NIU Nursing Students

jov · Sep 27, 2006

Hi NIU Students,
I am in the process of applying for NIU next fall

with a 3.79 overall you should get in. Unless you have a criminal record or something (just kiddin). It is a set schedule each semester. With 1000 people applying for 70 openings, if you don't like it, then get out of the way because 933 people want your spot *wink* The only class you have some leeway with are the clinicals. You put in for your 1st, 2nd, 3rd...7th choices and they raffle them that way. If you get one you didn't want, you have the option of begging someone to trade with you.

I don't understand what you mean by "what is the first week like?"

Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 27, 2006

Hi Jov,

Thanks so much for responding. I meant to ask what a typical week is like for a first semester nursing student...is it monday through friday, do the times vary by day or week. Is it mostly days or does it vary between days and evenings, etc. I was just wondering what I could expect as to how many days, and hours I would need to put my kids in childcare.

Thanks again.

jov · Sep 28, 2006

you will have about 4 classes plus clinical, some semesters 3 plus clinical-

something like professional nursing, pathophysiology, basic nursing, an assessment class with an assessment lab, plus a clinical.

they don't hold classes on mondays. Classes go once a week from 9-11:40 or 1-3:40. Evenings are only for the grad students. Your first and second semester clinicals are half day, 7-1 or so. You will be in the learning lab for the first 8 weeks, then out in the hospital for the remaining weeks. In the first semester, they usually offer two sections for the classes. Later on, when the class sizes shrink, they put you all together in one big room.

So your schedule might be something like T Professional Nursing 9-11:40, pathophys 1-3:40, Wed clinical 7-1, Th Basic Nursing 9-11:40, then maybe Assessment 1-2:40 with lab following.

Let me warn you though, there's lot of work to be done outside of class. At least 2-3 hours per week per class. Not just studying or reading, there's a ton of papers to write, you have to pass some tests on the computers, you have to do preplans for your clinicals and occasionally work on some group projects. So keep that in mind when you look for childcare.

kristen3g3tp8 · Sep 28, 2006

3 days a week.... 2 lecture, and one lab/clinical. However, be prepared for return demo's which you will have weekly :)

Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 28, 2006

Thank you sooo much for the feedback. I know there is a ton of work outside of class but I have great support from my husband for study time. I am happy to hear it is three days a week. The other program I applied for was five days a week, almost all day long. I was also wondering, I read about taking 3humanities classes from 2 diff colleges, I took three at CC do I have to take another one or am I reading that wrong? Do you also happen to know if the chemistry req's recently changed? Last time I checked I thought I needed an extra chem class and now when I checked I had met all req's. My last question is do you know if any of the Nur classes are offered at their other locations or is that only for graduate and post graduate studies?

I know I am full of questions, which I'll eventually get answered from the University but I am super appreciative of your help.

jov · Sep 28, 2006

I have great support from my husband for study time.

So we shall see....so we shall see...

Cannot tell you about the humanities and even if I did, I wouldn't count on me functioning as your admissions counselor. LOL

Regarding the chemistry though, they used to require organic chemistry a requirement they recently dropped (I spent all summer long suffering through it to get admitted, and the next semester they dropped the requirement!? grrrrr). So that would explain why you needed an extra one before and don't now.

I believe the nursing classes at their other locations are for grad/post grad.

Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 28, 2006

Thanks again. I will be in touch with an admissions advisor soon for all my other questions. I have no illusions as to the amount of study and prep time required to make it through nursing school, thankfully my husband and kids are super supportive. I helped my husband get through his own schooling and starting a business, so we are used to teamwork. He cooks, and does laundry, but more importantly, he loves to spend time with the kids(he's not very good at housework though). He'd be a stay at home dad if he could. I know I can count on him no matter how long it takes me or how many hours I lock myself away in our bedroom to study.

I'm glad I don't have to take that extra chem req., that means I can take next summer off!!! A little calm before the storm. Thanks again for answering my questions, you've been very helpful.