OU ABSN Interviews for May 2011 Cohort

Christina10483 · Apr 1, 2011

Cderitz -- In May? Doesn't the program start June 1, 2011? And end next summer? Did you get into the accelerated program too?

cderitz · Apr 2, 2011

Yes, I got into the accelerated program. At OU, they start every semester. So, classes start either in January, May, or August/Sept. When I interviewed last July, I was interviewing for the May 2011 start date. I did get accepted, and then last October, was notified that a spot opened up for the January cohort was available if I wanted it. I ended up starting in January and am currently going through the program.

Really happy to be allowed to have started when I did cause I just want to get through it as quickly as possible. It's a lot of work. Make sure you have a support system in place before you start the program at OU. The professors are wonderful, and the experience has been great, but they are not kidding when they advise you not to work. I don't think anyone is working among my classmates right now, except may an afternoon here or there (were talking like twice a month). It's insane. You live and breathe nursing. I should actually be studying at the moment! I have an exam on Monday, clinical that runs 12 hours along with a presentation that I am giving on Tuesday, and another paper (concept mapping - you'll know what it is when you get there) on Wednesday. Keeping my head up and just trying to stay above water.

Not trying to scare anyone cause it can be done. Just know that you must commit to this. You cannot just half-ass this program. We had 57 people start out and at least 10 people have dropped out cause they either found out it was not for them, or would do better in the standard program. Wishing everyone all the very best!

AA225 · Apr 4, 2011

It's so nice to hear the experiences of those in the program already! Thanks for posting. I just found out recently that I was accepted into the 2nd degree program at OU and I'm so excited and it's great to hear from students in the program so I can prepare myself for whats ahead. Good luck to you!

blk2b1g · Apr 4, 2011

Congratulations AA225! I was also recently accepted to OU's accelerated program starting Jan. 2012. Based on current student's recommendations, I really want to take a nurse assistant course prior to beginning, but I am not sure it will work with my schedule. I have only worked in the chemical industry for many years. For anyone currently in the program, can you give me an idea of how many students don't have CNA experience. Also, how well can students perform without it. Also, how beneficial is taking the course without actually working as a nurse assistant? I would appreciate any feedback you could provide! Thank you!

cderitz · Apr 7, 2011

Congrats to both of you on getting in to the program! As for how many students have experience as NA's, I would say only a handful of us did. It is not a requirement at all, and they do teach you everything that you need to know in those first 7 weeks of "nursing bootcamp".

However, I will tell you, it has made a huge difference in my clinicals right now. Yes, I was nervous the first day, and I still get nervous every day as it's always something new that I'm doing. However, I am way more comfortable with my patients and have already seen a lot by working 8 months prior as an NA. Also, it made those first 7 weeks easier as those first two weeks of skills labs that they have you learn were things that I already knew and did not need to stress about.

So, I would encourage it if you can. I know it's another $1000 to take a red cross course, but if you don't start until January 2012, it really will only help you in the long run. Any experience you can get before you start is going to help you out so much.

If you don't feel like you can swing it, don't stress about it though. I'd say about 90% of the people in my class did not have the experience and they are doing just fine:) All the best!

ejcl68 · Apr 7, 2011

I agree with CD. If you can get the experience before hand it will help you. I will caution you however that many of the NAs I have encountered in my clinical take short cuts and pick up bad habits. If you decide to be an NA, do it the right way. You will fail a validation if you try cutting corners and not being safe. They actually told us that it's sometimes better not to work as an NA because you don't get caught up in all of that. I will also stress learning your medical terminology and pharmacology. Lean all of the drug classes and their side effects. You will be leaps and bounds ahead of most in clinical. For me, my pharm class did not prepare me well enough for nursing school even though I got a 4.0. You must, must know your drugs!! I am catching up now but it's easier if you know them well ahead of time. Start making flash cards of the key classes and know them.

In closing, this program is awesome and very doable. Don't be afraid but understand the first 7 weeks will require you to live and breathe nursing school. Then it lets up but only a little. I love it and hope you all do too.

blk2b1g · Apr 8, 2011

Thank you so much for taking the time to give me your input. I know you are very busy. It is so very helpful! I believe I will try to take the course, but I will not attempt to work as a CNA. I am sure just learning the skills will be helpful. I only have Pharm left to take and I will focus on learning that as well as possible. Do you recommend any books that I could use to get a jump start on the medical terminology and medical math? Thank you again!!