just starting...

daisylizzydog · Aug 6, 2006

I am currently a nursing student at Helene Fuld, Camden County College. I am entering my second semester of six. I finished all my pre-requisities before starting my nursing classes. I felt that I couldn't handle my nursing classes and other classes at the same time. I am glad that I made that decision, because it is way harder than I ever imagined. This is also a second career for me. I suggest if possible to not work or only work part time. I am cutting from thirty hours to ten to fourteen hours a week. I will have three full days that consist of class, lab and clinicals. So not much time for work. When you study for nursing it is not just memorization. You have to start with remembering it. Second, explain it in your words and third give an example. Therefore when it comes to testing they can give it to you in any form of a question and you will be able to answer the question. This studying is more intense to be able to grasp everything, but it can be done. Just a lot of reading, studying and staying on top of it all. If you really want to be a nurse you need to start applying to schools for the spring semester. I am not sure if all schools start each semester, but mine does. There are alot of people on waiting lists to get into nursing programs, so if your in a time crunch you need to apply ASAP. Take care and best of luck to you in your nursing career.

NJNursing, ASN, RN · Aug 7, 2006

I just graduated from Mercer County College this past May. I start work tomorrow (woo hoo!).

Find out what your nursing department's policies are in regards to applying to start the nursing classes and prereq's. I know with mine all math and science classes had to be completed before we could begin a nursing class. They highly recommend that ALL prereq's are done before starting a nursing class. It's tough taking another class with a nursing class - I did it 3 out of 4 semesters. I also chose not to work while I was taking my nursing classes. Some of my classmates worked part time, but those who worked more than that ended up failing out because they were spread too thin.

When I petitioned to get into the nursing program, almost 120 people petitioned for only 60 seats. We graduated with 31. It also took me 4 years to get throught the 2 year program. You won't have that issue becuase they're taking a lot of your classes. I was starting from scratch.

As for studying, try to read ahead of lectures, invest in a tape recorder and record the lectures because depending on the professor, they'll go fast, are intense, sometimes boring to where you space out or get distracted in thought and it's a good way to just go back and fill in notes you missed or to reinforce something that was said. i'd listen to my lectures going back and forth to class since it was a half hour each way. I also enjoyed studying as a group. We were jovial and would remember things that each other said by funny little jokes or comments we'd make that just stood out. Like the 2 excitatory hormones we had to memorize were asinine and glutamine. Someone came up with :a$$ and glutes are exciting. Being a bunch of girls, we giggled and here it is over a year later and I still remember it. LOL.

Good luck with it!

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Aug 7, 2006

I was able to transfer all except science as well, although I was able to get A&P I & II out of the way before NS started. I have to take chemistry this fall along w/nursing 1 and micro next summer as a stand-alone (cool).

As for A&P, A&P I is virtually all rote memorization and A&P II builds on that for an understanding of how organ systems function. There are a number of phenomenal websites out there to help. Tons are listed on stickys on the Pre-Nursing and Nursing Student pages. Here are few of the my favorites (i.e., the ones I used regularly):

http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/esp/2002_general/Esp/default.htm

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0070272468/student_view0/

http://www.stchas.edu/divisions/aao/ace/science/AP/AP.shtml

http://www.wiley.com/college/apcentral/anatomydrill/

There are many more, but these were about the best.

Study skills vary from person to person. I personally need to read something 3 times for it to stick (luckily I can read very very fast). I don't like flash cards or re-writing notes. I do like online testing - multiple choice NCLEX style or look at and identify.

Good luck.

scubadooII · Aug 14, 2006

Hello, Anyone out there who is just beginning a nursing program? I am starting with A&P the end of August. County College of Morris accepted all of my prior credits except the four sciences, mainly because they are older than 7 years. I am also concerned about the abundance of students that are nnot able to be accomodated due to staffing shortages or building space. I am 51 pursuing this as a second career, so I don't want to take forever... Any one out there with advice about classes, studying etc??? thanks

Hello, I am starting the nursing program at CCM in two weeks. Our clinicals will begin approx one month into Nursing I ~ Octoberish. I would not worry about the 'shortage' it looks to me as if there are still seats open for the fall Nursing I. I would say that there is no shortage at CCM. But who knows, I think they like to toot their horn a bit. No worries.

Also, IMO take micro online. I was originally registered for the inclass micro - went to most of the classes got tired of going to class and participated in the online sessions instead. I guess it depends on how you study, but I found the online more beneficial. The teacher who holds the class is Alisauskas & she is GREAT. So far she is my favorite teacher there.

Make sure you have all your ducks in a row ie..transcrips, transfer credits etc before applying. They will renig if they offer you a seat and dont have all your info in...I couldnt believe some of the situations people put themselves in. Know when your letter of intent is due. If you are unsure if all your ducks are in a row before the intent is due go see a counselor to be sure.

P.S. Do not take prof. gulay if you can help it !!!! he is horrible. knows his stuff but is rough !

Good Luck.

zubi14 · Aug 16, 2006

Hello,

I am also trying to get into CCM.....I graduated with a BA in Psych from Rutgers so I have most of my pre-reqs except for an online micro class and a health and wellness class, which I will be taking in the fall. I've been trying to get in touch with the nursing department, but it seems like no one is ever there. How lenient are they about having the pre-reqs completed? I don't want to waste any more time and want to get in ASAP, hopefully by the Spring. Currently, I am a non-matriculated student completing the pre-reqs. Do I need to complete all pre-reqs and declare a nursing major before I file my letter of intent? Are they strict with the deadlines? Is there really a waiting list and how competitive is it? Are you in the daytime or weekend program? Any tips you can give would be very helpful.

Thanks.

scubadooII · Aug 16, 2006

Hello,
I am also trying to get into CCM.....I graduated with a BA in Psych from Rutgers so I have most of my pre-reqs except for an online micro class and a health and wellness class, which I will be taking in the fall. I've been trying to get in touch with the nursing department, but it seems like no one is ever there. How lenient are they about having the pre-reqs completed? I don't want to waste any more time and want to get in ASAP, hopefully by the Spring. Currently, I am a non-matriculated student completing the pre-reqs. Do I need to complete all pre-reqs and declare a nursing major before I file my letter of intent? Are they strict with the deadlines? Is there really a waiting list and how competitive is it? Are you in the daytime or weekend program? Any tips you can give would be very helpful.
Thanks.

BA in Psych - Rutgers ? I wouldnt be too worried...

I believe the letter of intent is due for the spring in October. I'd have it filled out by the end of september. You MUST have your pre reqs completed. Are you a male ? If so (my opinion) your pre reqs do not have to be completed fully to be accepted.

I sent my letter in April during while enrolled in Chemistry (Ughhh). If you only have micro to complete (biology pre reqs) you'll be fine for Jan (night program).

Am just curious, why arent you matriculated ? Its really easy, I believe you just have to fill out a form. when you go to the registrar dept just swing by (admissions ?) and become matriculated... I wouldnt think that would matter b/c once your finished w/ the nursing program you'll have your degree.

MAKE sure all your ducks are in a row. Give yourself plenty of time to fix something if it needs fixing...I found the online @ ccm.edu resources great...Helpful...

I'll be attending the day program, and as I said in my previous post, I dont believe there is a waiting list. There are still seats that are open for Fall Nursing I. However, Im sure if more people had their pre reqs completed that wouldnt be the case !

Hope that Helped !

Becky.