oceanicdreamer

I'm so sorry to hear they reduced the number accepted. Would anyone be willing to share the exact wording regarding the Covid stuff from their denial letter? I'm just curious. We think one of the reasons we are still virtual is because there is no way to social distance our large group...so I am wondering if by taking fewer people if they may be able to be able to get the next class on campus sooner (which would be really good for those of you who will be in the class).

I don't remember my stats exactly but my TEAS was really high, 4.0 GPA, no letters of recommendation but they were not required then and I was told the rest of my package was so strong they probably would't even look at those if I did have them (I guess they were used to help tie break back on the points system). I also have a bachelor's degree in another field so this is not my first rodeo. As to whether or not the first semester is "doable" online, I say yes with the exception of some lab skills. Our professors are lecturing over live video so the only difference is you are sitting in a chair at home versus sitting in a chair in the classroom. You can still interact with them and ask them real time questions, they can display powerpoints, there is a sidebar chat. Maybe some people need the classroom environment to feel disciplined/undistracted but I am a self-starter so I don't mind participating virtually. You have to be able to manage your time and stay focused in real life nursing so overcoming the challenges of virtual learning is not a bad thing, IMO. First semester is fundamentals, pharmacology and fundamentals clinical. You learn a LOT of hands on skills in fundamentals lab: injections, hanging IV bags, catheter care, sterile gloving and sterile field, wound dressing changes, etc. We were lucky to learn all those before the pandemic closures. You can learn and demonstrate back through a virtual platform but I think it's more helpful to have that hands-on instruction to correct bad technique or mistakes. As it stands, our skills check offs are "on hold" until we can come to campus and be cleared in person. Pharmacology is very "black and white", you will learn a ton of drugs and there will be dosage calculation math on every exam for both classes. Fundamentals requires a totally different methodology of thinking. You cannot get by on memorization alone because there are often multiple "correct" answers to choose from but you have to select the "most correct" according to prioritization of care. Understanding pathophysiology/the disease process is critical. When you start med surg you will be expected to build upon those foundations in fundamentals and pharm so don't forget any of it ?

I am really enjoying it and have learned so much. So far each professor I've had has worked hard to make sure we are successful. Our cohort is super close and everyone works as a team. The program is not easy and it moves at a very fast pace. I personally don't spend much time studying but I am also the kind of person who can see/hear something once and remember it forever for the most part (I have all A's so far). I probably spend an hour or two reviewing powerpoints before an exam as a refresh but I primarily just pay attention during lectures and labs. I do know students who sometimes spend upwards of 40 hours a week studying and reading. It really depends on your learning style. I think it is what you make of it. The virtual learning was a bit of a mess because it was unexpectedly thrown on all of us and we had to adapt and adjust. Summer session is running smoothly so far and they have come up with better ways to integrate and engage us because they had more time to plan for it. If you guys have questions about professors/classes or anything else, just let me know. I'm happy to help ?

I'm a current student in the class of 2021. Our clinicals have temporarily gone virtual but we are being told that as soon as the hospitals permit us to return that we will, even if instructional courses remain online.

I am an RN student but have a previous Bachelor's degree and my husband is an engineer. Between the 2 of us, we have faced the entire circus of issues at 4 different colleges. Deaths in the family, evil professors, one professor who was deported halfway through the term leaving the entire class in upheaval, I had a stroke while 7 months pregnant one spring semester and still made President's List after I was released from the hospital and then my dad died tragically 2 days before finals that fall semester. I say all this to say I have been in that boat, where it feels like you are drowning and more than anything you just want people on your team and to support you like they would in an ideal world. What I have learned, though, is that the real world is NOT ideal. Doctors, patients and other nurses that we encounter will challenge and test us and not perform like we expect them to. The greater skill here is taking adversity, staring it in the face and saying " I will not let you hold me back". Some professors are jerks. My husband had one who delighted in failing students because he felt like a gatekeeper to the field. Rather than letting it get to him, it pushed my husband to pass his class and basically throw it back in the professor's face by saying "I persisted and passed. I win, not you." Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. The withdrawals don't punish or hurt the professor, they hurt YOU. Life can be grossly unfair and as badly as we want justice, we don't always get it on our terms. The best thing you can do is find the quickest path to ensuring your success so you don't burn your own bridge across. I wish you the best of luck!

OMWTveaRN did they give you a spot on a waitlist? I heard not everyone accepts their spots. Still holding on to hope for you!

Wow. I am actually sad to hear that. TEAS is important but the whole picture tells so much more. I noticed that they will no longer be using a point system going forward for the next class, that would make me a little nervous because it is so subjective. I hope the Dean is able to shed some light on this.

OMWTbeaRN keeping my fingers crossed for you, were they able to give you any insight on what happened? Someone on a previous year's thread said their points got miscalculated and they ended up being given a slot after the error was noticed. I am so hoping it is something simple like that for you!

My last name starts with a P, it looks like my package was stamped September 12th....I can't believe it took 4 days to get delivered to Merritt Island.

I got in with 35 points. Got my letter today!

I had 35 points when I submitted my application in July ? I am so excited for letters to come, the wait is killing me!

I am probably an outlier, but I didn't study or buy any prep and still got an advanced score. What helped me most was that the material was fresh in my mind as I had taken the relevant A&P courses in the most recent semester. I did not find the math to be difficult at all and math is hands down my worst subject. I googled "free online TEAS tests" and took some different online ones to get a feel for the format of the exam and what I could expect. I was advised to finish my A&P sequence before the exam and I am glad I did!