So, I just got past my application with Bergen and have submitted to my background check. I know there is nothing there that is going to come up so I wanted to ask some questions about the test. Is it the NET test? For which ever test it is what is the best way to prepare for it.
If I get into the program I was wondering if anyone knew if my credits from a pervious college would transfer over or would i have to take the classes over. I have my math, psychology, sociology, and some other classes from a 4 year college I had gone to and left for the Bergen Nursing program because my previous school didn't have. If anyone has any sort of tis or anything I'd appreciate it. Thanks!
Level 1 books are good reference books, but in all honestly the only book that I opened on a regular basis was for basic concepts. I'm not in the majority though, a lot of people did use their books. Try to get an older edition though...they're all the same.
Well we made it! Congrats to everyone who got in, and those who got through level 1! Just figured I'd put my 2 cents in about books. I'd say get all the big textbooks for sure. Certain teachers can be quite confusing and you may need to clear things up for yourself. Other teachers take questions from the book about things they haven't spoken about even once in class (including very obscure facts), so get the books and read carefully. In our case, the Calculate with Confidence book wasn't necessary AT ALL though. I'm sure it all depends on the teachers you end up with though. As for other tips for beginners, I would say make good friends. You'll want them for study groups, as well as support. The program can be stressful, and having someone to talk to who's going through the same thing really helps! Of course, that's what this board is for too, so keep the posts coming.. Good luck!
We have Prof. Hayes as our professor for NUR183, there is a lot of reading to do. The questions I have are: How are the tests? Is it mostly about the PowerPoint presentations or the book? She said that we need to know all the meaning of the words in bold in the book. I need some feedback on her test style.
HI, just a bit of input when taking Prof. Hayes' class. Know everything possible. Your first test is on 24-25 chapters. Know all about how nursing got started ( and when florence nightingale get started--which war and what was her duties )Know that the first nurses were called "deconesses". Everything in that book , although it may seem boring, is important b/c it is the basis of all the rest of your classes. Get the books-TEST FOR SUCCESS & FUNDAMENTALS OF SUCCESS"..they will help when taking tests. When taking her tests, read the Q carefully, is it assessment Q, a safety Q, is it a priority Q ?...When choosing an answer you may think they are all wrong or all right..choose the 1 that is the least wrong or the most correct. Her first 2 tests may be tricky. Watch out for commas in the wrong place of the answer. Practice your validations over n over again til you can do them in your sleep. Get a study group going. When doing so, make sure that everyone in your group can provide some input. You will learn, when you know something well and have to explain it to someone else...it reinforces it in your mind. DO NOT SKIP THE READINGS IN THE BOOK & DO NOT PUT THEM OFF..if you do, you will fall way behind, b/c you have 25 chapters in her class, 15 in the other class, 10 in another and the tests will come week after week in diff classes. I wish you lots of luck. 1 important piece of advice..IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE NURSING PROGRAM, read everything you can , put your b/f or g/f on hold including family obligations til you get comfortable in the pass of the program..then you can enjoy a day of fun...read everyday, set time to read without distractions....also read some of the postings on allnurses.com ( only 14 students from level 1 section 003 went onto level 2 ) ..so please take it seriously and study or you will repeat and put your dream of becoming a nurse back a yr.....stay in touch
She's definitely one of the tougher teachers, but it's not that bad if you understand exactly what she wants from you. I know that sounds stupid, like you should be a mind reader or something, but it's true.
As far as the reading, it does help a lot and supplements what she goes over in class. She states that she can and will test you on things that are in the book that she never goes over in class. I read the book maybe about 20% of the time and still passed so it isn't a necessity, but if I had to do it over again I would definitely read. It makes everything much clearer. Don't get tied up on ridiculous details though. Mainly, she wants you to understand the gist of what nursing is about, which for a level 1 student is safety. She will say over and over that when all else fails, try thinking of which answer is safest for the patient.
Some of her questions honestly seem like they come out of nowhere, but it improves your test taking skills. As stated above, PAY ATTENTION. Read what she is asking you. You may think you understand it, but read it again. There will be numerous times that one small word or abbreviation will change what she is asking you. I can't tell you the number of times that I got a stupid question wrong because I didn't answer what was asked, I answered what I thought was asked.
I don't agree with what everyone says about essentially giving up your life for nursing school. Sometimes our outside lives keep us sane. It is entirely possible to work full time, go out with your friends, and still do pretty well in nursing school :)
That being said...also realize I'm only in level 2. My strategies may have got me through level one, but it doesn't mean that I'll pass level 2 or that my ways will work for you.
I wish you the best of luck and feel free to contact me if you need any further advice!
i agree with both above on Prof Hayes. level 3 (Finally) and had Prof Hayes for Assessment during Level 1 too. I hit the book, her notes and NCLEX questions on the subject being discussed. IMO the exams are more departmental exams and this is why some may say the questions are coming out of left field.
Good Luck......Level 2 was a Monster for me...but i made it thru.
We at the level one had the 1st two test, Fundamentals(Hayes) and Physical Assessment(Kelly)
Like some of u said, the questions seems like to come out of nowhere...I put a lot of time into studying the notes, book, power point presentations and etc... The tests were not what I was expecting, I got a dissapointing grade on fundamentals like big part of the class. I just hope the following tests are easier. Until then I'll keep studying or not..
Just figured I'd put my 2 cents in about books. I'd say get all the big textbooks for sure. Certain teachers can be quite confusing and you may need to clear things up for yourself. Other teachers take questions from the book about things they haven't spoken about even once in class (including very obscure facts), so get the books and read carefully. In our case, the Calculate with Confidence book wasn't necessary AT ALL though. I'm sure it all depends on the teachers you end up with though. As for other tips for beginners, I would say make good friends. You'll want them for study groups, as well as support. The program can be stressful, and having someone to talk to who's going through the same thing really helps! Of course, that's what this board is for too, so keep the posts coming.. Good luck!
sfinn
102 Posts
Level 1 books are good reference books, but in all honestly the only book that I opened on a regular basis was for basic concepts. I'm not in the majority though, a lot of people did use their books. Try to get an older edition though...they're all the same.