Grand Canyon University RN to BSN

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Hi Fellow Nurses,

I am looking to start the RN to BSN program in a few weeks at GCU. I have read some threads that were dated a while back, but would like something current. I learned they don't offer the 10% discount for ANA membership and that was disappointing. I do have a few questions from anyone that's attended this college.

Is there anything I can do to prepare myself during the next few weeks? I was thinking of reviewing APA formatting. I haven't been in college in ten years. I also never had statistics and I'm concerned about this. They said it's built into their program but learning it in five weeks seems challenging. Should I also somehow try to learn some statistics before starting the class? Are there different professors that you have to choose and sign up for before starting the next class in the program?

I realize it's writing a lot of reports. I do have time being that I only work part time, but again...I haven't been in college for over a decade. I really want to do well. If anyone has any advice it would be willing to private message me I'd greatly appreciate any thoughts.

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I graduated the GCU BSN program in April '17. I can say that I was as anxious as you seem, but that my fears were a waste of time. Do you know anyone else who is starting the program with you, or slightly before you? It would help to have someone to go through the program with. APA formatting is all that is used. The classes are 5 weeks, except for the Capstone. It is 10 weeks and worth double the credits, as well. If you would like to contact me via e-mail, I would be glad to send you more information, and links to some tools you will find most helpful. Please stop worrying. Enjoy your last few weeks before school starts. I am taking my own advice, as I will start NP school 8/28. In the meanwhile, I'm working full-time while teaching an NCLEX prep course in my spare time! LOL! Never a dull moment in the life of a Nurse! Best wishes, Dee W., GCU Alumni 2017

Contact: [email protected] Please put GCU in the subject line.

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I graduated from GCU in Aug 2015. There are 2 GCU threads in the online portion of allnurses and a fair bit of recent info. With regards to APA, purchase PERRLA..great software for formatting and citing and if one has issues, their support staff is top notch..well worth the $30.

The beauty of the program is the online classroom. Most classes follow the same format:

2 discussion questions each week....1 due on Wed, the other Fri. And you have to reply to so many...... For the most part it is very simple to do

And usually 1 paper due each Sunday....sometimes 2..but usually just 1. Avergae length, maybe 1200 words..some as short as 500, some closer to 2000.

Most classes have a group project...due in week 4 or 5......if u have a good group, they can be very easy....usually 1 does a PowerPoint presenation. You can find GCU PP examples....I suggest one takes the lead..as you will find that many do not want to take the lead and you waist time!! One has to draw up a "contract" You can google examples of them.....sort of lay out everyones responsibilities and the consequences if they don't follow thru with them. And yes there are slackers....people who turn stuff in late.....argue just to argue...wont return emails........my advice is to keep ALL communications in the group forum, as the prof can monitor and see who is participating and who is not. Most play well with others, but some do not,lol

Stats has changed since I took it.....school used to have tutors....and if you really struggle with #'s, you can find local tutors to help you....Less $$$ to hire someone for help, then pay for the class a 2nd time!! It is a class where people do fail....you can BS on a paper, but hard to BS #'s, as one does have to show their work.

As well, ensure you look at the RUBRIC for the papers....that is what the profs mark from....as in a few occasions, not all the required items where posted on the Instruction page....so if you did no tlook at the RUBRIC, you missed out on a few items!

Dont wait till the weekend to ask questions on that weeks assignment! Some profs reply back right away.....some are slow. I had 1 prof that stated she most likely would not get back to you in time if you asked a question on Saturday!! But do ask questions..good chance if your not sure on something..so are others

I liked GCU....was fairly straight forward......The online library and librarians were great. You can live chat with Librarians, but I found emailing was best....as they would provide you with the material one was looking for. if you live chatted, they just sort of gave u instruction son how to do the search..which is fine too.

If you plan to drop a class, and u know u want to drop it right away..DO NOT post anything..as soon as you post anywhere on the online classroom, you will forfeit a % of the $$$$$.

Yes you can request profs..just ask ur advisor....hard to say who is good/bad! used to be a list floating around on here, but not sure how accurate it was. I had a "to avoid" prof and she was fine.

If one is paying out of pocket..you can take more and longer breaks......but if u have student loans, it is a different story, so best to ask your advsor!

I started a GCU RN to BSN FB group and then asked the prof if I could post the link...she was fine with it.....was a good way to find others in the program and find out the good/bad profs.....ask questions.....best of luck

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Hello,

I am starting the rn to bsn program in a couple weeks. have you started yet? any tips?

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Hello,

I am starting the rn to bsn program in a couple weeks. have you started yet? any tips?

PM sent

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