Los Angeles County College of Nursing & Allied Health Spring 2014 Applicants

goldenheart10 · Dec 18, 2013

Nothing yet. I called on Monday and they told me that OVMC contacts the school when it gets cleared. So I'm still waiting.

Oh I see. I hope we hear back before the holidays. I'm antsy about getting things taken care of!

Studionurse · Dec 18, 2013

To all those who got into County, I must say congratulations. To all those who did not get in, it is not the end of the road, just keep on trying at other schools. I graduated from County in May of this year and just landed a job (I must say it is very tough to get a job as ADN, everyone wants BSN). The County program is no walk in the park, but you can get through it... The clinical expectations are not for the weak, you don't have to be the brightest, but you must be willing to keep on trying. The clinical experience is really "SECOND TO NONE". All the best to you all!!!

jdc2013 · Dec 19, 2013

Thanks for the info @Studionurse! I can't wait to be in your shoes in 2 years! :)

@goldenheart10 & @slicksGIRL: I still haven't heard back on my background check either. Anyway, hope everyone is having a wonderful week. I don't know about you guys, but I'm getting a bit nervous as the upcoming semester draws to a near! :nailbiting:

willowita, ADN, RN · Dec 20, 2013

Just wanted to drop a line and say welcome to those that got in! You're in for one hell of a ride. :)

The semester just ended today. Cannot even believe we have to be back in 3 weeks but oh well. You'll all be there and I'm sure I will work with some of you since you will be in 1st semester and I'll be in 4th. Good luck everyone!

jdc2013 · Dec 20, 2013

@willowita: Thank you so much for chiming in! How wonderful to be ending your 3rd semester and being just "that close" to graduating this coming Spring! :) Any tips for {anxious} first semester students, like me?!?!

willowita, ADN, RN · Dec 21, 2013

Hmmm, advice...I don't even know where to begin.

1. Stay on top of the reading load. That first week, you will wonder what the heck you just stepped into. How could I possibly read this much? Don't worry. It all evens out throughout the semester. Just don't leave the reading until the week of the test. Focus on NURSING info (what you as the nurse is licensed to do). Yes, there is pathophys, medicine, pharm, etc in the reading. But what the NCLEX is gauging is if you are a safe NURSE. It took me until 3rd semester to finally get this idea. I would study for an exam as though it were A&P. It's hard to break that habit.

2. In clinical, fake it until you make it. You will hear other students say this as well. Do not show your lack of confidence or your anxiety about skills, taking care of patients, or your lack of knowledge (if you don't know something, tell the instructor, "I'm not sure about that but let me find out and get back to you" And then follow through). We are all students, so none of us are perfect. But if you are nervous, you run the risk of making yourself a target for your instructor. They will keep their eye on you and leave the more "confident" students alone. Of course, ALWAYS be safe and do the right thing. Ask for help when you need it. Just don't be a shaky flower who the instructor feels needs a lot of hand holding. Unfortunately, your reputation will follow you throughout the semesters as I'm sure instructors talk to each other.

3. Take challenging patients. In first, you will feel that anything you do can harm a patient so you want to stick with easier patients or those with conditions you are more comfortable with. Don't. If you challenge yourself, you will learn more and become comfortable with complicated patients. Your instructor will also take note of that go-getter attitude, which will be to your benefit. And remember, you will only be responsible for what you've been taught. So if, for example, there's a patient with an NG tube or a trach or is on a ventilator (which may seem so scary), you won't have to manage any of that. When you encounter a patient like that after you have learned the skill in later semesters, you'll remember you've seen it before.

4. Lastly, make time for you. I know everyone says there is no life in nursing school. It's sort of true. But if you don't want to get burnt out, if you don't want to feel like your life has fallen apart and you've lost your friends, make sure you make time for you and those that are important in your life. Do the activities that bring you joy, relieve stress, etc. You need to be a balanced person who is emotionally, physically, spiritually stable. You can't take care of others, if you don't take care of you!!!

It's all a journey and you'll see what I'm talking about as you go through it. So good luck to all of you! Believe in yourselves and do the best you can. :)

goldenheart10 · Dec 21, 2013

@willowita thank you so much for this wonderful, insightful advice! I appreciate how honest you are. I will definitely keep this in mind when I start this coming semester.

Enjoy your winter break! Hats off to you for entering your 4th semester of county! I'm sure you'll become a wonderful nurse. :)

jdc2013 · Dec 27, 2013

@willowita: Thank you kindly for taking the time to write down all of your tips and advice - it's greatly appreciated! Sounds like you'll make an excellent nurse one day. :) Thanks again and best wishes to you on your last semester at County!

Enzyme · Dec 27, 2013

I just mailed my application to LAC College of Nursing for fall 2014 entry. Hoping for the best :-). Good luck to everyone starting their program this spring. Happy Holidays!

dominohwang · Jan 15, 2014

Hi! I don't know if I'm a little late but Im applying to county as well! I'm pretty nervous because without my ati score I think I'll only get 54 points ( a for micro and english, b for anat and phys & psych) i really want to attend this school because of the great hands on program they have, their passing rate and because of how affordable it is. Hopefully with some luck or something I get it :/

Enzyme · Jan 18, 2014

Hi! I don't know if I'm a little late but Im applying to county as well! I'm pretty nervous because without my ati score I think I'll only get 54 points ( a for micro and english, b for anat and phys & psych) i really want to attend this school because of the great hands on program they have, their passing rate and because of how affordable it is. Hopefully with some luck or something I get it :/

Did you mail your application? Don't lose hope, you never know. Many accepted students choose another college, and they might lower the criteria and point limit. I am waiting for their teas invitation :-)

dominohwang · Jan 18, 2014

Did you mail your application? Don't lose hope, you never know. Many accepted students choose another college, and they might lower the criteria and point limit. I am waiting for their teas invitation :-)

Yes, I did mail my application. >.