Maricopa skills or Southwest skills center??

[sassiebaz]

I have been accepted into both of these LPN programs. There isn't much difference other than drivng distance for me. One starts in Oct. and the other in Nov. One requires a $2K deposit. So, does anyone have any insight or experience at these particular schools? Thanks!!

[anurseatlast]

If you don't already know medical terminology, studying that (even on your own - you don't have to take a class) will help when you start nursing school - one less thing you have to learn then and easy to learn on your own.

[SNIXRN]

Read this book: How to Survive and Maybe Even Love Nursing School

Also, my advice is make sure you study at least everyday once you're in the program. Even if it's just 30 mins... otherwise, you can fall behind easily.

I have taken Pathophysiology and for a while, felt it gave me one up on others, however you don't always remember stuff : ) and you get a pretty good understanding of it in your books. If anything, learn how to really critically think...

Start thinking like a nurse... ask yourself, "how will this effect the patient?" "If I don't do this, how will it effect the patient?" know why you do things, and if you don't know... ask! Also, one thing my teacher is persistent on is understanding patient's diets - although we are not dietitians, we still need to know what renal or diabetic patients can or cannot have, etc.

Good luck!

[kf_az82]

AZSamantha,

I understand what you are saying and where you are coming from, but try to put yourself in her shoes. If I were an older student, I might feel awkward surrounded by 18,19 year olds only because I would feel I would have nothing to relate to them or in common with them, other than a passion to want to be a nurse. Everyone is going to be at different phases in their life, but that does not mean she would not make an excellent nurse, she just has a different learning style. I actually learn better in a classroom setting but everyone is different. In a patient setting, the dynamics of a nurse to patient are also different; you have to have compassion for everyone, young and old. Just because she would rather take online classes does not have any reflection on the type of nurse she would make nor would it mean she would be discriminatory to those dissimilar to her. Best of luck to both of you and congrats AZsamantha on graduation in a few months.

[HJS27]

The two things that will make or break you in nursing school are pathophysiology and NCLEX style questions. Get a good pathophys book and just read...in the tub, on the toilet, before bed, etc. I like, Understanding Pathophysiology by Huether and McCance, but honestly any pathophys book you can get your hands on will do. They are expensive, but will be a resource for you for years to come. Also, you need to get at least one NCLEX review book, I prefer, Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX. Start by really reading over the information on how to interpret the questions, don't just start working on the questions...half the battle is figuring out WHAT the question is actually asking. Don't worry that you don't know all the material yet, doing NCLEX questions still helps.

Definitely get yourself organized, time management is essential once you are in the program. Use this time to figure out how you learn best...flash cards, creating your own questions/answers from the material, reading aloud to yourself (recording and listening over & over), pictures and diagrams, creating chapter outlines, etc. Do an internet search on learning styles, and figure yours out. You may have gotten all A's on your pre-reqs doing no reading/studying and cramming the night before a test that will not work during the nursing program.

Don't waste your precious time reviewing microbiology or anatomy. However, a firm foundation in normal physiology is vital, and any pathophysiology knowledge is invaluable. Medical terminology is nice to know, but that will come along naturally during the nursing program...it won't help you nearly as much as the pathophys will.

Best of luck!

[Bogeyboy]

Thanks everyone for all the comments. I really do appreciate these great suggestions :) !! Looking forward to the Fall and do want to begin well prepared.

[Servingshots]

read this book: how to survive and maybe even love nursing school

i was actually looking to get this book once i get my acceptance...its pretty pricy for a teeny book. can you tell me what you liked best about this book? the ultimate guide to accepted into nursing school and a little less than half is dedicated to what to do once you are accepted into the program so i just want to compare what the difference is. so if you can just highlight what was most helpful to you about this book i would greatly appreciate it :)

[bl3sed_w_angels]

I will be starting chm 130 rio online in a few weeks and i wanted to know the initials of any teacher that you could suggest i did look up the initials CH but that class started in january. Any help will be greatly appreciated.:)

[Prettypinkbubbles]

You may also want to look into the Gateway Community College part time evening program. It's only offered in the spring placement, but it schedules classes in the evenings, and clinicals on the weekends. I work full time, and have young children at home, and this program is working out perfect!! Good luck!!

[sai191]

Can I know the exact name of the study guide and how many pages does it have? and the ISBN number

[HJS27]

According to the 2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (the survey is conducted every 4 years), the average age of nursing program graduates is currently 32.5, and this average is increasing every year - indicating that more and more students are entering the field after having pursued another career.

Source:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration. (2004, March). The registered nurse: National sample survey of registered nurses [Online]. Retrieved from ftp://ftp.hrsa.gov/bhpr/nursing/rnpopulation/theregisterednursepopulation.pdf on June 24, 2007.

[HJS27]

http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/rnsurvey/

[rawlee58]

I graduated from the NAU Distance BSN Program in Tucson and had a great experience; one that I heard was even better than my friends had at UA. I'd strongly reccommend looking into it!