olol asn program (traditional)

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hi,i wanted to know from anyone who have graduated from the traditional asn program at our lady of the lake in baton rouge, or who is currently in the program what to expect if i am chosen in the spring. i also wanted to know what do i need to start doing before the program starts. what books i need to read to prepare myself, i am really nervous can someone please give me some positive insight on this matter thanks a bunch muah!:nurse:

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Specializes in Emergency.

I just graduated from the program in '06.

1) Start learning the pharmacology NOW. Trust me. This is the first class you take and it can mess you up totally. Find someone who took it very recently, get their notes, study, study, study. It's all memorization. It won't hurt to learn it early. It can interfere majorly with the med surg classes. You don't want to fail this program over this.

2) Don't work. I understand how this may be unrealistic, but seriously. I don't care how ambitious or energetic you are. You won't be able to work and succeed in this program if you work. I worked maybe a total of 20 hours only every other weekend throughout school and then quit before my final semester. I would not have graduated the last semester if I had worked. School must become your life. Eat, breath, and sleep nursing. Neglect your kids, husband, life, home, etc. This is what it takes. You have to go into this knowing this, recognizing it and explain it to everyone. Before every semester you have a dinner with everyone and explain, "I won't be able to do this for a while. School is my priority." The more you repeat it , the more valid it becomes. No one will understand this but other nursing students. Don't know your life, but if you are married, your spouse must be in your corner. I was lucky. My husband understood and carried me throughout. Make sure your spouse knows that this program is going to take your full attention. He needs to cook, clean, etc. You will cry,alot. Make sure he is prepared.

Don't be scared. You'll do great!:wink2:

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thanks so much, you have really inspired me with this message i am so glad you emailed me back, because:nurse: i wanted to let my husband know what it takes to succeed in nursing school. i have no kids, but plan on not working anyway while in program.

thanks so much for your insight.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Oh my God how did I forget studying. You should be prepared to study at least 3 hours every day. If you don't you will fall behind quickly. Also get some test taking books. Nursing tests are unlike any other. All multiple choice answers will be correct, but you must pick the most correct. Test taking for nursing is a skill you can learn. Buy some testing books and spend time before every test answering tons of questions. Make sure you read the rationals, even when you get it right because it might be right for a reason you didn't think of. Some people swear by group studying. It wasn't for me. I need total silence, no distractions, find what's right for you quickly and don't deviate.

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thanks so much!:)

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Specializes in Peds and Well baby.

ThrowEdNurse said it right, Nursing school will be your whole life. I finished this summer and have copies of the pharm notes if you want them. There are a lot, but this class weeds out those who just do not understand what this program takes. Send me a personal message with your email address and I will send the notes to you.

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Specializes in none.

do yall know what the gpa average is to get in or what did you have when you got in?

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Specializes in Emergency.

I had to apply 2x before admitted to the program. You need to be willing to do the same. I also spoke with the dept head after I was rejected to find out what I needed to do to increase my chances of acception. I recommend you do this as well. I went to the school for 2 years before I applied and had a 4.0 on classes taken at the Lake. This was my second round @ college though. I went to Northwestern in Natch for 2 years and did really poorly in about '97-'99. Stayed out of school and went back ready to work in 2001. This is when I made all A's. Even with being on the President's list @ the Lake I had to accept rejection first. Be open minded, but I think their main focus is GPA. You can always speak with an advisor first, for God's sake at least try to speak to a nursing instructor, and get some insight.

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I just got accepted into OLOL's nursing program starting in the Spring 09. I was hoping someone could tell me what the first couple semesters are like.

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ThrowEdNurse said it right, Nursing school will be your whole life. I finished this summer and have copies of the pharm notes if you want them. There are a lot, but this class weeds out those who just do not understand what this program takes. Send me a personal message with your email address and I will send the notes to you.

Dsoginer, I read your blog about the ASN program with OLOL. I just interviewed Tuesday for it. I feel pretty positive about the interview but I am petrified about the course. Would you still have your pharm notes available? I am terribly nervous and if I could just start reading something now maybe I will be able to relax just a little. Everyone tells me it is "do-able" but that doesn't make me feel any less nervous about the program. Please if you have anything left from the course it would be greatly appreciated!

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I just got accepted into OLOL's nursing program starting in the Spring 09. I was hoping someone could tell me what the first couple semesters are like.

Which hospital is it WJ or EJ?

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Specializes in Peds and Well baby.

Please send me your private email address as a private message (don't want to put out your email for all to see) and I will reply to you.

D

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