A few quick questions about Ocean County College's Nursing Program

mercuryrawks · Jan 9, 2011

Hi, Lisa. I am at OCC as well, heading into semester 3 with Prof Quinn. I will do my best to explain it to you.

1. Are we supposed to wear our uniforms to orientation and to each class or only to clinical's?

Unless is SPECIFICALLY says wear your clinical uniform, you don't need to. I know they just changed a few rules concerning lab days, but I would say orientation is still Business Casual, as it had been in the past. And be sure to check out the S.N.O table at orientation. Also, there will be a company selling supplies at orientation, so if you need some, or like tools of the trade...bring cash or check.

2. Is the first mathematics test difficult? What kind of math should I expect?

If I recall correctly, it is basic math. A few brush ups on GED math websites should get you back into practice. Make sure you get the "Med Math" book with your box of books at the book store. It has been SO helpful.

3. My professor is Deborah J. Prodoehl. Has anyone had her? What is she like as an instructor? How does she grade?

Her new name is Caniano. She is awesome. If you have a dry/off color sense of humor, you will love her. She was an ER nurse for years and has GREAT stories. Also uses her mother in law to help relay the info to real life info to help you remember it. She is very fair. If you can get a recorder, those of us that listened to lectures a few times seemed to have aced the class. She---like every other Prof---will not argue about test answers when you go over the tests. So do your best nOT to be one of those people.

4. What concepts were included in Nursing-175? Is the first semester the most difficult? Or does it continue in difficulty as you go along?

A history of nursing, intro to patient care, basic skills. Theories and theorists, basic lab values, concept maps.

5. I work full-time at the local hospital where we do our clinical's. Am I going to have time for my boyfriend between nursing school and work? (That is something I am worried about)

Did you get your clinical assignments already?? OCC has clinicals from Atlantic City to Long Branch. You can have time for whatever you want. The people who do nothing but study/work, are huge balls of nerves who look like they are going to crack at any minute. Maybe they need to put in 20 hours a day to pass, I don't know. But, I would suggest a night off once a week. If you are still staying on top of your reading, and study time, maybe a night and half a weekend day. Increase and decrease as school work allows. Your concept maps will take at least 2 more hours then you think. Start early and end early. Use the ladies in the lab for help. They get paid for it. Use them. You have "x" amount of hours required to spend in the lab anyway. Get to know the staff. They can be a huge asset. Don't flunk out of school for a needy boyfriend, though. Explainyou are learning how t save lives, and that is a LOT to learn in 4 semesters. Do not take it lightly. Decide which you want more.

6. I am in the evening program, so my classes are twice per week with one day of clinical. Are both classes committed to lecture or is one a lab? I have heard other people talk about the lab's and I'm confused about where they fit in (whether they are in allocated class time periods or if they are extra hours spent after class)

Say you have lecture on Mon and Wed. Clinical is on Thursday. You will practice skills in the lab before you can be unleashed on patients in the hospital. Make friends at orientation. You will need them. Don't get stuck in negative exchanges, though. Stick with the mellow positive students. You will learn how to do vital signs on each other, so you want to be comfortable. But, generally, Caniano will lecture for Mon and Wednesday nights, and labs will be done instead of clinical. She will give you a detailed schedule before class starts.

Any information or advice would be greatly, greatly appreciated. Even if you cannot answer the questions directly, I would appreciate any helpful information in terms of OCC's Nursing Program. I would like to be fully prepared when I enter the classroom on the first day.

Did you buy your books yet? you can go to:

Welcome to Evolve!

and register yourself and the books. Then you can start reading the chapter summaries, doing NCLEX type questions, and getting a feel for the material. If you have the book, start reading. You will basically read that whole book. Good luck, take time to breath and LEARN. None of the prof's are evil or out to fail you. Linda is actually really nice and helpful, and ummm.....time flies, so keep a journal! Good luck!

Thank you so much in advance,

Lisa