PVAMU Spring 2010

Congrats to both of you for being accepted to the CON !!!! Getting in was the easy part, so I hope you are ready to buckle down and study hard because it definitely won't be easy but you will make it through. I will be graduating in December, but if either of you have any questions about what to expect and how to prepare, feel free to ask me at any time.

Hey PVNurse2009,
I too got excepted into the program and was wanting to know what to expect and how to prepare ahead.

Sorry for taking so long to reply, but my best advice for preparation would be....

1. Find a book on test taking skills because nursing tests are like nothing that you have ever taken before. It is no longer a simple "knowledge" based test. PV loves to make you use application, application, application (that is: how do you apply your knowledge in this situation)
2. It's time to start wrapping up your social life b/c after school starts in the spring it will be totally non-existent. Your best friends will be your books, your notes, and your study groups (which you need to join)
3. If you would like to start reading ahead, my suggestion would be to buy the Health Assessment book (ask your friend for the info b/c they have changed to new books since my 1st semester). This will be your easiest course. The trick to this class is to know what is normal vs. what is abnormal.
4. Lastly and most importantly, please take care of any personal issues that may be going on in your life right now whether it be with family members, boyfriends, friends, etc because you will not have time to concentrate on those things when school starts

Also just be positive and keep an open mind. Don't be afraid to ask some of the older students for help. Everyone is totally understanding of what you will be going through. This is all that I can think of for now. If you need anything, feel free to ask.

Thanks alot PVNurse...

In my opinion it just depends on you and where your priorities are. I have worked a full 40hrs a week while attending full time. It has not been easy and there have been plenty of nights where I have only gotten 2-3 hours of sleep but I was determined to make it through. Every instructor will say that working is impossible to do and it's not. Like i said it depends on you. You have to maintain a balance between work and study. If you do find yourself in a situation where you are failing and not able to keep up, then I would suggest cutting back on your hours. The intensity of your courses will double each semester and quadruple during the 4th semester (lol you will see when you get there...) so if it is hard for you to work and maintain passing grades during this first semester then it would be wise to just become a part time student if you have to financially support yourself...

PVNurse, what to expect during orientation week?

PV NURSE thanx alot.!