CNL Applicants - Spring 2016

[anthroinscrubs]

Hi, nurse-hopefuls! I've been following along on all of the threads from the previous semesters and thought it might be nice to start fresh for the new round. Applications are due in about a month and a half and I was wondering how people were feeling?

My baccalaureate GPA is a 2.9, but my pre-requisite GPA is a 3.73. I also know I have a really strong personal statement. I'm hoping that will make up for my undergrad gpa.

Is anyone else getting nervous? The last thing I'm waiting on are my letter of recommendations so I'm hoping those come in soon...

Wishing you all luck!

[evalauretta]

Hi,

I attended the SSIP of dec 16th, so let ne know if you have any questions. It was truly helpful.

[PedsNursing16]

Good Evening Everyone!

I was recently accepted into CNL program for Spring 2016!

I look forward to meeting everyone!

:)

Also, @evalauretta can you tell me about the SSIP information session you attended? Thank you in advance

[evalauretta]

Congatulations!

the SSIP was basically about :

- receiving information about the program and schedule

- meeting a few faculty members

- reviewing A&P

- reviewing medication dosage calculations

- registering for classes.

You will also have the opportunity to meet classmates. it was quite interesting.

I hope it helps.:)

[evalauretta]

Hello kmun911

Any advice for the first semester?

thanks

[kmun911]

Well...at this point I would tie up any loose ends you have in your personal life, Silly stuff like dentist appts and oil changes. You will be at school four days a week for your first semester.

Brush up on your basic anatomy and physiology. Make sure you can do the worksheets for medication calculation you receive at SSIP. You will be tested within the first month of school and you will need to earn 100%. No class goes over med calc, so if you are weak in it you have to put in the work on your own, like I had to do. You want to do that now, NOT when classes start.

I would get your supplies, khaki scrub bottoms and white top, the UMD patch from the bookstore, stethoscope, pen light.

Enjoy your free time a get excited for the new adventure ahead!

[PinkEagle]

My advice:

#1: Do not buy the book required for the NURS 507 class!! You won't use it!

#2: if you can, get involved with student orgs like GNA, Nurses for Global Health, SUPER, you'll have the chance to meet older CNL student who are willing to help and give much needed advice + it looks good on your resume! (Networking is key!)

#3: Anything loose ends that haven't been dealt with my the start of the semester won't be dealt with until the end of the semester (you'll gave NOOOO time!) so handle them NOW!!

#4: the professor are sh!t about scheduling exams and quizzes, so if you guys feel that you're not being given enough time in between various tests, SPEAK UP! We have quizzes rescheduled to better accommodate studying.

#5: Preview for every classes by skimming through powerpoint, chapters, etc and SYNTHESIZE the material within the 1st 48 HOURS after class. This is especially crucial for a class like Patho.

#6: If sh!t hits the fan and you're feeling underwhelmed with everything...the Consoling Center is your best friend!

#7: Mid way through the semester, if you are not passing one of your classes, DROP IT!! I had to drop a class as opposed to letting it mess up my GPA.

[PinkEagle]

In terns of books, I bought my books as cheap as possible in the best possible condition. I probably spent $500.

Also the library has a bunch of Nursing care plan books, so I highly recommend you go through them and buy a copy of the one you like the most. I did't like the care plan books on the required book list!

[evalauretta]

Thanks so much!!!I will definitely follow your advice.

[evalauretta]

Hi PinkEagle,

how is the med calculation test?? Are the documents received during SSIP enough to get a 100% or do I have to go crazy with additional resources?

thanks

[kmun911]

If you can do the SSIP worksheet you are golden. The test looks exactly like that. I'm pretty confident pinkeagle would agree ;0)

[evalauretta]

Ah!, good to know! thanks Kmun 911

[ms.moxie]

Hi everyone! Congrats on being accepted - I bet you're all super excited to be started on the journey to become a nurse! Is anyone willing to share where you did your prereq's?

My comment/question is directed toward those who have been admitted and nursing is your second career (no employed health care experience) and you had to take pretty much all of the prereq's before you could apply. Did you take your prereq's at a community college or a four-year? I am considering splurging for my science/lab prereq's through the UMD-College Park campus's "Science in the Evening" program because it seems like pulling off an A at UMD would weigh better than an A from a community college, but community colleges are so much cheaper! I know UMD accepts cc credits, but given how competitive admissions is I'd love to hear your thoughts and learn where YOU had success :)