MAFDC08

Sunray, Wow! Thanks for the breakdown on each semester's schedule... It's really very helpful to see how everything is laid out.

RN2B, I think (please chime in current students) you will still take the same classes as in any semester, but the May program is a few weeks shorter than the Aug or Jan start dates and therefore sounds more intense because their still going to cover the same amount of information in less time. For myself, I'd rather start in May because I have kids and they'll have the summer off from school which will give me that much more time to apply to my studies, as I won't have to deal with their school schedules, projects, homework, etc. right from the start. This will also give them a chance to adjust to my new routine before they begin their new school year. A lot of people love the lighter workload (Sunray, wink! And there's nothing wrong with that, lol) during summer break though and I can definitely see why. Beginning the program in May will probably not even allow enough time for a long weekend or mini vacation, sigh... Every situation has it pros/cons, good/bad so sometimes (after careful consideration & weighing our options of course) we just have to pick one and go with it...

As far as saving your seat, it's fine to defer until August. No one knows your personal situation better than yourself and therefore you know what's best. Just remember though that May is still two months away and maybe as the start of the program approaches you'll be in a better place and able to start along with us. ps, Also, be careful because I believe the deadline for deferment is set for March 23rd (but do double check), if memory serves me correctly... Wish you well.

Jam, Good luck to you in the fall with BC...Good to see you're not throwing in the towel...

WillBe, You must be very proud of yourself! I'm so glad to hear that you are now proceeding to process II. These experiences, as nerve-racking as they may be, will make you that much stronger and smarter too! Please keep me updated on process II. I'm always up for any tips and advice on how to survive (lol), grow, and just different things to look for to be more successful as a student and hopefully a nurse...

Thank you all (again) for all of the tips and advice. You are all Awesome!!! As far as the online math--I definitely do better with face to face classes. Not to mention the workload (at least for me) has always been much heavier with on-line classes. Speaking of math---has anyone taken the CAE 0612 math before actually beginning MTB class??? It's actually called Introduction to Math for Nurses which is to be taken prior to beginning the nursing program (May) and starts sometime in April. If so, what was your experience? Did it really prepare you for the MTB class??? And one other thing...Do we have to wear the blue scrub bottoms that they sell in the bookstore or can we purchase same color, different brand/fit somewhere else? The elastic band seems to be very restricting...don't want to cut off the cicrulation to my brain, lol. Are any of the girls wearing the drawstring bottoms? I'm going to pick up the Saunder's book today to prep ahead. Sounds like a life-saver...

Sorry to hear about your accident DawnSue and hope you're feeling better. Good luck in August!

Sunray, Sorry to hear you missed that "B" by two points. Drives me nuts to know I'm that close. I guess the good thing is that there is not a lot of time to beat yourself up about it in nursing school, lol. For pharm, can you PM me with any recommended pharm (and MTB) professors at North? Not sure how to do PM's, but I'll figure it out.

Romano, Thank you!!! I'm so excited, happy, (nervous, ugh), and proud. So many emotions, lol. I just can't wait to begin this "roller coaster of a ride" and hope that I make it to the end. Very best!

Hi Shescoolie, Thank you for your response. It's great to hear that for the most part this 100hr rule is Not the norm. Like I said earlier, I'll do whatever it takes, but 100hrs a week better equate to more than a "C". I started reading the Vital Signs chapter, which seems pretty clear cut and more interesting than the first time I picked up my micro or anatomy book. Not to mention having time to read really helps. And it's great that there is a day off following clinical to prepare for tests. In our first semester we have on-site lab (not sure that's the correct word) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (7:30a to 5p), but from what I gather in your post once clinicals actually start they are only once a week, right? And if so, is that the way it is up until graduation--just once a week clinical? Anyway, off to work. Good luck with your studies and thank you for all of your replies.

ps, During the meeting they enlightened (lol) us that classes/clinicals and studying will take 100hr/wk and this will give us an average of a "C". Are you doing this 100hr/wk??? Is this the norm from what you've seen in your class or for yourself? I don't mind contributing however many hours it takes to do well. Guess I'm hoping that 100 hours each week will give me better than a "C" average......

Awesome! Thanks ShesCoolie. I attended the pre-admission (quite a few deferring seats) session this morning where they provided us with what I'll call a "Welcome" letter and there it suggests we read the Vital Signs chapter ahead of time so it's great to hear from current students of any other information/tips that may help. I appreciate that! Any tips on how to study effectively (especially for tests the next morning) following long days of clinicals???

JTweety, Congratulations to you too!!! I'm very happy to be starting the program in May--Cannot wait! I've been reading the fundamentals book a little, but not as much as I'd like--I'm only on the 3rd chapter. Time to get more serious this week with the program so quickly approaching. Up until this point I had not consider the on-line program, though I suppose I should find out more about it before throwing it to the wind. Hopefully they will address all of details at the pre-admission session on the 4th. Best wishes to you!

I think (and I'm not the authority, lol) but probably the sooner you take micro the better, as (I'm guessing) it may help in understanding/recognizing how infections occur and spread, which bacteria/viruses cause which infections or diseases, resistance, the importance of sterilization, etc. There are probably many whom have taken it late in the program and did just fine.

Thanks Bumblebee! Yep, that's what I keep hearing so I'm going to follow everyone's advice. Kinda strange after having been steadily employed for approx. twenty years and suddenly having no employment. I'm just going to go into the program with the attitude (and same work ethic) as if being a nursing student IS a job... Looking forward to May!