Lake Sumter State College Nursing Program - How to get in and what to expect

[Hannah96, ASN, BSN]

LSSC Nursing student, cafe dupee employee, and Learning Center Science tutor and HESI exam tutor here!

I visited this website so many times trying to find tips/information on what the nursing program was like, what to expect, etc. and never could find the details I craved. So this is for all you blood thirsty pre-nursing students at LSSC.

The breakdown: HESI 40%, GPA 60%.

Extra "points" are awarded to you if you pass Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, (basically all of your science classes) with an A or B. Additional points are awarded if you live in Lake County.

The HESI specific to LSSC consists of: reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, grammar, and math. Advice for the HESI: Take it as early as you can. You get 2 shots a year. (It may be 3 this year- that I'm not 100% on). There is a study guide available in the Learning Center and the library. Arrive 30 minutes early, BRING A HOODIE (I swear I would've done better if I came with a hoodie/jacket, I couldn't feel my fingers when I took it. ) Pay for the test at the admission office. Cash/check only.

Attend the info session. This is not a profession you go into for the money. You are a dedicated, cut-throat student who is excellent in time-management and flexibility, and you want this more than anything in the world.

Apply. They will want you to get finger printed (it's around $120), just go to UPS and get it done. Start updating your shots now. Get your shot records ready. Create a file on your computer for CastleBranch, this is where you will upload all of your documents like shots, physical, fingerprinting, background check. Save and print all these documents, keep it in a safe place. Return whatever documents they need. Fill out your VECS form immediately to return.

Books. They are pricey, so start saving up now. Occasionally, graduate students will donate their books. The only way to know about these awesome give-aways is to check your LakeHawk e-mail account on a regular basis. In fact, this should now be your primary e-mail for everything nursing and school, check it often, set up alerts on your phone for whenever you get an email. I received all of my nursing books from a graduate nurse for free (not including the access cards) because I responded to the email first. This saved me around $1000-1200.

Orientation. It's 2 days. The first day you go over expectations. Food is provided! The second day you meet the SNA and the 2nd year students answer your Q's. You get to know your mentor (which is kind of like your "big").

Signing up for classes. Sign up for the CRN's exactly as they tell you. From what I have heard, 11 credit hours in the program equates to a full time student. You'll be taking 3. You will be emailed a master calendar for the entire first year of nursing school. Write it down in your planner (if you don't have one yet, invest in one), and get a calendar either on your phone or one to hang on the wall as well. They suggest writing your personal events on the master calendar as well in order to see everything in one place. You will also receive a clinical grid and clinical group. Your grid is where you'll be at for clinical. You don't start going to the hospital until the end of the first semester.

Organizational tips, things to do NOW until it's time to apply:

1. Get a planner and get used to using it.

2. Pass all of your science classes. Aim for a A or B. A's get more points!

3. Study for the HESI 2-3 weeks in advance. Then schedule it as early as possible.

4. Create a quizlet account

5. update your shots (this will save you time) and if you are within a year of applying, go ahead and get your BLS CPR certification ***THROUGH AHA**** ($50-70)

6. Declutter your room. Get rid of unnecessary papers. Have a garage sale or donate to Goodwill. You want a clean space so you can think straight while in the program

7. Start exercising. Get a gym membership. Starting a healthy routine now is a good idea so you can stay healthy in the program.

8. Start learning how to meal prep! Some days you just won't have time to make food and the cafe can get expensive. Those $1.50 fries add up! Plus you will be able to eat healthier.

9. Organize your computer. If you have a mac, get the CleanMyMac app. You will have a lot of files to store on your computer and the last thing you need is a computer with low-space.

10. Relax, meditate, start new hobbies now.

SIDE NOTE: when you go to take the HESI, save your evolve username/password. You will be using evolve throughout the program.

If you have any additional questions come see me in the learning center or contact me by e-mail: [email protected]

[bsturm6]

I was looking online at their information packet and it says in one spot that they calculated GPA based off your last Fall semester prior to applying and in another spot it seems like they take your full college GPA. Do you know which one they use to calculated your GPA for admission? Thank you!