I'm scared

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Specializes in Surgical Nursing.

I don't know if I'm completely crazy, but I've signed up for Microbiology over the summer. It's a 6 week class, from May 23-July 8 that meets 4 days a week for about 3.5 hours each day.

I've never done a summer course and I don't know what to expect. I'm sure it's going to be a pretty good s* storm, as I work a full schedule M-F that averages from 38-43 hours a week including Saturdays on my long weeks.

Deep breaths. I suppose I can drop it if things look especially grim.

Any tips on summer classes?

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It's going to suck, no two ways about it. Took Physiology last summer, and it was a chapter every 4 days test on Monday's, rinse, repeat. The prof did cut us some slack on a few things but I don't know if I would take another bio during the summer.

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Specializes in Psych., Rehabilitation, Developmental Di.

I did the same thing the summer before starting nursing school. On top of that, I was one month post-op, major shoulder surgery. It can be done, be prepared to settle for a passing grade. If you are driven by grades, just have to get an A, it could be a long, hot, summer. It's like trying to learn a new language in 6 weeks. In the long run, knowing what "ubiquitous" means over rides microaerophillic. Lol. Good luck, rest when you can, and have a healthy supply of tissue. You will cry.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Just drop everything else like socializing and showers and get it done.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Don't party this summer. Work and school. That is it. Don't even think about dropping. Just get it done. Then it is in the rear view mirror.

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Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

I couldn't hang doing condensed summer classes for the sciences. I also have kids and work so that definitely added into it but you definitely need to be able to commit a few hours a day at least to study for the condensed versions. I took A+P 2 condensed and had to drop because I wasn't getting out of it what I wanted because I was so stressed. I ended up taking it last semester during a normal full term and got an easy A. I also think it depends on how you learn.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

It sounds like you want to take a summer science class. I, personally, tried and ended up dropping.

My suggestion is to plan to teach yourself all of the material. Some teachers don't do a good job of teaching. In these instances, you need to be prepared to teach yourself.

My other suggestion is to plan to dedicate a considerable amount of time outside of class studying.

This website suggests 2 hrs of study per hr of class time each week. 4 * 3.5 = 14. 14 * 2 = 28.

This sounds about right based on my experiences.

Plus allow a little more study time before exams.

https://www.umflint.edu/advising/surviving_college

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Specializes in psych.

I did it, but like other PP said, you have to be willing to drop everything else. It is only one summer and then it is over. It will be hard, but it is possible to do. Good luck!

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Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.
It's going to suck, no two ways about it. Took Physiology last summer, and it was a chapter every 4 days test on Monday's, rinse, repeat. The prof did cut us some slack on a few things but I don't know if I would take another bio during the summer.

Nursing school is 20-40 chapters each week per class (in the first few terms) with 2-3 exams that almost your entire grade is riding on. Look at summer science classes as a way to gain some serious academic stamina before things get way too real, way too fast.

Also, OP, if you're scared, that means you're paying attention and you're doing it right. As long as you don't become a victim of your fear and take steps to address the challenges that are intimidating to you, you'll be golden.

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You can do it! I did it last summer and got an A. It did help that I loved that class and learning the material. I thought the labs were fun. It goes by incredibly fast so you will be done before you know it. Because everything is so fast paced there is no time to get behind, you are forced to stay on top of everything and I found that to be a positive. Good luck!

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Specializes in Surgical Nursing.

I'm not much of a partyer these days with a three year old at home, but I do have some social ties outside of work so they'll definitely be set aside for that time period.

I'm glad that some of your mentioned the amount of study time, and that's around what I expected...so about 4 hours a day. I probably will break that down to two hours on work days and longer periods during the weekend.

I'm also very encouraged to see some of you made it and thrived despite the challenges presented. I'm doing pretty well, academically. Last semester I had 4.0 for GPA and this semester my lowest grade so far is a 95! We all know that can change quickly though if you let up just a little.

I think I got this, and I really appreciate the words of encouragement. Thank you for the advice!

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I'm taking a few courses, including A&P II, this summer and I work full time as well. Although mine are 8-10 weeks long, I'm scared too! I've come to terms with the fact that it's going to be a brutal two months where I have to remain absolutely focused and on top of my time management/prioritizing. I'll be using Khan Academy to review before the session starts as well, that way it won't be new material. I'll probably be drinking 8 glasses of coffee a day with a morning cup of water instead too lol.

Best of luck!

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