nursing program = biology + chemistry ??

[elleon]

I'm just wondering what is a nursing program like? Do you mainly take a lot of biology and chemistry classes? How do you know if you are going to like it? I mean i've only taken one intro. biology class a year ago, it was ok, i didn't really like it but i don't hate it. Haven't had any chemistry class since high school.... So if i don't like biology, does it mean that nursing is not right for me?

I know the both ADN and BSN prepares you to take the RN exam, do you guys think that graduates from an ADN program will know enough to take the test? I mean how soon after you graduate do you take the exam? I noticed that some schools emphasize that they have like above 95% passing rate, but some people said it's really hard.... is it kind of similar to GRE/GMAT, just different subject?

elleon

[icyounurse, BSN, RN]

I am planning on starting pre-reqs for the nursing program this summer, but I would like to know more in depth information about the pathophysiology part. If the courses are supposedly heavy in that subject...what exactly IS it? Can someone give me a description and an example of what some pathophysiology homework looks like?? Thanks. I'm also really worried about the biology aspect, but I hope I will do well.

there isn't really written homework, its more like read 200 pages on heart disorders and take a test. pathophysiology is basically studying the body and different disease processes. like you do a section on different liver diseases, the causes, the treatments, nursing interventions specifically for liver diseases, preventing liver disease, complications of it, ect, ect. and then the next week you will do, say the neurological system for example. anyways, hope this helps.

[carrot_thief]

[there isn't really written homework, its more like read 200 pages on heart disorders and take a test. pathophysiology is basically studying the body and different disease processes. like you do a section on different liver diseases, the causes, the treatments, nursing interventions specifically for liver diseases, preventing liver disease, complications of it, ect, ect. and then the next week you will do, say the neurological system for example. anyways, hope this helps.]

Thanks for the info. That actually does sound really interesting to me, and something I would probably enjoy studying! I probably won't be saying that once I'm reading the 200 pages, but who knows.:chuckle I always thought pathophysiology was things like...DNA, ADP, how the different molecules go though your body when you're breathing or something like that. I have no idea why.

[PennyLane, RN]

Patho was my absolute favorite class in nursing school. I wanted 3 more semesters of it.

To the OP--call local hospitals and ask to volunteer. Tell them you're considering nursing and they should put you in a position where you'll have patient contact. I volunteered in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit before I started school to make sure I knew what I was getting myself into.

Regarding ADN vs. BSN--there are many threads on this subject. Do what you feel is best for your life. BOTH will adequately prepare you to be a nurse. I chose a BSN program b/c the accelerated option was shorter than the ADN programs. It was pretty cheap and it's a good program. So far I'm doing fine in my new job in the ER. My preceptors have praised me for my knowledge and skill. Think about your long-term goals and what would be more convenient for you now when you make your decision. I needed to minimize the amount of time I was out of work, so I chose the BSN program. But BSN may not be best for you. Call the schools, ask them to send you information. Visit the campuses and talk to the admissions and financial aid people. You will find the best fit this way.

[smk1, LPN]

im in an ADN program, we need 2 semesters of chemistry (one is mainly an intro to chem though) 1 semester of human biology/lab as a prep for the 1 year of anatomy and physiology/lab that is required after that is a semester of microbiology and nutrition. i don't start the actual 2 yr RN program until next year so i can't comment on that.