1. They are, but please please please advocate for yourself. If you don't like a placement or want to be on days or nights, push for that! You do not have to go along with something "just because they said so".
2. I suggest forming a GroupMe with your cohort, we always came together in there to find times that worked with everyone so we could have a big group study session on Zoom outside of class. But you can also reach out to your professors and see what their office hour times are so you can meet with them 1-1 and have a study session with them directly. They're fantastic and truly want students to succeed.
3. Yep, everyday all day. It was long. We did break for lunch (and I always went back to my AirBnb because I brought my dog LOL) but yeah, it's a very busy 2 weeks learning lots of stuff and prepping for clinical skills checkoffs before you leave Dallas.
4. We started with 35 students and ended with 29 by the time last semester rolled around, 25 graduated and 4 had to repeat a class but all 4 succeeded and graduated a few months later in December! (Was set to graduate in August)
5. When I didn't have class, I was either studying or taking a break for self care. It's a busy program, but you need to make sure you set aside time for yourself and your mental health while doing it. You can't expect to give your patients great care if you aren't also caring for yourself, right? Also, postconference is where you will meet with your clinical group after a week of clinicals to discuss things you got to do/see/what you want to do differently next time/ask questions about clinical paperwork. Sometimes it's short and to the point and you finish early....some professors like to drag out the entire time, though. So Godspeed on that part haha
6. NCLEX is subjective for a lot of people on difficulty...and I will admit that I tested twice, and there is nothing wrong with that either. My first exam I thought was pretty difficult, but I also felt very unprepared. I was anxious the entire time and failed in 75, I knew as soon as I left that I didn't pass. But I changed my study method and tested again in 45 days, took my time, took breaks during the exam when I needed them, and passed in 145 questions. PLEASE TAKE BREAKS--this was such a great time to reset. If I was feeling frazzled and couldn't focus on a question, I raised my hand and asked for a break and just got some water and did a little meditation outside the testing room. I really think this is what helped me pass the second time around.
I'm super excited for all of you guys. It's not easy at all and you will have some hurdles, but you can all do this and will be fantastic nurses. I'm always here if you need a resource!