CSULB Fall 2012 BSN

CluelessNursingGuy · Jun 9, 2012

I'm sorry you got switched over. There are ALWAYS more people who want to the basic program. I'm shocked that there were more people wanting to do the trimester program this time around.

If you're still set on the basic program, you could always switch later on. More people want to step down to basic than move up to trimester. 2 semesters of nursing and people will be burnt out. Maybe you'll be able to switch right before that summer semester.

CluelessNursingGuy · Jun 9, 2012

Orientation definitely scarred the *(&(*! out of me and definitely put everything into perspective for me.

To those taking summer classes, good luck. Please make time for yourselves and don't stress out too much.

To those who couldn't get into summer classes and are feeling bummed out about this, don't fret. A major pro of taking these classes with the nursing department is that we'll learn SO MUCH MORE and will cover everything the nursing program wants us to know which may not necessarily be true for equivalent CC classes. The more in-depth knowledge of patho and pharm will really help in future nursing classes!

I hope you guys REALLY, REALLY enjoy your summer! We need to all make sure we have a great one! These 2 to 3 years will be hectic and busy...

We need to live it up now!:cheers:

naniinasci · Jun 9, 2012

Hey guys,

Can you all please fill me in on the information given at the second half (after lunch) of orientation? My husband and I (yes, we are both going to nursing school together) had to leave because he wasn't feeling well. Any info about uniforms, class schedule, lab simulation, and others are much appreciated :-)

cali_nature_girl · Jun 9, 2012

Naniinasci,

After lunch we:

-Went over ethics: Nursing is the most trusted professional so live up to that and always have integrity, respect, honesty, etc. People will not always be watching you but you should treat everything you do like they were. Don't cheat because your nursing education is meant to gauge whether or not you are suited to be a professional nurse. That sort of stuff.

-Met with our program directors: It was basically a Q&A. We didn't go over anything specifically. Some recommendations I picked up from my meeting for the basic program - take capstones (there's 3 of them and they must be completed even if you have a BS/BA, but double check with a counselor) in your 4th, 5th, and/or 6th semester; we should find out our nursing schedules in the next 2-3 weeks but they are always subject to change and in future semesters expect them to possibly change up to a week before the semester starts; seriously PLAN your daily schedule hour by hour and be specific about what you plan to do/accomplish (we will go over this in first semester); care plans can take up to 6 hours --> just a heads up; the unit cap at CSULB is 16 units...so basically nothing major

-Uniforms: we tried on uniforms so we can know what sizes to order online; according to a CNSA member you CAN return them if they are the wrong size but it can take a while for that whole process to occur. Refer to the size chart in the orientation packet to decide which sizes to order. I found that it was rather accurate with the sizes I decided to go with based on trying the uniforms on. Also, remember to order 2 sets of tops and pants and 1 lab coat UNLESS you plan to wash your uniform between clinicals occurring in the same week.

Hope this helps!

naniinasci · Jun 9, 2012

Naniinasci,
After lunch we:
-Went over ethics: Nursing is the most trusted professional so live up to that and always have integrity, respect, honesty, etc. People will not always be watching you but you should treat everything you do like they were. Don't cheat because your nursing education is meant to gauge whether or not you are suited to be a professional nurse. That sort of stuff.
-Met with our program directors: It was basically a Q&A. We didn't go over anything specifically. Some recommendations I picked up from my meeting for the basic program - take capstones (there's 3 of them and they must be completed even if you have a BS/BA, but double check with a counselor) in your 4th, 5th, and/or 6th semester; we should find out our nursing schedules in the next 2-3 weeks but they are always subject to change and in future semesters expect them to possibly change up to a week before the semester starts; seriously PLAN your daily schedule hour by hour and be specific about what you plan to do/accomplish (we will go over this in first semester); care plans can take up to 6 hours --> just a heads up; the unit cap at CSULB is 16 units...so basically nothing major
-Uniforms: we tried on uniforms so we can know what sizes to order online; according to a CNSA member you CAN return them if they are the wrong size but it can take a while for that whole process to occur. Refer to the size chart in the orientation packet to decide which sizes to order. I found that it was rather accurate with the sizes I decided to go with based on trying the uniforms on. Also, remember to order 2 sets of tops and pants and 1 lab coat UNLESS you plan to wash your uniform between clinicals occurring in the same week.
Hope this helps!

Thank you so much for the info!! Im in the trimester program but I assume the info about capstones are the same (starting to regret have picked trimester)

Regarding the uniforms, did they say when we need to order them? The ordering form from our packet says 08/31 but I thought that date was wrong since clinics would start on 08/31. Also, what did they say about the shoes? We can get it just anywhere?

Thank you sooo much!!!!

LavenderButterfly · Jun 9, 2012

Thank you so much for the info!! Im in the trimester program but I assume the info about capstones are the same (starting to regret have picked trimester)
Regarding the uniforms, did they say when we need to order them? The ordering form from our packet says 08/31 but I thought that date was wrong since clinics would start on 08/31. Also, what did they say about the shoes? We can get it just anywhere?
Thank you sooo much!!!!

Yeah that uniform date is partially wrong. The previous packet they posted had the correct date. It should say order by 8/31 if clinicals start by 10/31 or something like that. I remember seeing it before. I guess I'd order them soon just to get it out of the way I guess

naniinasci · Jun 9, 2012

Yeah that uniform date is partially wrong. The previous packet they posted had the correct date. It should say order by 8/31 if clinicals start by 10/31 or something like that. I remember seeing it before. I guess I'd order them soon just to get it out of the way I guess

Thank you!!!! That helps!!

CluelessNursingGuy · Jun 9, 2012

If you're already having regrets on your choice whether to do the trimester or semester program, I would ask to switch NOW.

naniinasci · Jun 9, 2012

If you're already having regrets on your choice whether to do the trimester or semester program, I would ask to switch NOW.

I'll be alright. My only worry was the summer shorter section, but according to the CNSA representatives, the first and second semesters are the hardest then it gets easier. My first summer section will be on the third semester... I should be in a good pace by then. Thank you for the advice though.

CluelessNursingGuy · Jun 10, 2012

Oh I didn't mean to single you out, I was just speaking in general. For those regretting their choices, it would make the switch now before they make out schedules.

cali_nature_girl · Jun 11, 2012

So I am a confused about the summer session. Is it one 12 week long session or 2 six week long sessions back to back? Also, does each session count as an actual semester according to our academic plan? I thought I heard someone at orientation say it was 6 weeks which seems super short! When is the Fall 2012 trimester group graduating? May 2014 or August 2014? Sorry for all the questions!

LavenderButterfly · Jun 11, 2012

So I am a confused about the summer session. Is it one 12 week long session or 2 six week long sessions back to back? Also, does each session count as an actual semester according to our academic plan? I thought I heard someone at orientation say it was 6 weeks which seems super short! When is the Fall 2012 trimester group graduating? May 2014 or August 2014? Sorry for all the questions!

From talking to someone that was in trimester. They said its 2 six week sessions back to back. One is critical care and I can't remember the other. Also you'd walk for graduation at the end of spring semester, but you'd have to come back to school and finish your summer semester. I was told they only have a ceremony once a year.