I may be jumping the gun a little early, but I wanted to start a support thread for anyone who graduated, is currently in, or is a future hopeful to the Penn Valley nursing program. I will be applying in January 2016 for the Fall 2016 ADN program. Hopefully through this thread, any questions anyone has will be able to be answered by another poster. A little about me, in case others want to add their own story. I am 21 years old and after a few years of trying to figure out my path in life, I found nursing. I love to help other people and am looking forward to learn the skills and knowledge to be able to apply my passion to real life situations. I have completed my pre-reqs and gen eds required to apply. I am able/will apply to a BSN program after this semester, but realistically I would like to get my degree at a much cheaper price at Penn Valley and bridge to a BSN program after I begin working as an RN (as I assume most of us would). If anyone has any questions about me, I would love to share more and learn about others I may be seeing in the near future in classes or workplace.
I was in the program 5 years ago and this looks about the same. I worked full time then and I got a B in concepts and a C in funds. I also got very ill and still managed. (which is why i dropped second semester). I also don't have children so that helps. Anything is possible with the correct time management skills. Right now I work 60 hours a week, am taking micro, train in martial arts, and weight lift. If you want to achieve it, you will find a way. On a side note if anyone out there is looking for a roomate I will need on starting May of next year :). Good luck to everyone and see you soon!
Congrats on your first semester! I work FT now but am scared to even work PT while in this program. I really want to keep working but as of right now I don't think it would be wise. I really don't want to take out a loan but it's looking more like a possibility. My hours are all during the week too so I'll have to figure something out.
How are the instructors? Have you had any issues with being overwhelmed with classes? How have first semester clinicals been? I'm excited to start in the fall! I am beyond ready and will do whatever it takes to succeed.
Any advice for first time students on their first day???
Just be ready to hit the ground running! There really isn't any way not to be overwhelmed. There is a ton of material and as soon as you think you have things figured out they throw something new at you. As far as working, only you can say what you are capable of.
One thing I did that has helped me is to put together a master plan for reading/studying and class content. I did this as soon as I got each of the class schedules. I also started the semester two weeks ahead in reading. I had one spot that I was technically behind, because of several weeks back to back with tons of reading. I am back to two weeks ahead now. That schedule has helped me plan so I am able to complete everything each week. If you don't have a plan you won't know what needs to be done. Putting it all in one place was a huge help.
All the instructors have been great. We are only two weeks in on clinicals. So far it is going well.
Thank you so much for the information listed above. I appreciate it so much. I can't wait to get started!!!! How are your classmates? Have you had any issues finding study groups? Have you enjoyed your experience with PV thus far? Any complaints about anything?
How many applications applied when you got into the program? My sister was in the 2014 graduation class and she had to apply 3 times to finally get accepted! She said there were over 300 applicants. That's what truly scared me! I thought it would take over a year to get accepted.
I applied my first time and got in the first time. I'm wondering what the applicant total was for yours? Do they tell you that when you go to any of the orientation/mandatory meetings? I guess I'm just overly curious!
Thanks again for the information. I definitely will need a really good organization system!!!!!!!!
I got accepted in the 2016 Day program as well and am excited to meet everyone! Does anyone know what to expect at our mandatory meeting? I called and asked what we need to bring and was told paper and pencil only.
My hours are all during the week too so I'll have to figure something out. 
gypsygrlisu
6 Posts
I was in the program 5 years ago and this looks about the same. I worked full time then and I got a B in concepts and a C in funds. I also got very ill and still managed. (which is why i dropped second semester). I also don't have children so that helps. Anything is possible with the correct time management skills. Right now I work 60 hours a week, am taking micro, train in martial arts, and weight lift. If you want to achieve it, you will find a way. On a side note if anyone out there is looking for a roomate I will need on starting May of next year :). Good luck to everyone and see you soon!