any Singers Out There?

Please come out for The Gospel Center Rescue Mission's "Sing For Their Supper" Fundraiser At The Farmer's Market

The Downtown Stockton Alliance will host the Gospel Center Rescue Mission "Sing For THEIR Supper" Karaoke Fundraiser as part of the Farmer's Market Entertainment on Friday, June 11, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Dean DeCarli Waterfront Square in Downtown Stockton.

If you are unable to attend, you may still make a pledge and designate(or dedicate) your performance opportunity to someone in attendance at the event. For business sponsorship opportunities, please click here. For more information please call (209) 320-2329 or e-mail events@gcrms.org.

For the link to a participant form, pledge form, and a script to email family and friends for support, please visit http://www.gcrms.org/events.htm

Upcoming SNA Meeting

Hey everyone, this is just a reminder that there will be an SNA meeting this coming Monday, 5/17 at 1pm in the Skills Lab, Locke 229. There will be food, elections for the officers for the coming year,and two guest speakers. One speaker will be Ginger Manss from St.Joseph's talking about membership in the NSNA, and the other will be recent graduate Sherri Schmidt talking about looking for jobs after graduation. Hope to see you there!

-- Julie Lang

Health Plan of San Joaquin Health Fair

Making a difference one step at a time.

Hurt Review

We need to turn in the List of names to Hurst. The date is tentative for early June, like first week. If we get enough sign-ups (we need 20) it will be held at Delta. The fee is $350 for four days of review of all the core material you will need to know for the NCLEX. It is $50 to reserve your spot, paid online. The balance will be due on the first day of the review. If anyone has any questions please feel free to call me with any question. It sounds like a great program. Also, you can take the review as many times as you want up to two years after graduation. Also, they have a money back guarantee. If you fail the NCLEX, they will refund your money! You can't beat that!

Thanks Everyone,
Monica Richardson
monicer100@hotmail.com

Uniform Fittings

Good Morning,

I just wanted to let you know that the fitting times are as scheduled:

May 13
May 14
May 17
May 20
May 21

from 8:00 to 12:00 in Locke 228. These are the only times available to try on the new scrubs. If you are unable to attend you will have order online without the ability to try-on first.

Thank you
Julie

Volunteering: May 6th and 7th, 2010

Hello all! Here are some pictures from the SNA volunteer events last week. First, we served dinner at the Gospel Center Rescue Mission. Don't we look pretty in our hair nets?





Second, we organized a Mother's Day craft for the ladies at Family Ties and their children to do together. They had so much fun! Here's a picture of our group with one of the counselors from Recovery House:



A huge THANK YOU to all those who came out! We appreciate your time, especially as the semester is coming to a close.

Lodi Memorial Fun Run!!

Hello Everyone!

Here is a great event for those who need a little inspiration to get moving, especially as Summer is right around the corner! The LMH Foundation is putting on an exciting event where you can choose the level (and distance) that you would like to walk along with health screenings!

The "Walk for the Health of It" is held the second Saturday in May. Over one-million dollars have been raised to purchase such items as treadmills for our West Fitness Center, Fetal Monitors for OB, EKG Units for Cardiopulmonary and to provide scholarships for our Adult Day Care program.

The "Walk" includes a 5K timed walk, a 5K poker walk, a one-mile Walk & Roll for wheelchairs and those with strollers. In 2008 a 5K timed run was added along with a one mile "Fun Run" for students. Event highlights include awards, health fair, entertainment, and healthy snacks.

Here is a link to the brochure along with how to register!
http://www.lmhfoundation.org/Walk_Brochure_2010.pdf

Difficulty of NCLEX to be Increased

By Janet Boivin, RN

Monday March 15, 2010
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The first graduate nurses who take the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs starting on April 1 will encounter a test that is more difficult to pass than the one students took three years ago.

“Nursing practice is more difficult today than it was in 2007,” says Casey Marks, chief operating officer of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, based in Chicago. “The bar has been raised, and, quite simply, the exam is harder. It’s projected that fewer students will pass on the first attempt.”

The NCSBN in December raised the passing standards for the national licensure examination after an analysis of the basic knowledge and skills new nurses need to practice safely. Since the last analysis in 2007, healthcare has become even more complex and sophisticated, requiring new nurses to have a greater baseline nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills.

“Nursing is a dynamic, continually evolving discipline that employs critical thinking to integrate increasingly complex knowledge, skills, technologies and client care activities into evidence-based nursing practice,” according to the NCSBN 2010 NCLEX Test Plan.

Raising the Bar
In 1989, the NCSBN decided to evaluate the NCLEX passing standard every three years. Since then, the passing standard has only been increased and never made easier, a reflection of nursing practice itself.

“The NCSBN doesn’t drive practice,” says Marks. “We’re driven by practice; we reflect practice.”

Marks compares the new standards to a track-and-field runner jumping hurdles. A runner may successfully clear a hurdle 50% of the time. But if the hurdle is raised, the runner will not clear the bar as frequently.

But in a few years, the pass rate will rebound, as it has done in the past, she says. “We are looking at more capable candidates. We have no interest in seeing people fail.”

The practice analysis by the NCSBN included a nine-member expert panel and a survey that asked 12,000 newly licensed nurses about the frequency and importance of performing 15 nursing care activities, according to the 2010 NCLEX-RN Test plan. These activities were then analyzed in relation to the frequency of performance, impact on maintaining client safety and client care settings where the activities are performed.

For graduating nursing students, there is no magic formula for passing the national licensure examination, Marks says. Nursing students need to have mastered their school of nursing’s academic and clinical content, be well rounded, and understand how the NCLEX works, Marks says.

“There is no secret,” he says. “Trust yourself and your knowledge.”

Schools Follow Suit
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, which represents the U.S.’s baccalaureate and higher-degree nursing education programs, typically notifies its members of the raising of the test standards and how they have changed, says Geraldine Bednash, RN, PhD, FAAN, chief executive officer and executive director. However, the announcement of the new standards was made too late for schools of nursing to revise their curricula, she says.

“We know that when passing standards are changed, there tends to be a temporary dip in the pass rates,” she says.

The declines are temporary as schools adjust their curricula, if necessary, and focus on the areas that the NCBSN has emphasized in its new standards. The temporary dip should not affect nursing schools’ accreditation, she adds.

The AACN encourages nursing students to take the NCLEX as soon as possible after graduating when the knowledge they gained in school is still fresh in their minds. “The sooner they take the exam, the more successful they will be,” she says.

Kaplan Nursing test preparation services reviews its test prep course every three years based on how the NCSBN decides to change the exam. “We review our questions to determine if the questions discriminate at a higher level and meet the needs of the revised NCLEX-RN test plan,” says Barbara Irwin, RN, BSN, director of nursing for Kaplan Nursing. The new standards will require students to be prepared to answer higher level questions that require more analysis. For example, a question might describe several patients and ask who the nurse should see first. The student might say all of them, which is not necessarily wrong, but the correct response would be that the most acute patient needs to be seen first, Irwin says.

Other changes that will take place on the NCLEX in April include increased emphasis on the management of care subcategory, Irwin says. The NCSBN defines management of care as providing and directing nursing care that enhances the care delivery setting to protect clients, family/significant others and healthcare personnel.

The test will reduce emphasis on the subcategory of reduction of risk potential, defined as reducing the likelihood that clients will develop complications or health problems related to existing conditions, treatments or procedures.

Janet Boivin, RN, is a contributing writer for Nurse.com.

http://news.nurse.com/article/20100315/NATIONAL01/103150001/-1/frontpage

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© Copyright 2010 Gannett Healthcare Group

SNA Spring Cleaning Collection!

As the weather gets warmer, it's a great time to prepare for summer with a good Spring Cleaning! Even better? Give those gently used items a chance to make a difference in someone's life. Thank you for your generosity!

Download/View Full sized fliers HERE.

March 15th Meeting Minutes Posted

March 15th Student Nurses Association Meeting Minutes up on the SNA blog website http://sjdcsna.blogspot.com/ . Please check them out.

RN Lobby Days in Sacramento April 19th - 20th..

RN Lobby Days by Danielle Lawson and CNSA

Would you like to learn about how nurses and student nurses can impact the legislative process in California?

Attend the 2010
ANA/California RN Lobby
Days on April 19th and 2oth in
Sacramento!

What happens at ANA/California RN Lobby Days? RN Lobby Days is an annual conference offered by ANA/California that offers presentations and workshops on how the California legislative process works, on the intricacies of state politics, on
how we can support the nursing agenda, and much more! The 2010 RN Lobby Days will include discussions of the following topics important to ANA/California (and to all nursing students!): Increased salary for faculty, Faculty shortages issues, Loan repayment for students at state hospitals, Issues directly dealing with nursing specialties (critical care, med/surg, OB, etc.) Student nurses may register at http://www.cnsa.org/events.html (information provided by http://www.cnsa.org/documents/RN_Lobby_Days_blurb[1].doc). You can register at http://www.anacalifornia.org/.

"100 Reasons to Become a Nurse"

Becoming a nurse is a great decision for anyone interested in the field of medicine as it can be a rewarding career, both personally and financially. If you're thinking about enrolling in nursing school, check out our list of 100 great reasons to become a nurse.

Altruism Becoming a nurse means that you can feel good about what you do.

1.You want to make a positive contribution: You care about your fellow man, and want to make a positive impact on peoples' lives.
2.Do something that matters: As a nurse, your work matters to your patients and their families.
3.You can save someone's life: As a nurse, you may have the opportunity to save someone's life.
4.You want to take away pain and suffering: Become a nurse to help stop the pain and suffering of others.
5.You'll bring hope: You can be a giver of hope to your patients.
6.See miracles: You can see miracles happen every day in nursing.
7.You can uplift morale: As a nurse, you'll be able to improve the morale of patients and their families.
Education Here we'll take a look at the educational perks of nursing.

8.It's easy to get started: Registered nurses can get started with a 2 year associate's degree and licensing exams.
9.You'll be able to spot problems: Even in your daily life outside of work, you can see problems in bacteria, infections, and more.
10.Completing a bachelor’s degree offers even more: For better pay and hiring opportunities, it's easy to complete additional education for a BSN.
11.You can help family and friends: As a nurse, you'll be able to help support the people you care about in their health.
12.Now is a good time to go to school: It's a great time to further your education with a nursing degree.
13.You'll be more aware of your own health: Studying and working in healthcare can help you better focus on your own health.
Rewards These are some of the rewards that come along with nursing.

14.Seeing patients cured: The reward of seeing someone return to good health is a great reason to become a nurse.
15.You can be proud of your work: Nursing is a career that you can take pride in.
16.You'll do good deeds for a living: When your job is helping people, you will do good for a living.
17.You will value life more than ever: Becoming a nurse will help you better understand the value of life.
18.Hugs: One of the perks of working as a nurse? Free hugs from patients and their families.
19.Changing people's lives: Become a nurse for the satisfaction of changing people's lives.
20.Personal growth: Nurses often experience strong personal growth and satisfaction.
21.Respect: Nurses are well-respected in society.
22.Medical TV is more exciting: When you live what other people only watch, medical TV shows are more interesting.
23.Free consultations: When you work with doctors, much of your medical advice is free.
24.You may learn how to decipher doctor handwriting: As a nurse, you just might earn a skill that others don't have-the ability to read what doctors write.
25.Free lunch: Often, pharmaceutical reps bring in free lunches for doctors and nurses.
26.Self esteem: Working as a nurse, you can feel good about yourself knowing that you're helping people.
27.You'll get satisfaction from stopping suffering: When your patients recover, you'll enjoy seeing their suffering reduced.
28.You can quickly earn vacation time: When working long hours at a time, you'll be able to earn vacation days quickly.
29.You will be appreciated: Although not all patients will recognize your importance, many will be very appreciative of your hard work.
Practical These are some of the very practical rewards you'll get from nursing.

30.Benefits: Many nursing jobs come with great medical and dental benefits.
31.Free housing: Many travel nurses are given free housing.
32.Retirement: You'll generally find nursing positions with retirement savings plans.
33.Bonuses: Many nursing positions come with sign on bonuses and special pay for taking on certain positions.
34.Overtime: You can be paid well for time worked over your regular hours.
35.Incentives: Many employers offer sign on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and more.
36.You can take days off: When you work long hours, it's easy to create a schedule where you have a number of off days grouped together.
37.Life insurance: You'll generally find life insurance as a part of a nursing benefits package.
38.You can have weekdays off: With a nurse's schedule, you may often end up with weekdays off to run your errands.
Career Here you can examine some of the great things about a career in nursing.

39.You'll always have a job: There's always a place for nurses to work, so nursing will give you a guaranteed job.
40.You can work anywhere: Medical professionals are needed everywhere, so you can work wherever you'd like.
41.Job satisfaction: Job satisfaction among nurses is very high.
42.Nursing is recession proof: Although markets can fluctuate, people will always get sick.
43.There's good pay: Even new nurses will earn a generous paycheck, and those who fill shortages can earn even more.
44.You'll have a flexible schedule: You can create a flexible schedule with a variety of different shifts.
45.You'll be connected to technology and humanity: Nursing offers a science to technically caring for people.
46.You can work on the road: Many nurses find success in travel nursing.
47.You can change your specialty: You can take on opportunities in new specialties if you'd like.
48.There's lots of variety: The possibilities are endless when it comes to nursing-you can work in a hospital or clinic, work in pediatrics, insurance, or schools.
49.You can take on expanding opportunities: As physicians spend less time with patients, nurses can take on opportunities that offer more hands-on interaction.




50.Nursing offers transferable skills: As a nurse, you'll learn skills that are great for any career in health care.
51.There's plenty of room for growth: Your nursing career can grow into much more with further education.
Traits Do you have what it takes to be a nurse? Check out these traits.

52.You'll get over bodily functions: You will no longer have any problems with other peoples' toilet use and bodily functions.
53.You're detail-oriented: You must be able to remember, write a lot, and be organized as a nurse.
54.You are empathetic: Sharing empathy with others is essential for becoming a nurse.
55.You have the skills: If you have the ability to communicate and instill trust in people, you have the basic skills for becoming a nurse.
56.You're emotionally stable: As a nurse, you have to be able to deal with a roller coaster ride of emotions.
57.You can deal with blood: If you're faint of stomach, you'll have trouble with nursing.
58.You're able to adapt: Every day will be different, so being able to adapt is essential for nursing.
59.You can prioritize: Nursing is fast paced and needs constant prioritization.
60.You have physical endurance: Nurses often work on their feet all day with minimal breaks.
61.You're dedicated: Nursing is not just a job-it's a lifestyle.
62.You can think quickly: If you're able to think on your feet, chances are you can keep up with nursing.
63.You have a commitment to learning: Nurses are constantly learning, so if you love to learn, nursing is a great profession.
64.You have good judgment: You should be able to judge quickly and accurately.
65.You're caring: As a nurse, you'll care for people every day, so caring for others is a must.
66.You're hardworking: Nursing is never ending, and needs hard workers.
67.You're willing to work hard: Nursing is hard work-if you can handle long hours in exchange for rewarding work, nursing may be good for you.
68.You're tactful: Nurses need to be able to deal with doctors, patients, and coworkers in a tactful way.
69.You're good at multitasking: Multitasking is an essential skill for nurses.
70.You have a sense of humor: As a nurse, you have to be able to let things slide off your back.
71.You like a challenge: Nursing will stretch your limits, in a good way.
72.You're dedicated: Nurses take on their vocation to dedicate their lives to helping others.
73.You're courageous: Nursing can sometimes be a scary job, so if you've got courage, you may have what it takes to be a nurse.
People See how people can make your work as a nurse worth it.

74.Interaction: You'll be able to interact with different people every day.
75.You'll work with patients and their families: You will spend time working with not only patients, but their families as well.
76.You'll be a mentor: Nursing allows you to mentor patients, families, and other nurses.
77.You'll work as part of a team: You will interact with lots of other health professionals as a nurse.
78.You'll enjoy camaraderie: As part of a health care team, you will enjoy camaraderie with your fellow workers and patients.
79.You'll educate people: Much of your job as a nurse will be educating patients, their families, and the general public.
80.You can become more than a caregiver: Long term care can take a personal turn with patients you really care about.
Advantages Over Becoming a Doctor These are a few reasons why nursing may be better than becoming a doctor.

81.Fewer educational requirements: You'll study for 2-4 years instead of 12-14.
82.You have less liability: Doctors are responsible for malpractice insurance, while nurses are not.
83.You can spend more time with patients: Doctors do not generally get to spend a lot of time with patients-but nurses do.
84.You'll take care of patients, not the disease: As a nurse, you can treat the whole patient.
85.There's more flexibility: Once doctors pick their specialty, they generally have to stay in it, but nurses can move from one area of medicine to another.
86.You can have a life outside of work: Although you will work strange hours, your life will not be completely devoted to work.
87.There's less of a commitment: You do not have to own a practice, employ staff, and stay in one place as a nurse.
88.You won't start your career in a massive amount of debt: Most doctors start their careers deep in debt from years of education, while nurses tend to have limited debt or none at all.
89.It's difficult to get into medical school: Being accepted in medical school is not easy, but nursing school is easy in comparison.
90.You won't have to be on call constantly: Doctors normally have to spend certain hours on call, while nurses don't.
Environment Here you will learn why a nurse's working environment is great.

91.Nursing is exciting: Every day at work is different for nurses.
92.You can embrace change: Even if you work in the same hospital for 25 years, you can change specialties, hours, and more to switch things up.
93.You'll avoid the typical 9-5: You can avoid working typical business hours as a nurse.
94.Flexibility: Nursing offers lots of flexibility.
95.There's lots of variety: You'll be able to work in lots of different settings and positions.
96.Nurse staffing agencies are useful: If you'd like to earn high hourly wages with lots of flexibility, you may want to look into working for nursing staffing agencies.
97.You can use all of yourself: A career in nursing uses your mind, body, and soul.
98.It's easy to move: Nurses can work anywhere, so moving to a new city is not a problem.
99.Nursing is intellectually stimulating: As a nurse, or nurse educator, you will work in an intellectually stimulating environment.
100.Nurses can work in a variety of settings: Nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, offices, schools, homes, and more.

Feb 22nd Meeting Minutes Posted

February 22nd Student Nurses Association Meeting Minutes up on the SNA blog website http://sjdcsna.blogspot.com/. Please check them out.

Pacific Family Health Fair

Here is a great event being held in Stockton!

University of the Pacific pharmacy students are hosting their 3rd annual Pacific Family Health Fair, and would like to invite you and your family to join them for FREE health screenings, scavenger hunts, health education, and more! This is absolutely ZERO cost to you - over $250 of free health services!

This is an event the whole family can take advantage of, so head over on March 7th in the gymnasium at St. Luke's Catholic Church! Hurry because it ends at 2PM!

March 07, 2010
10:00 am
St. Luke's Church

3847 N. Sutter Street

Need Money???

Dear Nursing Students:

St. Joseph's Medical Center is offering several scholarships to students enrolled in a healthcare-related post-High School program. The scholarships are merit based and awards will be paid directly to the educational institution for student's tuition &/or books.

Please stop by my office to pick up an application if you are interested and believe you met the requirements. Application deadline is May 7, 2010.

Below are the application guidelines:

Resident of San Joaquin and surrounding counties
Exhibit excellence in theory and clinical application
Grade of "C" or higher in current course of study

You will also need to submit:
One short essay
Two letters of recommendation, &

School transcript

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. You may also contact Ms. Cathy Swenson at St. Joseph's Medical Center by calling 209-467-6486 about this scholarship program and/or pick up an application from their HR department.

--
Sincerely,
Robin Shum
Resource Specialist
Nursing Student Success Program(NSSP)
San Joaquin Delta College
Locke 304
209-954-5445

Change in location for the upcoming SNA meeting Monday!!

Hello Everyone,

Due to the overwhelming response we have had to the upcoming SNA meeting with Deputy Director for Workforce Development for California Corrections, Katie Hagen. We have changed the location venue to the Upper Danner Hall at 1pm -2:30pm.

So if you have not joined the SNA yet please do so. You apply on-line for instant membership into the National Student Nurses’ Association - NSNA at http://www.nsna.org. Take advantage of the many program rewards, services, benefits, scholarship, and letters of recommendation, product discounts, and most importantly leadership opportunities into being an NSNA member. So I encourage you all to join, plus it looks really good on your resume when applying for jobs. Once you have joined please print out membership ID number and e-mail a copy to our sectary Anna Gonzales at agonzales33@comcast.net and please include your delta student Id number also. We will see you all there!

"One of the essential qualities of the clinician is interest in humanity, for the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient."
-Frances Weld Peabody

"Nurses are the heartbeat of health care."
-Unknown

SNA next meeting is Feb 22nd

Hello everyone,

I want to encourage you all to come out to our next Student Nursing Association (SNA) meeting, Monday February 22nd at 1:00pm to 2:30pm in Lock- 118 (skills lab). We're excited to have the Deputy Director for Workforce Development for California Corrections, Katie Hagen be our guest speaker. She will be discussing about the different job opportunities in correctional health care. Katie Hagen is the one who is in charge of recruiting for all health care positions in California Corrections. With all the talk about building the New State Correctional Health Hospital Facility here in Stockton off of Arch Rd. this would be a great opportunity to come by and say hello and ask about any burning questions that you might have about jobs in correctional health. Our Dean Hazel Hill, Delta College's Dean for Workforce and Economic Development will also be present at the upcoming meeting too.

So I would highly encourage you all who might be interested in hearing about future nursing opportunities in the Stockton area to come on by. Remember that lunch is served on us so please stop in and say hello. We will also be raffle off some prizes in the chance to win a free SNA gear. So stick around to the end to see who win’s. See you all there! If you have any question please free to e-mail me at agonzales33@comcast.net.

February Student Nurses Association Meeting Minutes up on the SNA blog website http://sjdcsna.blogspot.com/ . Please check them out.

SNA meeting is on Feb 1, 2010

Come to the next SNA Meeting
Monday Febrruary 1st
1:00pm to 2:30pm in Locke-229



Tomorrow is our 1st SNA meeting: Topics / Speaker are Ginger Manss from St. Joe's is coming to talk to us about National Student Nurses Association, Kaplan and PDA party (Nursing Software and show you how to use it your PDA) with Mr. Meza. Location: Lock -229 (Skills Lab) @ 1pm. Come on by and say Hello and get some free Pizza before Pharmacology.

NCLEX-RN Exam now getting harder to pass!

The NCSBN Board of Directors voted to raise the passing standard for the NCLEX-RN Examination at its meeting on Dec. 10, 2009.

https://www.ncsbn.org/1983.htm

January Meeting Minutes

I just posted the January Student Nurses Association Meeting Minutes up on the SNA blog website http://sjdcsna.blogspot.com/ . Please check them out.

RN Lobby Days in Sacramento

The Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Services at San Joaquin Delta College sent out a e-mail to inform all of us that the 2010-11 San Joaquin Delta College scholarship applications are now available.

If you are interested, please visit the Scholarship Website http://www.deltacollege.edu/dept/finaid/scholarships/index.html for more details. Scholarship application and supporting documents must be received no later than March 2, 2010 - 5:00 p.m. at the DeRicco Building Information Desk.

Should you have any further questions concerning applying for scholarships, please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@deltacollege.edu.
(These was the original e-mail sent to our SJDC e-mail account)

Wait no more... Let us help you show off your School Spirit

We are happy to inform you that the shipment of jackets has finally arrived, just in time for the winter season. Carry your school spirit with you all the time. We are excited to have them in all sorts of sizes and colors. Please stop by and check out the new SNA jackets and show your school pride. You are welcome to stop by the Nursing Office to visit Judy or Julie to make a purchase or attend a SNA meeting.

Happy New Year!

" Live your life while you have it. Life is a splendid gift; there is nothing small about it. " - Florence Nightingale

" God took one pair of angel wings, one halo heart of gold. Two eyes that held compassion for others, young or old. Two hands to offer kindness, always putting others first. . . He wrapped it up with tender care and called this gift a 'Nurse.' " -Unknown