Grand Canyon University RN to BSN Reviews

Nursing Students School Programs Nursing Q/A

Howdy all, I bit the bullet and after much research, I decided on Grand Canyon! Wow, I did not expect BSN schools to be like used car salesmen--hounding me by emails and phone calls. Rather impressed on how Grand Canyon sort of left me alone, but at the same time kept in touch.

Commence my first class Sept 30th, excited, yet very nervous, as I'm not a big fan of school, LOL! I did extremely well on my Associate degree, graduated back in 2009 from Northern Virginia Community College. We shall see.

Would love to hear from past and present Grand Canyon RN to BSN students.

Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

I also want to add, that my family time took a big hit. They knew that mom wasn't going to be readily available for play time on every single day off. My kids and other family members watched me type paper after paper. This time last year, I was going through statistics. My husband ran an extension cord to the pool so I could watch the kids swim. I couldn't take the time, because I needed to complete my homework. We didn't go very far and I always felt pressured to get back and do homework. :(

They knew it was for the best though and they were really understanding. I also thought I made a great role model for my kids. ;)

HI!

I echo what Prism says. It comes down to how bad to do you want this?

Well, I think I've decided that I want to do it, I'm just still deciding on the best program for me. I have another program in mind where I can do 1 or 2 (or more) courses online over a semester and it would be a somewhat more manageable pace, I think. Of course it will take me a lot longer, probably 3 years!

Your friend didn't give herself long enough, IMO. I really didn't feel like I had a routine until the 4th class. I honestly felt overwhelmed and crazed for the first few classes. I then got into a groove and was ok. I always, always, worked ahead because I don't work well under pressure.

The homework eventually turned into a routine. I would get into the classroom on Friday and have a rough draft on the Monday when the classroom opened. The papers did become easier, and I knew what the instructor wanted for the most part.

It's good that you were able to get into a routine. That's what I am hoping, that once I get started, it will have a flow to it and I will adjust.

If it makes you feel better, I left school in 1989 and hadn't been back since. That was before computers, APA, Word and online classrooms. Papers had footnotes, and I sucked at grammar. Anyway, I did it with the help of my kids. They taught me Word and power points. The APA, I perused Owl Purdue, APA websites and bought the book and started reading. Was I perfect? Heck No, however, the instructors appear to be a little more forgiving in the first class. If you ever need help with APA, there are plenty of us that can take a peek at your papers. :)

This does make me feel better! I did well in school when I went, but I'm a little intimidated by the younger nurses who seem to whip out papers without much worry, it seems!

Lastly, I want to add that I'm a full time worker, with 5 kids at home. One is special needs and requires a lot of my attention, and my husband has some health issues. I had severe food poisoning in ethics that knocked me on my butt for 2 weeks. My papers weren't stellar, but I passed, lol.

My work requires not only my 36 hours of 3, twelve hour shifts, but union negotiations, and committee work. It isn't uncommon for me to put in over 50 hours a week for regular work and the extras.

It sounds like you and I have a lot of the same issues. I too work full-time 12h shifts. I am a union officer and have 4 kids, although only 2 young adults left at home. It's definitely encouraging that you were able to do this program as well! You should be proud!

Specializes in Psychiatric.

It too has taken me some time to settle in. I'm halfway through my 3rd class and just starting to feel like a routine is kicking in. I am a single mom with 4 kiddos, and a new nurse still learning my job. It is difficult to juggles at times, especially with school deadlines, but it is doable.

Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.
HI!

Well, I think I've decided that I want to do it, I'm just still deciding on the best program for me. I have another program in mind where I can do 1 or 2 (or more) courses online over a semester and it would be a somewhat more manageable pace, I think. Of course it will take me a lot longer, probably 3 years!

It's good that you were able to get into a routine. That's what I am hoping, that once I get started, it will have a flow to it and I will adjust.

This does make me feel better! I did well in school when I went, but I'm a little intimidated by the younger nurses who seem to whip out papers without much worry, it seems!

It sounds like you and I have a lot of the same issues. I too work full-time 12h shifts. I am a union officer and have 4 kids, although only 2 young adults left at home. It's definitely encouraging that you were able to do this program as well! You should be proud!

I get how annoying those younger nurses are. They brag about writing papers in a day. Yeah...No. That's not me.

IMO, don't take 3 years on a program. You can do this! Just like rainyn says, it takes a few classes to get into the groove. How far in did your friend drop?

Specializes in Cath Lab, Case Management.

I'm finishing my 4th class this next week. I, like many here, am before the era of APA or computers in classrooms. I have a young son, work full time, and spend hours each week learning the information to be a better nurse. I'm doing this for myself and paying for it (cash) as I go. I did decide, 2 classes in, that I was going to do the 12 classes over 16 months instead of 11. I take a break every other class for two weeks. I feel I need to do that for my son he just doesn't get why mommy can't play. I spend about 30 hours a week. I spend more time reading and researching than writing papers. I find once I know the information I can write more knowledgably. I'm a fiend about editing. Even though I detest group projects I love the classes. I have found out more about myself personally and professionally from going to GCU than I have in a while.

Where did you get all those cool graphics Prism? :sarcastic:

Thanks so much for the encouragement! Right now I'm having my transcripts evaluated. I will let you know how it goes!

Specializes in UR/CM, Managed Care.
I'm finishing my 4th class this next week. I, like many here, am before the era of APA or computers in classrooms. I have a young son, work full time, and spend hours each week learning the information to be a better nurse. I'm doing this for myself and paying for it (cash) as I go. I did decide, 2 classes in, that I was going to do the 12 classes over 16 months instead of 11. I take a break every other class for two weeks. I feel I need to do that for my son he just doesn't get why mommy can't play. I spend about 30 hours a week. I spend more time reading and researching than writing papers. I find once I know the information I can write more knowledgably. I'm a fiend about editing. Even though I detest group projects I love the classes. I have found out more about myself personally and professionally from going to GCU than I have in a while.

:nmbrn: I want to frame this. Well said, m'lady... :redbeathe emoticon-bloom.gif

Specializes in UR/CM, Managed Care.
Where did you get all those cool graphics Prism? :sarcastic:

Not tellin'. It's a closely guarded secret only bestowed upon those who've made it to the halfway point! :sofahider Ask our beloved matriarch (tokmom) for your super-special emoties after your next class!

:w00t:

Hi Winterwhite,

Thanks so much for your response! I cannot fathom doing 12 classes in 11 months! I think it's a great idea to take a break between classes, especially with a young child. By the way, I got your message but am unable to write back. I guess I haven't been around long enough! but thanks!

Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.
:nmbrn: I want to frame this. Well said, m'lady... :redbeathe :flwrhrts:

cute flowers, lol

Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.
Not tellin'. It's a closely guarded secret only bestowed upon those who've made it to the halfway point! :sofahider Ask our beloved matriarch (tokmom) for your super-special emoties after your next class!

:w00t:

ME? You are the one with the magic key to the emoties, m'lady...:whistling:

Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.
Hi Winterwhite,

Thanks so much for your response! I cannot fathom doing 12 classes in 11 months! I think it's a great idea to take a break between classes, especially with a young child. By the way, I got your message but am unable to write back. I guess I haven't been around long enough! but thanks!

No doubt, it would be difficult. I was happy with the 15 months that it took me! I think doubling up on the last few classes would be much easier than the first though, which is why GCU doesn't let people double until well into the program.

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