Any UMDNJ Nursing Students or Hopefuls?

LynnMcFarlane · Nov 9, 2009

Hello there. If you would like to come and visit the school, feel free to attend one of our information sessions http://sn.umdnj.edu/prospective/events.htm#stratford. You could also join the new UMDNJ-School of Nursing Alumni page on Facebook and ask your questions there. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=181446948400&ref=search&sid=1429598554.2911299379..1

Lynn (marketing director, UMDNJ-School of Nursing)

Hi:
I'm reposting this thread in here as I didn't get any responses in the "Pre-Nursing" forum.
I've been searching the threads, but noticed I haven't seen any on UMDNJ (University of Medicine Dentistry of NJ) students or hopefuls. I plan to apply for the Fall 2010 Accelerated Nursing program and wanted to know if there are any around here who are either planning to apply to the school or have already started taking their nursing classes at the college.
If you are already fully fledged into their nursing program, how's the experience at the college? Any advice would be great.
Thanks.

iPink, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2009

Thank you. I did join on FB. I've heard that all Accelerated BSN programs are difficult, I just wanted to hear the experience at UMDNJ as that's the school I'm definitely interested in. I did attend an Information Session about 2 months ago, which was helpful on clarifying when is the best time to apply for the Fall.

DominiRN09 · Nov 11, 2009

HI!

I am a recent UMDNJ Accelerated BSN Graduate (Sept 09) and I totally loved the program. It was quick yet difficult, but it all depends on you and your support system. You could be the smartest person in the world, but if you don't have any support (financially and emotionally), it is pretty ahard to get through the program.

The first semester was tough because it was all about getting use the how the instructors teach and test you and getting up to speed with the fast pace. It is like once you learn something it was out of the door after the exam.

Second semester is even harder because you take an 8 credit med/surg course. That is where you really learn how to be an RN. If you could get past second semester, to me, the rest of the program is a breeze.

If you do get into the program, try to make 2 or 3 close friends. It is easier like that so you can ave study partners. Most of the instructors give a "blueprint" (which is a sheet of all the topics that will be on the exams, not all instructors do this however) and if you have 2-3 close classmates you could split the topics and shared what you studied with eachother.

Now when you study, I think it is best if you follow these guidelines:

1.) study off the powerpoint first

2.) take the powerpoint and go back to the book and read

3.) use any other materials (nclex books, ati books (they give you this at the beginning of the program), to help you understand better

4.) Now take your ppt, books, and referencs, and re-type the powerpoint with the added info you learned from the text book, class hand outs, etc.

5.) now study this sheet for the exam

6.) when you need a visual aid....definitly use youtube

7.) make use of study groups, office hrs, and CAS (tutoring provided by the school of nursing)

I passed the program with a 3.5 using this method, and I worked as a CNA on the side. The school of nursing however urges their student not to work full time You wont be able. I only worked 2 weekends a month. But do it if you could handle it. If not, dont even bother working. Just take out alternative loans to pay for your bills for the 15 months.

I just recently found out I got hired at a local hospital. I am so excited to start!

Hope this helps

LynnMcFarlane · Nov 11, 2009

Thanks so much for your detailed reply. and Congratulations on your new job! Please feel free to post your exciting news on the SN alumni update form....http://sn.umdnj.edu/forms/alumniupdate.html

Regards,

Lynn

iPink, BSN, RN · Nov 11, 2009

This is wonderful! I really appreciate you taking the time to give me these great tips and for others who may come across this thread. I'm very excited the closer I am in completing my prerequisites. You've also given me encourage that for a new grad you found a job so quickly, which you don't see around here in the forums.

DominiRN09 · Nov 11, 2009

Thanks Lynn. I registered and wrote a little update on my job status :)

MZCHAS, it is my pleasure to provide advice to a future UMDNJ student. I love to give advice when I can. And I found a job quickly because I gave myself lots of opportunities. I never gave up or felt bad about anything (like no call back, a shaky interview, etc). I just thought positive and kept the attitude that "if it was meant to be it will be." I think my persistance and good faith is what got me a job quick :). Never give up in ANYTHING that you do.

missnjit · Nov 14, 2009

HI!
I am a recent UMDNJ Accelerated BSN Graduate (Sept 09) and I totally loved the program. It was quick yet difficult, but it all depends on you and your support system. You could be the smartest person in the world, but if you don't have any support (financially and emotionally), it is pretty ahard to get through the program.
The first semester was tough because it was all about getting use the how the instructors teach and test you and getting up to speed with the fast pace. It is like once you learn something it was out of the door after the exam.
Second semester is even harder because you take an 8 credit med/surg course. That is where you really learn how to be an RN. If you could get past second semester, to me, the rest of the program is a breeze.
If you do get into the program, try to make 2 or 3 close friends. It is easier like that so you can ave study partners. Most of the instructors give a "blueprint" (which is a sheet of all the topics that will be on the exams, not all instructors do this however) and if you have 2-3 close classmates you could split the topics and shared what you studied with eachother.
Now when you study, I think it is best if you follow these guidelines:
1.) study off the powerpoint first
2.) take the powerpoint and go back to the book and read
3.) use any other materials (nclex books, ati books (they give you this at the beginning of the program), to help you understand better
4.) Now take your ppt, books, and referencs, and re-type the powerpoint with the added info you learned from the text book, class hand outs, etc.
5.) now study this sheet for the exam
6.) when you need a visual aid....definitly use youtube
7.) make use of study groups, office hrs, and CAS (tutoring provided by the school of nursing)
I passed the program with a 3.5 using this method, and I worked as a CNA on the side. The school of nursing however urges their student not to work full time You wont be able. I only worked 2 weekends a month. But do it if you could handle it. If not, dont even bother working. Just take out alternative loans to pay for your bills for the 15 months.
I just recently found out I got hired at a local hospital. I am so excited to start!
Hope this helps

Hello,

I am looking into various programs and I was wondering how you like your job now. What is your day like at work? Thank you!

njapn · Nov 23, 2009

Hi there,

I got accepted for stratford program. I am looking for someone who is allready in program. Someone who can guide me about schedule as I am trying to figure it out what kind of schedule we will have.

I would appreciate if any current student can help me. I am a single parent and need to make arrangements for evening or night schedule or shift. Only if it is required.

Please reply if anyone can to my post if you are current or past ASBN stratford student.

regards,

Shuchi

Genu9ine · Jan 14, 2010

i am currently working on my application for fall 2010

Bus to Health · Jan 14, 2010

MissNJIt-

I am soo happy that you posted this and even happier that you got a job within 2 months graduating.

I am applying for UMDNJ at Stratford for the Spring 2010. I am hoping to get accepted and so far everything is looking good. Now as for the 15 months, are there breaks in between? I think there is but I am not sure. I don't think I will be able to work but if I do, I would probably work on Saturdays (I am a home health aide). I might have to get financing for the 15 months.

Did you have to purchase anything for the program like specific electronics?

What are you doing at the local hospital??

Thanks in advance. (This is open to any one who is at UMDNJ and can provide info)

DominiRN09 · Jan 16, 2010

Hello,

Congrats on choosing to get into nursing! As for the 15 month program, you have a 2 week break in between semesters and about a 3-4 week break in December (depending if you have your final in the last day of the semester). A 2 week break is plenty of time for rest. It is better than other RN programs where they make you take summers off and you end up finishing in 2+ yrs than just getting it all over with.

You will DEFINITLY be able to work as a HHA. I worked as a CNA every other weekend while I was at UMDNJ and I did just fine. I felt like I had to get away from the school work and going to my CNA job gave me that break. It all depends on you however. Some people can't work and go to school at the same time because they can't take that responsibility. I say take the first month off from work so you can adjust. Then slowly pick up some hours till you find a balance with school and work. If you cannot find that balance then don't work at all.

At UMDNJ, we just had to purchase a PDA that will help you during your clinicals. It allows you to looks up meds and all that good stuff. I am actually wlling to sell you mines. Email me if you are interested at [email protected]. It is in great condition.

At the hospital, I work at the post cardiac surgery unit. I am still on orientation and it is a HUGE learning curve. I am doing pretty okay. I still need lots of learning till I can be comfortable by myself.

Hope this helped. If you have any other questions or you need to buy books email me.

Liale