CSN pre-req. question

bluebirdlv- you are off to a good start because you have already taken your first class, which is the hardest thing to do when you start back to school after a number of years. Trust me I know...I started back when I was 26 and just got accepted into the nursing program starting this Fall. Granted I had already completed over 2 years of college, I had a period of about 5 years with no school because I was in the Marine Corps. Also, most of my credits that transferred were either too old, or didn't count towards nursing, so I had to take all my science classes over again.

Fortunately, and unfortunately Biol 251 (Micro) doesn't require Biol 223 (A&P I) like I (and I am sure most of the staff) believe it should! Having taken Biol 223 prior to Biol 251 was a huge advantage for me, although Biol 251 isn't all that difficult. The advantage was that I hardly had to study as much of the information because it was like review to me, and lab was really easy and enjoyable.

Sounds like you are able to take classes full time, which should be a great advantage, as I have been taking them one or two classes per semester the past 3 years. I can't say which route is more difficult but I can tell you both are challenging. The information listed above this post can be used wisely, as mia70 I believe stated, take your TEAS test early. I would suggest taking your math and biology (even if it is basic biol) first because that information will help greatly. However, as she suggested, there will be much less stress knowing you don't HAVE to do well that first time. Plus you will get experience knowing what it feels like preparing for that type of test and it will help you relax knowing it really isn't that difficult.

If you do get to come to the NSNA meeting on the 14th, hopefully you will meet one or all of us. I know that one of the others that posted a response to this thread said that she is a Biol tutor, and I took 196 at CSN and almost got 100 percent for my final grade, so I would be happy to help out if possible with understanding more difficult concepts. Though, I am sure the starter class will do the same for you.

As previously stated, stay motivated because the time will fly by (whether you do it now or not). Good luck!

Oh. The only pre-req for Micro 251 is Bio 189. I am not sure as I took HHP 123 (summer 2005) which is a basic a&p class- required for paramedic medicine--- prior to Bio 189 (summer 2009). I also retained -0- of my high school biology and I never took chemistry! (I am 10 years older than you) Bio 95 description says it prepares you for freshman bio but I never took it. I have heard that many people repeat bio 189; I can only imagine it is because they do not study. If you feel insecure with biology then I am sure you made the right choice.
Buy a digital micro recorder- listen to the lecture again that evening and review your notes- you will be surprized at how much info you missed during class! Take notes in multiple colors- this works with both sides of your brain; the left and the right will be engaged causing you to remember more information. Do the CD actiivities pertaining to the chapter you are learning about-- you know, the CD that comes in the back of the book that most people never even look at?! Then make flash cards. Carry them in your back pocket, purse, car, checkbook, etc.... memorize them 5-10 at a time in line at the bank, store, school, everywhere. You will have a 4.0 GPA!
Unfortunately, you will be set back a whole semester for not taking Biol 189 right now. Have you taken speech? Are you taking History 101 & 102 or PSC 101? You can take those with Bio 189. Take all the required classes and the TEAS test- allowed only every 6 months. If you end up in 223 in the summer, do not take anything else with it. That will be really hard. Then you can take 224 and 251 in the fall and be all set. APPLY early and often once you are done with the required classes. Good luck.

wow! 100%! That is so hot! Will you help me too when I take 196???? PLLLEEEEAAASSSEEEE????!!!!

Definitely take Biol 189 asap because you need 4 biologies total. Especially if you work full time you won't be able to take two biologies at once. I took all my other pre-reqs online or in the summer and short term classes. Such as Math 100B, Soc 101, and Political science. That way i could work and take two classes at once. It saved more time. The only thing i had left was all the biology classes. It took 2 years for me to do it because i had to take only one at a time. So its good to take it as soon as you can.

I knew that not getting into 189 this fall would set me back, but I didn't even apply to CSN until May 09 so I'm not sure I would have even been able to find an open class. I plan to take 189 in the spring along with Psc and Com. Do you guys know if they offer any classes for winter break? If so I'd try to take Com then. I'm not sure how I'll work out the last three classes yet. I don't mind doubling up at CSN and NSC if I can.

Thats a great tip about the recorder and flash cards. I already take notes in different colors, it does really help. I'm not sure if I'm crazy trying to take all of these classes. I work 36 hours a week but my schedule isn't bad. I work weekends and two weeknights. It leaves me pretty open for time to study.

I bought the study guide for the TEAS test, I haven't really cracked it open yet though. I do want to take it soon so I can leave enough time for a re-take if needed.

I am not sure that speech is a required class. Focus on the required classes first. when they are done, you can start applying. There is no cost to apply. That is one of the only free things I have found so far in the program. You wont need the book for the TEAS test. Return it for your money back. You need to take the test to see what subject, if any, you have a weakness in and then focus on that subject.
Above all, realize it is very competitive. Do not let other people discourage you with their GPA, done classes, or scores. They are usually the ones who do not pass the TEAS! lol. Get your self a group of study friends and compare notes.
I started the pre-reqs in summer 08 with the a group of people I did not know; I made good friends along the way-- but I was the only one who applied to the program so I was the only one who got in! It made me sad & I am starting out on my own again. I miss them already. I am hopefull that they will be in the class right behind me and I will see them in passing regularly. Study partners are so important in an extremely competitive group of women with only a very few men. They keep you sane, on track, focused, and help you to laugh at yourself when you become to serious.

That is too funny. I will gladly help you with 196, but what are you taking it for? The only reason I took it was because I was considering going to medical school when I first started back.

Did you take the nursing toolbox class? If so what time did you have it?

For the same reason of course. And, it does not hurt to have that extra knowledge even if I do not go to medical school. I cannot go until my kids finish high school.
Nooooo I did not take the toolbox class. No time. I would have. Maybe.
I have no prob with math, just math word problems. I can look at a vial and draw up the right dosage for the weight of a pt without thinking about it for more than a few seconds. I LOVE algebra. I hate word problems.
Did you take the toolbox class? Anything I should know?

Yes, I went. I think the math was really helpful, however if you are good at math I am sure you would have found it very easy. They were ALL word problems though...I must warn you! I haven't taken the required math since 2000, so it had been a while for me. We did go over how to write a nursing diagnosis, goals, interventions, and evaluations. Basically all the stuff you need to know to write a care plan, but broken down into pieces. Plus tips for Nurs 101 on how to prepare and what to expect...

I think it was worth it, but I wasn't doing anything better so...

What block did you get for this semester? Are you full or part time?

The 15 min speech at the begining of class on friday was worth the $100 by itself!!