National University San Diego

CAli2384 · Nov 5, 2010

Question for anyone in Cohort 23 or under: I'm scheduled to be in Fundamentals Jan and Feb 2011 (cohort 24). A very good friend of mine is getting married in Denver on Feb 20th (which is the Sunday before President's Day- not sure if the school observes that holiday or not). She's asked me to be in the wedding, but I'm not sure if anything is going to be planned for that weekend. I would probably fly out later on Saturday and return on Monday, so wouldn't be gone a long time. I'm trying to get ahold of whoever will be teaching us, but thought I'd throw this out here, too, to see if anyone felt it was unrealistic to think I might be able to go. It's the Sunday of the weekend right before the last week of class (6 days before the final exam). Any help/thoughts would be so appreciated!

Congrats all you cohort 25ers! Theories and Models is a little slow, but we're in Health Assessment now and I'm loving it. Learning lots of nursy things finally :)

ExPharmaGirl, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2010

Question for anyone in Cohort 23 or under: I'm scheduled to be in Fundamentals Jan and Feb 2011 (cohort 24). A very good friend of mine is getting married in Denver on Feb 20th (which is the Sunday before President's Day- not sure if the school observes that holiday or not). She's asked me to be in the wedding, but I'm not sure if anything is going to be planned for that weekend. I would probably fly out later on Saturday and return on Monday, so wouldn't be gone a long time. I'm trying to get ahold of whoever will be teaching us, but thought I'd throw this out here, too, to see if anyone felt it was unrealistic to think I might be able to go. It's the Sunday of the weekend right before the last week of class (6 days before the final exam). Any help/thoughts would be so appreciated!
Congrats all you cohort 25ers! Theories and Models is a little slow, but we're in Health Assessment now and I'm loving it. Learning lots of nursy things finally :)

I'm in 23. It depends on your scheduled clinical lab days. My current lab days are fri and sat, and next weekend is the last weekend before the final in theory so I am in clinical at the nursing home on fri and sat from 7-3. You would have to just make sure to not get a weekend clinical lab. Only the last 3 days are spent in the nursing home, the rest is in the skills lab/sim. Talk to the "scheduler" in addition to the teacher. Can't name names but you know who I am talking about! Good luck!

Mike's Wife · Nov 8, 2010

Hello!
I will be starting in January 2011 with cohort 25. I was wondering if anyone could give any advice on how to prepare? ie: any books to get? what to study? I want to try and get a head start! Thank you so much:)

Hi Rachey! I'll see you at the orientation next week...I'm in cohort 25 too.

I already noticed that on my schedule (this can be seen via the SOAR Student Portal), all of my nursing classes have been added. Click on Jan 2011 class, and you will get another link on the next page that says "Buy Books". There are three books listed that we'll need for the first class, and they aren't too expensive if you buy through Amazon.com!

Other than that, I say we just go with the flow and don't expect too much out of ourselves before the program starts...I have no clue what to study for, so I am just going to review my basic anatomy/physio/micro by watching professor lectures on YouTube. One guy that goes through some great concepts is "Dr. Najeeb" on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/DoctorNajeeb). He has a relatively thick accent, but besides that, he is SO smart and really knows his stuff, and teaches concepts very well.

See ya November 19th! :)

Mike's Wife · Nov 8, 2010

So National does have a good reputation in the hospitals? Great! I was wondering about that because I know it will effect our hiring opportunities. I know a few people who have turned their noses up a National because "it's not a real school" But, it's accredited and that is all that I'm concerned about. I like what it has to offer and I like that I can get in and get my BSN. Thanks!

My mom has been a nurse for over 32 years and is working as a triage nurse at a big-name hospital here in SD. She works alongside National University grads and she says they are SO prepared and really seem to know their stuff. Therefore our school is looked very highly upon. I wouldn't worry about our reputation; the proof is in the pudding! :)

Mike's Wife · Nov 9, 2010

Hello fellow Cohort 25ers and other current NU nursing students:

I'll see all of my classmates on November 19th for our orientation! Exciting! Just wanted to ask, is anyone else out there without a drop of experience in the medical field? I have absolutely zero experience, and just wanted to see if anyone else was right there with me. I'm not worried though. I know I can do this from the ground up. I am sure the professors assume that you've never had experience (that's what we're paying for, right? To be taught from the ground up). So, just wondering if anyone else is in the same boat as me! :)

I'm just praying that my mind will be sponge-like, ready to soak in and absorb all of the info I'll be exposed to for the first time. Personally, it is really thrilling starting this new, fresh adventure in my life. As George McFly says, "if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything..." Haha! Let's get this adventure started! :yeah:

maiday · Nov 9, 2010

Hi Mike's wife,

I'm in cohort 19 and I had no previous medical experience. I don't think you're at too much of a disadvantage. Actually I'd say more than half of my cohort had no medical experience. I am working now as a PCA-Student Nurse (basically a CNA), but I just started in Sept and I graduate in May. I wanted to get a foot in the door some place... which I highly recommend. If you can not work for the 1st year or so, that's great, but I recommend trying to get a CNA type job about a year out just to get your foot in the door. Unless of course the economy improves!

Bubbles2610 · Nov 9, 2010

Hi Cohort 25!

I'm cohort 24 and currently in our second class. Don't worry about not having any medical experience but definitely brush up on your anatomy and physiology before starting Health Assessment! It will make your life easier!

Mike's Wife · Nov 11, 2010

Hi Mike's wife,
I'm in cohort 19 and I had no previous medical experience. I don't think you're at too much of a disadvantage. Actually I'd say more than half of my cohort had no medical experience. I am working now as a PCA-Student Nurse (basically a CNA), but I just started in Sept and I graduate in May. I wanted to get a foot in the door some place... which I highly recommend. If you can not work for the 1st year or so, that's great, but I recommend trying to get a CNA type job about a year out just to get your foot in the door. Unless of course the economy improves!

Awesome. Thank you for the advice, it is much appreciated.

Rachey467 · Nov 11, 2010

Hi Mike's Wife!

Thanks for the reply! I've already bought my books and got a really good deal on amazon! Thanks for the advice and I'll check out that youtube site!

May2 · Nov 24, 2010

Hi everyone. I belong to Cohort 25 and I heard from other members of the group that we need SPN 340a, SPN 341 and SOC 500 in order to graduate. Is this also applicable to those pursuing Post-Bachelor BSN? Because when I checked the NU Course Catalog, the said courses are only listed under the Generic Entry BSN requisites. Pls. enlighten me!!!

maiday · Nov 25, 2010

May2,

If you already have a bachelors, those classes do not apply to you. Of course, verify with your advisor, but it didn't apply to the people who had degrees in my cohort.

Chris' Wife · Nov 26, 2010

Hello all! I have recently signed up for the BSN program and pre-reqs will be done December 2011. At that time I was told I would be able to apply to the nursing program. I am very nervous, as I have been told that I am not guaranteed in and that it is very competitive. I am concerned that I will rack up a huge student loan bill for nothing. Any insight to this would be greatly appreciated.