Any UMDNJ Nursing Students or Hopefuls?

Hi:

I'm reposting this thread in here as I didn't get any responses in the "Pre-Nursing" forum.

I've been searching the threads, but noticed I haven't seen any on UMDNJ (University of Medicine Dentistry of NJ) students or hopefuls. I plan to apply for the Fall 2010 Accelerated Nursing program and wanted to know if there are any around here who are either planning to apply to the school or have already started taking their nursing classes at the college.

If you are already fully fledged into their nursing program, how's the experience at the college? Any advice would be great.

Thanks.

HI!

I am a recent UMDNJ Accelerated BSN Graduate (Sept 09) and I totally loved the program. It was quick yet difficult, but it all depends on you and your support system. You could be the smartest person in the world, but if you don't have any support (financially and emotionally), it is pretty ahard to get through the program.

The first semester was tough because it was all about getting use the how the instructors teach and test you and getting up to speed with the fast pace. It is like once you learn something it was out of the door after the exam.

Second semester is even harder because you take an 8 credit med/surg course. That is where you really learn how to be an RN. If you could get past second semester, to me, the rest of the program is a breeze.

If you do get into the program, try to make 2 or 3 close friends. It is easier like that so you can ave study partners. Most of the instructors give a "blueprint" (which is a sheet of all the topics that will be on the exams, not all instructors do this however) and if you have 2-3 close classmates you could split the topics and shared what you studied with eachother.

Now when you study, I think it is best if you follow these guidelines:

1.) study off the powerpoint first
2.) take the powerpoint and go back to the book and read
3.) use any other materials (nclex books, ati books (they give you this at the beginning of the program), to help you understand better
4.) Now take your ppt, books, and referencs, and re-type the powerpoint with the added info you learned from the text book, class hand outs, etc.
5.) now study this sheet for the exam
6.) when you need a visual aid....definitly use youtube
7.) make use of study groups, office hrs, and CAS (tutoring provided by the school of nursing)

I passed the program with a 3.5 using this method, and I worked as a CNA on the side. The school of nursing however urges their student not to work full time You wont be able. I only worked 2 weekends a month. But do it if you could handle it. If not, dont even bother working. Just take out alternative loans to pay for your bills for the 15 months.

I just recently found out I got hired at a local hospital. I am so excited to start!

Hope this helps