new student questions

L&D_2b · Feb 21, 2006

Hi I am new to this site and new to nursing. So new that I haven't started school yet. I want to get a head start on school, as I have 3 girls and a new job, a new house all in a new state. LOL If anyone could help me out by telling me a few of the first classes I will have to do, it would be great. I have an degree in computer networking already, so I don't know what classes I would have to start off with. Thank you for your help.
Laura

Are you looking to start a nursing degree? Or are you just waiting for a program you are already enrolled in to start? If you are "new" to the nursing route, start by taking your prerequisites like A&P 1 and 2, Microbiology, Chemistry, etc. Each nursing program is different, so you would really have to check into the exact prerequisites of the program you want to enroll in. However, the above prerequisites are the "norm" for the science portion.

If you are just waiting for your program to begin, you would have to check with your school. Every program offers different nursing courses.

Also, if you have a bachelors degree already (in computer networking), you might want to look into accelerated BSN programs in your area. They usually take 12 to 18 months and you not only get your RN license, but your BSN as well.

Good luck.

marriedfairy2005 · Feb 21, 2006

I am looking to start in a nursing program. I have an associates degree in computer networking. I got it at a tech school and they have a nursing program, I just haven't called up to get all of the info. I am wanting to do this, but I want to get a head start before going back to school. Do you know of any online course or study guides to get me started. Thank for the help.

snuggy · Feb 21, 2006

Without knowing what pre-requisites you've completed, or which ones you will need to complete, it's really difficult to suggest anything. The absolute best suggestion is one that L&D_2b already made... contact the school you wish to attend and find out their specific requirements for the nursing program. Most nursing programs require English 1 and 2 (which you may have with your AA degree already), A&P 1 and 2, some sort of psychology class, usually a basic computer class (which you have already, I'm sure), Nutrition, Microbiology, sometimes Chemistry, etc. But without knowing what you will need, based on your school's requirements, there's really not much to suggest. You could even try to find the school's requirements online. Best of luck to you, and welcome to allnurses.com!

bullcityrn · Feb 21, 2006

Hi I am new to this site and new to nursing. So new that I haven't started school yet. I want to get a head start on school, as I have 3 girls and a new job, a new house all in a new state. LOL If anyone could help me out by telling me a few of the first classes I will have to do, it would be great. I have an degree in computer networking already, so I don't know what classes I would have to start off with. Thank you for your help.
Laura

The above posters gave you good info, I can't add anything to that...I just wanted to tell you that I'm in the same boat -- 3 girls and a new house in a new state, trying to get my pre-reqs done so I can start nursing school. Glad to know I'm not the only one. Good luck!!!

allthingsbright · Feb 21, 2006

Yeah, you really need to stop by the school and get the packet of info on the program you want-it will tell you what classes you need. I would also advise meeting with a Nursing advisor-she can guide you in the right direction.

Some of the common pre-reqs/co-reqs you MIGHT need if you don't already have:

Chemistry with Lab (some schools you need one class, some 2)

Anatomy and Physiology with lab (combo or separate)

College Algebra or other math

Microbiology with lab

Psychology

Sociology

Human growth and developement

Nutrition

General ed classes like Comp 1, Speech, and History

All schools have different requirements. You need to check out which program you want and get informed about what you need to apply.

GL! :coollook:

marriedfairy2005 · Feb 21, 2006

I went by the school today and found out that I have to do 3 pre-req's before going any futher, they are: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Health Care, and Medical Terminology. So I put this message up on another group to see if I could get some help there and decided to post it on here to.

Hi my name is Laura and I am new to the group and new to nursing. So new that I don't know where to begin. I just got out of college about 2 years ago with an associates degree is computer networking, but over the past few years I have felt like I was missing something. I was bored at work and wanted something at a faster pace. Well someone, sadly I can't remember who, said that I should look into nursing. So I started looking around and so far I like what I see. After talking to my husband I decided to look a little bit farther into it. I have called the school that I went to and will be getting their packages in the mail any day now and I have gone to the library and got a few books on nursing careers, but I am still a little lost. I know that I will have to do 3 pre-req classes, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Health Care, and Medical Terminology. Does anyone know where I can find some free help on the internet or somewhere to get a head start on these classes? I have to find a job first before I can go back to school, so I will not be able to buy anything right now. I am hoping to find something I can study online, that way when I do go to school, I will have some kind of heads up. With 3 girls, a husband, a new house, and all I will need all the help I can get. Thank you for your help and I hope to make some friends in this group.

Laura

Fun2, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2006

As the above posters have said, all schools are different.

It would be wise to seek information from you local colleges or universities.

Some of your classes may be able to be used, or they may not, depending on the school.

Most nursing programs have a 5 year requirement on the sciences (A&P 1, A&P 2, & Micro), so if you're going to do this slowly, it may be wise to do those last.

Good luck, and welcome to AllNurses.com! :)

OOOPS, just saw your reply.

My site (Click on my name to the left & then click to visit my homepage) has quizzes you could look through.

However, every instructor is different on what you have to learn.

Good luck.

marriedfairy2005 · Feb 21, 2006

Thank you so much. I want to go back to school maybe about the middle of the year or so, but because it takes alot for me the learn and retain info, unless i study over and over and keep doing it over and over, I wanted to see about getting books or online study guides so I know what is going to happen and all. I looked at your website and its great. I like the idea of taking photos, that could work for me to and the quizes ou set up will help to. But I am un sure of where to start. Do you happen to have a course outline on your website that i didn't see? Thanks again, Laura

bullcityrn · Feb 21, 2006

I went by the school today and found out that I have to do 3 pre-req's before going any futher, they are: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Health Care, and Medical Terminology. So I put this message up on another group to see if I could get some help there and decided to post it on here to.
Hi my name is Laura and I am new to the group and new to nursing. So new that I don't know where to begin. I just got out of college about 2 years ago with an associates degree is computer networking, but over the past few years I have felt like I was missing something. I was bored at work and wanted something at a faster pace. Well someone, sadly I can't remember who, said that I should look into nursing. So I started looking around and so far I like what I see. After talking to my husband I decided to look a little bit farther into it. I have called the school that I went to and will be getting their packages in the mail any day now and I have gone to the library and got a few books on nursing careers, but I am still a little lost. I know that I will have to do 3 pre-req classes, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Health Care, and Medical Terminology. Does anyone know where I can find some free help on the internet or somewhere to get a head start on these classes? I have to find a job first before I can go back to school, so I will not be able to buy anything right now. I am hoping to find something I can study online, that way when I do go to school, I will have some kind of heads up. With 3 girls, a husband, a new house, and all I will need all the help I can get. Thank you for your help and I hope to make some friends in this group.
Laura

Hi Laura,

I just remembered a website I used to visit about a year or so ago called the Nurses Study Lounge, it's still there. The owner might even be a member of allnurses, I'm not sure. Anyway, there are class notes posted from Chem, A/P, Medical Terminology and other related subjects, and even practice tests. Maybe this can get you started. The link will take you to the site map and a list of lessons:

http://www.crnasomeday.com/sitemap.htm

Hope this helps!

Edited to add: Be sure to check out her links, there's some very useful stuff there!

marriedfairy2005 · Feb 21, 2006

Thank you so much.