questions looming ahead

mgalano, ASN, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2011

Hi! I was in your position last year, I had just got accepted into Flanagan Day starting January 2011, I was super nervous! I will try to answer some of the questions you have.

1. How close to January would the orientation be? I got my official acceptance letter on December 8th.. so I believe it was sometime in December.

2. Do you get any electives while a student in the program? I was thinking of taking some additional psychology or chemistry courses. They do not require you to take any electives. Nursing 1010 is 10 credits, so you could take another course but I would HIGHLY advise you NOT TO. As you need and should devote your whole time to Nursing to ensure you do the best that you can. But if you are persistent and you must take one, I would not do a chem or a bio, a psych maybe. And it would most likely need to be an online class if you wanted it to work.

3. Given that nursing 1010 is 10 or 12 credits, I wonder if I could fit a psychology course in there, or am I being unrealistic? Lol I think I answered that. Yes it is a 10 credit course. But during the orientation they will tell you that if you can, don't work. It should not be a part time class when they are telling you that you shouldnt even work. If you NEEDED to take a course (which you don't because you should have already taken all the ones that are required) then yes you could probably do it, but why put that extra pressure during you FIRST semester of nursing school?

4. The topic of "lateral or horizontal violence" comes to mind. I was reading an article regarding the subject. I was given to believe that the term refers to nursing instructors bullying and verbally students as well as that sort of thing going on within the profession itself. How prevalent is that and how do I survive it, if it is an issue? There are some instructors that can be pretty tough, but you can't go cry about it. You need to take it and it will make you stronger. Obviously if it is something serious it should be reported but most of the time they are doing it to HELP you. If a professor babys you where are you going to get in life? Personally I like having a tough one, it gets you ready for the real world.

5. I was told by a recent graduate that her class started out as 60 students and just 12 ended up graduating with her after the two years. Do I have something to worry about in terms of being thick-skinned enough. I'm garnering my toughness as we speak. From Nursing I to II i think we lost about 5 people, and those 5 spots were taken by people who had failed II and were now retaking it. You don't know how you will be if you don't try! I wouldn't be worried about it, make some good friends and stick with them. It will help a lot.

6. Would it be advisable to review dosages beforehand? It wouldn't hurt, but they have a lot of dosage review before the actual math test. I didn't review a thing beforehand because they only want you to know certain things, its not worth it to look through your whole book.

7. What would your most important bit of wisdom or advice be for survival in the program and indeed in the profession? The test questions in 1010 come strictly from the Taylor book (the huge thick one) So my advice would be know THAT BOOK inside and out and follor the readings listed.

Hope all that helps and good luck!

bigeyes4 · Oct 7, 2011

Thank you so much for your very helpful answers. I feel a lot better - less in the dark. I will take your advice. I am a non-traditional student (aka - not 18) so this will be a life-changing experience which I welcome. I will not go crazy memorizing my dosages book, then. As far as the Taylor text is concerned, I was able to get a copy out of the Knight Campus libray. I'm reading through it now. Familiarization with it should help me. I chose to have fun this semester - the semester before the start of the program. I am taking applied music violin lessons (I've been playing since I was 9, but could use some polish), theory and ear training, and playing in a chamber music group. All that goes to H ___ next semester. It's worth the sacrifice. My foundation is there. I can always get it back.

Again, Thanks for the helpful hints.

mgalano, ASN, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2011

If you were to take an extra class I would recommend Physical Assessment with Rajotte I have heard its really helpful!

bigeyes4 · Oct 7, 2011

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into it.

JIMMYP1224 · Oct 11, 2011

Congrats I too have been conditionally accepted to Flanagan been searching web to see when people would start chatting about acceptance. Good news!!!

bigeyes4 · Oct 11, 2011

Thanks for posting! How many times did you have to apply before you got your acceptance? twice for me - It could have been worse. If I get an official letter or hear anything regarding orientation, I'll let you know.

Congrats!

atracy · Oct 11, 2011

I have been accepted into the lincoln day program for January too! If you guys hear anything please let me know!

bigeyes4 · Oct 11, 2011

will do! I'm glad to start making connections here for the Spring. I will certainly post anything that I find out. and you will do likewise?

This is going to be an adventure. I'm excited!

JIMMYP1224 · Oct 12, 2011

I applied twice, once during summer for fall, and then aug for spring, got lucky I guess from what I have been reading. Anyway good to hear from others in program keep you posted if I hear any more.

bigeyes4 · Oct 12, 2011

I did the same. - once in June and then in August, at which time, I was accepted. I feel very lucky too. I was so down on myself after the first rejection and was certain it would never happen. I thought it was age discrimination since I am a midlife student. But believe it or not, here we are! Starting next application period, they are going to use a point system instead of relying only on GPAs. The point system is on the website if you're interested. At least we were spared the era of the waiting list!

JIMMYP1224 · Oct 12, 2011

I was surprised, because I was told decisions would be in nov