Last shot at pre-req's help!!

PurpleMyst · May 16, 2009

Hello everyone, I am starting school this summer to retake some of my NS pre-req's. I am soo nervous because this is my last shot at doing well and getting into NS. I decided to take an intro A&P class this summer to get my brain going and so it's not TOO scary this fall. I am taking A&P 1, Chem 121 (Inorganic) and English 101 (online) this Fall. I am soo scared about taking A&P with Chem, but I think I can do it! Any suggestions on how to do well in these classes? I have to work 3-4 days a week (I am a server) to help my hubby with the bills, so I can't NOT work. Winter Qtr -I am going to take A&P 2, Chem 131 (Organic/BioChem Intro) and Psych 200 (Developmental) and then Spring Qtr - Micro and Sociology 100. Does this seem like an impossible schedule??? I already took Psych 100 (3.8) and Statistics (3.8). I need all the help I can get! Thanks!

Hi, mind if I ask why this is your last shot? It seems to me that you have a pretty heavy schedule for someone who has to work too.

If this is your last shot would it not be wiser to go slower and ensure good grades ? Just my :twocents: since I don't know your situation.

UndecidedChoiceATL · May 16, 2009

I agree with PurpleMyst. take it one step at a time. I understand the need to complete the pre-reqs as soon as you can but taking a full load *and* working.

This fall, I plan on taking 1 course at a time..well my sciences because I want to make sure I do well and get a good foundation. I'm an older student, well maybe older to some (30 yrs) and I want to finish as soon as I can. But I've done this and it's hard and stressful. It's not impossible either. I'd rather not go down that road again only to get to the finish line quicker.

Anyway, whichever choice you decided, good luck!

mrsb04 · May 16, 2009

You are only allowed to repeat pre-req's once for entrance into the nursing schools that are in Washington. So I have to do well in them, because I cannot repeat them again. I have seen alot of replies about women who were full-time workers, had children AND were taking full loads and did well. I figure, the only responsibility I have is to work a few days a week (I might bump it down to 3 days, just nights, each shift is maybe 6hrs)...and then I have all the time in the world to study. I just need helpful tips on how to do well in the classes. Obviously I KNOW I need to study, but helpful tips would be appreciated. I hear flash cards are amazing for A&P, what about Chem and Micro? Are there online tutorials out there too? What was helpful to you guys, to do well in these classes? Thanks!

BTW...I am 26 and would like to get into NS Fall 2010, because I have been a college student since 2001 and would like to start my career sooner than later. :)

ser2011 · May 17, 2009

Hello,

This semester I did A&P and Chemistry (As in both) at the same time. It is doable, but not easy! For A&P I always made sure to read the chapter and do flash cards (when I took Micro I did the same). I also really liked using the software that came with my book. As for Chemistry, it was hard to find study tools outside of the book and flashcards.

Good luck!! :-D

momtomonsters · May 17, 2009

Do not let anyone tell you that you can't do it. It is totally do-able. It will be alot of work, but if you know what you're up against from the beginning you will be ok. It will take alot of discipline on your part to sit down and do the school work when you are not at work. I was able to pull off nursing school with 3 children (one was a newborn), and my husband worked nights so when I would get home from school he was gone and it was me and the kids. I graduated #3 in the class. You will be fine!

ElephantWoman · May 17, 2009

You can do it! I think a big key (at least for A&P) is to keep up with the reading. Exams will seem less daunting if you review the material little by little. Also, the A&P summer course is definitely a great idea to get you prepared. Just stay positive and focused and you will be able to accomplish it! Best of luck :)

PurpleMyst · May 17, 2009

I had a bit of a shock with A&P I, in the lab portion our teacher tested us on the various body parts, muscles, nerves, etc., and it was all memory with nothing to remind me of their names (just a piece of paper numbered from 1 to 100 to name all that he wanted). The other was with his lecture tests which required 3 essay questions worth 10% each along with 80 other questions.

I found myself scrambling to get a grip! Finally, got the hang of it but it took a lot of effort on my part.

I would recommend the Home Lab Photo guide (isbn 9780976545903) if you know you'll have the same kind of lab exams. I wish I had known about it during this class as it is I bought it and used it in the A&P II class and my grade improved.

Do a lot of practice tests for your textbook (usually the book has a website where you can do quizes).

It really all depends on your study methods. everyone is different. I also looked around for other anatomy & physiology websites so I could get the same info from a different perspective or format. I had 2 different A&P books because sometimes the explanation in one is easier than the other. I bought a coloring book but had almost no time for it.

You need to find your rhythm so you can flow with success.

Search in here for helpful websites, there are a lot of links in here that can be very useful.

I never took chemistry so I can't give you advise on that. I have yet to take Microbiology (very soon).

Also, if your school allows it get a good voice recorder and record your lectures. I usually listened to them when I walked my dogs. I also used my recorder to record text read from the A&P CDs or textbook. A CD I used a lot was one called MediaPhys (got it cheap on line) I would play the guy in the cd reading the text into my voice recorder and played it when I was cleaning the house, I loved it because it was more repetition along with the text book.

Anyway, I hope my suggestions help you and I wish you the best of luck!

missybear88 · May 17, 2009

You can definitely do it, as long as you're determined enough. :) I'm taking Chem and English right now, and I have to admit it's a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. I also work 3 days a week and my grades are good (just got midterm reports, I have an A- in both classes).

It definitely helps me to get into a routine and stay organized. In Chem, take plenty of notes and ask lots of questions if you're confused. Are you going to BCC? Just curious, you said you were in Washington and those are the same courses I'm taking. If you are going to BCC, they offer a Hybrid class for Chem so you can just shoot a quick email to your instructor or fellow classmates if you're confused on any of the coursework. It's very, very helpful.

Just keep your head up and GO FOR IT! That's what I'm doing, even though I'll be switching to full-time work this summer. As with you, I hope to start NS in Fall 2010!

mrsb04 · May 18, 2009

thank you for your advice everyone!!! i really appreciate the encouragment too! my parents aren't being very supportive of my quest into nursing school...my dad's dissappointed that i won't be done with school for ANOTHER 3 years! i am 26 and he wanted me to be done a LONG time ago...so he's not the greatest of support at the moment. my mom loves that i am doing it, and my in-laws are both RN's so they have my back all the way and vowed to help me out when i am struggling. :) thanks so much and good luck to everyone!!! :)

btw...i am going to green river cc in auburn. has anyone taken pre-req's there?