New pre-nursing student "need advice"

JoshuaC · Jul 26, 2006

What classes are you taking?

Regardless, my advice to you would be to study. And not just study to memorize, study to learn and "retain."

You'll want to keep at least a 3.0 GPA, which isn't too hard if you study enough. I got my pre-reqs done last year and on average I spent about an hour a day studying, and I should have studied more. I got A's and B's, but I could have gotten all A's if I would have thrown in those extra hours.

I don't know how you are, but for me the hardest classes I took were Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, and English... Well, English wasn't hard, it just sucked. A lot of people just take AP I and AP II, but I missed that opportunity so I had to take anatomy and physiology as separate classes, which was harder, but I did well. Just read and retain, and quiz yourself. Also a good tip is to re-read all of your lecture material right after class is over. This helps you retain what you've learned. In college it's mostly lecture, notes, and study, and it all falls on you to make sure you know it.

And even if you study a lot you'll still have plenty of free time to do whatever you want, and time for a job if you want it. Just manage your time and you'll be fine.

Also, if you can land a job at a hospital or nursing home or some other type of health care facility, that would be great experience. You'd probably need a CNA if you don't already have one.

I start nursing school in August and I'm just now taking a CNA class so that I can work at a hospital during schooling and I wish I would have started this a long time ago.

Anyway, good luck.

kcmo06 · Jul 26, 2006

so can i take classes to get my CNA liscense while im in college at another school

amysmith46176 · Jul 27, 2006

where can i get a study guide for my psbs can you tell me where i can find one at

thank you

amysmith46176

amysmith46176 · Jul 27, 2006

where can i get a study guide for my psbs can you tell me where i can find one at

thank you

amysmith46176

-alice- · Jul 27, 2006

A lot of people just take AP I and AP II, but I missed that opportunity so I had to take anatomy and physiology as separate classes, which was harder, but I did well.

I have to do that too! Is it really harder? Thats all my college offers...

JoshuaC · Jul 27, 2006

so can i take classes to get my CNA liscense while im in college at another school

A CNA program usually runs 3-5 weeks. You put in about the same time either way... And you can take a CNA class while you're in college. To work at a hospital they usually want you to have some clinical experience. CNA programs are usually very easy classes.

It kind of sucks though because I'll be working at a hospital and my CNA class is geared towards nursing homes and things I'll more than likey never have to do as a CNA (I'll be PRN at the hospital). I'll only be a CNA for two years anyway, then I'll be an RN.

And ANA and PGY are harder than just AP I, but you learn more. I still have to take AP II... Yipee!!

... I do enjoy those classes though.

Christinmomof3nrs2be · Jul 27, 2006

Hi I'm also starting my pre-reqs in the fall, and I plan to study my butt off & get help if I need it. I am also going to go part time this sem., just to get my feet wet and see how I will do in school. Other than that, I don't know. Let me know if you find and secrets to success.

~Christin

katie_jean_bean · Jul 27, 2006

kcmo06, where are you starting your pre-reqs? I am starting my first year too this fall and I am getting so excited!!!!

kcmo06 · Jul 27, 2006

Im live in missouri but im going to school in alabama

jb2u, ASN, RN · Jul 27, 2006

my advice to everyone is....study as if each test, each class, each grade depends on you getting into nursing school (because it does)! i know it sounds pretty basic, BUT you don't know how many people that i saw fail out of pre-req's that stated "i am going to be a nurse." i don't understand it, alot of nursing programs are VERY hard to get into, but people just don't take it serious enough. PLUS, pre-req's are the foundation for your nursing career. i wish everyone the best...and please, take it seriously! show up to class ON TIME, turn the cell phone OFF, do ALL assignments, and study a little everyday instead of one big cram session! it will pay off when you get "the letter" that says "welcome to the nursing program" and again when you pass nclex and can stop saying "i'm a nursing student" and start saying "I AM A NURSE!"

sincerely,

jay

(may 2007...here i come!)

trepinCT · Jul 27, 2006

nursing schools are very competetive and in connecticut alone, 2000 qualified ( !!) applicants were turned away from the 17(not sure of that number) nursing programs in the state (2 year and 4 year rn programs)..there is a shortage of instructors( they are a part of the major nursing shortage that has yet to reach its peak)..this is not a local problem, its a national problem...my 3.0 got me nowhere last year. one of the 2 year programs had 561 applicants for 120 positions..top students were turned away. what i have learned from this? - i plan on re taking my chem © and my a&pii (b-)..this year i will not worry about the competition, i plan on being the competition. never settle for a grade, do your best and strive to be the best. believe me, i know it is difficult to do. i am raising 4 children, and my hubby works 2 jobs- day and night.but aim for the top..you will have lesss to worry about when applying to schools.good luck and study study study!!!!