CSUSM ABSN FALL 2020

Nursing Students School Programs

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Hi, Starting this for anyone applying to the FALL 2020 cohort at CSUSM. I think the deadline is March 11th. Good luck everyone!

Specializes in Nursing Student - CNA.
3 hours ago, CaliGirl6 said:

I'm curious how people are finding the 2nd semester (NURS 300, 301, etc) - I'm completely stressing myself out and find myself crying all the time.  This has never been me.  I am a stressed out test taker sometimes, but I study hard and don't know if I am just psyching myself out and need to figure out how to learn to deal with this stress (anxiety?) so I can concentrate on studying.  I've been confused with the Elsevier program and worrying about exams.  I feel like we're just getting started and I am completely overwhelmed.  Am I the only one who is feeling this way?  I wonder how those in the cohort a semester ahead of us felt and if it's normal to be so stressed out the first week?  I'm hoping after the first few tests, I will calm down and realize that I've wanted to be a nurse for a long time and that I can handle this program.  I also feel like I started this week knowing very little about nursing (BP, etc) and that some have been CNAs, etc so they're not completely lost like I'm feeling.  I'm sure it's normal to feel a little overwhelmed and stressed out, but I'm crying all the time.  Can anyone offer any advice or let me know if I'm the only one feeling this way?  Thanks!

You're not alone. I'm dealing with a lot of stress too this semester, and it's mostly because Summer is only 10 weeks and there's just a lot of assignments to do. I had a terrible anxiety attack too this first week, but I managed to talk to some classmates and my family, and that really helps me to calm myself. I know it must be hard since this is your first nursing classes and everything is new, but try to practice on some quizzes on Elsevier because that helps me a lot last semester with the exam. Don't worry too much about the grades or how other people are doing, just try your best. At the end, your grades doesn't even matter and you're still going to pass your NCLEX and get your nursing degree. Just know that you're taking those classes in Summer, so it is going to be a lot harder than having it during fall/Spring semester. Also talk to your classmates and family, they might be able to give you some support. Plus, you will have a lot of group projects for your third semester, so it's good to have a few close friends that you can do the project with. Don't stress yourself and good luck. I'm sure you'll pass all your classes this semester ?

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On 6/14/2021 at 6:40 PM, CaliGirl6 said:

I'm curious how people are finding the 2nd semester (NURS 300, 301, etc) - I'm completely stressing myself out and find myself crying all the time.  This has never been me.  I am a stressed out test taker sometimes, but I study hard and don't know if I am just psyching myself out and need to figure out how to learn to deal with this stress (anxiety?) so I can concentrate on studying.  I've been confused with the Elsevier program and worrying about exams.  I feel like we're just getting started and I am completely overwhelmed.  Am I the only one who is feeling this way?  I wonder how those in the cohort a semester ahead of us felt and if it's normal to be so stressed out the first week?  I'm hoping after the first few tests, I will calm down and realize that I've wanted to be a nurse for a long time and that I can handle this program.  I also feel like I started this week knowing very little about nursing (BP, etc) and that some have been CNAs, etc so they're not completely lost like I'm feeling.  I'm sure it's normal to feel a little overwhelmed and stressed out, but I'm crying all the time.  Can anyone offer any advice or let me know if I'm the only one feeling this way?  Thanks!

Hey there, fellow ABSN 38 student here, I just wanted to say you are definitely not alone. I feel so overwhelmed and anxious too. I've cried so much in such a short period of time. I'm riddled with doubt and uncertainty. With this being an already accelerated program and shorter Summer semester, it's even more overwhelming than usual too. Unfortunately for us, our first clinical semester is also during this short time. So not only is it super fast and overwhelming, we're also just trying to learn how to adjust to nursing school. I'm sure other people in our cohort, as well as past cohorts, are feeling the same way. The best thing I can suggest is know that you are not alone and know that you're going to make it through. Just take things one at a time. Good luck!(:  

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On 6/14/2021 at 6:40 PM, CaliGirl6 said:

I'm curious how people are finding the 2nd semester (NURS 300, 301, etc) - I'm completely stressing myself out and find myself crying all the time.  This has never been me.  I am a stressed out test taker sometimes, but I study hard and don't know if I am just psyching myself out and need to figure out how to learn to deal with this stress (anxiety?) so I can concentrate on studying.  I've been confused with the Elsevier program and worrying about exams.  I feel like we're just getting started and I am completely overwhelmed.  Am I the only one who is feeling this way?  I wonder how those in the cohort a semester ahead of us felt and if it's normal to be so stressed out the first week?  I'm hoping after the first few tests, I will calm down and realize that I've wanted to be a nurse for a long time and that I can handle this program.  I also feel like I started this week knowing very little about nursing (BP, etc) and that some have been CNAs, etc so they're not completely lost like I'm feeling.  I'm sure it's normal to feel a little overwhelmed and stressed out, but I'm crying all the time.  Can anyone offer any advice or let me know if I'm the only one feeling this way?  Thanks!

Hey! I wanted to see how you were holding up now that the semester is coming to an end in a couple weeks. Is it still crazy? or have you felt like you've gotten a hang of it? How are you feeling?

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Hey ABSN 40, 

I'm in ABSN 39, and I'm not sure if you all have had your orientation yet, or joined the mentorship program with the SNA, but our cohort has some resources for you (professors, books, what to expect) in a Google doc. If yall have created a facebook group, let me know and I can post the link there for you all.

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Hello- I was recently accepted to CSUSM's nursing program and also National University's nursing program. I am trying to decide which school to attend and was wondering if anyone in the program would be able to provide me with some feedback about their experience with the program so far? Pros? Cons? Thanks! 

 

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3 hours ago, NurseNR1204 said:

Hello- I was recently accepted to CSUSM's nursing program and also National University's nursing program. I am trying to decide which school to attend and was wondering if anyone in the program would be able to provide me with some feedback about their experience with the program so far? Pros? Cons? Thanks! 

 

Hi! So, here are my personal pros and cons to CSUSM. What you decide will be up to what you value:

Pros:

High NCLEX pass rate, High graduation rate, High graduation GPA, opportunity for externship, cohort model (so you stay with the same people the whole program), $50k for the program (not including living expenses), 2 year program so you get done as quickly as an ADN but finish with a BSN

Cons:

Not knowing where your clinical site is till last minute (though I've heard it's similar with other programs), not too many opportunities for scholarships/financial aid besides loans, possible long commute due to your clinicals and labs possibly not being at the campus you are admitted for (for example, I'm at temecula campus but commute weekly to san marcos campus). 

To be honest, so far I like the program. And I don't know much about national to help you compare. It's very doable as long as you stay organized, study, and complete assignments on time. 

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23 hours ago, bmancilla21 said:

Hi! So, here are my personal pros and cons to CSUSM. What you decide will be up to what you value:

Pros:

High NCLEX pass rate, High graduation rate, High graduation GPA, opportunity for externship, cohort model (so you stay with the same people the whole program), $50k for the program (not including living expenses), 2 year program so you get done as quickly as an ADN but finish with a BSN

Cons:

Not knowing where your clinical site is till last minute (though I've heard it's similar with other programs), not too many opportunities for scholarships/financial aid besides loans, possible long commute due to your clinicals and labs possibly not being at the campus you are admitted for (for example, I'm at temecula campus but commute weekly to san marcos campus). 

To be honest, so far I like the program. And I don't know much about national to help you compare. It's very doable as long as you stay organized, study, and complete assignments on time. 

Thank you so much for sharing! Do you know anyone who works part time while in the CSUSM program?  

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Specializes in ICU.
2 minutes ago, NurseNR1204 said:

Thank you so much for sharing! Do you know anyone who works part time while in the CSUSM program?  

I worked part time as an ER Tech for the entire program. I know a couple people in my cohort that worked full time through the program. I'd say at least half of my class got CNA/Tech jobs on a part time basis at some point during the program. The school will tell you don't work (because it could potentially affect their graduation rate and first time pass rate), but it's totally doable and lots of people do it. Ignore what the school says and just work if you need to; just know you might need some flexibility because as someone mentioned, clinical sites and schedules are typically given last minute - it's been that way for many years and will never change. 

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Hey, overall I really like the program! I'm getting through it and enjoying (most of) it. It does have its pros and cons, ups and downs, but I think every program probably does. Many of people work part time. I do not. It really all depends on the person. Some people are OK with little sleep, or don't need to study as much. The 2nd-3rd semesters (when you have clinical) were very busy to where I didn't want anything to interfere with doing well. 2nd semester was HARD, stressful, and I didn't work and felt like I had no time for anything else but school. Summer semesters are tough because it's only 10 weeks. For example, one Summer semester I had clinical 3x/week for 9 hours + an 11 hour lecture day+ studying/homework 25+ hours/week. To me it was impossible to work during that, but some students did. I  might get a job towards the last couple semesters as there is more free time and less clinical hours. 

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Hi Fall 2020 cohort! I am thinking of applying to the program and wanted to know what your first Spring semester schedule looked like. In the info session they mentioned 1 day lecture, 2 days clinicals. I was hoping to get insight about what your daily schedules were like, so I can see if working during the program would be doable since it’s necessary for me. Thank you all! 

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On 10/22/2021 at 2:35 PM, NurseNR2B1204 said:

Hello- I was recently accepted to CSUSM's nursing program and also National University's nursing program. I am trying to decide which school to attend and was wondering if anyone in the program would be able to provide me with some feedback about their experience with the program so far? Pros? Cons? Thanks! 

 

Hello. I am in Cohort 37 and President of the Student Nurse Association. I’ve enjoyed the program very much, the pace requires dedication especially during semester 2-4. It’s easy to work during semester 1. After that I quit working. I do know students that work, but they get less sleep. 

Summer terms are a bit intense. Last Summer I took 14 units in 10 weeks. 3 days were in clinical with a 12 hour zoom day on Friday. 

This program has a very high NCLEX pass rate. Know this program is not easy, content is heavy, as it should be for any nursing program and the classes build on each other. Most of the Professors are really good- of course there’s been a couple outliers.

Be aware there are around 800 nursing students at any given time, so information, class location and clinical placements are often presented last minute. Driving 1.5 hours to clinical is not uncommon. I typically get up around 4 am. 

FYI I heard National had issues with clinical placements last year. I haven’t heard any about them recently, so definitely talk to some students there.

I hope this information helps!

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9 hours ago, nursingbtrfly said:

Hi Fall 2020 cohort! I am thinking of applying to the program and wanted to know what your first Spring semester schedule looked like. In the info session they mentioned 1 day lecture, 2 days clinicals. I was hoping to get insight about what your daily schedules were like, so I can see if working during the program would be doable since it’s necessary for me. Thank you all! 

Hello!
 

The very first semester is easy and are basically prerequisites for the nursing program. 

The next semester you begin with Fundamentals of Nursing and Health Assessment and Nursing Research. When I attend we were in the midst of COVID, so there was 1 clinical/lab day in person two full days on zoom. 
 

Now that we are back in person. You will definitely have a one day in clinicals-probably at a skilled nursing facility, one day on campus for health assessment lab and one day on campus for class. You will be very busy, expect these days to be filled.
 

I have several friends that have worked full-time throughout the program. It’s not too bad the first two semesters. The Summer semester will be very difficult to work, I imagine you can only manage two 12 hour days. My last Summer had three days of clinicals in the hospital and a 12 hour zoom day on Friday. If you are able to take a semester off of work Summer would be the one. 

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