teebee

I used Kaplan as my main review source, scored between 58 - 72 on the question trainers (67 on QT6, 72 on QT7). I also watched some of the Hurst Review lectures for content review. Anyhow, I think that Kaplan most accurately simulates the style and difficulty level of the NCLEX and passed in 75 questions, 20+ SATA (lost count after that), no math. I usually am not a very disciplined person when it comes to studying but this was an exception - I made sure that I reviewed rationales for EVERY QUESTION, whether I'd gotten it right or wrong - I wanted to make sure that I got it right for the correct reason (often not!) and review content that caused me to get a question wrong. Additionally, on the questions I got wrong (and some that I got right, but had guessed), I basically made up flash cards and kept reviewing them periodically whenever I had some spare time. Oh, but I didn't use any of the Kaplan strategies like the decision tree - it was pretty useless.

1. How many questions did you take on NCLEX? 75 questions 2. What study materials did you use? Did you take a test review course? Kaplan review course (all 7 Question Trainers and about 60% of the Q-Bank) as well as Hurst Review. I thought Kaplan was helpful for practicing questions but Hurst was far more helpful for content review. I also used Saunders 6 months ago, good for content/rationale. 3. Did your SON offer any testing (ERI, ATI, HESI)? ERI (first year) then HESI (2nd year) specialty exams after each course, then the HESI in February (had to complete 3,000 practice questions at 80% or better, in "batches" of 100 questions or more - like we couldn't do little quizzes of 10 or 20 questions - before taking the HESI, these I did from Saunders mostly). I got 964. Those scoring below 900 had to complete an additional 1000 practice questions, also at 80% or better, then retake HESI. 4. How long did you wait for results of the test, or are you still waiting?Less than 48 hours, I took the test Wednesday at 8:00am and license posted to BON website sometime between midnight and 3:00am Friday morning. BON had my license posted before PearsonVue showed results available. 5. What were your thoughts coming out of the test (total disbelief, certainty you had failed, confident you had passed)? Oh, I kinda felt like I'd been run over... and in shock, worried that I'd gone too fast or wasn't thinking straight, frustrated I'd had so many SATA and drugs I didn't know, along with 3 questions over a disease that almost no one in the US gets anymore (5 cases since 2000, I looked it up when I got home)... I was confident about my answers on only 3 or 4 questions... Rationally, I could justify why I had most likely passed but overall had this overwhelming fear and panic that I'd failed. 6. Was this your first attempt at NCLEX?Yes

right, we were taught that a detached retina is the exception to the general rule of positioning the unaffected side inferior/dependent. The pressure is necessary to reestablish contact between retina and choroid in order to prevent ischemia --> possible permanent loss of vision.

I don't have any first-hand knowledge of either program, but OBU is an established program with a solid reputation. I've been taught by one of their former professors (she taught adjunct in our program, taught at OBU for 24 years, just retired from there) and she is amazing - has tremendous experience and a lot of knowledge to share - if OBU's nursing professors are anything like her then you can't go wrong there. Plus, OBU is fully accredited by NLNAC (National League of Nursing Accreditating Commision) - this is important - and has been accredited since 1960. On the other hand, OWU is not accredited by NLNAC and from what I could find, the program is not even in candidate status for NLNAC accreditation? I would want to know why & would definitely ask the school about this. So... it's just kind of a red flag to me. I guess I would be hesitant to be in such a new program if I had other options like OBU.

Okay, somehow I posted that before I was done... Since you first posted 2 months ago you may already have all of this figured out but you'll probably want to apply to several programs since admission is fairly competitive. And since you're already a sophomore and have plans to pursue an advanced practice degree, then TCC or any ADN programs would not be the optimal route for you to take so apply to the universities to get your BSN. Good luck and welcome to Oklahoma - hopefully it won't be miserably hot by the time you move here!

?Huh? No, OU/University of Oklahoma is a public school. Anyhow, Langston (also a public university) would be another good option to add to the list Whitter posted and their NCLEX pass rate was 91.1% in 2006, which was a significant improvement over the previous year. I've heard good and bad about their program but I've heard good and bad about almost every program in the state... And so it's probably all true to a certain extent - every program has strengths, weaknesses, pros, cons, etc.

Hey there! I'm good - I feel kinda like a crazy busy mess, but good!! I took 9 hours of classes over the summer, then took 2 jobs... So I'm not sure where the summer went but I sure don't remember seeing any of it!!!! We started class this morning and I was really really glad to get back to it - I'm just ready to GET IT DONE. How are you doing?

I have been so busy this summer that I really haven't been keeping up with this site but wanted to respond to you. I think I share similar experiences to marilynmom & persnicketier in that I feel that I have learned and grown so much during the first year (junior year at OCU/OkCityUniv) that it is hard for me to believe that just a year ago I was still vascillating between nursing and another health care career field (dental hygiene mainly). I love nursing school and I realize I sound like a complete dork saying that!! haha... So, our first year at OCU is a little different than some since we do not have nursing prereq's like UCO - just science prereqs. So I had for the junior year: Professional Nursing, Assessment, Fundamentals, Pharmacology, Nursing Research, Mental Health (Psych), and Adult Health I (Med/Surg). Plus I had a couple of gened requirements unique to OCU since it is a private/Christian university. Personally, I think I perform better when I am challenged and more "invested" - like, I thought Chemistry was somewhat more difficult than Anatomy yet I got A's in Chem courses and B's in Anatomy - I love a challenge!! So overall, I've actually earned better grades in nursing school than in my prereq's - I got my only B in Pharmacology and A's in all other nursing coursework over the last year. Like many others, my goal is to remain competitive for future educational and/or employment opportunities... I think if I could make any one particular suggestion it would be to take any and all opportunities available to you to learn and/or practice a skill in whatever situation you are in - whether in lab or clinicals. During our first semester we practiced the 'fundamentals' on dummies during lab, mainly in preparation for our check-offs. And, realizing it will be different when performing technical skills on a real live human being, it is still important to feel as comfortable as possible with that skill before the point when you transition to real patients - so find as much time as you possibly can to come into your lab to practice. It really will pay off - maybe not necessarily in absolute grade value, but I believe the more you practice the technical skills in conjunction with the nursing process, the more you will develop the mindset and critical thinking skills necessary for success. On exams, READ THE QUESTIONS and really determine what it is you are being asked!!! If it asks what *diagnosis* is most appropriate - you can eliminate answers that are not actual *nursing diagnoses*. Or if the question addresses an *intervention* eliminate answers that are not actual *nursing interventions*!!! Seriously, slow down and with a critical eye, examine the test questions and consider what is actually being asked. And really, I encourage you to be cognizant at all times of your ultimate goal - if just getting by is good enough... well then I think that is certainly something many can achieve. But if you aspire to become a truly superb nurse with excellent skills and a vast knowledge base - then please ALWAYS keep that goal in mind and I believe that you will be inspired and motivated by that goal! I also suggest working somewhere in some capacity during the summer between your junior and senior year if at all possible. Even if you are not given the opportunity to practice a lot of technical skills... it is still a great time to learn to interact with patients, families, and coworkers. I feel so much more comfortable after this summer - just in approaching patients with compassion and empathy but also with knowledge and authority. It has also helped me learn TIME MANAGEMENT!!! Anyhow, I hope some of my rambling has been somewhat helpful. Oh - I would also suggest keeping your physiology text - even if it is just during your first year. I am the kind of person that is both 'big picture' and 'little picture' at the same time - if that makes sense?!!? In that, I need and want to understand the big picture before I can understand and make sense of the little picture - the details only make sense to me in relation to the grand scheme - and so I referred often to my physiology textbook as a refresher when studying other concepts. ~teebee~

I am biased as well since I attend OCU but just wanted to encourage anyone outside of the OKC or Tulsa Metro areas to check this program out. The opportunity to have in-person instruction from some truly top-notch instructors is well... almost priceless really! I could go on and on but please, anyone feel free to contact me via pm if you want some first-person perspective.

Hey gobejo, Sorry, I don't know much about OCCC's nursing program but most programs here require a minimum 2.5 GPA to apply and I'd say in reality you need above a 3.0 to be a competitive applicant. I think it may be slightly less competitive for those that are trying to get into Bachelor's-to-RN or Bachelors-to-BSN programs; I could be wrong about that though, just seems I've heard that before. The program I'm in requires a minimum 3.0 but they will accept anyone who meets that GPA requirement and has satisfactorily completed all of the prereq's. teebee

Brandi, I have a good friend at TU and she really really really loves it. We were both at UCO together and now she is in Tulsa at TU and I am in OKC at OCU and we both have commented about how we both feel that we are exactly where we belong. I understand it will be kind of a letdown to be a sophomore, and that did kind of aggravate my friend, but so far she's raved about the program and her profs. I think they get to do some kind of clinical rotation in London, which I think would be so awesome - almost worth that extra year!! If it were me and I were in Tulsa, I would not hesitate to go to TU - I grew up in Tulsa and always wanted to go there.

Hey Jessi - I just checked this thread for the first time in a while, sorry for the delay in replying. My only suggestion for the science/technology/society class is to do whatever you possibly can to get into the summer II session with Dr. Jones - if the class is full then come up with a good reason why you must take it in 2nd session and then beg for permission to enroll. I mean, it won't be the worst thing in the world to take it 1st session, but it will make a world of difference... I'm just going to bed right now (last clinical tomorrow!! must be there bright and early at 6:30!!), but I will follow up with you tomorrow and explain better. ~teebee~

I'm in OKC as well and go to OCU, love it. I'm at the end of my 2nd semester (next Wednesday is my last final - yay!). Our schedules vary each semester to an extent, but as a general rule we have theory/lecture classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Wednesday afternoons we go to the clinical sites to get patient assigments (except for mental health) and spend that afternoon/evening working on preclinical assignments (looking up meds, patho-phys, etc.). On Thursdays and Fridays we have clinicals - and whether that is 7-3 or 3-11 depends on which clinical rotation it is and all of that... Care plans and post-clinical assignments are usually due Monday before class starts. All in all, it's a pretty good schedule except that next fall our Monday and Tuesday classes are in the afternoon and it really messes up my day - I'd prefer to get it over with early and have the rest of the day for studying and those other fun things like laundry, errands, cooking dinner...

Hi Cincin, I honestly don't know anything about any of the schools you mentioned, but I'd say you're chances of getting in are decent - at least better than in CA. You're GPA is definitely respectable - although I don't know what the avg is for matriculating students in ADN programs. In OKC for BSN programs, I think it's the average is about 3.4. Having your bachelor's already should help you - since most schools use a point system and having it will get you more points. Both Connor's and Carl Albert's websites publish their respective point systems so you can at least see where you stand compared to the max points available. I couldn't find anything about Southeastern State College and it wasn't listed on the Oklahoma Board of Nursings website - maybe Eastern Oklahoma State College? If so, there website did not give a lot of info. Sorry to not be of more help, just thought I'd at least reply to your message!

Hi Lisa - yep, as far as I know, OCU will admit whomever meets their requirements. I know that there is that "eligibility statement" on the website... I'm not sure what that's about though. Maybe it's just their way of having an "out" if they feel someone is truly not cut out for nursing and may be clinically unsafe, yet isn't failing any classes? Or someone doesn't pass a background check? I dunno. Anyhow, I'm not really sure how it works, but the school has such a small enrollment overall that there is certainly room to grow and I guess that as long as they can find classroom space and qualified faculty...? Well, keep us posted on what you decide. I think you're probably right about leaning towards the ADN program since you've got 2 little ones. I think that with all of the non-traditional students/2nd career people going back to school for nursing, schools need to consider day care centers on campus.

Hi Lisa - welcome back to OK! Your points about costs, time, and having a life are totally valid and I don't think it is at all unreasonable to expect that you can have a satisfying and rewarding career with an ADN. I do agree with Lana that you may have more opportunities available to you with a BSN, but some would probably argue that point so... until I actually graduate I just don't know for sure. =) You might want to consider applying to both ADN and accelerated programs just to see what happens - with your engineering degree you are probably a lot more competitive than most, but admission is pretty competitive these days. Cost - check out the links Lana posted. Mercy offers a great scholarship and that would at least be a good option to you for the 2nd half of a program. And, you might want to call and clarify what they mean by "Must have completed the first half of accredited hours in a nursing program" - it may mean that if you're in a BSN program, that you need to be halfway through the entire program, not just the nursing portion of the program? I have no idea, but just a thought. Also, I can only speak about OCU since that is where I go, but they have generous scholarships and grant programs for B-BSN students. The tuition is high, but I got over $4000 in scholarship money this semester so that helps. Also, once you have completed your first semester you can work as a student nurse at local hospitals for about $10/hr. Not that you'd have a lot of time... Time - Again, I'm only familiar w/ OCU. Their accelerated B-BSN program is 16 months. Their pre-reqs are: A&P, microbiology, psychology (and chemistry, but obviously you have that covered!). So, realistically you could finish in less than 2 years. Having a Life - I don't have much to offer in this area since I am in the traditional BSN program and don't have children yet. I know that the accelerated programs are pretty intense... but I think that this is the sort of thing that only you can determine for yourself. Anyhow, hope that helps a little - good luck to you! ~teebee~

I know - I was so excited to go to Sam's today just to get out of the house for a while! Although, our cancellations have been kinda weird because I guess if OCU or OKC public schools cancel classes, then we don't have clinicals, but OCU doesn't always cancel classes when OKC public schools do... We normally have classes Mon-Wed and clinicals on Thurs & Fri. So, school closed early last Friday and the morning clinical group went home early, the afternoon group didn't go at all. MLK on Monday so no class, but OCU didn't cancel classes Tues & Wed so we went to class. Now Thursday and Friday no clinicals since OKC public schools are closed... I haven't figured out why they don't want us to risk our necks to drive to clinicals but it's okay to risk life and limb to get to class? Most of us commute. Oh well, whatever... I'm actually not in clinicals yet this semester, my group starts in a few weeks so I'm not missing out on much!

Also, the prefixes are already in the proper numbered order: meth = 1 eth = 2 prop = 3 but = 4... etc... dec = 10 I agree about getting a textbook even if one is not required for the course - I used this textbook for an introductory chemistry class and then for an introductory organic/biochem class and it covers both introductory inorganic and organic chemistry: Amazon.com: Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry with The Chemistry Place CD-ROM (9th Edition): Books: Karen C. Timberlake

Well, I personally don't have a great deal of knowledge about the accelerated program, but I've discovered over the last semester is that if you ask 10 different seniors about something, then you are likely to get at least 5 different answers! I've had seniors tell me that the first semester is the easiest. Then some seniors have said that the first semester is the the most stressful but not the hardest, others have said it's by far the hardest because its such a big adjustment and stressful... The experience and perception of nursing school seems to vary widely between individuals. I think that with your wife's background, she will be up for the challenge of the accelerated program and the summer semester. I for one, have generally done very well during summer semesters because I tend to get burnt out aver a long stretch of 16 weeks - during a shorter semester I can better maintain my focus and attention. And, while it will be difficult for your wife to be separated from her family, it will give her an advantage in some ways because she will have fewer distractions and responsibilities outside of her schoolwork. To me, a great deal of one's success in nursing school comes down to attitude - motivation and dedication - more than anything else. And those, like your wife, that have some real world experience and are seeking a second career often have a better understanding of their goals and what is at stake and therefore, have the necessary drive to succeed. One other thing, tell her that it is perfectly normal for her to be nervous about all of this. I and all of my classmates were practically terrified!!! And her professors know this and are very understanding and will do whatever they can to help her succeed as long as she is trying. My best advice is to really thoroughly read exam questions, but don't second guess herself, and tell her that for her pharmacology quizzes and tests, to study the professor's powerpoints, the 'client teaching guidelines' boxes and end of chapter questions in the textbook. Best of luck to you both and I know she will do just fine - I'm off to finish my reading for tomorrow's class!! ~teebee~

:welcome: Hi there! Congratulations to your wife for starting her new adventure!! Wow, I can't imagine what a difficult decision that must have been for you two... Well, hopefully you will both be so busy that the time will fly by and it will be totally worth it in the end. I'm starting my 2nd semester on Monday in the traditional BSN program at OCU and I'm really happy there - I hope that your wife will enjoy it there too.

Yep, I agree. It's not worth your time or the frustration in dealing with folks that are already giving you the run-around, it will likely get worse. I applied to a different program at OU last year... I'm thankful now that I didn't get accepted. In my experience, most schools will not give you an absolute, concrete, definitive answer as to why you were not accepted. They may "advise" you on how to make your application more competitive for the next time - there may be several things like taking A&P separately, improving chemistry grade, or whatnot that will improve your application. Sometimes... it feels like it's just another scheme to get you to spend more money on tuition before you get rejected again!! At least that's how I felt for a while when I was getting rejection letters... Thing is, when a school is receiving more applications then they have available spots... then it becomes much more competitive and even if you've exceeded all of their stated requirements, you may not get accepted. I can certainly sympathize - I've been there! I didn't get into several programs where I definitely exceeded the minimum requirements, but other people exceeded those requirements better than I! Sounds like you're checking out other programs which may work out a lot better in the long run anyhow. Good luck to you!

Oh, forgot to mention, I have several classmates that live in Norman and Moore that drive into OKC for class and clinicals.

Hi again Sergiol, I hadn't even thought about the non-resident tuition issue, so you bring up a good point about how much you would have to pay even at public universities like OU & UCO. As I mentioned in your other thread, I go to Oklahoma City University so I am totally biased, but I love it. The school is wonderful, campus is beautiful, the professors and staff are superb, and I adore my classmates. I know I sound super cheezy and gushy... but I am super happy there! I guess, I would say that there is just a different atmosphere at OKCU than any other school that I have attended (total 7) - and maybe that is attributable to actually being in the nursing program and prior I've just been doing pre-req's - but it's the first time I've been somewhere that I feel like my professors and advisors are so totally invested in and focused on our success. I mean, I have all of my professors' home and cell numbers and I truly feel comfortable calling any one of them if I'm not getting or struggling with something. That's just one of many examples and maybe most nursing programs are like this - but it has been a really wonderful change from the days of pre-req's!! I think most schools will heavily weight the science GPA so that works in your favor. For OKCU, they really just require you meet their minimum requirements - which is basically to have completed the pre-req's (Nutrition, A&P, Microbiology, & Chemistry) with a C or better and have an overall 3.0 GPA. However, there are some little loopholes in that GPA requirement, which is kinda how I got accepted and so there is a little wiggle room for folks like us. If I can answer any other questions, feel free to PM me and I really encourage you to call and talk to Sherri (Oklahoma City University : Kramer School of Nursing), who is the advisor to both Traditional BSN and Bachelors-to-BSN students. She was my hero last spring!

I think so - many/most other licensed health care professionals are required to have so many CE credits per year for licensure renewal - I was surprised to learn that this was not required of nurses as well.

Hi Sergiol, I do know that OU has been advising applicants to take A & P separately and that the combined A&P courses may not transfer - but I don't know how they determine whether or not they actually will or will not transfer. It may be a case by case basis and I would suggest you call each school's nursing program advisement office to evaluate your transcript and advise you. I attend OCU (Oklahoma City University) and at this time, they do accept the combined A&P course. What is your BS in? From personal experience, I think it will be challenging to get into a program with an overall 2.8, but definitely not impossible. Since this will be a 2nd degree, will you be applying to the Accelerated BSN at OU? Also, I'm not knowledgeable about how competitive admissions for ADN programs like Rose and OKCCC are. I think my GPA was around 2.83 when I began the application process last spring - my science GPA was a 3.6 and my GPA from 2004-2006 (after an 8 year haitus from school) was 3.47. However, my 'old' GPA was still holding me back to that 2.83 and virtually no school was willing to look past it... until I talked to OCU and was accepted (provisionally, provided I maintain a 3.0 in the nursing program). With a BS already, you may have a totally different experience and I'm not saying that you can't get into a program, just be prepared for the challenge and you may need to ensure your application is strong in other areas (like test scores or recommendation letters, etc.). And again, you may have a competitive advantage over others with your BS - I just don't really know. If you are open to suggestions, I would also recommend talking to OCU (Oklahoma City University : Kramer School of Nursing) about both their traditional and Bachelor's-to-BSN programs. Their tuition is sky-high but I've received financial aid and scholarships to make it more manageable. I was initially disappointed about not getting into OU or UCO (where I took all of my prereqs and really liked the school), but now I couldn't be happier where I am at OCU. :balloons: Good Luck to you!