Grand Canyon University Fall 2016 Hopefuls??

Jmlr · Jun 20, 2016

No I don't feel like I missed anything so I wouldn't worry about it and I am someone who needs to have everything planned out ahead of time otherwise I get stressed about it, Lol!.

For lab they say one ring, a watch and one set of earrings that do not dangle. Also tattoos have to be covered which they will enforce. I try to wear only my wedding band on lab days but sometimes I forget to take off my my engagement ring on my other hand because I wear it all the time, but they never said anything to me about. But I prefer not to wear the engagement ring because it sticks out and its not good when you are putting on gloves and it won't be not sanitary when we start working with patients. Also for nursing shoes they say all white nursing shoes or all white sneakers are ok (laces must be white also). I bought the sketcher memory foam sneakers that don't have laces (they look like they do, but they don't) and they are great. I got them at Famous Footwear. You'll need a stethoscope (you won't use it right away though) and then at some point they will give you a lab bag that has a blood pressure cuff, a pen light, a foley kit and a couple of other things that you will need for specific lab days. I'm just letting you know some of the stuff that I was stressing over before hand because I didn't know for sure what I needed because they weren't real good at providing a supply list other than the book list.

They also have a kitchen with a Keurig, plates, forks, spoons, a microwave,a fridge to store your lunch in, water dispensers, vending machine. They also stock drinks and snacks that you can buy for a small fee. Its run by the Student nurses association (SNA) the cost for stuff is cheap. There is a list of prices posted on the fridge.it goes on the honor system so if you want something you drop the money in the box and get what you want.

Also, I think on the book list they say the drug book is recommended but not required (I'm not sure though) but point is make sure you get the drug book because you will use it. Also make sure you have a laptop, you won't necessarily need it for lecture unless you take notes on it or get only the ebooks but you will need it for lab on most days. I bring mine every day though.

So that's some tips that I could think of real quick, let me know if you think of anything else. :)

rkstjohn · Jun 20, 2016

I am so glad to know what's in the lab kit. I'm going to look for those shoes too. This is a lot of great information. Thanks so much. I have a couple more questions. Do they uses tons of powerpoints to teach like in the prereqs or is it a different set up? Do you have to lug those big textbooks to class? Should I start reading my textbooks early to get a headstart?

Jmlr · Jun 21, 2016

Every teacher is different. My pharm professor doesn't use a powerpoint she lectures and is very interactive with us, not boring at all! My health assessment professor uses a powerpoint. I love Pharm and health assessment because it is the "real nurse stuff" that you want to learn. Foundations and therapeutic communication can be quite boring and a bit of busy work. Although Therapeutic communications can have some good stuff. I think for older students a lot of it seems like common sense stuff. For younger students its probably needed. I think it all has to do with how much real world experience the student has had.

If you buy the books that come with the online version you won't have to lug books around. I lug books around because I don't have the online version of the book. As the start date gets closer be on the look out for access to Loud Cloud (our online access to our classes where the assignments are posted, grades, announcements and where you submit your assignments) I know that there will be an assignment and discussion posts due for the first week of class. Most assignments are due on Sunday by 11:59 pm. Some assignments will be due on different days. Once you start make sure you check LoudCloud every day. I did most of the reading that was due for the first week a week before start date and that kept me a little bit ahead so I didn't get overwhelmed with assignments.

I'm happy to help if you have any questions! :)

rkstjohn · Jun 21, 2016

Awesome, you are so helpful. One last question. I took both A&P 201 and 202 last summer and i remember concepts but not every bone and muscle we memorized. Should i spend time reviewing that stuff or my Patho stuff before school starts?

Jmlr · Jun 21, 2016

Nope you won't need to review that stuff as long as you have a general idea you'll be fine. I took those classes 2 years ago and I was fine. The health assessment book will have a general review at the start of the chapter of the body system that its focusing on, for example the respiratory system; and its enough to jog your memory. :)

rkstjohn · Jun 21, 2016

You have been really positive and encouraging. I have heard so much from nursing students about how its the hardest thing you will ever do and how you will want to quit everyday. I'm hoping that with all of the hard things I have had to overcome in my life and the fact that my family is so supportive will be the difference. You make it sound do-able.

Jmlr · Jun 21, 2016

I heard the same thing about it being the hardest thing you'll ever do, but so far I don't feel that way. I'm half way through level one (8 weeks in of a 15 week semester) and to me it's the same as just juggling the work if you were taking 3 or 4 regular college courses. I think some might feel more pressure because 75.99 is a failing grade in nursing school. But so far so good. Maybe I'll feel differently in level 2, we shall see.

rkstjohn · Jun 21, 2016

Thats so good to hear!

Surfinandnursin · Jun 22, 2016

Has anyone taken the class HLT-411 (global health issues) ? In case I don't get in as an alternate for this fall, I am going to take that class which is normally taken during the actual program.

how hard is it? Does it require a lot of writing? What should I expect?

i turned down starting at chamberlain in May because GCU told me I had such a high probability of getting in.... ðŸ˜’ I really didn't want the 56 grand of debt.... But I would be done with a semester by now. So frustrating!

Jmlr · Jun 22, 2016

I haven't taken it yet but a few people in my class have taken it and said its a lot of writing and busy work. Definitely take it and get it out of the way.

Surfinandnursin · Jun 22, 2016

@Jmlr

Did you take MAT274 (STATS) at GCU? I am taking that second session of summer, and am really nervous. If you did, was it tough? I am taking it online.

Williamstraci · Jun 22, 2016

@surfinandnursin I took stats at GCU and it was super tough. I have never spent so much time on homework plus you have papers and projects to do as well.