GCU Summer 2012 - Page 4

Is it sad my "vacation" will probably be working for college and studying to ensure I don't get left behind in the program?! haha! A mentor sounds awesome; are they just nursing students from higher levels?

I have a Littmann Classic II S. E. It's a really decent one but I am still having a hard time hearing clearly.. so I may go up to master cardiology. The only problem is that a stethoscope can sometimes grow legs and walk away when you least expect it to. Our classmate lost his Littmann last week at Mayo.. so you just never know! Don't leave it out unless you are wearing it or put it back in your bag. Doctors are notorious for 'borrowing' it and walking away without even realize he borrowed it from someone.

So...keep it attached to us at all times! How much did yours end up costing? and where did you get yorus?

I bought my Littmann a few years back somewhere between $45-50 on ebay.

Stoofanie, I bought all my books from amazon, and yes the first level is the most expensive because you do buy these reference books in addition to your textbooks. When you get your book list, let me know which edition they are - my books are all in maticulous condition and I will be happy to part with some that we will no longer need. I can ask my classmates if they want to part with theirs as well if you like.. so just PM me when you get your book list.

As for a mentor program, they are students from a cohort or two ahead of you that can hold your hand and walk you through the hoops sort of speak. Some mentors are more involved than others but I think it's been really helpful for me to have someone you can talk to that has been through what you are going through. Plus, my mentor has been super encouraging and that is something you will need a lot of especially during your first level.

I would like to get the Master Cardiology stethoscope. It's so expensive though. Not to mention, I will be SOOO upset if it just "walks off"! Who knows....maybe someone in my family will be nice and get me one as a gift :-)

That's great! I will DEFINITELY look into getting a mentor!

It's so awesome to have someone post on here who knows what were going through right now! Thanks

Lizzyru - Do you work? If so, is it full-time? I am a little nervous because right now I HAVE TO work full-time. In the future (as the program progresses), I might be able to go part-time or PRN. Unfortunately right now, that's not an option. I am trying to get feedback from people working full-time in GCU's program. I know it makes things hard, but I wanted to know if it was "doable" (while maintaining a decent grade).

johnnyarei,
I cut my hours down from 40hrs to 30 hrs. after a few months then I officially became a PRN status doing 10 hours/week. That was my personal decision but there are a few students who have managed to keep the high GPA and still work full time. The major problem/inconvenience has been getting clinical spot on weekends. We will have to probably do peds on Friday rather than weekends which will make it hard for some of us having to work with our employers and pray they can give us some flexibility. A lot of us have cut down on the hours at work in hopes to keep our GPA up for scholarships and for honor society invitation. You are the best judge of your own limits. For me more than anything else, I needed a few more hours of sleep so I can think straight. Going to bed at 1:30am then getting up at 4 am to go to work every day was just not an option in the long run.