NVCC Program Curriculum

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Yesterday I received my acceptance letter into the Momentum 2+1 Program!

First and foremost, YAY! Getting into NVCC's nursing program has been my goal for quite some time, so I'm feeling a great deal of relief in knowing that my focus has changed from becoming a nursing student to becoming a nurse.

So now I have some questions...

-The orientation exam (I think we get ours a little later because we don't start our nursing classes until next May) AND the dosage exams.

What can I use to prepare for these? I picked up the book Math for Meds at the MEC library a few weeks ago, and I've gotten through chapter 6. It covers basic math/the metric system in the early chapters, moving on to drug labels, syringes, and IV drips (how to read them) and then drug dosages themeselves. Does this sound like something that will help me on the orientation exam/dosage exams? I don't like the idea that you can't fail any of the dosage exams, so I want to start preparing now.

-The critical thinking questions

What are these? A few weeks ago, while I was waiting to drop in on a staff member of the nursing program, there was someone sitting across from me who was waiting as well. He asked me if I was in the nursing program and I told him that I was applying. He proceeded to tell me that he failed his first semester of the program and was waiting for re-entry. He told me that the reason he failed was the critical thinking questions, and that I should be worried. He also mentioned that 60% of them failed nvcc's program that semester (I'm not sure how true that is).

-How much reading is there.. really?

I have heard that there is a considerable amount of reading required. How much? Is this doable with a 4 yr old/2 yr old/husband that acts like a 2 yr old..with dinners to cook, baths to give...?

Sorry this is SOOO long. If you can't already tell, I'm a dot your i's and cross your t's kinda gal. I like to plan ahead.

Cilantrophobe

704 Posts

I haven't started the program yet but I'll tell you what I know.

The diagnostic test at orientation was so easy you could have laughed, I am not kidding. And it is not a drug dosage calculations test, it is a really simple basic math skills test. I personally believe that the only people who fail these tests are people who don't take their time, or check their work. In other words, people who don't have the attention to detail that a nurse requires. I am not saying that people that don't pass these tests won't be a good nurse, I am just saying they need to step up the attention to detail, take their time, and check their work. The school offers a tutoring session for IV flow rates, that was hardly helpful, but worth mentioning. The guy actually told is that grams was a measurement of weight...uhh thanks, I think...Do people really get into the nursing program that do not know that? I seriously doubt it.

As far as the critical thinking goes. Pick up any nursing textbook and it will tell you that critical thinking is hard to define. If you haven't done so already read up on what it is because I am not going to try to explain it. However I will tell you this, if you are worried about it, try not to be. It is not as bad as it sounds. I have some NCLEX-RN study materials and once you start reading the reviews and rationales, you'll get it. It really isn't that complicated, and some books provide a good reason why the wrong answers are wrong. The fact is that not everyone is a critical thinker but with time those who aren't can at least train themselves to think like one. Many people will tell you that NCLEX style questions provide at least 2 answers that are right but one is the most right. Well, I have had teachers in the past who have done that sort of thing so I know how frustrating it can be but the more you know your material the better off you are. One of my NAS 162 lab practical questions had 4 right answers, no joke! It sucks, but you'll survive.

I would suggest that you take all of the non-NUR classes before you start the NUR ones, to include the ones for GMU, I think there are only like 2 for GMU. I know you don't start NUR classes till next summer but you should try to get as many of the co-reqs as possible out of the way.

Anyways, congratulations about getting into the program! You are going to hear all sorts of stuff from all sorts of people. I met a girl at the Phi Theta Kappa induction with two kids in full-time daycare and no job, who said the nursing program was really hard. I almost laughed, because you have to have a good GPA to be inducted into PTK, so trust me, everyone will tell you it is hard. The top of the class and the bottom!

Completed the program in may and just recently passed NCLEX. The first math exam is just that a basic math exam!! Ensure u go over many times the math study package. And take ur time, its not a race! people make stupid questions because the dont read the instructions! They dotn round off properly. They put a trailing zero (No 0.750) and forget a proceeding zero (0.75)

Probably less critical thinking in the first semester. More straight forward kind of questions. And one sees the biggest amount of failures/drop outs the 1st semester! Study and u will be fine! Read the req'd reading and understand, memorizing is nice, but if u actually understand the concepts, ur ahead of the game. Study the "boxes" "charts" and tables in the req'd reading, they summarize the content up very well!! As school progresses the questions get a bit more difficult, they give you more info in the question,and you have to pick out what they are asking. If you study, it will go well. make a schedule and go by that and get ur family to help you. I completed al the non-core nursing courses ahead of the program (traditional) so I had plenty of time, not working helped too,lol and my wife was super supportive.

Yes there can be a lot of reading, some weeks more than others, thats why you have to plan! And then u can worry about NCLEX,lol Most of the people i know have passed, but know a few failures as well. Nothing to be ashamed of if ur not successful! Good luck in the program

tcs26

28 Posts

Thanks to both of you! Those answers were really helpful. My plan was to take ALL the co-req non-nursing classes before my nursing classes start but I found out yesterday in my acceptance letter that momentum 2+1 students must take each class in the order that is listed in the brochure AND all classes are given at the medical campus at various times. That alone made me consider applying to the accelerated program in March instead. I'm definitely nervous about taking regular classes along with nursing classes. I really don't see their reason for not allowing students to work ahead.

Cilantrophobe

704 Posts

I would double check on that. I had looked into the 2+1 program at one point but decided not to do it. I had been told, as it says in their brochure and in the information session, that you cannot enter the program with any prior college credit. That is not true at all. I called and spoke with someone directly about it. There is a good chance that you can work at your own pace (as long as you are working ahead and not behind) before you start the NUR portion. Trust me, they want you to succeed, and you will have a much better chance at that if you work ahead. You probably just have to get some sort of approval, but I would suggest not taking no for an answer, or at least trying not to!

FREE BOOKS (u just pay for shipping) For NVCC students

Nursing Today Transition and trends 5th edition by Joann Zerwekh and Jo carol Claborn ISBD: 9781416023135

Psychiatric Nursing, 8th edition gail W stuart, Michele T laraia ISBN:9780323026086

Test Success 4th edition ISBN: 9780803611627

First come first served,lol No clue if the program still uses these books. Nursing today was used for Nur 254 or 255. I wil be away for a few weeks starting this Monday, So i may not be able to ship them out till late August, sorry

tcs26

28 Posts

I called the school and apparently there is no way around this. I was told that the term "prescriptive" is often overlooked by applicants and that this is part of the deal when it comes to momentum. Each class is given at the MEC at various times throughout the week. Also, the classes are only offered to students in the momentum program. At least I took both NAS classes, ENG, and SDV, which leaves me with only three classes this semester. I am so fortunate to have supportive parents and in-laws that are able to watch my kids on a flexible schedule.. otherwise I could never attend this program. Since you will be taking NUR classes before me, I would really appreciate any helpful hints on what to expect and how to prepare.

Hi Flames,

I'd love to take the Psych Nursing and Test Success books off your hands. Thanks so much for offering these up. I'm not yet in the program but would love to read it for "fun" (lets hope I'm this driven once I do get into the program :specs:). I don't have enough posts for PM yet so not sure how to go about contacting you.

just add @hotmail.com after flames9

as well another FREE book (just paying shipping via media mail) is for PSY 201/202, or at least it was---Living psychology by Karen Huffman ISBN 9780471775270

Cilantrophobe

704 Posts

This is probably one of those times when I should keep my opinion to myself but I just ave to say that I think it is really stupid that the non-NUR classes cannot be taken in a self-paced (but no later than due) fashion. It is almost as they are setting people up for failure. I can't say for sure because I have never taken more than 7 credits at a time but I honestly don't think I would have been able to survive the nursing program if I hadn't taken ALL of the co-reqs before starting the program. I am one of those people that really likes to focus on the task at hand and I can't see being able to focus on 4 classes at once. Props to those who can!

tcs26

28 Posts

I agree. I would feel SO much more comfortable taking the co-req's now (with two kids under 5 this would be the absolute best way to succeed later in the NUR classes). What's also strange to me is that when I called and told the department that I need 5 more credits in order to be considered a full time student, I was told to take classes of my choice that are not in the nursing curriculum, and that if I signed up for classes that are administered later in the curriculum, I would be audited and have to meet with the dean. Originally I had 6 classes chosen (all online) and I was going to take another 6 next semester leaving me with only NUR classes for my final year. I am definitely bothered.. but I don't really have a choice here.

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