A decision has to be made...

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Specializes in Cardiac, Neuro, Critical.

I will be starting my first semester of nursing school on May 3rd. I have heard conflicting reports on how intense the program is... The nursing program itself is 7 credits hours and deemed 'full-time' due to the dedication required by students. I must take an extra course because I was accepted into the program before I had the chance to take it. That brings me up to 10 credit hours.

Unfortunately, I go to a private school and therefore require financial aid, so I must remain vested in 12 credit hours. Tagging on one more class, I am up to 13 credit hours my first semester of nursing school - that is a one credit shy of DOUBLE the program load itself.

My question to YOU ... based on your experience, wherever you went to school - do you recommend taking any more more than what is required your first semester of nursing school? I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but I would be working on my bachelors at the same time, and really want to know what you have all done... because I am at a loss and have no idea what I am getting myself into course load or clinical wise this first semester.

Thank you all... :redbeathe

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I did, and so did many others. Some worked as well. If you have to do it, you'll find a way.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

We were required to take 18 semester hours every semester, and somehow we did it.

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13 credit hours is very doable.

best of everything to you.

leslie

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What program are you going for? How many classes will you be taking for that 7 hours in your first semester?

I ask because the ADN program near me is set up where you take 3 nursing classes (8 credit hours) and 2 regular classes (A&P I and algebra) in the first semester.. so 7 credit hours in your first semester sounds about right for nursing classes only. If that's the case, then taking additional courses to bump up your hours to full time should definitely be doable. It'll be hard and require some time management skills, but you should be fine.

At some schools, you can still get financial aid if you're going to school at least half-time (6 hours-11 hours). The catch is that it usually limits you to loans only.. but it's still better than nothing!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med- Surg.

You should be fine whatever you decide. I had 13 credit semesters with two eight hour shifts of clinical and worked 40 hours for 15 months. I still kept up my grades although family time was not as much as I would have liked ( nor my sleep :) ). There are alot of really long days and even longer nights ahead but it's worth it in the end. You just have to want it. Good luck with everything!! Nursing is a great career.

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I think that you should be ok doing 13 hours. I am starting the nursing program this fall. In the summer I am taking my harder gen. ed classes like 2 A&P and Microbiology course. Then during the actual nursing program during the fall and spring I will be taking easier gen. ed. classes online only just to keep my enrollment at 12 hours or more. Does your school have an online class option? If not, just try to look for the easiest classes possible and try to find the easiest professors (ratemyprofessor.com). If you haven't already, I highly encourage you to map out the entire program with what you will take and when. That way you already have your plan set in place!

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I was in your exact situation when I was in nursing school. I also had to be at 12 hours or more due to financial aid requirements. I took the opportunity to take "easy" classes that sounded interesting to me: physical conditioning, introduction to drawing, reading and writing t.v. sitcoms etc. I discovered that these "fun" classes were actually a welcome break from the intense nursing school courses. That may be an option for you as well. Good luck to you in your schooling.

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I'm also working on my BSN bridge as well however I usually take my BSN bridge classes in the summer and just work on my ADN in fall and spring semesters. It is hectic and very fast paced at my school and I don't want to risk the mediocre grades if I don't have to. But, I've also been working for several years prior to getting in the nursing school so I have a lot of my work done towards my BSN. If you ask your counselor they can give you more of an idea of what you're in for. Good luck and hope everything works out for you!

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

Without more information it's hard to say. If they measure their credit hours like my alma mater did, 7 hours is a light schedule.

One tip, if you need to pick up hours to make full time status or general electives, look for something fun. I'm proud to say I got an A in Human Sexuality (3 credits) and for a phys ed course, pass/fail, I passed Advanced Frisbee (1 credit), but then that's just me.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.

13 is doable...this of course depends on the school and you yourself...will you also be working?

During my undergrad nursing degree, I was actually able to over-ride the maximum allowed 18 credits for a single semester with permission d/t my status as a member of the honors program. One semester I actually carried 21 credits, and I did just fine. I didn't work that semester, but other semesters in college I worked a part time and a (very) per diem job and carried a full course load. It's a lot about time management and what works for you.

Best of luck!

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I'm proud to say I got an A in Human Sexuality (3 credits) and for a phys ed course, pass/fail, I passed Advanced Frisbee (1 credit), but then that's just me.

Oh, good God, I fell off the couch :yeah: I need to transfer, but first, does your school have a flisbee golf course? When I was at ECU there was one out in the woods by the parking lot for the football stadium. If I had spent more time in the library instead of there, I might not be in school today:D

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