Preparing for Nursing at Azusa Pacific, CA

Liz520 · Jun 17, 2007

I saw this old post, I'm suppossed to start Azusa in January. Have you started yet? How is it?

Liz

2bnurse_it · Jun 17, 2007

Hey.

Im actually 6 weeks into the program, and I can surely tell you it is definitely accelerated.

The first week was an overload of homework, but i'm starting to get the hang of it. The teachers are EXCEPTIONALLY very helpful and friendly and my class is the best. Clinicals is a good experience too. You start about 3-4 weeks into the program.

Its a really good program, and I definitely like it. But it does take time management to balance everything. let me know if you have any questions.

Liz520 · Jun 20, 2007

Thanks for the reply. I am anxious to start as I am sure you were as well. I am first on the waiting list for January so I am really hoping to start then and not have to wait even longer, for May.

Right now I am taking a 5 week Chemistry course online while I work to make money while I can (YUCK!!!) and then in the fall I take OChem/BioChem and that will be the end of my prereq’s.

I am so curious to know what it is like in the program. What does your weekly schedule look like? What hospitals will you be at? Does anyone even think about any part time work while in school? I plan to not work while in nursing school, but the tuition loans and cost of living loans look so high!!! It scares me, but I don’t want to jeopardize not doing well in nursing school. Nursing school is the light at the end of my tunnel right now as I persist through chemistry.

2bnurse_it · Jun 20, 2007

Thanks for the reply. I am anxious to start as I am sure you were as well. I am first on the waiting list for January so I am really hoping to start then and not have to wait even longer, for May.
Right now I am taking a 5 week Chemistry course online while I work to make money while I can (YUCK!!!) and then in the fall I take OChem/BioChem and that will be the end of my prereq's.
I am so curious to know what it is like in the program. What does your weekly schedule look like? What hospitals will you be at? Does anyone even think about any part time work while in school? I plan to not work while in nursing school, but the tuition loans and cost of living loans look so high!!! It scares me, but I don't want to jeopardize not doing well in nursing school. Nursing school is the light at the end of my tunnel right now as I persist through chemistry.

Hey. well each semester changes,and I won't know what the next schedule is until one month before.

But as for now, i've got class 830 to 500 ish (but we usually get out early). We got class mon-wed. and clinicals thursday and friday,which start about 3 weeks into the program. As for work, i don't really recommend it because there is a lot to read and study for. As for loans, I actually applied for a kaiser scholarship and got approved.

BUt trust me, the first week is going to feel VERY overwhelming. so until you figure out a routine and way of managing everything, then you can figure out what you want to do.

Liz520 · Aug 9, 2007

I hope school is going well. I just got word that Azusa will now be taking 30 students per cohort instead of 20, so that means I will start for sure in January. Yeah!!! But, I am still pretty nervous at the same time. Do you think you will be keeping your textbooks? I would be interested in buying them from you possibly if you think you want to sell them.

I inquired at Kaiser about their scholarhships and hope to get a response soon. Do you remeber what website you found info on?

What kinds of things are you doing in the clinicals? How many hours of homework do you find yourself doing each week? Sorry for all of the questions, I am anxious and want to be prepared!

Thanks

Liz

theresa111 · Aug 27, 2008

Hi,

I just submitted my application for the Azusa bsn program. I am also curiousu about the kaiser loan forgiveness program. Is it pretty easy to obtain and did everyone in your cohort apply and get it? I know I will need all the financial aid I can get.

How are you doing in the program now? Do you still like it and has time management become easier? What is a typical week like for you?

Sorry for all the questions.

Thank you so much,

theresa

Liz520 · Aug 27, 2008

The first semester was really tough.....we had a lot of stuff to learn in such a short period of time and since most of it was very new to all of us it makes it that much more overwhelming. After the first semester we all seemed to get our bearings have been able to build on what we have been learning. Most weeks are 4 days of some combination of lecture and clinical rotations which last most of the day. Some days are 12 hours long and others can be shorter (actually we have had days longer than 12 hrs too...yikes!). There is still quite a bit of reading and homework so even though we are at school and the hospital 4-5 days a week the homework is pretty demanding as well.

The Kaiser Loan Forgiveness is great, but not everyone who applied got it. Paying for school can be tough but there are other scholarships, sign-on bonuses, and OT that can be worked to pay stuff off.

Hope this helps and good luck!

theresa111 · Nov 19, 2008

Hi Liz520 & 2bnurse_it,

How is nursing school going? Are you both enjoying the program at Azusa? I am anxious and have so many questions. I have applied for Spring 2010 and finally got my last recommendation letter in this week so I will probably have to wait a while to find out if I am in or not. How long did you both wait to find out?

If you don't mind me asking, what semesters are you both in now and what type of scholarships and loans have you gotten? I am especially interested in the Kaiser Loan forgiveness scholarship.

My primary worry is that I have a 9 month old baby, but by the time I start school she will be almost 2 so that should help out. And I am also worried about obtaining scholarships and loans. Any information you could offer I would be so greatful! Thank you!

Theresa

2bnurse_it · Nov 21, 2008

Hey everyone.

I actually finished the program. I graduated JUly 2008 and it was a pretty fast paced course. It was fun though. I graduated with 12 people in my class, the 2nd class to graduate from APU San Diego.

From my experience, there is nothing really you can do to prepare. Just enjoy the time that you have off with your friends and family and have fun. Because when school starts, there is a lot to do.

And I just passed my boards, so yay to me :)

and I am currently working at Zion, San Diego, Kaiser as part of my Forgiveness Loan that I received when I attended APU.

Well, let me know if you have any more questions. I'm still around in San Diego, so if you guys needs books., let me know! I"ll be happy to sell you a few of mine :)

theresa111 · Nov 22, 2008

Congratulations 2bnurse_it!!! Wow, you are off to a great career. Are you glad to be working at Kaiser Zion? how do you like it so far? Sounds like you passed the boards on your first try. Do you know if your whole class passed on their first try? Do you think the program properly prepares you for the NCLEX? OR did you study on your own as well?

Wow, I am hoping that one day I can be in your shoes. I have yet to even finish my prereqs. Shooting for Spring 2010 and hoping for a Kaiser loan forgiveness loan as well.

By the way, is your salary still comparable to a regular starting RN even through the loan forgiveness?

Are you glad you were placed at a San Diego Kaiser hospital? I was told that Kaiser may place you at any location.

Sorry for all the questions. But again, congrats!!!!! :yeah:

kalo · Jan 6, 2009

theresa111,

i just applied for Fall 2009 at APU for the EENAP in SB.how long did it take for you to get a response from the admissions dept. after you applied? i also have a ten month old!!! how fun! she will be 1 feb. 22, 2009. i cant believe she will be 1 so soon. i have a 2 year old as well, they were born 18 months apart, to the day! hopefully i will get in.

if i am admitted to fall, we will have to get together and i can sell you my books. :) maybe the books are the same as the OP and i can buy hers.