Wildflower17

Absolutely! That's what I noticed from the beginning. It took me some time to get use to it and become disciplined but I worked it out lol I just stay to myself and study a lot. The program doesn't last forever so I know if I sacrifice my time now I'll finish faster and not have to retrack lol This is what keeps me going. Oh and the fact that once I graduate I will be going on a well deserved LONG vacation :)

Congrats to every one who applied! Good luck!

It depends per class but I have never had less that 8 chapters to read for one test. The most I have had were about 18 chapters but most of them were only a 4 or 5 pages long and "easy" material. So it can be a lot of "easy" material or a small amount of "hard" material. It all depends. It is manageable though.

I would make a schedule and would take at the most two days to cover one chapter. So I would literally read all day long. I did not write notes because it doesn't work for me. My goal was to always have all the reading done in one week so that the following week I can just reinforce and practice questions. I know it sounds like a lot lol but I was so determined to pass each class that I didn't let anything stop me from getting my reading done. You always hear of people saying read this and don't read that but I never trusted them. Reading has never failed me before. I have classmates that would skip certain things and it would show up on their tests.

I didn't skim the book I actually read it including the boxes. Elsevier uses NCLEX style questions so yes they are the same kind just probably different difficulty level. I also told myself I will do whatever it takes because I cannot afford to retrack lol

No I did not retrack. I always tell prospective students to really know the perry and potter book like the back of their hand. I did not use other books because I didn't want to confuse myself or learn info that is different from the perry and potter book. I did practice questions from the Elsevier (they will explain that to you when you begin) software. The tests are unlike anything I have ever done. It's all NCLEX style questions so all the answers are correct you just have to pick the best one. It took me some time to get use to the style of questions but I got the hang of it. You will see NCLEX style questions in every class for the entire nursing program. It's why their NCLEX pass rates are so high. I did not work the first semester but now I work part time. I am a very organized person and have no problem with time management so I think that's why I am still doing fine and working part time. (not that someone who isn't organized or lacks time management won't do well) Sometimes life happens and things get a little crazy but I never let it get the best of me. I always tell myself I have to deal with tests first, then I can deal with whatever dilemma I have going on. Thankfully, nothing catastrophic has happened. **knock on wood*

I am in my last specialty. To be honest the toughest semester in my opinion is the first. There's a lot going on and you are adapting. You have a medication math class, pharmacology, Process 1 lecture & Process 1 clinical. You have to be laser focused and really dedicate a lot of time. I know of a girl in my class that started in May and is still going strong. The May term is accelerated and in my opinion tougher than the others because the amount of info you need to learn and the short amount of time. She did not work through the first semester but that's just her. I didn't waste anytime. When I wasn't in the lab practicing I was at a library studying. My book was my best friend. My classmate is proof that it can be done through the May term. My tips would be to keep your priorities straight. I didn't run around whining about the exams or tests. I recognized that I can't change them so I have to change my study habits. I attribute that no-nonsense attitude to my success. While most of my classmates were complaining about professors and return demos I was reading. Time passes so fast in the program so it's either you hit the floor running or you're going to be left in the dust. It sounds intimidating but it's nursing school so it's unlike any other class you have ever taken.

That was my exact logic for why I didn't let the negativity deter me. If I am going to have someone's life in my hands I want the best education possible. It's not about me, it's about my future patients.

I enjoy it. As you have probably heard a million times the program is tough but I have no doubt in my mind that I will be well prepared. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone who goes to South so I have no info on them. I go to Central because it's closest to my house and honestly during the first semester I LIVED on campus either studying, practicing skills or going to class so I'm glad I chose the closest.

Hi! I'm a current student at central. If you have any questions feel free to ask me! I always like to help!

Hi! I probably can shed some light on the BC program since I am a current student. There are a lot of rumors going around about BC wanting to "weed" or "fail" people out. The honest truth in my opinion is that regardless of the tough love and intensity of the program, it is a GREAT program. Do they not have flaws? No, every program does. When I applied to the program for the Jan term I was always on allnurses trying to get the scoop on the program. I had past students and past graduates tell me to go somewhere else, I still chose BC. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. I know that I will be well prepared and competent as a nurse when I graduate. When I go to clinicals I am always told by nurses on the floor that they love BC students because we are on a different level compared to local universities. That takes time, sweat, tears and a lot of coffee & anxiety! lol BUT it is all worth it. Yes it is true that you will start with 100 people and only 15-30 will make it. The same happened to our cohort. Did someone hold my hand the whole way? NO. I eat, sleep and read. My life revolves around this program. If you have a question professors want you to try to find the answer yourself. Not because they are being mean but because when you are a nurse you need that initiative and inquisitive mind. Now, I am a self learner and have no problem trying to teach myself information. If you have a hard time with that then you may not be too happy as a student. I have made it through the program this far WITHOUT failing a class. I don't get mad if the professor doesn't spoon feed me but thats just me. It depends on what kind of student you are. I rave about the program even though I cursed its existence during return demos in process 1 & 2. Truthfully once I got past process everything got better for me. I adapted, learned how to cope and how to manage my time. Most of the people that told me the program was terrible didn't get past process so I take what they said with a grain of salt. Just like you should what I say. Good luck with whatever decision you make.