Gloucester County College Nursing Fall 2011 Hopefuls?

Published

Hi everyone!

Thought I could start this thread for anyone that is applying to the GCC Nursing Program this spring? I'm just getting my portfolio organized and prepared. I have to take the HESI one more time on Feb 24th and attend an info session on Feb 28th and I'm all set. I'm so nervous! But, I'm going to try to be optimistic. I look forward to hearing from you guys :) Take Care~

They said today that we were a class of 88. It'll be interesting to see how many of us stick it out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
They said today that we were a class of 88. It'll be interesting to see how many of us stick it out.

Stick it out, it's all worth it in the end . . . :twocents:

A paycheck is a cool incentive as well :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh, I'll be there. Death's about the only thing that'll stop me, lol!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Oh, I'll be there. Death's about the only thing that'll stop me, lol!

You will feel like you are going to die some times throughout, but you will quickly discover that it is just the stress! : ) It will pass eventually! : )

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wonder why it is only 88, I thought they had 100 seats filled and a waiting list...so where is everyone?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well...you all survived orientation! :) It was nice meeting some of you today. Good luck!!!:):):)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks, RB2000. I'm sure we didn't all get to talk with you (my group wasn't in there that long). I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind. How much time did you spend in the practice labs? Other than making sure to keep up on the reading, do you have a couple of good study tips? Any particular focus? Any good study helps? Some better than others?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thanks, RB2000. I'm sure we didn't all get to talk with you (my group wasn't in there that long). I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind. How much time did you spend in the practice labs? Other than making sure to keep up on the reading, do you have a couple of good study tips? Any particular focus? Any good study helps? Some better than others?

Hi momtofore,

I don't mind at all. Were you in one of my groups by any chance? You probably can figure out who I am by my screen name (LOL). First, I would like to say congrats to you and your fellow classmates and welcome! Now to your questions.

I spend quite a bit of time in the practice lab. I really can't put a number on it as far as hours per week, but it is a fair amount for sure. I will give you a HUGE tip when it comes to the reading. You cannot read word for word. There is just way too much to read. What I always did was look for the main points that the author was trying to cover, and highlight that. I would read the box/chart info and then I would add that information to my outlines.

Another thing that I do is I get together with a small group of people once or twice a week for a study group session. I find this to be very helpful. However, you need to make sure that it is with the right people and that you limit the number of people. You do not want it to become a social party. Another reason that I find this helpful is because I have two small boys at home that want my undivided attention. I can study from time to time at home, but I often need to get out of the house in order to get anything accomplished.

I tool that I like to use are the practice tests (NCLEX 400 etc., ATI). Not everyone agrees with this approach as they feel that the only thing this is doing is helping you to learn how to take tests. While that idea is partially true it helps to accomplish something else in my opinion. First, nursing exams as well as the clinical practice of nursing requires a great deal of critical thinking. The practice exams in my opinion help you to practice your critical thinking skills by determining what is important information in the question and what is not. In your practice as a nurse you will have to gather data during your assessment and you will need to know what is important information and what is not. Also, it helps to guage your grasp of the material covered. If you don't do so hot in a particular area you know where you need to focus some attention.

Another tool that I love is the pocket guide called "RN Notes". This is something that you easily flip thru and carry with you during clinical rotations if need be. I love it! Plus, I really like the Saunders NCLEX book.

I think the greatest piece of advice I could offer is the following: Consider this a job and put the time into it like you would your job, practice/practice/practice the skils (that way when you are at clinical you are less stressed...maybe : ) ), make time for you and your family (for sanity sake), and figure out what works for you when it comes to studying. One big thing to consider is that everyone is different. What may work for me may not work for you and what works for you may not work for your classmate.

I will end with this (sorry so long). This will probably be one of the hardest things you will ever do in your life! However, it is extremely rewarding and worth every second of it! I am very active with SNO and like I said I am always at the lab (I practically live at the school). If you or your fellow classmates want to chat or have questions please don't hesitate to ask. Like I said to some of your classmates yesterday if you are practicing your vitals and you need someone to do a BP on I have two arms. If I seem a little stressed because there is a test coming up I may not be so inclined, but otherwise we are here for you guys too. We are all in this boat together! LOL I hope that helps! btw, GOOD LUCK!!! :):):)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

How is everyone progressing with their organization of the info? I know it took me a little while and I am taking RB2000's advice and getting a big binder dedicated to Nursing complete with tabs to keep all this information accessible. The instructors are great and even though they were clearly tough,they were also layed back and realistic. They really had me worried about a lot of the work etc. Definitely seeing the upperclassmen on day 3 helped dispel some of that. Kind of helps to see others who are doing it, if they survived it then so can I. Right?? Hopefully! :bugeyes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much, RB! No, I actually DONT know who you are bc I was in the group that left 500 and went to the other room and were also among the last to return. Ugh! I did print everything out at school yesterday before a meeting I had last night and today after work and grocery shopping (which was insane due to the hurricane) I hole-punched everything and they are divided into a clinical folder (as we were recommended to do), a lab binder and a class binder. How would you tab it, anyone?

I think I saw that the lab was open on the 29th as the only other day this month and was actually thinking of heading in to practice some things, lol. My little sister is a 20 yr RN and I plan to make her practice some skills with me, keeping in mind her procedure may not be accurate. But RB, if you want to volunteer your arms, I'll take them! I'd appreciate any hands on help and REALLY appreciate your study tips! Much of what you said is what I was thinking I need to do. I've never ever studied with anyone, but plan to now.

I found the instructors to be straightforward with just enough of a cutting sense of humor that I can enjoy, lol. No nonsense works for me. It's mean I don't like.

Has anyone gone on to Evolve Perry and accessed the videos? I tried doing it today and can't find them! I am far from computer illiterate and I just don't see it.

Hey, what group was everyone in, 1, 2 or 3? I'm curious if anyone was in my group and I was unaware of who you are, lol! I was in group 3.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nursing school should definitely be considered a full-time job, because it truly will take up the majority of your week. Enjoy it though, it will fly by in an instant.

Working as a nurse now is still surreal. It still feels humbling putting on my scrubs and clocking-in. Keep up your studies and never give up on yourself no matter how difficult those exams get.

Each semester is more difficult than the next, but the end will always be near, so focus on that point.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I hear you, Skeletor. I was blessed to have a job this summer that has allowed me to quit the jobs I've had for about 10 years. I'm going to work one day a week for a little while, but I'll be out with at least a month to go in the semester.

Hanging on and focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel....I'm pretty darn good at that by now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion