CSULB spring 2012 basic vs trimester program help

[Amh02]

I was just accepted in the Cal State Long Beach spring 2012 nursing program.I am wondering if anybody knows about/has advice on whether to do the "basic" 3 year program or the "trimester" 2 year accelerated program. I am really leaning towards the trimester program (as I assume many would) to get through it quicker. However, I have heard that you get a total of 2 WEEKS TOTAL off out of the year! That sounds rough. I know either way how much of a commitment nursing programs are and I am ready for it! I am a young mother to a 2 year old and I live in Mission Viejo. I will be commuting every day. I have A LOT of support from my husband and family. I just want to get an idea of what each is like so I can have time to make a decision (or at least know what I would prefer to do) before orientation on DEC 2. Please if anyone can give me information or first hand advice on the different options I would really appreciate it!!

Also, in general what can I expect for first semester?

[CA_BSN_Student]

I'm in CSULB's trimester program and what you've heard is partially true. You get 1 week off before & after summer semester so that's probably the 2 week break you've heard. You do get 5 - 6 weeks off during winter break but some transfer students do take capstone classes during that time.

You'll have tougher clinical instructors if you go with trimester option. I didn't think it was true until it was admitted & explained to me by an instructor. But if you're interested in working for LBMMC down the line, trimester is probably the way to go since most clinical instructors are LBMMC employees. Basic is probably a better option if you want to enjoy the whole college experience, would like to see a variety of hospitals, or just want to enjoy summer. But you might have to drive further, as oppose to trimester where we pretty much know we'll be at LBMMC almost the entire time. These are some of the pros and cons that I'm aware of.

First semester classes include nursing fundamentals (lecture + clinical), communication, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nutrition. Some students who took patho, pharm, and/or nutrition already were able to get some capstone(s) done. Fundamental is probably the toughest class. Exams are no longer about "memorizing facts" and "regurgitate" them. It'll be more about what may happen (signs & symptoms) during certain situations (disorder) and what should you, as a nurse, do about it? Good luck & see you around campus!