I'm studying for National universitys essay portion of the entry exam.
This is my second time taking it and I was wondering if anyone could help me with what essay topics they have gotten in the past or for this cohort?
There is no way of preparing yourself for this essay as they do not give you any idea of how or what they will use for this essay!
My last essay topic a year ago was something along the lines of, "name 3 characteristics, gifts, talents that you have, that will help you become a nurse."
That's not verbatum but it's pretty close to what I got.
I am currently in Cohort 32. Congrats on your acceptance. The orientation fee is not so much for orientation as it really covers your scrubs, a bag with a bunch of medical supplies you will need for your classes, ATI testing, Nursing central web data base, and few other things. These resources are invaluable.
This is hard program and you will need to rely upon each other to make it. Become friends and get a study buddy or three. That is the best advice I can give you. The people that are still standing after a year in my cohort are those who have helped each other. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Congratulations again! Getting here was only half the battle. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor.
Anbo3882 thanks for the info how many alternates were in your cohort and did they all get in? Also can you tell me what the schedule is like in the program?
Thanks for the insight Anbo! I asked what it all entailed and they said the same, so that makes sense. I knew it was going to somethingggg it just seemed like an astronomical amount! I think the reality of not working is starting to set in, so I'm on heightened financial alert.
Anything else you would recommend or had known before starting? Which hospitals have you had clinicals at this far?
I have been at the scripps hospitals mostly. They try to place you in hospitals according to where you live. This isnt always possible though. I have been at Scripps Mercy Downtown and Chula Vista, Sharp Coronado, and Remington skilled nursing facility.
As for further advice:
Do all the readings. I mean ALL.
Get a study group together.
The first three months in the program are the easiest. After that it gets progressively harder.
Make friends with someone in a cohort ahead of you. Or join the national university student nurses association mentor program.
Utilize open lab to practice skills. You will be tested before all clinical classes on certain hallmark skills. Know them or you will not be allowed to attend clinical.
If you have more specific questions pm me and I will give you my email.
thank you so much i hope that i get in the director said they would email alternates as spots opened up but it appears everyone just finds out on orientation day. 12 is a lot you would think they wouldn't have so many.
Nmaldrich did your friend who was denied receive her scores if so what was the last score accepted in and if you get good news please post and I will do the same this waiting game is getting the best of me. Best of luck.
Thank you so much! Very helpful info :) as we progress I may be shooting you several pms!!
Other than the stress of being a nursing student, have you enjoyed the program so far? Professors, the way the program is structured?
There are definitely pro's and con's to this program.
Pro's
22 months long
Some of the professors are simply amazing and are really invested in your success
Focusing on subject at a time makes things easier
The students are really nice (well at least my cohort)
Con's
expensive
at times disorganized
Some of the professors are only there to collect a paycheck it seems
The program moves incredibly fast. No time to slack off at all. Prepare to hunker down in your cave and only emerge in the last week of december, one week in march, and one week in the beginning of july.
Stress is HIGH!!!!
All in all I do not regret going here. I would do it again. only 11 months to go to Graduation. The time flies by. You will be done before you know it!
Thank you SO much. As National was not my first choice, it's been difficult to feel at peace with going here. That sounds worse than what I mean! It's just been hard to decipher the good and bad and reality. I know that I'll get a great education, but its always nice to hear the same from students; so your honesty is very much appreciated! :)
I think there were 12 alternates and 6 of them were accepted.
Anbo3882
43 Posts
I am currently in Cohort 32. Congrats on your acceptance. The orientation fee is not so much for orientation as it really covers your scrubs, a bag with a bunch of medical supplies you will need for your classes, ATI testing, Nursing central web data base, and few other things. These resources are invaluable.
This is hard program and you will need to rely upon each other to make it. Become friends and get a study buddy or three. That is the best advice I can give you. The people that are still standing after a year in my cohort are those who have helped each other. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Congratulations again! Getting here was only half the battle. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor.