Hello_Nurse_2B

The program was designed to improve retention and the learning style is "easier" for adult learners. It is based on an "across the lifespan" disease-process - i.e. how does pneumonia affect an infant as compared to a geriatric patient? It is supposed to be more logical. TMCCs program is tough, but then again, nursing school shouldn't be easy. The fast-track program is 16 months long. Traditional has a 24 month program with a summer break. My class started with 39 students. One dropped the first week due to personal reasons, one dropped mid-semester for personal reasons as well. We lost one to a pregnancy, two for academic reasons (they didn't make the minimum 75%), and one got deployed. We are now down to 33 and we might lose about 5 this semster. On a positive note, TMCC graduates are known for being great nurses and are well-respected in Northern Nevada hospitals. Yes, the program is tough, but just know that it is worth it and you are on your way to a wonderful career. Apply to the program. It will be worth it. I'll try to keep everyone updated on the status of my class as things progress. I have an 8 week summer semester coming up !!!!!! Hopefully, I will survive. :lol_hitti

They actually changed the program a year a go. My fast-track group (we graduate in December) are the first to experience this change. Is it easier? People say it is, but I have nothing to compare it to.

Be prepared to STUDY. My best advice... If you are a "science" person, learn to let that go. Nursing is not a hard science. It is very subjective and relative to the situation. Questions are not presented in a format that makes perfect sense. The questions are usually presented in a case-scenario format. Just study and be prepared. It is probably one of the most challenging things you will do in your life. Good luck!

I am close to finishing my second semester of nursing school at TMCC. Even though I have decent grades (83% in med/surg and 88% in pathophysiology) I still feel like I'm on the chopping block. I am terrified of the summer term because the powers that be decided it would be a great idea to make it only 9 weeks long! We will have some extremely difficult and unhelpful instructors during the summer as well. I just can't help but feel that many of the instructors don't care if you pass or fail. I guess I just need some support, words of encouragement, tips... anything would be helpful. I'm so lost and scared of not making it through.

I have been assigned a concept map for my pathophysiology class. I have to link three diseases - diabetes mellitus type II, cor pulmonale, and pneumonia. I have a basic understanding that pneumonia can lead to acidosis due to restricted breathing which can cause vasoconstriction and therefore cor pulmonale. I am really stuck with tying it into DM type II. If anyone can give my any ideas on where to start or how these diseases link, it would be greatly appreciated. Websites, experience, personal knowledge, books... anything! Thank you in advance.

I have so far been accepted to Truckee Meadows Community College nursing program and am waiting to hear from Wester Nevada (Community) College. I have spoken to several students who have gone through TMCC's program and they all tell me it is hell. I have heard from others that WNC's program is not as tough. (i.e. the teachers are much more helpful). If anyone can offer their suggestions/ experiences with either of these two programs, it would be much appreciated. Thank you!