Gordon College

NurseBunky · Jun 23, 2005

First I'd like to say Welcome to Gordon College!!!

I am a second year nursing student there and love it. I regret that I don't know anything about the compass test but I am also a non-traditional student in that I'm 28 years old. Just take each semester and each class a step at a time. Don't rush yourself. If you need any advise about which teachers to take for different subjects let me know. I transfered in from another school but I could find out information from other classmates for you. I know for microbiology you want Professor Stanley. (She excellent) I'm taking her right now. There are other ways they may test you besides the compass test. The learning support classes aren't bad. I took two back when I first started college in 1995. It really helped me get ready for college (since high school didnt do a good job.) Just take a deep breath...finish your paper work and turn it in and wait for your acceptance letter. You'll be fine. You have a lot more with life experience than an 18 year old freshman!!!!!:) :) :)

Nursing_4_Me · Jun 23, 2005

Thank you NurseBunky.

I went up there today to give the rest of my stuff for admissions and was told I will have to take the Compass test. I will do that beginning of next week and she said I will most likely get my acceptance letter by the end of the week. I am ok with the learning support but am wondering about what teachers I should aim for, what the gym is like, what kind of classes do I start with, how much books are, what should I expect at orientation, registration, first day at school, any tips, I am also a non-traditional student but they have me down as transfer since I did attempt school almost 10yrs. ago. I just have no idea as to what to expect at all. Can I bring one of those recorders? How long does it take to finish the core classes?

Again, thank you.

NurseBunky · Jun 24, 2005

I won't be able to ask about teachers until I know what classes your'e taking.

The gym is nice (big) we also have a weight room and you can use it as much as you want during operating hours (usage is covered by your student dues) If they put you in learning support those are the classes you'll start with..after you complete those you can take pretty much whatever you need to in order to get into the nursing program. A&P I and II, microbiology, english, history etc...

Orientation is just getting acquianted with the campus and registering for classes. You also meet your academic advisor. Before your first day of school get use to the map and maybe visit the campus and find what rooms you'll need to go to on the first day. Get binders and/or folders for each class you'll be taking, lots of paper, pens and pencils and if you have to memorize stuff notecards can be helpful(depending on how you study) You can bring recorders just make sure the professor allows students to use them.

Depending on wheter or not you have to take learning support classes (and how many learning support classes you need to take) It could take anywhere from 2 to 2 and 1/2 years to complete them. (I would definatley suggest going to summer school to get done quicker!!!) Summer school is also a good idea if you want to be done with school quickly.!!!!

Nursing_4_Me · Jun 24, 2005

Thanks again.

After reading my post again you did very well responding... I am sure also when I go to orientation and so on everything will make so much more sense to me. You did do excellent at explaining it to me. I did find out I am not able to get financial aid this semester so that is why I was asking about how much books are or around usually per semester. The price is so affordable per semester that I am pleased but still for me alot of money to come up with at the last minute with kids, one income, and we just bought a house so now higher payments. I do know though one way or another I will come up with it. That I know just need to plan how much and the financial aid lady was of no help to me, she didn't know or have a clue. Not being rude just it is the truth. About how much does your books run you a semester on the high end so I will prepare and if it is less than wonderful.

Again, thanks abunch.

Marvie · Jun 24, 2005

I attended Gordon's Nursing program, graduated 2002. If you just do the very best you can, then that's all you can do. As far as the compass test, I also had to take it because I had been out of school for 14 years. It is like a placement test to see how much you might have retained, and if you might need any learning support. I was also a non-traditional student, single mom of 2, working 2 jobs and going to school. So if I can do it...you can also. Study smart, keep positive, look at the end result to find the encouragement to suceed. More power to ya!

Nursing_4_Me · Jun 24, 2005

Thank you Marvie,

You are right it seems as if your situation would have been difficult but if you want it bad enough it will happen. Thanks for the encouragement. I know I can and will do it just nervous, since, i just do not know exactly what to expect. You are right 100% though. Did you have to take learning support? Also, where did the test begin on the math? Did it start in Pre-Algebra or Elementary? Was the reading difficult? I am starting to just go over a little stuff before the Compass Test. I am ok with the pre-algebra and almost alright with elementary algebra, taht is what i am going to go over some. Anyways, thanks.

SES · Jul 1, 2005

Thank you Marvie,
You are right it seems as if your situation would have been difficult but if you want it bad enough it will happen. Thanks for the encouragement. I know I can and will do it just nervous, since, i just do not know exactly what to expect. You are right 100% though. Did you have to take learning support? Also, where did the test begin on the math? Did it start in Pre-Algebra or Elementary? Was the reading difficult? I am starting to just go over a little stuff before the Compass Test. I am ok with the pre-algebra and almost alright with elementary algebra, taht is what i am going to go over some. Anyways, thanks.

Hi. I also graduated from Gordon's nursing program in 2002 and was a nontraditional student, as I was 40 when I returned to school. It had been 23 years since I had taken any kind of class. I enjoyed every minute of it though, even though it was stressful. It took me a year and a half to complete my core classes, taking night classes and summer classes. You will love the nursing instructors, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Purvis, Mrs. Wright, they are the greatest. As far as book prices, expect to dish out plenty for them. I bought several of mine from http://www.half.com, an ebay website that offers used books from private sellers. You can access the required book listings for each class from Gordon's web site. Get the UPS # (I printed out a copy of the book listings with UPS #), type that into your search on half.com, and viola, if anyone has that particular book for sale, it's usually way cheaper than a new one. Also, toward the end of each semester, check the bulletin boards in the different buildings on campus, students at the college will post their used books for sale. And if I knew of someone who was taking a class that I would be taking the next semester, I offered to buy their book. This worked on several occasions. Just be careful with fall semester, this is the time that books are changed to updated editions. I hope I'm making sense, if not feel free to question me. The best of luck to you!! And be prepared to study, study, study. You will eat, drink, and sleep school, I did for 3 1/2 years. Hang in there, the medical field is desparate for nurses!

Nursing_4_Me · Jul 1, 2005

That does make sense to me. I will be checking into that.

I took my Compass test. I made this:

Reading: 91 (74 for college level and I think that 99 is the total pts that you can get)

Writing: 96 (60 for college level and once again I think out of 99pts)

Algebra: 19 (37 for college level, but, I am not sure what the total pts are)

I had to use the bathroom so bad and didn't know if I oculd or not. Later I found out I could but was almost in tears and did nto have one mins of sleep the night before as my daughter was sick. I was cramping real bad so by the time I got to algebra I just culd not do it. I tried a couple and then tried solving in my head and just hurried so i could go to the restroom.

I knew I would need learning support math anyways, so, although, I know I could have scored much higher I still need it. I just wish I would have done much better.

Now, I am getting excited.... Can't wait..

Do ya'll remember your scores? Is my math that bad for someone who has been out of school for a while now?

AtlantaRN, RN · Jul 29, 2005

I graduated from gordon in 1996 from the nursing program, my son starts this fall so he will be class of 2007!

I was out of school for many years, and too had to take some test...I ended up taking "developmental" math (algebra, got an A).

I freaked out the other day because he hadn't had all of his HEP B injections,

but called the school and said, it's fine, just have to have all immunizations before starting fall clinicals.

Forgot how expensive books are. you can find alot on http://www.half.com

Congratulations to you! My sons' name is Jake, 6'0", dark hair, nice young

man. (not trying to hook you up or anything), he was concerned that he would be the "only male" in the class (there were only 4 in my class).

What I remember from school is STUDY, STUDY, STUDY, AND THEN STUDY SOME MORE! I would make index cards with notes and walk around the lake at my church and just study... Study the chapters you will cover BEFORE lecture, so it is fresh in your mind when you are in lecture.

What I remember from clinicals is: Clean SHOES!!! Make SURE your white shoes are white...I can remember a gal being sent home cause her shoes were scuffed and she didn't have any shoe polish to fix them...

Good LUCK to YOU! Nursing is wonderful and you will have more shifts and opportunities than you will know what to do!

southerngirl · Jul 30, 2005

I graduated from gordon in 1996 from the nursing program, my son starts this fall so he will be class of 2007!
I was out of school for many years, and too had to take some test...I ended up taking "developmental" math (algebra, got an A).
I freaked out the other day because he hadn't had all of his HEP B injections,
but called the school and said, it's fine, just have to have all immunizations before starting fall clinicals.
Forgot how expensive books are. you can find alot on www.half.com
Congratulations to you! My sons' name is Jake, 6'0", dark hair, nice young
man. (not trying to hook you up or anything), he was concerned that he would be the "only male" in the class (there were only 4 in my class).
What I remember from school is STUDY, STUDY, STUDY, AND THEN STUDY SOME MORE! I would make index cards with notes and walk around the lake at my church and just study... Study the chapters you will cover BEFORE lecture, so it is fresh in your mind when you are in lecture.
What I remember from clinicals is: Clean SHOES!!! Make SURE your white shoes are white...I can remember a gal being sent home cause her shoes were scuffed and she didn't have any shoe polish to fix them...
Good LUCK to YOU! Nursing is wonderful and you will have more shifts and opportunities than you will know what to do!

Just wanted to say that I'm sure Jake won't have a problem! We have several in our class and they are doing great! So tell him to hang in there in the long run it will be worth all the stresss!!

PS

I know several who went to Gordon and enjoyed it. A lot of work but well worth it!!

2bnurseguy_2005 · Mar 31, 2006

HEY I am a male and been thinking about Gordon College....I have a degree already in IT but thinking about getting into nursing...

So do you need any pre reqs before getting accepted or applying to the program? I emailed someone there from the nursing dept but have not gotten a response

Any advice/information would be helpful