Samuel Merritt ABSN Summer 2013

r.das · Apr 15, 2013

yedwards42, could you please pm with a link to the facebook page? I'm having difficulty finding it

hi yedwards42 and lolabean89,

i can't find the facebook group page either, no matter what i typed. could you please send me a direct link too? thanks so much!

yedwards42, BSN, MSN · Apr 15, 2013

Hi rdas, and lolabean, I will send you a PM here (check your inbox folder) with the FB link as I can't post it here. I'm not sure why you are having trouble finding the FB page - as others are finding it. There are a lot of SMU groups though - again ours is Samuel Merritt University - ABSN Oakland - Class of 2014

Thank you. Look forward to hooking up with you guys soon on FB.

kmcf · Apr 18, 2013

yedwards42, I'm having trouble finding it too. I've tried every which way to find it. Would you mind messaging me the link? Thanks!!!

vhd13 · Apr 20, 2013

Thanks for the words of encouragement and comfort guys! Still waiting ...

Good luck to those who start on Monday!! :up:

yedwards42, BSN, MSN · Apr 23, 2013

Hi kmcf - Sure, I sent you a PM - check your inbox. See you on Facebook!

biscuit1987 · Apr 24, 2013

Hi Everyone!!! I'm so happy to hear about all the acceptances. I am in the April cohort..just finished the second day of classes today. Please feel free to ask questions! Overall, the orientation does well to let you know all the things you have to do before the start of classes. The amount of to-do items may seem overwhelming though. Just keep pushing through. Good luck to you all =)

yedwards42, BSN, MSN · Apr 24, 2013

Hi Biscuit!

Thanks for checking in with us. How were your first two days? Is everyone excited and already digging in? By the way, if you see "Nisha" please tell her yedwards says "hello". I met her a few months ago; she's a nice gal and in your cohort. Check back in and share as you want. :)

biscuit1987 · Apr 24, 2013

Hi Biscuit!
Thanks for checking in with us. How were your first two days? Is everyone excited and already digging in? By the way, if you see "Nisha" please tell her yedwards says "hello". I met her a few months ago; she's a nice gal and in your cohort. Check back in and share as you want. :)

They were okay. I'm sorry I can't say they were great! I wish they were. But of course, the beginning of anything can be overwhelming and make one feel lost. Many of my classmates feel this way. I think once we get the schedules down and really get into the groove of things, it'll get better. We'll probably still feel overwhelmed but in a different, more productive way.

One thing I really like is that everyone is so VERY friendly. What else would you expect from a group of future nurses!

One thing to note, if you didn't know already, the classes are broken down into 5 week sessions (at least the classes we have been assigned so far are--others in my cohort have told me the rest of the program is the same). To put it into perspective: We have a test next Monday, which is our third class session and second week of class. Something to think about and prepare for...

(And I'll be sure to mention you to Nisha once I meet her. Still getting to know the others)

vhd13 · Apr 24, 2013

I am officially off the wait list and into San Mateo's June cohort! :yes: Can someone please link me to the FB group? Can't wait to meet everyone at orientation!

yedwards42, BSN, MSN · Apr 25, 2013

Hi Biscuit,

I'm sorry the first few days have been a little bumpy/overwhelming. This is understandable, as it's a one year accelerated program. I hear the first six months are tough: weekly tests, laboratory classes, and clinicals in term 2 and beyond. I've connected with a few ABSN folks graduating Oakland in May - they said prepare to dive in, work hard and prioritize/manage your time. I think our classes are identical in Oakland (and five week terms) though the days/times a little different. Like you said, your classmates are friendly and supportive, and this will be very helpful through the program with the "peaks" and "valleys". Within a short time, things will fall into place and things will seem a little more manageable.

I've been to SMateo and love the fact it's right off the freeway and free parking! At Oakland, the parking is a little crazy (garage) and classes are not in one location. Oakland's facility is really nice though.

Good luck on your upcoming test and classes. Check in with us anytime!

biscuit1987 · Apr 27, 2013

Hi Biscuit,
I'm sorry the first few days have been a little bumpy/overwhelming. This is understandable, as it's a one year accelerated program. I hear the first six months are tough: weekly tests, laboratory classes, and clinicals in term 2 and beyond. I've connected with a few ABSN folks graduating Oakland in May - they said prepare to dive in, work hard and prioritize/manage your time. I think our classes are identical in Oakland (and five week terms) though the days/times a little different. Like you said, your classmates are friendly and supportive, and this will be very helpful through the program with the "peaks" and "valleys". Within a short time, things will fall into place and things will seem a little more manageable.
I've been to SMateo and love the fact it's right off the freeway and free parking! At Oakland, the parking is a little crazy (garage) and classes are not in one location. Oakland's facility is really nice though.
Good luck on your upcoming test and classes. Check in with us anytime!

yedwards42 - You are going to be one fantastic nurse. Your response was so articulate and heartfelt =) Got through week 1 and even the instructors told our class that they can tell the difference in us already. We were much calmer yesterday than Monday. Hah!!! Getting a schedule down is key! I wish you all the luck in your program. Let me know how you like it!

yedwards42, BSN, MSN · Apr 28, 2013

Hi Biscuit,

Thank you for your kind compliment! I can see your honesty, dedication and compassion in your posts - I know you will do very well in the program and as a nurse!

When you feel overwhelmed, scared or doubt yourself say some positive affirmations (or things to make you laugh or smile :) ) Go for a walk or perform an activity that will relax/distract you from the chaos (and refresh your mind/body). Regarding starting SMU - know other classmates are likely feeling the same way! Use your classmates, your family, friends and this forum for support. As for me, I'm feeling some emotions starting SMU next month; I'm very excited though a bit nervous and scared!

I'm cheering for you! I know you will do well on your test this week, and in the weeks ahead. Keep us posted on your progress, and feel free to PM me anytime to chat. I will definitely let you know how it goes when I start SMU on 5/28 (orientation is 5/9 and 5/10). Chat soon.