What's their day to day schedule (Monday through Friday, shifts they worked, etc). I'm trying to get an idea ahead of time on what it will be like for Semester 1. Are clinicals all 5 days of the week? How many days did you have classes on those days? Etc.
Also, what was it like doing the clinicals? Give me a synopsis of your day during a clinical.
What kind of demands are put on you for this program? I am sure they are high expectations and such, but it is obviously doable if you are committed. I am sure the school doesn't want a huge failure rate.
A quick summary of your schedule for semester 1 (if you are going through it or have and can remember), would be greatly appreciated. I mean, there must be built-in time to study in the schedule.
I also heard something about a medical math test that if you miss 1 problem they fail you out of the program (kind of hard to fathom that one). And they make you feel like you are destined to fail and fall behind.
I appreciate it ahead of time (and I'm sure others who are lined up to take the program do as well).
Thanks for the help, it's helping to prepare for the courses. I do have another question though:
I took the Patho and Pharm about 2/3 semesters ago (I got them done early). I would imagine I'll be quite rusty on those. What is expected that you know when starting the program? For instance, even though we had prerequisites in Engineering, instructors the next class up always did reviews to make sure people were on the same page.
As I type this, I'm sitting here thumbing back through the pharm book, but I just don't really see how it's practical to try to learn all of these details from a book. I think it truly sticks when you're actually doing it in the hospital.
Nice job on the GPA. I need similar to move on to a master's program.
..You learned how to start and D/C Foleys before nursing school? Where?
I should have been more clear, when I took the CNA course at American Red Cross we learned about Foley's but the only thing we actually did in clinical was peri care on catheter patients- not discharge or hooking up which was done by the RN. Sorry if I confused anyone.
Anyhow, I'm very happy my CNA class and any experience I can get will help me in the program. Thanks again for your time writing a very informative post. I really appreciate your insight and it sounds like you did wonderful in the program. It's nice to see great nurses come out of the programs as I volunteer in a hospital and I see some where I scratch my head wondering how they became nurses.
Interesting what you say about the ex-CNA person because when I took the class and did my clinical, we never, ever used a machine. As a matter of fact the teacher we had said many of the machines are not accurate. We would spend time before and after class doing vitals on each other and needed to checkoff on three different people. I think many hospitals use the machines for the CNA's since they are quick. But the nursing homes always use manual which is far superior method(assuming the person doing them is competent).
I graduated from the program over 1 and a half yrs. ago. I went into it not having a clue about anything, and scared to death about the sights and smells I would encounter. And...I hated school. I was always so busy, and I studied every single day. I really didn't feel I had any personal time, but I did have a great support system at home. I actually counted down the weeks to keep myself motivated.
The only reason the first semester is the "hardest" is because it's an adjustment. By the second semester, you know what to expect. It is all hard work, but it's only 12 months and it can be done. I was so crabby all the time because I just felt I always had to do something for school...and, I wasn't enjoying it. I hated clinicals, and I was scared about actually being a nurse if I felt this miserable just in school. However, in the end, I am so happy I did it. It was the absolute right choice for me....I always kept thinking, I can do anything for a year. And now, I have a job I love...I actually just feel so lucky to be able to go to my job, and I DO enjoy it. There are so many different areas, we just have to find the right fit;).
It can be done and it is worth it....but it is hard, and a huge commitment. Just get through it....OU offers a great opportunity and route to completeing this degree. Good luck, and hang in there;).
Firehawk734
113 Posts
Thanks for the help, it's helping to prepare for the courses. I do have another question though:
I took the Patho and Pharm about 2/3 semesters ago (I got them done early). I would imagine I'll be quite rusty on those. What is expected that you know when starting the program? For instance, even though we had prerequisites in Engineering, instructors the next class up always did reviews to make sure people were on the same page.
As I type this, I'm sitting here thumbing back through the pharm book, but I just don't really see how it's practical to try to learn all of these details from a book. I think it truly sticks when you're actually doing it in the hospital.
Nice job on the GPA. I need similar to move on to a master's program.