El Paso Community College Nursing Student

medgirlRN · Jul 2, 2009

Hi,

I completed my first semester at EPCC for the RN program....and I survived!

I knew it was going to be hard and a whole lot different from other classes I'm used to but I quickly learned how to study for nursing classes and learn critical thinking. I also learned that if you don't grasp this concept quickly in the 1st semester you will struggle with the material.

Good job on completing AP1&2. With Micro I highly recommend **** ******. She makes the material easy to learn, and I enjoyed her class. Her personality is interesting and when you take her class you will understand what I mean.

For Pharm, I had ***** ****. She is also a clinical instructor. She's very set in her ways but teaches very well. There is another instructor at the Rio Grande campus that makes you learn every detail of many many drugs. I cannot remember their name. I would recommend someone like that. It may not sound like fun, but believe me, when you are taking your nursing classes and they quiz you on medications you will be grateful you had a teacher that taught you which medications are which. Also, ***** ********* is awesome! She's the nurse practictioner at Rio Grande, and also teaches clinicals and pharm. She has a fantastic way of teaching that really sticks to you, you enjoy learning what she teaches, and does what she can to help you understand the material.

Good luck on your journey. I know it took me a while to get in and I am so happy to be here! Do not fall behind on your studies and be prepared to dedicate your time to studying! Take every opportunity to have extra study time, practice (especially the practice), and ask for help when you need it. I saw so many people not make it to the next semester.

I was offered incredible advice that not only gave me confidence in what I was doing, but gave me a clear vision of my path and improved my grades:

The three things that make a successful nurse are:

1) Time mangement - manage your time wisely

2) Set your priorities - know which comes first

3) Organization - organize materials needed for each task

These three rules can be applied to studying for nursing, studying while in nursing school, and working as a nurse.

Good luck!

ETovar · Jul 4, 2009

I heard ******is really good but unfortunately she's only teaching day classes and I need either weekend or night classes. I'm taking Micro with ****** at the Rio Grande campus. I heard she's good, so I should do fine. I also heard that **** is a good teacher, so hopefully I'll sign up for her class. Congrats on making it through your 1st semester of nursing school. I have a friend who's in the nursing program at EPCC and she said a couple of students dropped out. I know once I get accepted I really have to focus and have good organizational skills like you mentioned. I'm nervous but excited at the same time. I just want to get in already!!! Also, I'm stressing about getting accepted. There's so much competition right now to get in. I just need to get an A in Micro so I should be fine. Anyway, thank you for responding, it really helped me out.

EllasBella · Jul 5, 2009

Hello Ernesto, just wondering what teachers you took for AP1 & 2? I was supposed to take AP1 July summer session but i dropped it and opted to take it in the fall instead...it will delay me more than i anticipated but i just finished Biology 1406 in June summer session and it was super super intense im sure the rest of courses are from here on out are far more difficult than i imagine. i didn't want to risk not getting an A in AP1. I am too very stressed about ranking, it is indeed very competative now so i hear...im still missing pharm, 2 psychologies, micro and Ap1&2 i am very much behind...i will get there eventually...

ETovar · Jul 6, 2009

Hello ellasbella, I took Ms. ****** for both AP I & II. I got A's in both. Although some students said she was tough, I learned a lot from her. What I liked about her is that she gave us a study guide for each exam, so we knew more or less what to expect. The exams consists of 50 multiple choice and 2 essays. Also, we had 3 lab exams. In both AP's you have to read the chapters. If you don't understand it the first time, read it again. I read each chapter at least two times and I took notes while I read, that helped me a lot. If you don't take it with ****** I heard Ms. ***** is awesome for AP II. Try to get A's in all the ranking classes (AP I/II, and Micro). So in a way its good you didn't take AP I in the summer. For PSYC Human Growth & Development take it with Ms. *******, she's good. It's an interesting class.

It's so competitive right now to get accepted into the program. My friend applied last month and didn't get accepted. There was 300 students who applied and they only accept 60. She got B's in all her ranking classes, so that's why it important to get all A's. Anyway, I hope this helped. Good luck.

epnursingstudent · Jan 11, 2010

Hi. Is anyone here attending nursing school at El Paso Community College? I will be starting my first semester in January and am very excited! I've already purchased many of the text books and wanted to know if anyone else has? Any concerns or comments about attending the program? I'd love to hear from you!
Happy New Year!

Hi,

I'm currently attending the nursing program here in el paso, but I'm at UTEP. I have seen the EPCC nursing students at the hospital and the only difference is the way we chart...so good luck at community. Your ganna enjoy it...you probably heard from now that it's real hard but if you learn how to manage your personal schedule with your school schedule you will be fine. I graduate this year and all I have to say is sleep while you can , cuz some days your ganna be super tired, but your ganna love it. Maybe I'll see you next semester when you go to the hospitals...Congrats on getting accepted and good luck!

andrew01 · Jan 17, 2010

Hey there,

I just graduated from EPCC nursing program this december. Congrats on getting accepted, it will be a long and hard road ahead of you but it will also be a fun and worthwhile one that will give you an experience you cant find anywhere else. Good luck and if you need help drop me a line!!

-Andrew:up:

medgirlRN · Jan 18, 2010

Hey there,
I just graduated from EPCC nursing program this december. Congrats on getting accepted, it will be a long and hard road ahead of you but it will also be a fun and worthwhile one that will give you an experience you cant find anywhere else. Good luck and if you need help drop me a line!!
-Andrew:up:

Congrats!!! What an accomplishment! I'm half-way through and am both nervous and excited about graduating. Two more semesters to go and I'll be there!

EllasBella · Mar 4, 2010

Hello ellasbella, I took Ms. ***** for both AP I & II. I got A's in both. Although some students said she was tough, I learned a lot from her. What I liked about her is that she gave us a study guide for each exam, so we knew more or less what to expect. The exams consists of 50 multiple choice and 2 essays. Also, we had 3 lab exams. In both AP's you have to read the chapters. If you don't understand it the first time, read it again. I read each chapter at least two times and I took notes while I read, that helped me a lot. If you don't take it with ****** I heard Ms. **** is awesome for AP II. Try to get A's in all the ranking classes (AP I/II, and Micro). So in a way its good you didn't take AP I in the summer. For PSYC Human Growth & Development take it with Ms. ********, she's good. It's an interesting class.
It's so competitive right now to get accepted into the program. My friend applied last month and didn't get accepted. There was 300 students who applied and they only accept 60. She got B's in all her ranking classes, so that's why it important to get all A's. Anyway, I hope this helped. Good luck.

Etovar: hello i haven't been on this in a while has your ranking time come up? im closer to ranking this year...hopefully if all goes well i will rank in Oct and hopefully start in Spring 2011...working on AP I w/Mrs ***** at RG, its challenging but doing good so far, shes really nice, provides notes and handouts.

For those of you who have already made it into the RN program first and foremost, CONGRATS!! :yeah: secondly what can you tell the rest of us about the material, classes, do students get dropped easily, do you have to have As, avg students performance? anything would help just to get an idea of what to expect. Im a little uneasy about being able to tolerate future graphic encounters :eek: ...

if anyone is an RN already practicing in EP feel free to share your experiences as well...im not sure if there are other EP forums in here about these topics or salary or typical day in RNs work day etc...

Anyone know how RN programs compare? UTEP, EPCC or TX Tech? Im trying to stay as much informed as possible!

ETovar · Mar 10, 2010

ellasbella,

Hi! I haven't been on here in awhile either. What do you think of ***** so far? I had her for Micro and did well in the class. I'm taking Pharm right now with ***********. I'm sure you've heard of her, she's the Nurse Practitioner for the clinic in the campus as well as a clinical instructor. She's good. It's getting close to ranking for me. I rank in June to start in the Fall of 2010. I think I have a pretty good chance in getting in the program. It's gone by so fast! Before you know it, it'll be Oct. and you'll be ranking. Good luck in AP I!

Columnist · Mar 11, 2010

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ETovar · Mar 11, 2010

Hey there,
I just graduated from EPCC nursing program this december. Congrats on getting accepted, it will be a long and hard road ahead of you but it will also be a fun and worthwhile one that will give you an experience you cant find anywhere else. Good luck and if you need help drop me a line!!
-Andrew:up:

Hey Andrew,

Congrats on graduating! That's a big accomplishment, can't wait to be in your shoes. I rank in June to begin in the Fall(2010). I'm hearing a lot of horror stories about 1st semester, especially Foundations. Any advice you can give me will be great. Did you work while in the program? Unfortunately, I'm going to be working part-time while in the program. Friends have told me its not impossible, a couple of students work and they do fine. Any tips or advice on the program will be appreciated. Hope to hear from you soon.

E.

Laura Jasso · May 2, 2010

Hi. I am confused too about what to do. I wanted to go to EPCC in the fall but when I went to speak with a counselor, she scared me. I don't know if I can make it. A friend of mine is going to Anamarc to be an LVN first. She said they were really helpful and there were small classes there so they can help you more. I never heard of that school before, has anyone else? Thanks, Laura