Inver Hills Nursing Program

Hi, I graduated from Century College, which used to be the sister school of Inver. My best advice to you is to wait to buy books until first day of class, buy a really good stethoscope (think Littman). Get involved in a study group/make friends right away.

Also jump into learning any new skills at clinical sites.

Let me know if you have new questions.

Moved to the Minnesota State Nursing Programs forum for more of a response.

I'm graduating this May from Inver's program. It's tough. My best advice is to try to focus just on school. If you have a job be willing to cut back on hours. If you have kids be prepared not to see them as much as you would like. I would not buy the books at the school, I bought mine on half.com and amazon and spent about half of what it was at the bookstore or heck find a Semester 4 person who is selling their stuff and buy from them! Wait until the first day of class each semester to buy any of the "required" books (after semester 1) they may say oh yeah that's not "really" required. I would also recommend buying a NCLEX book, and I would recommend Saunders. You can get an older version, it really doesn't matter. For the first 3 semesters Saunders lines up pretty close with the content they are teaching and gives you a different way to study and practice problems. The 4th semester I would get Lipincotts. These NCLEX books have helped me GREATLY. If there is one thing I would recommend doing before you go to school is get Saunders and start just learning/practicing nursing tests... It's quite different than any other testing I have experienced and it was quite a struggle for me (and still is).

Lastly don't be too hard on yourself and be prepared to see your grades drop.... It's rough but do-able. Good luck!

Thank you Scanda123. I was just thinking about buying a stethoscope. I'm glad you commented because I didn't know what brand to buy.

I've also read from other forums that it's important to make friends. I'll try my best. I think I'm a friendly person.

I was thinking about studying over the summer. I don't remember much anatomy from Anatomy and Physiology 1. Do you think this is a good idea? My dad says that I shouldn't study, but that I should rather just relax and take it easy before nursing school starts.

Ugh I don't like hearing that Inver's program is tough. Do you have a lot of tests every week? Could you comment on how the program is hard?

Ok- I'm going to buy that NCLEX and Saunders book ASAP. Is this the type of Saunders book u r talking about? http://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-NCLEX-RN%C2%AE-Examination-Nclex-Rn/dp/1437708250/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368564499&sr=8-2&keywords=saunders

Thank you for the tips. I really appreciate it! I need all the help I can get lol....

Yep, that's exactly the Saunders book I meant.

It's tough because they expect a lot of you. And it's hard to know what to study and how to study. You need to know the content and then be able to apply it. The tests are nerve wracking. There really are not a lot of tests, but that makes it worse in my opinion. If you do poorly on a test it's really hard to make it back up. Also tests are all that make up your "theory" grade. So if you aren't a good test taker you are constantly worried if you are going to make it. Clinical grades are comprised of papers, clinical, assignments, validations, etc. Most of the time almost everyone gets an A in clinical, sometimes maybe a B. If you work hard you'll be fine. It's kinda hard to explain how it is hard, you will understand though quickly into first semester.

Lol oh crap- I am NOT a good test taker!! Yeah, I think if there are more tests than theres less material to be tested on too. The fact that you said that people usually get A's in clinicals gives me hope!!!

I'm a pretty hard worker so I'm banking on that- I know a guy who is in the Inver Hills nursing program and he might have to drop cuz he's about to fail a class. Eeek its a scary thought!

Literally work as hard as you can. If you struggle on the first exam then start going to the teachers for help. Don't wait till the end of the semester where you have to get a 95% on an exam to pass the class. Theory and clinical are split and you have to get at least a 78% in each to pass. Do you live near farmington? I have a ton of stuff I would give you, textbooks that aren't getting anything at the bookstore and med cards!

Omg I do not live in Farmington but I will drive ANYWHERE for help!! Omg that would be so nice of u to give me some of your things!!! I would pay u too!!

I often serve as a preceptor for Inver Hills senior nursing students. I find them well prepared in basic nursing knowledge.

I'm almost in 2900 and was wondering what the validations are for next semester and how many there are? 

Anything I can do to prepare for 2900?